Hello, I'm throwing my hat in late, but even if I don't get into the nomination list, I thought I'd answer the questions anyway.
How do you think price factors when evaluating a product?
I think price does affect me in that I expect more if the product is pricier. But with a high price I expect more usable stuff. The price is not as important to me as how useful the product will be.
Do you have a favourite system, or particular dislike of one? Why?
No. There are systems out there that do not seem to meld as well with a particular concept or setting, but all in all, I've not had a problem. If anything, I prefer system-lite to system-heavy, only because the less I have to calculate the better I am.
How will this affect your ability to judge products?
If a product explains itself well enough, I shouldn't have a problem with any set of rules out there.
How do you feel about PDFs? Inherent advantages and/or disadvantages?
PDFs are a great way of getting products out there to people. I personally have to print out products, because it is easier for me to read off print than on screen, but have found it convenient to reprint a map right from the PDF when the cat or child gets a hold of the older one. I'm not a collector of RPG libraries, so it doesn't matter to me whether a product is print or PDF.
Mutant or troll?
Mutant. No wisdom teeth.
mechanics or concepts? if you find too many errors in mechanics or in the writing will you fault the submission?
If an error in the mechanics exists, I'd consider how much it affects gaming before I go off on a product. If the game's unplayable, then of course I'm going to mark it down. As an editor, I notice writing errors, but if the game is really fun and cool, then it won't count for much.
are you in a long term relationship or a job which requires you to be on call or have little free time?
Nope.
how much time are you willing to spend to see this project to completion? are the outside factors going to effect your commitment? (a non gaming SO, a sick child, an aging parent, a new job, a move, planning a marriage, etc...)
I'm willing to rearrange my schedule, with the blessing of my family to see this through to the end. My SO's in college full-time so he can't bother me; my parents live with me, so they babysit my only child, who is four; and my job is in front of the computer... editing RPGs. My brother lives with me as well, and he'd be my playtesting group. It all works at my house.
what are you gonna do with your stuff when all is done?
Some I'll keep; some will become future Birthday and Christmas presents for my husband's brothers.
4e - Now, Soon, Later, or Never?
From my estimate, it would be for WOTC to hold off a bit and see how the new influx of other games works for others. But, shrug, they've got a better idea of the market than I and if they released it now, I'm sure they'd be fine.
Which is your favorite Beatle?
George. I grew up with MTV in the 80's and "I've got my mind set on you" haunted me for years.
Software. What role do you see for software in DnD?
I'd like to see more software for settings and GM assistance. I haven't been up-to-date on the various products out there, however.
Do you use software in DnD (more than Word/PDF etc)?
No.
Are minis more important than software?
Well, I personally would play with minis before messing with software, but I lpayed with a dollhouse growing up and love creating scenery that way.
Are any of you offering cash incentives, beer, and/or incriminating photographs of Morrus in return for my vote?
I don't drink beer. And who's Morrus?
What game(s) are you playing in now / have played in in the past year?
CoC, My homebrewed Chaos University and BarQuest, Arkham Horror, and I tried When Darkness Falls.
How do you feel about Wizards of the Coast abstaining from entering products?
Cool.
How long have you been gaming? Does that affect the perspective you will be bringing to the judging table?
Since 1982. No, except I've been involved for a loooooong time.
How much game design experience do you have? I don't mean published, I mean in general- 10 years of homebrewing? Have you created your own systems? Do you think this affects your level of qualification as a judge?
About ten. At WEG I tried to create an alternative universe with the President's blessing. Didn't work out, but that was an experience too. Since then I've created three of my own systems and produced a ton of material. I think this does affect my level of qualification because I've seen firsthand what it's like to have everything come together in a glorious fanfare and the drive to promote that feeling to other people. I've also seen and felt what it's like to have someone stare blankly at you and say, "I don't get it." I understand the tightness in the stomach and that nudging feeling of, "What if they hate my baby?"
Do you think that the ENnies should have a codified set of rules for how they should be run, including a specific list of points that the judges should use for each category?
I'd have to playtest it first.
Or do you think that the ENnies should be like they are currently, and the judges voting on the rules each year?
Sounds like it would be more appealing to more judges if they were personally involved and that they'd work harder to make it work.
Do you think that the ENnies being so intimately tied to the World's Largest d20 Fan Site might mean that the basic voting pool for the ENnies might be a bit biased towards d20 products in general?
No. I first heard about the Ennies on RPG.net. I know there are at least two other sites involved.
Do you think moving the ENnies off EN World would cause a drop in the overall number of voters?
Probably not.
Do you plan on playtesting any of the material?
Some. Won't know what's playtestable on the fly until I see the material. Probably anything that's traditional I'll leave out, but anything new or innovative I'll playtest.
What prompted you to consider being a judge for the ENnies?
I was over at RPG.net looking over the thread about the Ennies made there and I leaned back too far in my chair, fell out, and cracked my head on the filing cabinet. Woke up with this insane urge to try. Seriously, I just figured, "why not?"
Would statements by those "in the industry" affect your opinions on a product?
Nah. Been there, done that.
