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Acaeum Newsletter - Brainstorming Thread
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FoulFoot
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 4:00 pm

Sorry, just noticed this thread now (been out of town).

If you want to use "Acaeum" in the title, I don't mind, provided I have veto authority? In other words, if there's something I don't think is appropriate, or doesn't represent the site well (I'm reaching; I can't actually imagine an example of what I'm talking about), then I'd have the ability to nix (or change) that article/photo/whatever before the issue "went to print".

As a standard disclaimer, I probably don't have the time to edit or contribute to the newsletter myself (at the moment), but I might find the time down the road.

Foul

JasonZavoda
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 4:12 pm

FoulFoot wrote:Sorry, just noticed this thread now (been out of town).

If you want to use "Acaeum" in the title, I don't mind, provided I have veto authority? In other words, if there's something I don't think is appropriate, or doesn't represent the site well (I'm reaching; I can't actually imagine an example of what I'm talking about), then I'd have the ability to nix (or change) that article/photo/whatever before the issue "went to print".

As a standard disclaimer, I probably don't have the time to edit or contribute to the newsletter myself (at the moment), but I might find the time down the road.

Foul

I think you should be listed as publisher or editor-in-chief (no joke).

We can work with an assistant editor-in-chief to handle all the organizing, and assitant editors and proof readers to handle the bulk of the submissions. I wouldn't recommend having a committee of editors because that can bog things down unbelievably.

Badmike
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:37 pm

I don't know who will step up to collect, collate, edit and publish the thing, but if it helps, I will commit to writing at least one article every issue on a topic of collecting, collectibles, or similar topics.

Mike B.

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"The Acaeum hates fun" Sir Allen
"I had a collecting emergency" Nogrod
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JasonZavoda
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 9:55 pm

Badmike wrote:I don't know who will step up to collect, collate, edit and publish the thing, but if it helps, I will commit to writing at least one article every issue on a topic of collecting, collectibles, or similar topics.

Mike B.

A publisher can provide different services, but if we want this to be an Acaeum newsletter then right of the bat that would put Foul in as publisher. He can always pull the plug on the thing. I'd say if he wants to give it a once over before approving it that would make him the editor-in-chief, and we could have someone as managing editor to handle the other tasks and organize the work of assistant editors, proofreaders, etc...

Gnat the Beggar
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:03 am

JasonZavoda wrote:
I think you should be listed as publisher or editor-in-chief (no joke).

We can work with an assistant editor-in-chief to handle all the organizing, and assitant editors and proof readers to handle the bulk of the submissions. I wouldn't recommend having a committee of editors because that can bog things down unbelievably.

The name choices have not yet been finalized and no votes have been made.

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Last edited by Gnat the Beggar on Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:54 am, edited 1 time in total.

ashmire13
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:19 am

I think, probably in good faith to Foul, even if Acaeum isn't used in the title, he should have some input as its basis will be from these very pages.

Rolls a '3'

"Did I hit.....?"

Alexander
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 11:04 am

Well, we could choose' ten staff members. find among them an editor (English mothertongue

) and give Foul the post of Publisher or Editor in Chief, then start working

JasonZavoda
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 12:13 pm

Gnat the Beggar wrote:
The name choices have not yet been finalized and no votes have been made.

Gnat, I don't understand what ya mean? While I'd like to see Acaeum in the title, what would the title matter in regards to having Foul as publisher or editor-in-chief if the newsletter was based on the Acaeum?

And to me a non-Acaeum based RPG collectors newsletter would be pretty meaningless.

Gnat the Beggar
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 3:38 pm

Alexander1968 wrote:Well, we could choose' ten staff members. find among them an editor (English mothertongue ) and give Foul the post of Publisher or Editor in Chief, then start working

"Guys, I am starting to think Tegel Manor might be haunted..."
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lucyjoyce
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Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:48 pm

The Acaeum Colloquium

Fun to say and vowels out the wazoo.

If all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error. - John Kenneth Galbraith

HexMapper
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Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:34 am

With all these topics and input, why not create an electronic (pdf) acaeum-member founded mag in the spirit of Dragon and Dungeon.

If you include more artwork, a section for handcrafted stuff (already mentioned), converting concepts between AD&D editions (forward and in reverse), TSR author bios, and other things yet thought - the pages would add up fast. It could eliminate heavy needs to squeeze or draw straws / scissors, paper, rock to omit material per issue.

It's known that no one has tons of time, yet, an editing staff of a dozen to 15 people (potentially even less), it could be done - especially electronically.

On FoulFoot's approval, sell it for a very reasonable price (every bit helps) with appropriate references cited, of course.

Has anyone considered making an aceum-member founded RPG?

What can I say ~ I'm a northern, steely-tempered Clevelander ~ That's for all those yellow rose state members

Badmike
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 8:59 am

Pushing this back up to the top since we were discussing this subject and there was already many good ideas here in the old thread.

Mike B.

"THE MORE YOU THINK ABOUT WHY i DONE WHAT i DONE THE MORE i LAUGH" Cougar
"The Acaeum hates fun" Sir Allen
"I had a collecting emergency" Nogrod
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Badmike
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 9:14 am

Collecting some of the best ideas from the earlier posts:

Quarterly publication;

Print on Demand (lulu?) and E-zine (downloadable);

Name of Newsletter:
AGN: Acaeum Guild Newsletter
Mages Pages
Pages from the Ages
Acaeum Members Guild
Contraho Scientia
The Vault of Knowledge
The RPGCA Reporter
The Acaeum Advocate
Acaeum RPGCA Newsletter
Acaeum Insider
Sage Advice
Collectors' Gazette
RPG Collector's Journal
Acaeum Librarian's Journal
Deep & Empty Pockets
Where'd My Paycheck Go?
Treasured Sage Recordings
Hoard News

Newsletter features:

- product reviews (new and old) and previews
- features/essays about specific products
- updates to site info on products (new printings/variants/details/nuggets)
- the collecting year in review
- recollections and anecdotes from days of yore
- product announcements that would interest the audience (reprints and new retro-clone releases)
- collecting resources on mold, supplies (archival polybags/sheet protectors, etc.), other places for info, etc.
- tips on better searching on eBay (and off)
- product indexes or checklists
- letters to the editor/zine
- guest editorials/rants
- bonus inserts in the center: Modules, Collector's Checklist, Fiction, etc
- new print version findings
- interesting sales / prices
- social events related to members
- ongoing RPG games played by members
- Wiki news
- Monthly trivia questions
- Pictures of member's collections
- Interviews with industry professionals
- Coverage of conventions (Garycon, NTRPG con, SoCal Mini con) specializing in old school collecting opportunities
- Auction data (new)
- Sales events from retailers
- Member bios
- Retail locations for OOP items
- Annual Gencon report on collectible items therein

Anything I missed?

If someone could just get all the technical details handled (ala Knockspell, Fight On, Dragonsfoot's publication whatever that is called, etc) it would be easier to solicit material. But someone definitely has to be willing to be the front man (men) here or it won't get done. My plate is full but I would love to contribute. Any takers? Jeremy? Jason? I think you two guys seem to be taking the lead here.

Mike B.

"THE MORE YOU THINK ABOUT WHY i DONE WHAT i DONE THE MORE i LAUGH" Cougar
"The Acaeum hates fun" Sir Allen
"I had a collecting emergency" Nogrod
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Badmike
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 9:23 am

Typical issue might be:

Cover by Jason Braun (old style);

Editorial rant by Jason Z (not hard to get going once you wind him up);

Definitive article on the different white box versions, with all the details and a bit of history on the white box, a good reference article you could refer if you are collector but actually readable;

Tips on keywords to use on Ebay;

Using Craigslist to find collectibles;

Product checklist and review of The Companions releases;

Product reviews of Bill's latest Pacesetter release, the new Swords & Wizardry book, and a Expeditious Press module;

1st person accounts of this year's Garycon and NTRPG con;

New auction highs of specific collectibles;

New discoveries/print versions/debate on validity of new finds;

"Items to Look For" focusing this issue on Judges Guild;

Interview with Tim Kask;

Letters to the Editor.

What do you think? Each issue would mix this up every issue, dropping some features and adding others depending on the authors.

Mike B.

"THE MORE YOU THINK ABOUT WHY i DONE WHAT i DONE THE MORE i LAUGH" Cougar
"The Acaeum hates fun" Sir Allen
"I had a collecting emergency" Nogrod
Co-founder of the North Texas RPG Con
NTRPGCON

JasonZavoda
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 9:36 am

I have the time to work on it, but I can't handle the tech end of the thing. I can do editing and proof reading, there are some articles or columns I could write, but getting it ready as a pdf or for a POD, I am completely in the dark on how that is done.

What it will also need is a slush pile of non-perishable articles. Any articles of a perishable nature need to wait till all the tech details are hammered out and the framework of the newsletter is in place.

Would we want a newsletter or zine or magazine? Would we want it to be POD or have an actual (limited) printing?

Anyone interested, start writing articles now. Tech details can be worked out, editing is just a matter of process like fermentation, but you can't make moonshine without the corn and kerosine.

"You get more with a kind word and an excruciator than with just a kind word."

MetaSigma
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 9:46 am

I have to say, I was skeptical at first about the usefulness of such a publication, but after reading through the existing ideas Mike posted, it looks promising.

I could contribute proofreading and/or packing/mailing time (assuming it ended up being a non-POD print product that would need to be shipped out from a central locale). I doubt I'd have much of significance to offer article-wise, except perhaps in a few very specific areas, but I might give that a go at some point.

Would this likely be issued quarterly (monthly seems too much to expect)?

Ithaca Dragon
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TheHistorian
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 10:22 am

MetamorphosisSigma wrote:I have to say, I was skeptical at first about the usefulness of such a publication, but after reading through the existing ideas Mike posted, it looks promising.

I remain skeptical. What is the goal? What does this achieve? Why is bundling this better than starting threads here on all those fine topics?

Areas of interest/knowledge: Harn, WFRP, Ars Magica, anything BRP based such as CoC, Runequest, Pendragon and all their related games

MetaSigma
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 10:31 am

It certainly wouldn't appeal to everyone, but articles by specialist collectors which delve a little deeper into the minutiae of their particular focuses might be interesting, and I believe the newsletter format would improve the signal-to-noise ratio. People responding to articles would have to use the letters to the editor section if they believe something's inaccurate or just plain wrong, rather than replying directly in a thread, which occasionally I think reduces some threads to a welter of back-and-forth opinion mongering.

For instance, I'm not an OD&D collector (at all). And, though I've looked at the OD&D woodgrain and white box entries here a number of times, it's not exactly fun reading. An overview of the prints with a discussion of various points of interest and things to look for, with a little history for flavor, might go a long way toward piquing someone's interest enough to begin collecting. Any number of esoteric topics could be visited a little more thoroughly in an article than is likely to happen in a thread.

Or I could be totally full of crap

Ithaca Dragon
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