What Makes Gaming Books as PDFs Desirable?

[Elf Witch]

For me PDFs have several advantages. I went through hurricane Wilma and some of my older gaming stuff got waterlogged most of it was out of print so I replaced a lot of it with PDFs.

They cost less and take up less room and they don't weigh as much when you have to move.

A lot of the people I play with don't have money for a lot of books so if they want to say play a warlock instead of loaning out my book ( I hate loaning out books) I can just pull up the PDF and print out the pages for the warlock.

It is nice when prepping for a game to just print out what you need instead of dragging tons of books with you.

The downside is I hate reading on a computer. The kindles does not read PDFs well though I have been told that that the nook fully supports PDFs though I don't know anyone who has one who can confirm this.

 

[InVinoVeritas]

Personally, I've never bought a PDF. I've occasionally picked up free PDFs when offered, but I've never plunked down my money for one.

I also don't game with a laptop/computer/whatever except when it's PBP. When designing an adventure, if I use a computer, I prefer having the book open next to me than on the screen.

With regards to OOP material, if I can't buy the book, I don't buy it. If it's only available in PDF, I don't buy it. What can I say? I prefer the heft, smell, sight, and feel of books. My books take up rooms in my house.

 

[JeffB]

Still not quite clear. Do you print the undesired PDFs that you buy or just use them on screen?

I've printed a few of the small page count ones (modules)-printer ink is way too expensive. The rest I generally just reference as needed- being that most of them are PDFs of actual books I used to own (the LBBs for example, or AD&D modules), I'm pretty familiar with where I need to look for something.

It's unfortunate, cos for me sitting in a chair in a quiet room reading through a physical copy of something like Eldritch Wizardry or Cults of Prax is usually how I get my inspiration.

 

[ProfessorCirno]

As far as I'm concerned, with all the benefits the have, digital works make me ask "What makes gaming books as physical books desirable?"

Other then the desire to own something you hold in your hands - something that's becoming less and less of a concern - I don't really see it. Certainly I can see an argument for personal taste for those who don't like reading on computer screens, but that's more or less all I see.

Digital works are easier to transport, easier to find relevant information in, easier to copy down information that's needed, easier to update from errata, easier to keep together with other books, and, perhaps most importantly, easier to game with.

 

[InVinoVeritas]

Ah, yes, a couple more thoughts!

I prefer artwork in printed format. Controlled for color, a picture on a page is better than a picture on a screen for me.

Also, I personally find having books at the table much less cumbersome than screens. If I don't need the book, it's in my bag at my feet. I just can't feel comfortable doing the same with a computer. Around snacks.

 

[William Ronald]

PDF files are much more portable than books. This is a great advantage in running events at conventions or any place other than your own home.

 

[IronWolf]

Other then the desire to own something you hold in your hands - something that's becoming less and less of a concern - I don't really see it. Certainly I can see an argument for personal taste for those who don't like reading on computer screens, but that's more or less all I see.

Although I like PDFs and use them, I still value my paper copies as well. As you mentioned, some of us just don't like reading on the computer screen. So for my initial reading of a module or book I much prefer to read it in paper form first. Once I have done my initial reading, then the PDF becomes much more handy for having the information at my fingertips wherever I am at, copying stat blocks to campaign notes or creating MapTool tokens. So for the moment, paper books still have value to me.

 

[ProfessorCirno]

Ah, yes, a couple more thoughts!

I prefer artwork in printed format. Controlled for color, a picture on a page is better than a picture on a screen for me.

Also, I personally find having books at the table much less cumbersome than screens. If I don't need the book, it's in my bag at my feet. I just can't feel comfortable doing the same with a computer. Around snacks.

This highlights something I don't get.

Do people honestly eat really messy or disgusting snacks around their books/computers/gametable without a care in the world as to what they do? If I met someone who actively had a problem with leaving cheetos stains, I'd a) buy him a pair of chopsticks, and b) disassociate myself with such an incredible slob.

 

[InVinoVeritas]

This highlights something I don't get.

Do people honestly eat really messy or disgusting snacks around their books/computers/gametable without a care in the world as to what they do? If I met someone who actively had a problem with leaving cheetos stains, I'd a) buy him a pair of chopsticks, and b) disassociate myself with such an incredible slob.

It's a matter of degrees.

First off, I don't let Mr. Cheetofingers near my stuff.

Second, I allow nothing near my computer. No drinks, no snacks, nothing. I don't drink or snack while online.

Third, I will allow my books near food, by people who eat neatly. Accidents might still happen, but as long as everyone is reasonably careful, it's a risk I'm willing to take.

So, I never bring my laptop to the gaming table. I never will. Without books, I wouldn't have my info at the table.

(Incidentally, remember that video about 4e and the evolution of gaming? Seeing everyone at the table with laptops gave me the willies.)

 

[IronWolf]

It's not a character sheet until it has a pepperoni and bacon pizza stain on it!