I am not publishing this, and have no say in its timing or contents. But I feel a need to explain a bit.
I will simply say that in my 30 years of experience it is absolutely
necessary to have a limited number of test players and contributors,
especially when the final version is being prepared.
Test players tend to be too slow in their response for the
designer/publisher. Sure, they do their best, but test players usually
have limited time to devote to this, and the comments come in weeks
after changes were already being made. then they are angry or
disappointed because they feel ignored.
Especially at this stage of the development a certain kind of comment is
necessary. Most volunteers send in complaints ("I'd do it a different
way" or "I don' like that" or "It' snot how it works in my Glorantha,"
etc.)
It is just too damn hard to work with and coordinate with a huge number
of people. I've done it, tried it again, and personally have rejected
it. In the early stages there is good reason to solicit open comments,
but at the later stage is is counterproductive.
The designer needs to take responsibility at some point and do what he
seems best. otherwise it never gets done.
I understand why you do not want to wait 3 months. But trust me, my experience shows that if everyone got early copies and commented, and the designes paid attentino to everyone equally, then it would be MORE than 3 months until it was done.
--
Greg Stafford
President, Issaries. Inc.
Love without reserve,
Enjoy without restraint,
Live without dead time.
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