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

[philreed]

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?

 

[Tinner]

Absolutely, and both in a positive and negative manner.

Example: Once upon a time (1992) I was a HUGE Todd McFarlane fan. I snapped up everything the guy put out, Spider-Man, Spawn, you name it.
Then I went to the Chicago Comic Con in 1992 and actually got to see the way McFarlane interacted with his fans. Suffice it to say I was not impressed. He came across as a pompous jerk, and I haven't given him a dollar since then.

On the flip side .. well, you're a good example Phil.
Seeing the way you interact with fans here on ENWorld, and the manner in which you promote and support your products is one of the big things that convinced me to purchase PDF's in the first place.

 

[The Lost Muse]

I agree with Tinner - seeing publishers such as: Phil Reed, Chris Pramas, and occasionally Monte Cook (to name a few that come to mind) popping in to make comments is always great. I also appreciate the comments made by the guy from Mongoose (although I can't remember his name at the moment - and I'm very sorry)

And it does entice me to buy product also.

 

[Rystil Arden]

I would say definitely yes. Sometimes it is their interaction that helps bring the publisher's work into the spotlight for me and sometimes it is respect for the publisher and their actions that encourage me to buy.

For example, when John Nephew gave out those free books on his birthday, I thought that was a really kind gesture, and so I bought Dynasties and Demagogues for someone for the holidays, whereas I probably wouldn't have thought of that particular book otherwise.

 

[Psion]

It's definitely a vector. I won't buy (or avoid buying) your products just because I like/don't like you. But it could tip the scale on purchases I am considering. I do have a finite and bounded gaming budget and do decide between different gaming products every month.

 

[Thanee]

I'm actually not entirely sure about it, but for some products I think it does, yes.

Bye
Thanee

 

[diaglo]

if it is a product from some guy i never heard of before... sure it will influence me. like Ed Cha... who i know now but didn't when i first picked up his stuff.

 

[DragonLancer]

Its nice to read and interact with the publishers/authors on here, but it doesn't influence what I'm going to buy.

 

[Cheiromancer]

Absolutely. I just bought the BW books because of the thread where the author was engaged in debate about the subject. And I like the fact that you, Ranger Wickett and Wulf Ratbane are around to discuss their works if a question should arise.

 

[Psychic Warrior]

Not to seem flippan t but how could a publishers actions not influence your purchasing decision? I know I avoid publishers who have come across as jerks here or elsewhere. Maybe that is petty but I don't really want to give my money to somebody I think is a jerk. John Wick is probably the first name that pops to mind of someone I would never, ever consider buying. Conversely I had a recent very positive experience with The Le Games and am going to be buying a lot more from them in the future (and I really like their products).