Do you like it when an writer tells you in their book their ideas are cool?

[arwink]

It depends on the tone, but generally I like seeing some insight into the author's design process.

The best introduction I've seen, which isn't so much an "ain't this cool" but more a "this is how this came about" is in Last Rights of the Blackgards by 12toMidnight games. That really set off the adventure for me, just because the authors love of the genre comes through.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

I don't care. If the it is mildly amussing (and not too long) I'll read it just as a respect to the author. Sometimes I'd like them to explain themselves when they don't.

 

[IronWolf]

In some books in the introductions writers will say something like "I had to devote a full book to[ithis topic[/i] because the idea was just so cool." They do it as a way of explaining and showing how the book came to be. Is this something that you like to see in your RPG books?

I don't have a problem with introductions and a sneak peek into what went into the thought process. To say this idea is so cool that one had to devote a full book to it is a little over the top I think. I think there is a big difference in looking at the thought process and saying "my idea is so cool."

 

[Starglim]

The author wrote the book, and I bought it, because we both thought the idea was cool. It's completely redundant, unless the writer has something interesting to say about why the idea is cool and how to promote it in a game.

 

[ssampier]

Isn't that a given? I mean if the author didn't think the idea was "cool", why would he/she write and have it published?

I can't imagine an author admitting, "Yeah this book is not cool and not very original. I hate every idea in it."

 

[Campbell]

What has he done this in? I'd like to see it.

From my reading of the introductory section of Gun Fu, I got a sense of 'This is so cool!'.It's there to a lesser extent in Hot Pursuit. Of course, those products are undeniably amazingly awesome products, and there is definitely no pretentiousness attached to either product. In other words 'It ain't being cocky if you back it up.' He also does a good job of elaborating on the coolness of his products.

 

[Len]

Dampwood!: The d20 Guide to Non-monstrous Wood-Destroying Organisms and their Effects on the Souviner/Toursims Industries of Halfings, Gnomes and Elves of the Lower Flaness

Cool! Who publishes it?

Edit: Wait, is it Lower Flaeness or Upper Flaeness?

 

[Vigilance]

Saying it once is cool, in fact I like it.

I'd prefer the book give off a "I think this book I just wrote is the coolest thing ever" vibe than a "I wrote this book cause I hope you buy it" vibe.

On the other hand, I remember getting a facial twitch the THIRD time the latest Marvel Supers game (the one with the stones allocating mechanic) told me it was "revolutionary".

But if you say it once and say it loud, that's cool with me.

PS I am currently working on a book about the COOLEST. IDEA. EVER.

 

[MonsterMash]

Slightly irritating as I feel that the reader should judge if its cool or not, but not that much of a turn-off.

 

[Hairfoot]

I enjoy reading about the genesis of ideas.

I also think it's reasonable for the author to put a word in to remind the reader that they're holding someone's labour of love, not some recycled rubbish thrown together by a team of copywriters.