Re: Show not Tell

From: Jeff <jakyer_at_...>
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2003 01:58:00 -0000

>
> 2. Some of the membership of this yahoogroup may feel that the
> status quo is fine and dandy, but the practicalities of the real
> world disagree. When I said that II *needs* to get HQ introduced to
> a larger audience, I meant it. There is only so long you can survive
> depending on unpaid authors, often unpaid volunteer artists and the
> goodwill of many proofreaders, layout people, etc. II does not make
> money. The question is not 'will this make Greg a millionaire' - it
> is, as Greg made clear at Gloranthacon, that at present II pays no
> one a salary. The money goes on the printers, some of the artists
> and, when Steve can't do it in his free time, a layour specialist.
> This is not a long-term option. So face it, *Glorantha* as an
> intellectual construct will survive, but if you want there to be an
> Issaries Inc bringing more of Glorantha to your eyes, then the
> constituency needs to be expanded.

<snip>

> All the best
>
> Mark

This is very much the case. I am finding many of the comments by Martin and Julian very reminiscent of those on the old Star Fleet Battles and Heroes digests from the early 90s.

Unfortunately, on these lists, the prevalent attitude of 'its okay for me, why shouldn't it be okay for everyone else' eventually resulted in the marginialization of these games and systems. More and more detailed supplements and systems were produced for an ever declining clientele until both games pretty much imploded. I would hate to see this repeat itself.

Many comments in this discussion have been prefaced with 'when I learned to play way back when' are fairly telling. But what about the opinions and experiences of those who are learning to play NOW? I have presented my experiences in teaching non-Gloranthan people in recent months and years but these observations seem to have been dismissed out by the 'older and wiser' hands.

Unfortunately, while the status quo seems to be very comfortable for many people here, it doesn't really expand the tribe. It doesn't increase the amount of orders II flowing into II. Maybe with HeroQuest this will happen but Mark makes some very important points - hopefully people will keep them to mind.

I suspect that this is one reason why the SJG deal happened. It lets II tap into the rather extensive MiB (Men In Black) demo program. For that, adventures and 'show don't tell' are required.

I want to see Glorantha move out of the ghetto its in and become a more mainstream game, accepted and respected by more than the old hands in the gaming industry.

Sorry to be so blunt but I fear it should be said.

Jeff