D&D 3E/3.5 New 3E campaign - how to fit best with 4E later?

[Man in the Funny Hat]

My only suggestion would be to encourage the players to make characters based more on concept than mechanics. That way, they can reimagine the character based on theme, personality, and backstory rather than mechanics. They'll be able to get much closer to the heart of the character if they don't try mirror the mechanics.

Easier said than done, but good advice and I will indeed be looking for ways in every session to de-emphasize mechanics and reinforce concepts without abandoning subtlety.

 

[Moon-Lancer]

in a few months im going to run a red hand of doom game. Its going to be super fun. i know 4e will come towards the end of the game. I don't care. 4e will be fun, but i wont let its release ruin my game.

 

[Engilbrand]

Actually, I would recommend using some of the more recent books. These have been testing products for 4th, so they're bound to have some similarities. Use the Bo9S and the Factotum and stuff. Get people use to having constant options.

 

[frankthedm]

I'm looking at the probability of starting a new 3.5 game in the coming weeks. I will want to convert this to 4E when it is released. How do you suppose I should arrange my business to best facilitate that at this point?

Don't convert. The core rules won't be out fully until July. You as DM need to know the rules better than anyone else, so a few weeks more will be needed. So September 2007 to august 2008 should be enough time to have the campaign setup for a world altering cataclysm.