I just threw away 100+ RPG books

[Jd Smith1]

By destroying rather than sending to resale (even if it's just a charity store like St. Vinnie's or Value Village, or the SA store), you're decreasing the number of remaining copies in circulation. This drives prices for them up.

I would say that pdfs more than cover the gap. Plus there's literally no local options for donation.

 

[aramis erak]

I would say that pdfs more than cover the gap. Plus there's literally no local options for donation.

If there's a Catholic parish, the bishop's office can ALWAYS put one in touch with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which exists in almost all of the US dioceses. Common enough to have
Likewise, Lutheran Social Services can always put one in touch with a thrift store. Salvation Army can, too.

And, no, PDF doesn't make up for dead tree to the collector. I can hoard PDFs, sure, but I can't legally resell them on. But my 1979 printing of D&D OE are valuable artefacts... And will become more so as time goes on, provided I don't screw up, as others' copies go away, will rise in value. And after me, my daughters intend to keep that going...

 

[Jd Smith1]

If there's a Catholic parish, the bishop's office can ALWAYS put one in touch with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which exists in almost all of the US dioceses. Common enough to have
Likewise, Lutheran Social Services can always put one in touch with a thrift store. Salvation Army can, too.

As I said, there are no local options for donation of these type of books.

And, no, PDF doesn't make up for dead tree to the collector. I can hoard PDFs, sure, but I can't legally resell them on. But my 1979 printing of D&D OE are valuable artefacts... And will become more so as time goes on, provided I don't screw up, as others' copies go away, will rise in value. And after me, my daughters intend to keep that going...

Well, then my actions are good news to you, as your books just became a tiny fraction more valuable. That's how collecting works: you hang on to old crap in the hopes that someday it will be worth something. Me, I need storage space.

 

[aramis erak]

Well, then my actions are good news to you, as your books just became a tiny fraction more valuable. That's how collecting works: you hang on to old crap in the hopes that someday it will be worth something. Me, I need storage space.

maybe, but theyre bad for the hobby as a whole.

 

[Jd Smith1]

maybe, but theyre bad for the hobby as a whole.

I really don't see how. A lot of those books are from systems that died two decades ago. Some, like Rolemaster or War Hammer, are still in print.

 

[Reynard]

It feels like the notes of folks when there were just a handful playing might be a bit more valuable to historians than the scribblings of one out of hundreds of thousands. :::shrugs:::

Still have most of mine in the basement anyway if they need some

My point is we don't know what's in those notes, and taken in aggregate all the notes of all the players would provide compelling historical data on trends and the growth of the hobby. That's how folk and social history works: collection of as much primary material as possible so actual research can be done by meticulous, skilled historians.

 

[Jd Smith1]

My point is we don't know what's in those notes, and taken in aggregate all the notes of all the players would provide compelling historical data on trends and the growth of the hobby. That's how folk and social history works: collection of as much primary material as possible so actual research can be done by meticulous, skilled historians.

 

[Reynard]

View attachment 250874

Thanks for the insightful conversation.

 

[Blue Orange]

I don't believe there's a historical perspective to notes on a game of make-believe. Sentiment for a participant, sure.

The setting is make-believe. The game is a historical pastime...it's like casting notes for a village mummers' play.

I don't know how historically important D&D is going to be, but I wouldn't rule out it being of some interest down the line.

 

[Jd Smith1]

Thanks for the insightful conversation.

Likewise.