Wotcher all,
I thought I’d come forward with a proposition, but Sorn appears to have pre-empted me on this one. Having vast quantities of time at my hands (the fact I constructed the DbS Conversion entirely by myself should be an ample demonstration), I would be happy to volunteer for some role in editing the final version; indeed, I would be happy to take on the complete role.
I’m unsure about the concept of simultaneous editing of different chapters by different orders. I feel a major drawback of the existing NUCK is the irregularities and discrepancies across the guide - this is one of the chief aims of editing, and dividing the roles is only going to complicate the process. I really want to see this project finish as something we can all be proud of, and to have it finish soon.
If everyone is happy with the idea, confident in my own capabilities and willing to trust me, I propose a full editing of the guide which draws on feedback from all of you, but to be executed by my own hand. The final copy, since I have recently acquired Acrobat, will be in .pdf format. In my opinion, the editing process will involve (in rough chronological order):
• An amalgamation of all existing material - I would need a complete file of all work already done. I would also like to see the d20 and DbS conversions merged to form a single and definitive guide, although this requires some work - see below.
• Refining content - the existing guide is somewhat vast, and we would need select which components will go through unscathed, which require changing, and which will be saved for possible supplements. I will need extensive feedback from the forums on the original, d20 and DbS editions of the guide, what people like about the mechanics, nature, style and humour of each. From this, new material can be drafted combining hybrid features; the best aspects involved will go through to form the final edition.
• Streamlining - altering spell and rules text to make the material clear, concise and in line with other sections along a similar vein. This can be acheived once content has been refined.
• Presentation - more mundane tasks such as checking spelling and grammar, designing text, table and illustration allocation for a better aesthetic, and so on. With this complete, the file will be finished!
I would ask that as much input as possible be posted on the boards - that way everyone is up-to-date with the progression of the guide, the way things are heading and anything of interest. To complement this, I will post updates, summaries, issues to be decided upon, announcements and draft copies as often as possible to help the wait pass. Besides, it gives us the prestige of having the topic at the top of the forum so often.
Reply as soon as possible with your thoughts and I can get this thing underway - if you don’t like the idea, tell me so; I don’t want to be working needlessly or against anyone’s wishes. If you’d like to run with Sorn’s idea instead, just say. Otherwise, I’ll probably start a new thread wherein the brainstorming and editing process will take place; likewise, any new ideas you come up with midway should be posted up there. A simple yay or nay will suffice for now - the debating itself can get under way when the new topic goes up aprroved.
Just doing my best...
Death By Surfeit
