Does a publisher/author's interaction here influence your purchases?

[Pseudonym]

So, basically, does a publisher/author's interaction on EnWorld (or any messageboard) influence your purchase decisions?

Yes, in my case; specifically Avalanche Press. I got past my dislike of their disgustingly cheesecake covers and bought a few of their earlier d20 products, but after their hissy fit over review copies a few years back I haven't spent another dime on them.

 

[Old Fezziwig]

Conversely, I think consumer decorum has degenerated so badly in the past decade as consumers have swollen with a false sense of entitlement that, given a society that falsely tells them they are always right for no other reason than to toss another begging bowl in a world of artificially depressed margins...

Bingo. Just thought I'd quote this for truth. Not enough people realize this, and I've watched people behave absolutely horridly towards folks working in stores (and been on the receiving end of it, too). It's really unbelievable at times.

 

[BryonD]

Which makes me think.

Okay, it seems that I was wrong and many people are influenced by the posts of publishers and authors. Does that mean that those publishers and authors that only post to promote their products are actually safer from hurting your impression of them since they don't get involved in discussions? After all, things are a lot less likely to turn ugly if all you ever do is pop onto EnWorld to announce a new release.

I'd say no.
There are lots of publishers (or least there has been over time) who just drop in and annouce their stuff. It is the interaction and being a good guy that generates the good will that contributes to and interest.


Hmmm....
Looking back at what I just said, I may have not actually answered the question you asked.
Yes, it is safer. But I don't think it is hard to be safe and still interact and develop positive relationships that are helpful. A thoughtful publisher can easily be better than just safe.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

Conversely, I think consumer decorum has degenerated so badly in the past decade as consumers have swollen with a false sense of entitlement that, given a society that falsely tells them they are always right for no other reason than to toss another begging bowl in a world of artificially depressed margins...

Bingo. Just thought I'd quote this for truth. Not enough people realize this, and I've watched people behave absolutely horridly towards folks working in stores (and been on the receiving end of it, too). It's really unbelievable at times.

More importantly, what internet customers in particular fail to realize is how insignificant they are in the total pool of customers. Having easy access to the publisher and a bullhorn doesn't grant you special status. I really won't know, notice, or care if you decide to stop buying from me.

With the caveat of course that no publisher can afford to be such a complete unprofessional prick that it drives *everybody* away. But I think what folks are really getting at is opinionated asshattery, which is as likely to endear some folks as it is to irritate others (as Gareth already pointed out).

 

[BryonD]

Bingo. Just thought I'd quote this for truth. Not enough people realize this, and I've watched people behave absolutely horridly towards folks working in stores (and been on the receiving end of it, too). It's really unbelievable at times.

It is certainly a very true statement.
But, it does not have any impact on how customers will react when it is the seller behaving horridly.
Both things are bad, but one has much more pronouced economic results.

 

[BryonD]

My friend, I think you've hit the nail on the head.

In the cases where "the other guy" started it, then yes, he has.
But it simply is not the case that publishers are always sitting around friendly as you please until somebody comes along and provokes them.

And, if you want to talk business (which is what this thread is about), then even when the other guy starts it, the best response is to be above it.

It is even more complicated on the internet, where a large number of people can drop in to the middle of a conversation at any time. The very idea of a "start" to a conversation can be meaningless.

 

[Old Fezziwig]

It is certainly a very true statement.
But, it does not have any impact on how customers will react when it is the seller behaving horridly.
Both things are bad, but one has much more pronouced economic results.

No, it doesn't, but it just struck me as an interesting side note in this conversation.

 

[BryonD]

More importantly, what internet customers in particular fail to realize is how insignificant they are in the total pool of customers. Having easy access to the publisher and a bullhorn doesn't grant you special status. I really won't know, notice, or care if you decide to stop buying from me.

With the caveat of course that no publisher can afford to be such a complete unprofessional prick that it drives *everybody* away. But I think what folks are really getting at is opinionated asshattery, which is as likely to endear some folks as it is to irritate others (as Gareth already pointed out).

Certainly true.
I'm really quite suprised at the results of this poll.
But I don't for a second think these numbers reflect the real sales results.

But when people talk about how hard this market is now, I just can't see taking any sales for granted. Or if you do, I can't see turning around and complaining about the market. This is particularly true in regard to publishers who use this as their main job.
In pdf publishing in particular, every single lost sale comes right off the profit.

Even if it is just a couple cups of coffee.

 

[BryonD]

No, it doesn't, but it just struck me as an interesting side note in this conversation.

Oh, I agree.

 

[mythusmage]

Was that where he was talking about a superhero game he was running?

I came in at the tale-end of the whole thing. It could be.

Now why would somebody play under a GM who keeps getting his goat? The challenge.