HermitFromPluto wrote:Just wondered if anybody had ever thought about or proposed a Role Playing Games Collectors Association (RPGCA)?

I have been sitting down thinking about the various fan and collector's sites for RPGs and wondering about next steps. I think the serious non-commercial sites such as this one, ToT and some of the linked sites here could logically band together to form something like an RPGCA. Could perhaps prepare a little newsletter with 'Collectors News' etc

Has anyone else ever thought about this? Does such an association exist in any form?

I think the problem with organizations like that, as well intentioned as they start out, end up with a lot of petty infighting and politics and bueracracy.  Like most collector's associations it would probably be a thankless task to run.  But if someone wanted to start one, I would join it.

Mike B.

. wrote:You could always leave it to the AHs at BGG/RPGG. If there's money to be had out of posting BS, they'll already be onto it. IMO best to keep the news here on Acaeum where it's free and open.

Hence my emphasis on non-commercial. You're probably right though - making an official association may be a headache. It was just a thought. Be interested to hear some more views though.

I would join one.
Until it started to become too political, and stopped being a fan based enterprise.
Which would be likely.

I would be more inclined to back a venture formed and driven by fellow Acaeum members  working in conjunction, than any single enterprise drawing on resources out with the board.

News and reviews, and all the information I could ever want about how and when and where my fellow Acaeum members are likely to meet and greet can all be had here on the threads (although I'm not as rich as Alan and Malc and I can't afford to fly over to the States).

Furthermore, any information I could ever want to enquire about, I can ask here; either by PM to someone I know is likely to have the answer, or in open forum, where the whole gamut of people's experiences, knowledge and expertise can be drawn upon.

So I do not see what an RPGCA can contribute.

Now, if you wanted to go and interview Mr X of XYZ Ltd, and write an article about the rise and fall of XYZ Publishers, then you could either do that and contribute it freely to the community (I'm sure someone here will offer to host the file for free. I will.) Or you could contribute it to one of the many established value for money 'zines who have already got through most of the headaches you'll face. Why not ask Fight On! for a four page spread and the right to pen under the title 'Collectors Corner'? It's a better start than what you propose, and one that is likely to be welcomed with open arms. You'd be bringing an angle and articles to a magazine that currently has a gap there. They'd be stupit to turn you down.

Finally, a word of caution. There is no money in this. I have presumed this is a wholely philanthropic enterprise on your part. There is absolutely no money in this at all. Just ask James of AGP, who has already distinguished himself for his writing and presentation, how much money is in the RPG market at the moment. I know what he'll say.

Member number 6 here!
 

Those who's collections are 'up to scratch' are already in 'the club'. If you've not been invited yet, that probably means you collection isn't up to scratch yet.  

Gnat the Beggar wrote:Member number 6 here!
 

Gnat, you're not a number, you're a roleplayer.

JasonZavoda wrote:
Sounds cool, though to me we already have that here.

Why not do an Acaeum newsletter? We could have articles on collecting. Most of our threads would make great columns for a newsletter. Fun Finds, Shady Dealers, Lists of collecting sites, Is This Mold?

Heck, we could have a book on collecting with what the members here have already written, but I love the idea of a newsletter.

I like Jason's idea, if it stays non political, non dues paying, nonprofit, etc.  I would also say I would want it to me more "Acaeum Oriented" in scope...nothing against the guys at ToT or elsewhere, but it would be great if such an organization could drive traffic to this site.  I'd even contribute something if someone decides to put it together and get it going.  I can probably speak for Doug here and say the NTRPG Con would support such an organization.  Maybe an RPGCA exclusive game at the con? Or maybe everyone just gets a secret handshake and is required to participate in a Tequila shot drinking contest when you are "initiated"?

However, I do like the title thing. RPGCA just sounds good. Could we therefore make anyone who is a member of The Acaeum with x amount of replies a member of the RPGCA?

Or, if you have some purpose in mind, like being an official voice to publishers about the items we like/want, or to organize fund-raisers for non-profits, or to organize LE art print projects, make a newsletter, or whatever, then the organizational structure would make itself more obvious.

All good ideas. I think 100 posts should cover it....not that amount of posts really means that much, IMO, but it gives some indication of the level of commitment (or boredom at home) of the individual.  It's hard to get that many posts under your belt without contributing SOMETHING. Plus the member would have had to make a post in the last calender year.  By my calculations, that would put the fledlgling organization at 140 members, with many more right on the edge.

How about make it really fun and have a list of goodies, and say the member has to own one of them? One of the Big Ten (didn't someone make a list once?).  If everyone had to have just one item, I'd vote for a White Box.....they aren't that hard to get, and the search for one can be fun and exciting, and they are an essential part of the hobby's roots.  Then post a photo of your copy and tell the story about how you got it.

I guess however my point would be, how is this different from just being an Acaeum member anyway? A higher level of commitment? I don't see any tangible benefits except to "scoreboard" someone who isn't a member...I mean, I'm all for beefing up my "collecting" resume with a title, don't get me wrong.

Now, if you wanted to go and interview Mr X of XYZ Ltd, and write an article about the rise and fall of XYZ Publishers, then you could either do that and contribute it freely to the community (I'm sure someone here will offer to host the file for free. I will.) Or you could contribute it to one of the many established value for money 'zines who have already got through most of the headaches you'll face. Why not ask Fight On! for a four page spread and the right to pen under the title 'Collectors Corner'? It's a better start than what you propose, and one that is likely to be welcomed with open arms. You'd be bringing an angle and articles to a magazine that currently has a gap there. They'd be stupit to turn you down.

Good idea..but this only bespeaks more for an "official" organization.  That way some 10 Post Wonder can't approach a magazine touting themselves as an "Acaeum member" and parlay that into a article about collecting tournament modules.

If it stays fun and not too serious, yet has a tangible presence in the collecting world, I'm all for it. As long as it stayed all volunteer...

A thought...instead of "annual dues", how about a contribution to Foulfoot to keep the Acaeum running? I am woefully behind on contributing myself  Maybe membership can act as sort of a reminder every year to give Scott his due....

Ok now I've got myself interested...dang it...!

Mike B.

In which case, why not put the idea to Scott. Set up a subweb here (invitation only) and put out a newsletter from that?
But I still don't get what the proposed RPGCA offers that is not provided by Acaeum.