Creature Catalog to be Published

[kenjib]

The compiled PDF was what I was talking about. Why is that still pulled? I'm not trying to run an inquisition, I'm just curious. Perhaps my wording was ambiguous. Let me try again.

Considering that the individual files are all still there, why shouldn't the compiled PDF also be available? As far as I can tell it's not a matter of restricting content availability (since it's all there anyway), but rather restricting convenience. This seems odd to me.

 

[Celestian]

Considering that the individual files are all still there, why shouldn't the compiled PDF also be available? As far as I can tell it's not a matter of restricting content availability (since it's all there anyway), but rather restricting convenience. This seems odd to me.

I've got a copy of the compiled PDF if you want a copy. Email me.

 

[MonkeyBoy]

...

Mmmm.

<devils-advocate>

Its that removal of the PDFs that gives the impression of '3 weeks ago there was a free resource now there is the pending "opportunity" to pay for it'.

And that tends to give the impression of going around taking away our toys...

</devils-advocate>


[demn spollung mastokis!]

 

[Orcus]

All the content is there. If you want a monster, it is there for you. No one is taking toys away. Scott is running his site how he sees fit, not at my direction--though it was in fact me who suggested he put the site back UP. He took it down thinking I would want it that way pending publication and I said "No way! Its a great fan resource! Put it back up!" It is a little annoying to have people lob these unsupported suggestions. The free resource is still there! At my urging in fact...In addition, I told Scott I didnt mind if he continued to keep content from the book up on the site after publication (since there will be lots of stuff not on the site that is in the book, and some stuff on the site that isnt in the book).

Clark

 

[Orcus]

As for OGC, everything that we can make open we will make open (some stuff WotC might limit us on, and if they do, we will provide open content alternatives to where possible). We want developers to use this book in their products. I am even making a sample section in the back to show how to cite to the book properly.

Clark

 

[kenjib]

Hi Clark,

I didn't mean to make any accusations. Let me try to clarify one last time since it appears that you might possibly not be aware of the full situation:

1. The CC is being published. I think that's a great thing. Congratulations to Scott, Erica, and Boz! Also thanks to Necromancer for doing a great thing like this.
2. The CC site is still running with *individual* PDF files of each creature, downloadable one by one.
3. There was a compiled PDF which included *all* monsters in *one* file. This was made available on the site shortly before the announcement of publication. Now that the site has gone back up, this file is still missing, and according to the CC web site this is pending negotiations with Necromancer Games.

So, all of the creatures are there individually, but the compilation is gone. As far as the fan community can tell, this compilation is gone specifically because of the deal with Necromancer Games. I was just wondering why the compilation is still not available if, as you said, you told Scott to put the site back up. I had thought that perhaps there was some difference between the content currently on the site and what is in the compilation file that resulted in the compilation file being still not available on the site.

You have stated repeatedly that the site was put back up at your urging and I think that's a truly magnanimous gesture on your part. However some of the content is no longer available now that the site has been put back up. Was this intentional or just a misunderstanding between you and Scott that can be fixed (resulting in a reinstatement of the currently removed material)?

I will refer you to the following page on Scott's site:
http://www.enworld.org/cc/downloads/main.html

It states: "The PDF compilation books are down at the moment until the complete details are hammered out about Necromancer Games publishing the Creature Catalog. So- once the details are worked out, the compilations shall return."

This is current as of the time that I am writing this post. In your replies, you have yet to address this particular item.

Again, I have no hard feelings. I'm just curious because there seems to be an incongruity here that could use some clarification - and perhaps clearing this issue up will get the compilation files back up on the site and everyone will be happy. Either that or we will understand why the compilation was pulled and that's fine with me too. I'm just wondering why.

Take care and thanks for being so communicative with the fan community. You guys do a really great job and have some fantastic products.

 

[Orcus]

My understanding from talking to Scott is that he initially pulled it because of Necromancer publishing the content (thus the message on the site). When I suggested he put stuff back on line and that I didnt care, he put everything up but decided not to put the compilation pdf back up simply because it was a pain in the butt to keep updating when he added new monsters to the site. I am working him too hard on other projects and keeping him busy I guess

Clark

 

[Orcus]

Besides, I just went to the site and saw another one of his issues was the new conversion policy from WotC. So the compilation isnt off line because of Necromancer.

Clark

 

[Eryx]

I don't know if I'm in the minority around these forums or not, but I admit to having no interest whatsoever in visiting a website to download monsters, but purchasing a shiny new monster book in print is right up my alley.

As much as the CC site is a great free resource and I thank the bods who put it up greatly, I'd rather have it as nice hardcover book (or two, if you run out of room for all the monsters... Hint Hint ) than to have to print out a monster.

I think it's great that this project is in the works and hopefully going to be released. I can understand what the fear is, but it's just a reaction to My God! Someone's doing something here!!!
Don't worry about it, this is one of those good things to come out of the fan base for D20.

 

[kenjib]

Ah, okay. That makes complete sense. I used to maintain a large patch library for a synthesizer I have so I can relate. It's a good amount of work to maintain everything both individually and compiled.

Thanks for clearing that up.

Kenji