A new PDF/Print publishing paradigm

[Umbran]

But instead we see publishers putting out 750 or 1000 or 1500 unit print runs anyway, why not allow people to read/playtest/etc with PDF, correcting any flaws, and THEN release your planned run of 1000 units?

That will depend upon individual publishers, of course. But remember that time is money - you're talking about talking more time and work for roughly the same size print run, that means less profit.

 

[RFisher]

Don Knuth (computer science, not games) actually pays a bounty for every error found in one of his books.

In some cases, a substantial one:

If you do succeed in finding a previously undiscovered bug in the programs for either TeX or METAFONT, I shall gladly pay you a reward of $327.68.

(quoted from here)

 

[catsclaw227]

That will depend upon individual publishers, of course. But remember that time is money - you're talking about talking more time and work for roughly the same size print run, that means less profit.

You mean they actually want to PROFIT from this?

Point well taken, but I am sure there is a middle ground somewhere. I understand that True Sorcery went through this process (somewhat) and the people posting feedback about it were able to get some substantive changes put into the print product. I am not sure how much or how many, but I did read this somewhere on one of the True Sorcery threads.

 

[SteveC]

That will depend upon individual publishers, of course. But remember that time is money - you're talking about talking more time and work for roughly the same size print run, that means less profit.

Well yes and no: a better tested and edited product can many times mean better sales, and better continued sales. When I look at a product from a game company that has editing or rule mechanics problems to such an extent that it makes it difficult for me to use, I stop buying products from that company. I also tell friends and fellow gamers about the problems.

Anything a company can do to make the books they print the best they can be is a plus in my book.

--Steve