Getting the Word out on the Ennies products

[Hairy Minotaur]

Smaller publishers. Necromancer/Malhavor are not "smaller" publishers. I was thinking more along the lines of Blue Devil Games, since they were mentioned in the post.

But even on up to say, Goodman Games' forums, there isn't much traffic. Though perhaps a post or two a day there.

That's where I think the publisher should take the initiative, there are quite a few companies whose forums barely blipped on life support the last couple of years. I think that's when the publisher needs to step up and post things about the product. Such as:

I'm here to answer questions (or will be here all day Friday answering questions).

Here's something cool I did with my product that maybe you hadn't thought of.

What product/web enhacement should I focus on next?

The "bigger" guys' boards have become self-sustaning, when you're the "little" guy sometimes you need to play the role of the fish that says daily "Hey look at me! Over here!"

 

[Justin D. Jacobson]

Smaller publishers. Necromancer/Malhavor are not "smaller" publishers. I was thinking more along the lines of Blue Devil Games, since they were mentioned in the post.

But even on up to say, Goodman Games' forums, there isn't much traffic. Though perhaps a post or two a day there.

Well, I've got a sight more than 10 posts on my boards, but your point is well taken. I mean, how many boards can we expect even the most ardent fan to frequent.

I've been known to give out some free stuff on my boards; so you might want to spend some more time over there.

 

[Justin D. Jacobson]

That's where I think the publisher should take the initiative, there are quite a few companies whose forums barely blipped on life support the last couple of years. I think that's when the publisher needs to step up and post things about the product. Such as:

I'm here to answer questions (or will be here all day Friday answering questions).

Here's something cool I did with my product that maybe you hadn't thought of.

What product/web enhacement should I focus on next?

The "bigger" guys' boards have become self-sustaning, when you're the "little" guy sometimes you need to play the role of the fish that says daily "Hey look at me! Over here!"

I've done that. (See my last post.) While our boards are more active than others, we're still not in the realm of the "big boys."

 

[Hairy Minotaur]

I've done that. (See my last post.) While our boards are more active than others, we're still not in the realm of the "big boys."

Your presence on these boards led me to your site to learn more about Dawning Star and to finally purchase it after getting to flip through it at GenCon this year (plus having you man the booth to answer questions was a bonus). But to take another IPR product that was also in your booth: Dog Town. Now it may be a great product but unless I luck out on a Google search, I would not know anything about this product.

Justin, you're doing the things that make buyers like myself, want to know more about your product. You're visible (on boards) and you want to discuss your product. I applaud your efforts and I hope they continue. I also hope you submit all of your eligible products for ENNies consideration and then talk them to death along with all of Dawning Star's customers. It's those kinds of actions that keep the hobby going and keep designers such as yourself, putting out good products that should be recognized.

 

[Justin D. Jacobson]

I also hope you submit all of your eligible products for ENNies consideration and then talk them to death along with all of Dawning Star's customers.

No worries there. In fact, I am doing everything in my power to actually win one this year. I refuse to be the Susan Lucci of RPGs.

 

[Vascant]

Since I am one of those who will be entering the race this year I have to say, I agree the few that already stated, it is up to the people who produce the product to get the word out. Personally speaking, even before it the judges were voted I had already spoke about it a few times on my site. We are also seriously going over the game plan for what we can accomplish in the time frame to better position NPC Designer for an ENnie. I feel that in doing this, the end user wins the most because of our tireless effort to excel becomes the features they get to use and enjoy. From that position, no longer are you striving for the best you can do but instead, being the best in the business.

It shouldn't be ENWorld's obligation to advertise or even push products but instead, you guys focus on the ENnies and let the publishers focus on being nominated and maybe even winning one.

Just my opinion...

 

[Mark CMG]

It shouldn't be ENWorld's obligation to advertise or even push products but instead, you guys focus on the ENnies and let the publishers focus on being nominated and maybe even winning one.

Just my opinion...

That seems best because no matter how you would try to keep the pushing even, inevitably some will seem to get more coverage than others and lead to problems. Aside from the announcements of the winners, and the nominations (which could come earlier than the voting, I suppose), you might also release a full list of entries at the time of the deadline (sans categories, in case some things wind up gettnig moved around).

 

[Vascant]

That seems best because no matter how you would try to keep the pushing even, inevitably some will seem to get more coverage than others and lead to problems. Aside from the announcements of the winners, and the nominations (which could come earlier than the voting, I suppose), you might also release a full list of entries at the time of the deadline (sans categories, in case some things wind up gettnig moved around).

True.. good points all around, especially the one where you agreed with me *chuckles*

 

[IronWolf]

It shouldn't be ENWorld's obligation to advertise or even push products but instead, you guys focus on the ENnies and let the publishers focus on being nominated and maybe even winning one.

I agree with Vascant's thoughts as well. Focus on making the ENnies a great thing (and this years were quite impressive). Keep up that caliber of awards show and let the publishers worry about how to push their products.

 

[Dextra]

Neat thread

I think that there will always be some whiners who complain about their lack of knowledge about the products. How much of an obligation does the ENnies have to publicize the products? It should be the responsibility of each publisher to educate and inform the public. There are plenty of options, from buying banner ads or front page ads on ENWorld or the other major boards, to simply participating on said boards more often, participating in the ENnies fund raisers, posting free samples of the product...

We already make sure that each product nominated has a link back to the publisher's page, and last year we brokered the deal that dropped the product prices by at least a third at drivethrurpg.com. Now if someone were to compile a list of reviews for each nominated product, I would link to that one thread, but I wouldn't want to be accused of missing any reviews so I'm leary about the ENnies being responsible for such a beast.

I like the brainstorming here, but think we should be aiming those neurons in another direction. For example, we need to look beyond ENWorld when we talk about publicizing the Awards. I want to increase our visibility and acceptance on RPGNet, the Gen Con Indy boards, and on The Forge. Suggestions of other sites (other than publishers' sites) are very welcome. I'd like to get the word out to individual retailers, gaming clubs, distributors, and industry magazines.

Towards that end, money will be needed, so we need to figure out a way to raise another few thousand dollars. If anyone knows someone who can help with sponsorships, please let me know!

Anyhow, I'll let you to it. Thanks for expending the mental energy on this!