RPGDX > Forums > General Discussion > indie rpg print magazine

DarkDread · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2002 2:14 pm Post subject: indie rpg print magazine

well, it's a crazy idea... but, I've wanted to try my hand at running an actual print magazine... a fanzine, if you will... and I've thought about it for a while, and I do feel like trying my hand at making a magazine that features indie rpgs, and the indie rpg scene in general.

anyway, the idea is to have it along the same kind of format as Electronic Gaming Monthly... with reviews, news, previews, letters, and other such stuff... but also to pack a cd-rom with each issue, that has all of the reviewed rpgs from that issue available on it.

yeah, I realize that something like this would be a huge undertaking... but I wouldn't mind trying a test issue, just to see how it goes. Of course, I'm not biting off more than I can chew with this. For starters, it wouldn't be monthly, it would be yearly. I think one issue a year, would be more than enough. Second, it would be available through direct order only... unless some places became really interested in carrying it, but I doubt that... it's a pretty niche market, after all. Thirdly, it wouldn't be cheap. I'd want a good quality mag, and, as advertising would be pretty much out of the question, I'd expect something like this to cost somewhere around 10-20 bucks per issue. Finally, it would also have an extremely small print run. We're talking, likely no more than 50 per issue... I don't have any dreams of this becoming big, or even profitable... just something that I think would be really fun.

anyway, I want to know if you guys would be interested in something like this... and if any of you would actually buy the issues... or better yet, help contribute to it, by doing reviews, or stories, or even writing a few letters for the inaguaral issue.

finally... if I do decide to go through with it... maybe it could be a 'companion' of sorts to RPGDX... call it the 'RPGDX Yearly' or something, heh.

so yeah... those are my ideas... I know it sounds crazy, but I'd like to try... if nothing more than for the experience.

Thoughts?
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Mandrake · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2002 5:39 pm Post subject:

I'm in. Content wise i was trying for that style with the RPGDX diskmag...but with no luck. Mostly people wanted to do code stuff, and i wanted more of a fanzine feel. So I'm in on this. I can do whatever. May I also suggets a newsletter version for monthly stuff? not more than a printed page of updates and such. just an idea. I am so in......yup. and i'd buy it too.

Ironshins · Guest

It's a great idea, and you can really do whatever you feel like doing as a hobby so I say go for it. My one concern would be that I'm not sure what extra content you could provide in a print magazine that you couldn't provide online.

Mandrake · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2002 9:00 pm Post subject:

i dunno, there is just something nice about print mags. something wholesome.

Ironshins · Guest

Yeah, that's true. Actually holding it in your hands is an appealing concept.

Bjorn · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2002 11:11 am Post subject:

What about a downloadable print-mag? Like, distribute it as PDF or something.

MandrakeMe · Guest

I dunno...I think it loses something like that. I have no idea why...might be some hegelian thing.

Mobius · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2002 6:10 pm Post subject:

cool....I want one.

yeah a downloadable one loses "quality"and give that ripoff feel to things
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Mandrake · Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2002 2:18 pm Post subject:

so DD, what's the good news? you going to go through with it?

DarkDread · Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2002 4:04 pm Post subject:

MandrakeIO · Guest

as i said before, count me in.

DrunkenCoder · Demon Hunter Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 559

Just for the record, I choose the "would buy it" option, you'll always have my support, but shit Im way out of this scene (programming wise) :/ just can't seem to get anything decent done.

just hoping the shipping and handling to sweden won't kill me..
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Sirocco · Mage Joined: 01 Jun 2002 Posts: 345

A "year in review" type mag might work well.

actual · Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2002 7:25 pm Post subject:

I, for one, am so fucking totally in that I'm almost out.

I have remarkable English skills for a howler monkey, and would be glad to contribute content, in the form of reviews, etc.

Also, I'm starting to get my shit together in the terms of coding and stuff... I may even get something badass in for the next RPGDX compo, heh.
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Nexinarus · Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2002 12:11 am Post subject:

Im for it, id probly squeeze money for an issue heh. But i probly couldnt contribute content, oh maybe an rpg but i duno.
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