The DREAD PDF Suggestion for Sidekick

**Ghost Archer** · Feb 8th, '04, 11:36 AM

Okay, I know the general feeling about PDF's is negative but . . . All of my play is done online, all of it. Not one of my players is local to me and some are overseas. I talk up Sidekick to every new player but most ask the same thing "Can I download a PHB someplace?" I have to tell them "No" of course. At only $9.99, I think Sidekick is a fantastically good idea and I mention it to each and every one. I tell them to make a visit to their local FLGS and pick one up in the next few weeks. As cheap as this produce is, would it be a major deal to offer just this one item in PDF? Let's face it, people are lazy and if you are like me, your nearest FLGS is about 20 miles away. I don't know how many people I could entice into such a purchase but I know is I get a couple and if other people would do the same, maybe it'll be worth it. It seems to me that Sidekick is perfect for this type of thing.

Any comments from Herodom?

**Lord Liaden** · Feb 8th, '04, 12:08 PM

IIRC Steve Long has said that Sidekick is already planned to be made available both as a printed book and as a downloadable PDF file. You'll still have to pay for the PDF but I think it's supposed to be even cheaper than the printed book.

Best of both worlds.

**Ghost Archer** · Feb 8th, '04, 12:12 PM

Thanks! I missed that, I'll shut up now, please ignore this whole thread.

***Steve Long*** · Feb 8th, '04, 12:30 PM

Initially we'd planned to offer SK in both formats. At this point, given the production expenses involved and how little money we actually make on each copy because we've deliberately kept the price so low, we're going to hold off on making it available as a PDF. We may still do so eventually, but in that case we'll probably keep the price at $9.99, since that's already pretty darn cheap.

**KA.** · Feb 10th, '04, 12:49 AM

Originally posted by Steve Long
Initially we'd planned to offer SK in both formats. At this point, given the production expenses involved and how little money we actually make on each copy because we've deliberately kept the price so low, we're going to hold off on making it available as a PDF. We may still do so eventually, but in that case we'll probably keep the price at $9.99, since that's already pretty darn cheap.

Steve,
First, please don't take this comment as any kind of endorsement of, or defense of, the theft of intellectual property.

However, realities being what they are, if it is at all feasible, I think SK would make a great product for distribution as a PDF.
If some people "take liberties" and distribute it illegally, based on the nature of the product, it seems like the end result would be to draw more people into purchasing other Hero books that are only available in a printed form.

I am not expecting you to say anything to "invite" this kind of activity.

Just bringing up something that, while a negative, could have a positive overall effect.

KA.

**ChaosDrgn** · Feb 10th, '04, 04:04 AM

Have them go to www.gamersattic.com and order a copy when it comes out. Might take them 5 days or so to get it but that's what they get for being lazy :P

**Aroooo** · Feb 10th, '04, 04:17 AM

As a comparison, it would be interesting to know if SJGames has any data on how well GURPS and/or GURPS supplements sell because of GURPS Lite.

I'm a big advocate of PDF's, mainly because they are easier to carry around (and reference at work

), but I agree there is a theft issue that can't be ignored. If there was a PDF version of FRED I'd buy it in a hot second, even at full price. Sidekick too. Maybe a PDF of Sidekick in place of a second printing when that time comes...

Aroooo

***Steve Long*** · Feb 10th, '04, 06:32 AM

I agree that theft isn't as much of a concern with SK as it would be with other products (esp. 5E), which is one reason why the non-DH playtesters got a laid-out manuscript that was very close, in many ways, to what actually ended up being printed. That was necessary to get full value out of that type of playtest, and the risk of "theft" wasn't large.

By the same token, we're hoping this product will do well for us and prove really popular, in part because of its low price point. Since ultimately we're in the business of printing and selling books, not selling PDFs, we'd rather focus on the book end of the thing at present, rather than the e-book.

Also, if the PDF is available, I'm concerned that rather than buying several copies for his gaming group (something that's easy to do given how cheap the book is), many GMs would just buy one PDF and then give it to their players. So I'd rather remove that particular temptation, at least for now.

***Steve Long*** · Feb 10th, '04, 06:34 AM

I, too, would love to have data on how GURPS Lite has affected GURPS sales... but even if SJG has such data (which part of me strongly doubts, given how difficult it is to collect legitimate data in this industry), they're not likely to share it with me.

Moreover, since GURPS Lite is a 32-page booklet given away for free by the boxload, I'm not sure how valid the comparison would be anyway. But I'd still like to know.

I do have anecdotal evidence that several playtesters were so enthused by SK that they immediately went out and bought 5E and/or some supplements (in one case, pretty much the entire game line!). So, I take that as a good sign.

**Killer Shrike** · Feb 10th, '04, 08:36 AM

If its not to late (and it probably is), it might be a good idea to put a page or leaflet into SK with a splash about the web page and forums and simple directions on how to register for the forums. A plug for HD (referencing the demo) could be cool too.

The everything-a-noob-needs-to-know package for joining the HERO System community. The assumption seems to be that GMs will drive the sale of SK which is probable, but there are sure to be other "interested parties" that pick it up cold -- at 10 bucks its much more affordable and thus much more likely to be picked up casually by those who are curious about the game.

Just an idea

**Aroooo** · Feb 10th, '04, 09:25 AM

I went looking for some info about PDF security - thinking that if I found some good news it might help with the PDF debate. While I knew PDF security wasn't the greatest, what I didn't know was how lax it really is. This site about says it all (although I don't think its been updated for Acrobat 6 yet):

http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/Adobe/Gallery/

Aroooo

***Steve Long*** · Feb 10th, '04, 09:26 AM

SK includes a section mentioning HD, a listing of some of our best products (no room for a complete catalog

), and plenty of mentions of the website and such. If someone can't find their way to our wonderful website and scintillatin' support products, they're not tryin' very hard.

**Balok** · Feb 10th, '04, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by Steve Long
... wonderful website and scintillatin' support products ...

You're channeling Stan Lee again.

**Killer Shrike** · Feb 10th, '04, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by Balok
You're channeling Stan Lee again.

Worry not True Believer, its all for a good cause.

**Killer Shrike** · Feb 10th, '04, 12:17 PM

Hey....wait a minute....Steve Long and Stan Lee have the same initials.......

Stan Lee, an elderly and legendary comic book creator. He's tired of his IP being ripped off by greedy corporate lamphreys.

Steve Long, a middle aged former lawyer turned game designer. He's got an uncanny ability to reduce everything to game statistics, allowing him to statistically determine all probable outcomes, backed up by the ability to litigate.

Together, they are the unstoppable duo, the S&L-Busters!

They fight crime!