T5 LBB's in a box - artists impression
- Thread starter lucasdigital
- Start date
Tsarith DeGaalth
SOC-5
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Takei:
I've just looked at the latest piccy and must say that it looks really nice.
I'd be another voice for plain LBBs in a stylish box. I'd also add to have a book of tables as per Starter Traveller. That's what I take to conventions when I don't want to haul around loads of stuff.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I would rather have a single square bound book (ala BESM) then a box set. Boxes get crushed or I forget to put one of the books back. I also like the squarebound format better. Though I do like the mock up box that got posted here - it would make a great cover for a squarebound book.
On a similiar note, game stores might find it better to have a book instead of a box. I know my FLGS has a problem with boxes getting opened and pieces "disappearing". And once traveller becomes the most popular game around and gets into mass market book stores they'll want the book format over the box.
- Just my .02 Cr
I've just looked at the latest piccy and must say that it looks really nice.
I'd be another voice for plain LBBs in a stylish box. I'd also add to have a book of tables as per Starter Traveller. That's what I take to conventions when I don't want to haul around loads of stuff.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I would rather have a single square bound book (ala BESM) then a box set. Boxes get crushed or I forget to put one of the books back. I also like the squarebound format better. Though I do like the mock up box that got posted here - it would make a great cover for a squarebound book.
On a similiar note, game stores might find it better to have a book instead of a box. I know my FLGS has a problem with boxes getting opened and pieces "disappearing". And once traveller becomes the most popular game around and gets into mass market book stores they'll want the book format over the box.
- Just my .02 Cr
I really hope that when FFE brings out T5, they will at least invite you to tender some drawings. I think the new pic is excellent and really captures the spirit of Traveller. Although MegaTrav was my favourite system I thought the covers of the books sucked; the same was true of TNE.
The movie poster style realism of the new picture and its dark asthetic should be the benchmark of Traveller artwork.
The movie poster style realism of the new picture and its dark asthetic should be the benchmark of Traveller artwork.
While I admit to being an LBB fan myself, the fact is, if the contents suck hickeys on rocks, it won't matter what the cover art is.
For entry points into Traveller, compare the T4 rulebook with "The Traveller Book". Please, please, please, take the beautiful TTB as the model for a starting point, and NOT that awful T4 book.
Of course, I use:
1. MT's skill and chargen system.
2. CT's High Guard for ships.
3. CT's combat system, modified to use MT's skill system.
I left the game with TNE, and came back for T4, only to decide to start a new CT campaign
Well, got to get back - I've got a little work to do, as my players are about to open the turret maintenance hatch on the ol' Kinunir... (campaign time: 184-1107).
DonM.
For entry points into Traveller, compare the T4 rulebook with "The Traveller Book". Please, please, please, take the beautiful TTB as the model for a starting point, and NOT that awful T4 book.
Of course, I use:
1. MT's skill and chargen system.
2. CT's High Guard for ships.
3. CT's combat system, modified to use MT's skill system.
I left the game with TNE, and came back for T4, only to decide to start a new CT campaign
Well, got to get back - I've got a little work to do, as my players are about to open the turret maintenance hatch on the ol' Kinunir... (campaign time: 184-1107).
DonM.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dree:
I'm sorry, but I think that this is a terrible idea. RetroTraveller is not going to do anything to increase the scope of the Traveller mythos.
Frankly, if the past year in the industry has taught companies anything it's that today's player/consumer and market are much, much more sophisticated than than ever before.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Has it? 3E would have sold like wild fire if it had been looseleaf sheets of typed and photocopied text.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
Players want hardcovers with great graphics. Players want sourcebooks and then adventures. Players want the product to catch their eye as well as their imagination.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I couldn't care less about the graphics. I do like hardcovers. (but not bound-on-boards, a different method, oft confused for hardcover). They survive longer.
But my LBB's are still around nigh 20 years later... cover wear, but still useable. Can't say the same for many "perfect-bound" game supplements of the era.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
All I'm seeing here is people asking for what's been done before. My guess is that if that's they way T5 goes you may as well not bother putting it out b/c it'll sit on the shelves.
Look at GURPS:Traveller. It's a radical departure in the rules, layout and format. And it's selling better than the previous two editions of Traveller. You have a franchise that's familiar and accepted by a multitude of players. You put out quality sourcebooks. You become successful and Traveller becomes successful.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
And some of the finicky bits of canon, too.
But it's not generally a cross-over product, either. It's filling a niche that GURPS has lacked for some time. It's not attracting any of the extant traveller players in my circles; they are all turned off by GT for a variety of reasons.
T5 is targeting a different audience as well as some of the overlap.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
Marc was kind enough to reprint all of the LBBs for us (I'm hoping that he'll consider doing the same for MegaTraveller). There, we all got the Traveller we've been asking for.
Then again we're a closed market. For Traveller to truly succeed and continue for another 20 years it needs new and fresh players, approaches and ideas.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
And the CT reprints are selling. In stores.
I'd rather see 8x10's rather than 5x8's... but I LOVE the look Mr Lucas has put forth.
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-aramis
=============================================
Smith & Wesson: The Original Point and Click interface!
I'm sorry, but I think that this is a terrible idea. RetroTraveller is not going to do anything to increase the scope of the Traveller mythos.
Frankly, if the past year in the industry has taught companies anything it's that today's player/consumer and market are much, much more sophisticated than than ever before.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Has it? 3E would have sold like wild fire if it had been looseleaf sheets of typed and photocopied text.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
Players want hardcovers with great graphics. Players want sourcebooks and then adventures. Players want the product to catch their eye as well as their imagination.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I couldn't care less about the graphics. I do like hardcovers. (but not bound-on-boards, a different method, oft confused for hardcover). They survive longer.
But my LBB's are still around nigh 20 years later... cover wear, but still useable. Can't say the same for many "perfect-bound" game supplements of the era.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
All I'm seeing here is people asking for what's been done before. My guess is that if that's they way T5 goes you may as well not bother putting it out b/c it'll sit on the shelves.
Look at GURPS:Traveller. It's a radical departure in the rules, layout and format. And it's selling better than the previous two editions of Traveller. You have a franchise that's familiar and accepted by a multitude of players. You put out quality sourcebooks. You become successful and Traveller becomes successful.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
And some of the finicky bits of canon, too.
But it's not generally a cross-over product, either. It's filling a niche that GURPS has lacked for some time. It's not attracting any of the extant traveller players in my circles; they are all turned off by GT for a variety of reasons.
T5 is targeting a different audience as well as some of the overlap.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
Marc was kind enough to reprint all of the LBBs for us (I'm hoping that he'll consider doing the same for MegaTraveller). There, we all got the Traveller we've been asking for.
Then again we're a closed market. For Traveller to truly succeed and continue for another 20 years it needs new and fresh players, approaches and ideas.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
And the CT reprints are selling. In stores.
I'd rather see 8x10's rather than 5x8's... but I LOVE the look Mr Lucas has put forth.
------------------
-aramis
=============================================
Smith & Wesson: The Original Point and Click interface!
It looks great but it won't sell.
What Traveller5 really needs is something like First In cover, save make it more photo realistic. The cover has to say open me up and you will see adventure. I think that is why T4 rulebook was so good as most of the illustrations told a story. (Yeah, I would still axe that one with pen and paper) plus, it needs something sexy. Most of the illustrations in Traveller are neuter at the best of times. Why not move toward a sexy image? That afterall is what sold tons of pulp magazines.
What Traveller5 really needs is something like First In cover, save make it more photo realistic. The cover has to say open me up and you will see adventure. I think that is why T4 rulebook was so good as most of the illustrations told a story. (Yeah, I would still axe that one with pen and paper) plus, it needs something sexy. Most of the illustrations in Traveller are neuter at the best of times. Why not move toward a sexy image? That afterall is what sold tons of pulp magazines.
lucasdigital
SOC-12
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kafka47:
Why not move toward a sexy image? That afterall is what sold tons of pulp magazines.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thats just not Mr Millers style. Traveller has always been as wholesome as cookies and milk.
No bad thing as fantasy RPG already glut the world with glamour art. I don't think there is anything really morally wrong with the stuff, just its so cliched.
Traveller= conservative and mature, Dig out a copy of Shatterzone to see what 'high adventure' art looks like... Yuk!
Mk
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Mark Lucas
Lucas-digital.com
Why not move toward a sexy image? That afterall is what sold tons of pulp magazines.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thats just not Mr Millers style. Traveller has always been as wholesome as cookies and milk.
No bad thing as fantasy RPG already glut the world with glamour art. I don't think there is anything really morally wrong with the stuff, just its so cliched.
Traveller= conservative and mature, Dig out a copy of Shatterzone to see what 'high adventure' art looks like... Yuk!
Mk
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Mark Lucas
Lucas-digital.com
Thats just not Mr Millers style. Traveller has always been as wholesome as cookies and milk.
Agreed. But, I speculate if we spice up the covers more. There will be an increase in interest. Nothing exploitive. Just plain interesting. That will make you stop and say: "Wow!"
I cited somewhere, the Rebellion Sourcebook or First In (done in a more realistic manner) as an ideal cover. Now, I am saying every cover has to be like that but endless pictures of the Type S Scout/Courier only preaches to the converted.
Agreed. But, I speculate if we spice up the covers more. There will be an increase in interest. Nothing exploitive. Just plain interesting. That will make you stop and say: "Wow!"
I cited somewhere, the Rebellion Sourcebook or First In (done in a more realistic manner) as an ideal cover. Now, I am saying every cover has to be like that but endless pictures of the Type S Scout/Courier only preaches to the converted.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by lucasdigital:
Thats just not Mr Millers style. Traveller has always been as wholesome as cookies and milk.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Odd really when you remember that a number of the official adventures involved the players deliberately breaking the law. Breaking into an Imperial Research Station isn't quite cookies and milk!
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Paul
Thats just not Mr Millers style. Traveller has always been as wholesome as cookies and milk.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Odd really when you remember that a number of the official adventures involved the players deliberately breaking the law. Breaking into an Imperial Research Station isn't quite cookies and milk!
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Paul
hunter
Ancient - Absent Friend
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Takei:
Odd really when you remember that a number of the official adventures involved the players deliberately breaking the law. Breaking into an Imperial Research Station isn't quite cookies and milk!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
He refers more to the portrayal of character and npcs within the Traveller universe. You will not see artwork that is gratuitously sexual or graphically violent, nor will adventures and material cater to such.
Think of Traveller like the old B/W movies. Sure people got killed, but you didn't ever see any blood. Traveller focuses on the story rather than the sex and violence so prevalent today.
You cite the Research Station as an example, but remember the adventure? Why did the players break in? To save the Droyne siblings from being experimented upon against their will.
Traveller adventures (for the most part) usually center around some situation involving taking a closer look at an aspect of the *sophont condition*, be it slavery, prejudice, etc.
The Zhodani are a good example of this. In the beginning about all we knew of the Zhos were that they were some very strange and different society that *controlled* their population via mind control, and wanted to do the same to the people of the Imperium. Later on we learn that such concepts of the Zhos are a bit disingenuous to say the least.
Hunter
[This message has been edited by hunter (edited 05 September 2001).]
Odd really when you remember that a number of the official adventures involved the players deliberately breaking the law. Breaking into an Imperial Research Station isn't quite cookies and milk!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
He refers more to the portrayal of character and npcs within the Traveller universe. You will not see artwork that is gratuitously sexual or graphically violent, nor will adventures and material cater to such.
Think of Traveller like the old B/W movies. Sure people got killed, but you didn't ever see any blood. Traveller focuses on the story rather than the sex and violence so prevalent today.
You cite the Research Station as an example, but remember the adventure? Why did the players break in? To save the Droyne siblings from being experimented upon against their will.
Traveller adventures (for the most part) usually center around some situation involving taking a closer look at an aspect of the *sophont condition*, be it slavery, prejudice, etc.
The Zhodani are a good example of this. In the beginning about all we knew of the Zhos were that they were some very strange and different society that *controlled* their population via mind control, and wanted to do the same to the people of the Imperium. Later on we learn that such concepts of the Zhos are a bit disingenuous to say the least.
Hunter
[This message has been edited by hunter (edited 05 September 2001).]
lucasdigital
SOC-12
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kafka47:
I cited somewhere, the Rebellion Sourcebook or First In (done in a more realistic manner) as an ideal cover<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Possibly one of my all time favourite traveller covers. A.C. Farley's rendition of three cool hombres stood in front of a burning city. At their feet a captured enemy starburst flag.The grim satisfaction in these mens eyes made we want to know what they'd done for a day's work and why.....
It was inspirational stuff, being someone who thinks visually I would want to sit down and write a scenario or gather the players every time I saw that cover.
I'd like my cake and eat it. Give me a box with a really cool cover with the little black books inside.
Mk
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Mark Lucas
Lucas-digital.com
I cited somewhere, the Rebellion Sourcebook or First In (done in a more realistic manner) as an ideal cover<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Possibly one of my all time favourite traveller covers. A.C. Farley's rendition of three cool hombres stood in front of a burning city. At their feet a captured enemy starburst flag.The grim satisfaction in these mens eyes made we want to know what they'd done for a day's work and why.....
It was inspirational stuff, being someone who thinks visually I would want to sit down and write a scenario or gather the players every time I saw that cover.
I'd like my cake and eat it. Give me a box with a really cool cover with the little black books inside.
Mk
------------------
Mark Lucas
Lucas-digital.com
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by lucasdigital:
Possibly one of my all time favourite traveller covers. A.C. Farley's rendition of three cool hombres stood in front of a burning city. At their feet a captured enemy starburst flag.The grim satisfaction in these mens eyes made we want to know what they'd done for a day's work and why.....
Mk
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I always assumed they were Imperial Scouts who took down the flag as the Starport was being Sacked. Keeping the flame alive, determined to see the Imperium live!
Possibly one of my all time favourite traveller covers. A.C. Farley's rendition of three cool hombres stood in front of a burning city. At their feet a captured enemy starburst flag.The grim satisfaction in these mens eyes made we want to know what they'd done for a day's work and why.....
Mk
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I always assumed they were Imperial Scouts who took down the flag as the Starport was being Sacked. Keeping the flame alive, determined to see the Imperium live!
lucasdigital
SOC-12
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kafka47:
I always assumed they were Imperial Scouts who took down the flag as the Starport was being Sacked. Keeping the flame alive, determined to see the Imperium live!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
<chuckles>
I think that seeing the imperium live was the primary goal of all the factions. The only bone of contention was WHOSE Imperium would live.
There is a horsehead motif on the the ammo pouch of the guy on the left. Maybe a group of 'player charaters' doing the good work of the Duke of Deneb.
MK
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Mark Lucas
Lucas-digital.com
I always assumed they were Imperial Scouts who took down the flag as the Starport was being Sacked. Keeping the flame alive, determined to see the Imperium live!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
<chuckles>
I think that seeing the imperium live was the primary goal of all the factions. The only bone of contention was WHOSE Imperium would live.
There is a horsehead motif on the the ammo pouch of the guy on the left. Maybe a group of 'player charaters' doing the good work of the Duke of Deneb.
MK
------------------
Mark Lucas
Lucas-digital.com
Doctor Rob
SOC-6
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kafka47:
It looks great but it won't sell.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Can't say I agree. There are some notable examples of good selling games which don't have fancy cover art. Furthermore, I'm not convinsed games sell purely on their cover. IMHO, games shoppers have some notion of what they are after, and the truly clueless will probably ask the shop assistant anyway.
The cover art posted by Lucasdigital strikes me as near perfect for a "modern" version of the old classic.
Rob
It looks great but it won't sell.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Can't say I agree. There are some notable examples of good selling games which don't have fancy cover art. Furthermore, I'm not convinsed games sell purely on their cover. IMHO, games shoppers have some notion of what they are after, and the truly clueless will probably ask the shop assistant anyway.
The cover art posted by Lucasdigital strikes me as near perfect for a "modern" version of the old classic.
Rob
Well, I think increasing as the gaming market becomes interlaced with other marketing spins, art becomes increasingly important to sell brand. And, fundamentally Traveller is a brand.
Art is now giving voice to all those gamers imaginations. So hate again to contradict many who love the rules of Traveller. Setting is now what is selling games. I am hardly an expert in the evolution of gaming but I do see what prompts people to pick things up at my FLGS. First, it is recognition. Second, it is art.
Take the simple test:
1. Go to your FLGS pick up the first thing that appeals to you.
2. Analyze why you picked it up?
3. When you did pick it up, did you look how the rules covered X or did you examine the quality of the art.
But you said it all, when you stated that it was a classic rendition of an old theme. But, what draws you to RPGs will differ from also the younger set. So that is why it neccessary for an excellent piece of art will draw the newbies.
Art is now giving voice to all those gamers imaginations. So hate again to contradict many who love the rules of Traveller. Setting is now what is selling games. I am hardly an expert in the evolution of gaming but I do see what prompts people to pick things up at my FLGS. First, it is recognition. Second, it is art.
Take the simple test:
1. Go to your FLGS pick up the first thing that appeals to you.
2. Analyze why you picked it up?
3. When you did pick it up, did you look how the rules covered X or did you examine the quality of the art.
But you said it all, when you stated that it was a classic rendition of an old theme. But, what draws you to RPGs will differ from also the younger set. So that is why it neccessary for an excellent piece of art will draw the newbies.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kafka47:
Well, I think increasing as the gaming market becomes interlaced with other marketing spins, art becomes increasingly important to sell brand. And, fundamentally Traveller is a brand.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>agree fully here <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
Art is now giving voice to all those gamers imaginations. So hate again to contradict many who love the rules of Traveller. Setting is now what is selling games. I am hardly an expert in the evolution of gaming but I do see what prompts people to pick things up at my FLGS. First, it is recognition. Second, it is art.
Take the simple test:
1. Go to your FLGS pick up the first thing that appeals to you.
2. Analyze why you picked it up?
3. When you did pick it up, did you look how the rules covered X or did you examine the quality of the art.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> placement in store. I look at, esentially, anything on the big collumn in the middle of the store. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
But you said it all, when you stated that it was a classic rendition of an old theme. But, what draws you to RPGs will differ from also the younger set. So that is why it neccessary for an excellent piece of art will draw the newbies.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I like good art. But some of the best games I've seen have the worst covers.
------------------
-aramis
=============================================
Smith & Wesson: The Original Point and Click interface!
Well, I think increasing as the gaming market becomes interlaced with other marketing spins, art becomes increasingly important to sell brand. And, fundamentally Traveller is a brand.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>agree fully here <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
Art is now giving voice to all those gamers imaginations. So hate again to contradict many who love the rules of Traveller. Setting is now what is selling games. I am hardly an expert in the evolution of gaming but I do see what prompts people to pick things up at my FLGS. First, it is recognition. Second, it is art.
Take the simple test:
1. Go to your FLGS pick up the first thing that appeals to you.
2. Analyze why you picked it up?
3. When you did pick it up, did you look how the rules covered X or did you examine the quality of the art.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> placement in store. I look at, esentially, anything on the big collumn in the middle of the store. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>
But you said it all, when you stated that it was a classic rendition of an old theme. But, what draws you to RPGs will differ from also the younger set. So that is why it neccessary for an excellent piece of art will draw the newbies.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I like good art. But some of the best games I've seen have the worst covers.
------------------
-aramis
=============================================
Smith & Wesson: The Original Point and Click interface!
I recently bought MegaTraveller for the first time (it took a little while (15 years) to accept the idea of any Traveller besides CT
). As I state here, I have mixed feelings about MT's use of art: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>"Looking through these books just doesn't *feel* like it does with Traveller. The text is too big. The columns are too wide. There's too much art. It feels a *whole lot* like looking through BattleTech/MechWarrior books. CT has a dry, almost detached feel. MT tries harder to draw you in and add color and personality. I must admit that makes it better as an RPG, but if I'd first encountered Traveller in this form it wouldn't have hooked me like it did. Traveller was almost mysterious: those small, black books, filled with nothing but text and tables - it made me want to know more. MT looks like a circus poster.
Now, that's the stuff that doesn't really matter. What *does* matter is the quality of the systems and data contained in MT. That'll take a lot longer to evaluate.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
If T5 were to come out looking like Mark Lucas has imagined it, I'd be quite happy, but I recognize that's for my own reasons, and is quite possibly a minority opinion.
Now, that's the stuff that doesn't really matter. What *does* matter is the quality of the systems and data contained in MT. That'll take a lot longer to evaluate.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
If T5 were to come out looking like Mark Lucas has imagined it, I'd be quite happy, but I recognize that's for my own reasons, and is quite possibly a minority opinion.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> placement in store. I look at, esentially, anything on the big collumn in the middle of the store. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
So if you saw Lucas' box completely sealed in plastic. You would pick this item up over the cover of T20 (let us say shelved off to the side)... just because of its placement?
I guess that it is because in my local FLGS where the centre column is reserved only for new games. I am less tempted to pick up the unknown. And, therefore, rely upon more upon name recognition and art to guide me through the mess of titles.
So if you saw Lucas' box completely sealed in plastic. You would pick this item up over the cover of T20 (let us say shelved off to the side)... just because of its placement?
I guess that it is because in my local FLGS where the centre column is reserved only for new games. I am less tempted to pick up the unknown. And, therefore, rely upon more upon name recognition and art to guide me through the mess of titles.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> placement in store. I look at, esentially, anything on the big collumn in the middle of the store. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>[/b]
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kafka47:
So if you saw Lucas' box completely sealed in plastic. You would pick this item up over the cover of T20 (let us say shelved off to the side)... just because of its placement?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
That question is not really relevant... I'm a T20 playtester... <G>
But seriously, I'd at least read the back cover on the one that is on the display racks on the collum. I'd never see the one on the shelf... since all the stuff on the "Shelves" at Bosco's is actually in boxes upon said shelves. And, since they have a list of what I have for traveller, anything new would wind up in my pull box so long as is isn't GURPS... standing order. So neither would really be relevant for me.
However, Bosco's is a bit of an anomaly; all but the newest or hottest selling items are in comic boxes upon the shelves; browsing them requires effort (all are below 4' from floor). I only go through certain boxes: bargain bin, GZG (Full Thrust), Hevay Gear, d20 boxes containing certain publishers only. The collumn is reserved for new releases or high-profile items (Like the 3d Imperium). Higher shelves above the games are reserved for collector items (Last I checked there was still an MT box, a BL box, and a 2300 box above the traveller stuff) or board-games and wargames.
As an example, I picked up WizardKings by Columbia Games, becuase it was displayed above the 3E display area, spine only. I pulled it, read the back. Cover Art played no part in deciding to buy. The rules being online did. Placement did, too; it was in an area I was looking at, and combined with knowing Columbia Games rep for quality, that combination sold me.
I pick up Avalanche Press' d20 supps because the first one I encountered was in a good spot: on the collumn; it proved excellent, so I looked in the Avalanche Press section of the d20 bins, found others, bought another, and read it, then bought the others.
When you walk in, you find the sale table. then behind and slightly to the right is the "New Stuff Collumn", which is shelves and racks around the roof support collumn, and to the right of that and back is the games section (two 20-25' long shelving units, 2x 3' shelves, and 3x 1' deep shelves above, each side. the aisle between the units is where all the GW stuff is, plus GURPS and Palladium. Put something in there, and I won't ever see it. THe frontmost side borders the gaming tables (which are to the right of the sale table as you walk in the door) and has WOTC, D20, and older TSR stuff, plus wargames in the visble areas. the bottom shelf houses L5R, 7th sea, and most everything non- DP9 and non-WWG. DP9, WWG, traveller, the bargain bin, and SJG boardgames are in the back most aisle; where, of course, DP9 is in front on the bottom, WWG scores the top, and the upper shelves are classic games (Chess, etc), SJG wargames, Traveller and Metagaming boxes.
So said collumn is the focal point for the whole store. (Comics, BTW, are to the left as you enter, and far left is Anime, far left back is the adult section, and directly opposite the entry is sports cards and memorabilia, in a separate room.) Occasionally, non-games make it onto said collumn display.
T5, when it comes out, should make the collumn, with about 5 copies, and at least a half dozen pulls before it hits the collumn. T20 will get the collumn, as all new hadcover d20 stuff does; it will stay there as long as supplies run out, or the space is not needed for newer products.
The latest Heavy Gear stuff, though, is unlikely to get the collumn unless/until a 3rd ed comes out. T20 supplements won't go to the collumn, but might make the t20 shelf display (9' of shelf missing for hanging display...). Some of the GT stuff makes the collumn, some doesn't. GURPS Transhuman space, however, is entering week 2 on the collumn.
So yes, if t5 went straight to the shelf, I'd never know it except by it appearing in the pull box.
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-aramis
=============================================
Smith & Wesson: The Original Point and Click interface!
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by kafka47:
So if you saw Lucas' box completely sealed in plastic. You would pick this item up over the cover of T20 (let us say shelved off to the side)... just because of its placement?
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That question is not really relevant... I'm a T20 playtester... <G>
But seriously, I'd at least read the back cover on the one that is on the display racks on the collum. I'd never see the one on the shelf... since all the stuff on the "Shelves" at Bosco's is actually in boxes upon said shelves. And, since they have a list of what I have for traveller, anything new would wind up in my pull box so long as is isn't GURPS... standing order. So neither would really be relevant for me.
However, Bosco's is a bit of an anomaly; all but the newest or hottest selling items are in comic boxes upon the shelves; browsing them requires effort (all are below 4' from floor). I only go through certain boxes: bargain bin, GZG (Full Thrust), Hevay Gear, d20 boxes containing certain publishers only. The collumn is reserved for new releases or high-profile items (Like the 3d Imperium). Higher shelves above the games are reserved for collector items (Last I checked there was still an MT box, a BL box, and a 2300 box above the traveller stuff) or board-games and wargames.
As an example, I picked up WizardKings by Columbia Games, becuase it was displayed above the 3E display area, spine only. I pulled it, read the back. Cover Art played no part in deciding to buy. The rules being online did. Placement did, too; it was in an area I was looking at, and combined with knowing Columbia Games rep for quality, that combination sold me.
I pick up Avalanche Press' d20 supps because the first one I encountered was in a good spot: on the collumn; it proved excellent, so I looked in the Avalanche Press section of the d20 bins, found others, bought another, and read it, then bought the others.
When you walk in, you find the sale table. then behind and slightly to the right is the "New Stuff Collumn", which is shelves and racks around the roof support collumn, and to the right of that and back is the games section (two 20-25' long shelving units, 2x 3' shelves, and 3x 1' deep shelves above, each side. the aisle between the units is where all the GW stuff is, plus GURPS and Palladium. Put something in there, and I won't ever see it. THe frontmost side borders the gaming tables (which are to the right of the sale table as you walk in the door) and has WOTC, D20, and older TSR stuff, plus wargames in the visble areas. the bottom shelf houses L5R, 7th sea, and most everything non- DP9 and non-WWG. DP9, WWG, traveller, the bargain bin, and SJG boardgames are in the back most aisle; where, of course, DP9 is in front on the bottom, WWG scores the top, and the upper shelves are classic games (Chess, etc), SJG wargames, Traveller and Metagaming boxes.
So said collumn is the focal point for the whole store. (Comics, BTW, are to the left as you enter, and far left is Anime, far left back is the adult section, and directly opposite the entry is sports cards and memorabilia, in a separate room.) Occasionally, non-games make it onto said collumn display.
T5, when it comes out, should make the collumn, with about 5 copies, and at least a half dozen pulls before it hits the collumn. T20 will get the collumn, as all new hadcover d20 stuff does; it will stay there as long as supplies run out, or the space is not needed for newer products.
The latest Heavy Gear stuff, though, is unlikely to get the collumn unless/until a 3rd ed comes out. T20 supplements won't go to the collumn, but might make the t20 shelf display (9' of shelf missing for hanging display...). Some of the GT stuff makes the collumn, some doesn't. GURPS Transhuman space, however, is entering week 2 on the collumn.
So yes, if t5 went straight to the shelf, I'd never know it except by it appearing in the pull box.
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-aramis
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