controversy vs sales

[alsih2o]

i seem to have noticed that the 3 most controversial releases that have come down the chute are 3.5, bovd, and the new av work.

lots of threads on these 3 and lots of folks saying they won't buy.

i am wondering if it is normal in the publishing industry to have the most discussion, or here to have the most threads be about the books that do not sell the most?

does it seem odd to anyone else that great books that almost everyone agrees are great get a little splash and move on, whilst books that do not sell as well get tons of attention? is it possible that someone will cover a semi-controversial topic in a way that will not anger folks (justified or not) and make a good book that sells well?

 

[BiggusGeekus@Work]

Back when I hung out on RPG.net (could you guys please filter out naughty words so I could surf your site from work?) I remember one guy who complained that a Controversial Game got lots and lots of attention every few months while his game was ignored. So I think you have a point there.

However, look at how that controversy sells. As you noted, it's just a flash in the pan. It dies out eventually while good games with good writing and good art persevere. Look at Pinnacle's Weird West compared to Avalanche's "historical" books. Avalanche certainly has more controversy, but Pinnacle has more books on the shelf at my FLGS.

My two cents.

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

I think you're wrong in assuming that because a few people on a message board say they won't buy a product, that means it will have low sales. The people who get outraged about one product or another are rather vocal in expressing that outrage, but I think there's a lot of posters (like me) who just shrug and say "meh" and decide to look at the product once it's out and decide whether or not to buy it then. From a business standpoint, controversy sells. I very rarely read the news page, so I probably would have never heard of BoEF if there hadn't been so many arguments about it on the boards.


Also, Biggus, you have someone standing over your shoulder making sure you don't look at any naughty words at work? That's really lame.

 

[alsih2o]

The people who get outraged about one product or another are rather vocal in expressing that outrage, but I think there's a lot of posters (like me) who just shrug and say "meh" and decide to look at the product once it's out and decide whether or not to buy it then.

well and agreed mr. meepo, but i hear almost nothing about people using bovd(as an example) compared to what i heard before it came out and right after.

does anyone know if it actually sold well?

 

[Bendris Noulg]

Actually, BoVD has exceeded WotC's expectations... Indeed, it's possible that due to all the controversy prior to its release lead to the orchastration of controversy over BoEF (although I'm not "inside", so I don't know for sure).

Notably, I predict BoEF will sell fairly well (between those that actually want it and those that will get it just as a collection piece) while 3.5 will be a hot item for 3-6 months, tapering down to the same degree of sales the Core Rules currently has.

 

[BiggusGeekus@Work]

Notably, I predict BoEF will sell fairly well (between those that actually want it and those that will get it just as a collection piece) while 3.5 will be a hot item for 3-6 months, tapering down to the same degree of sales the Core Rules currently has.

I'll go on the record as predicting it won't do as well. Most game products see their best sales in the first 90 days. So, yes, there will be an inital burst and then it will die down. I'll even say that it'll make AV money and he'll come out in the black. But I don't think it will do as well compared to, say, a typical offering by Green Ronin or Mongoose.

I'm basing this prediction on the reaction of my gaming group. When I mentioned the BoVD, some were against it and some were interested. When I mentioned BoEF, they made jokes. With all due respect to Anthony V, I don't think he's made clear why the average gaming group needs this product compared to, say, a Luis Royo calendar and down load of the sex netbook.

Of course I could be Johnny Stupid and quite wrong. Who knows?

 

[Hand of Evil]

I am of the feeling it is an ad, use the buzz word and they will come. Content is what matters but if it has a sex/vile/bad to the bone on the cover people seem to notice more. It is word of mouth, the gossip, the rumor, the whisper in the dark that appeals to the human nature.

Everyone is talking about the BoEF but it is the same talk I heard for BoVD.

 

[Monte At Home]

Indeed, it's possible that due to all the controversy prior to its release lead to the orchastration of controversy over BoEF

I think it's pretty difficult to imagine any other explanation, frankly.

In my experience, however, controversy doesn't lead to sales, it leads to attention, which CAN lead to sales--if the book is good. I think the book still has to be good, and what the buyer wants, in order to be a good sales performer. (I'm not saying I don't think Anthony's new book won't be good--I have no idea, I haven't seen it.)

 

[TalonComics]

Controversy leads to publicity. Need an example, just look at the band the Dixie Chicks. Love them or hate them their name has been popping up everywhere.

As for WotC controversial books: WotC sells the best within a couple of months. After that it's just occasional sales. Indy publishers usually sell the best after word of mouth and reviews make the rounds. Many indy books can sell well month after month but not in the same numbers as WotC books.

As for BoVD: Since it was really geared towards DMs it didn't sell as well as a book geared towards players and DMs. I think BoED potential is geared towards that crowd more so than a book of vileness. Still Monte's name helped sell it too.

~D

 

[JRRNeiklot]

I think you're wrong in assuming that because a few people on a message board say they won't buy a product, that means it will have low sales. The people who get outraged about one product or another are rather vocal in expressing that outrage, but I think there's a lot of posters (like me) who just shrug and say "meh" and decide to look at the product once it's out and decide whether or not to buy it then.

Personally, I think anyone who gets OUTRAGED over an rpg product has too much time on their hands. Their is a lot of stuff in this world to get outraged over; an rpg product is not one of them. Don't like it/don't buy it. Simple solution.

And on controversy, a controversial topic or picture may make me pick up a product, but quality decides whether or not I buy it.