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

[Crothian]

It is a factor. In the end I perfer to support authors and people I know then those I don't know. Years ago Hal of MEG did a really nice favor for me, and because of it I made sure I eventually got one of every book they put out. That's a rare example, but compnaies and people that are nice and help out are remembered. At the same time another company was not so nice so I never bought anything from them. Still haven't.

 

[Friadoc]

As with a lot of you above, I've had some good experiences with a lot of publishers, through EN, and because of it I'm a loyal customer, too.

Phil and Monte really stand out, for sure, as does CMG and MEG, as both people and publishers.

Phil, who I still owe a couple projects to (getting laid off for six months doesn't actually peak your ability to do writing, it seems), impressed me a lot, in forms, to where I started to venture into his products - something I'm happy to this day.

Monte, well, he's Monte and I own a copy of him and Sue of worked on since they started their OGL adventures.

There are some products I'll buy from people who are jerks, because the work is good, but general, if someone really ticks me off, I can live without even the most "OMG, it's the best thing for gaming since [INSERT WHATEVER]", simply because they really torqued me off.

Which, given the huge pile of gaming books that my SO points at when I talk to her about buying a new book, well, it's hard to think anyone has ticked me off, but they have.

 

[Bloodstone Press]

Yes.

I think it helps with awareness. I know there have been several products that I first heard about on these boards (not in the news section), either because the publisher was talking about it, or because he/she had a link in their sig.

From a publisher's point of view, I usually see an increase in product views and sales when I am actively posting on these and other boards. When I'm not actively posting, I see a slight downturn in product views and sales.

 

[the Jester]

Absolutely! I've bought a number of items based on what authors or developers said here. Conversely, if someone comes across as a bastard (not a rat bastard ) I am much less likely to be interested in supporting them.

 

[BSF]

An interesting discussion recently shows that (as is usual) there are multiple sides to this question. I've always felt that a publisher/author's actions on messageboards have no impact on what a person buys but many people feel that I'm wrong.

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

Absolutely! It isn't the only decision, not by any means. But it definitely has an impact at some point. Interacting with the author and publisher gives me insight into which people have thought processes that complement mine. This makes things easier to integrate into my games. It is kind of like reading reviews and assessing which reviewer has tastes that match mine. As well, knowing that I can easily ask an author to clarify how something works is a nice benefit.

If I might use Adamant Entertainment's Hot Pursuit as an example, this is a product that at it's face value might appear to be of dubious value to me. Chase scenes are something that I once tried, didn't do well, and decided wouldn't work in gaming like it does in the movies. But Barsoomcore is the author! I like his storyhours. I like most of his posts. It would be a privelige to play in a game he was running. So maybe I ought to take a look at this Hot Pursuit product and see if he can show me how to improve things? Besides he was enthusiastic about promoting it and I know I can ask him questions.

A nice guy whom I respect, trying to sell a product on a topic that is exciting and I have implemented poorly in the past, who I can ask questions of if I have trouble. Where is the downside? But if I didn't know Barsoomcore from his posts, and if he wasn't promoting the product, I probably wouldn't have bought it.

Interaction with an author or publisher can be good.

 

[philreed]

Not to seem flippan t but how could a publishers actions not influence your purchasing decision?

Well, for me I have some comic writers/artists that I've gotten to know over the years -- and discovered that I really dislike them as people. I still buy their work, though, because I can separate the enjoyment of their work from the displeasure of interacting with them.

Does that make sense?

 

[fafhrd]

When Napftor has his crazy giveaway, I made sure to take a look at his products. Also, during the summer, when you had that "Heat endless heat" line in your profile, and I'd get my electric bill, I'd make sure to give your products an extra "Swell guy" look. Both of these practices have resulted in purchases, so yeah I'd say it matters a good bit.

 

[philreed]

Also, during the summer, when you had that "Heat endless heat" line in your profile, and I'd get my electric bill, I'd make sure to give your products an extra "Swell guy" look.

That's pretty funny. I didn't think anyone was looking at that.

And it was a pretty hot summer. A week of 105+ days is too much.

 

[Ranger REG]

Meh. It depends.

If an author has a big ego and flaunts it, as if he has the perfect solution to the d20 System and begins to compare his work to others, mainly WotC's, I roll up my eyes and ignore him and his works.

If an author does not develop a thick skin from all the criticisms of his work, even unwarranted criticisms that usually leds to having unnecessary comments to his competency and intelligence (i.e., personal attack), and lash out, I would be concerned but I wouldn't ignore him nor his works. Of course, this led to many authors NOT to visit messageboards again, and why some of the already silent ones have valid reasons not to visit in the first place.

(Yeah, we RPG customers are vicious lots, even when we don't know it.)

Now, I don't mean to ignore PDF publishers. I just don't have a plastic to acquire their products. So, the first thing that would get my attention are print products. If you can get that far, then you earn some major points from me (at least 50 out of 100).

 

[philreed]

So, the first thing that would get my attention are print products. If you can get that far, then you earn some major points from me (at least 50 out of 100).

For me, getting heavily into the standard distribution chain is not a goal. I've seen too many people fall into that trap and waste time and money chasing sales that -- especially these days -- will never happen.

I don't think print products can be seen as "getting that far." I'm fairly confident that even with the obstacles anyone willing to throw a few thousand dollars away can get into the channel.