So I've been thinking a lot about the idea I threw out yesterday about Backscratcher, and I'd really like to know what you think about the following:
I think there is real potential in setting up a bartering system for creative services that are focused within the RPG community; where everyone was allowed to request one "Itch" but no more until they had given a "Scratch" and helped fulfill another request, which made them eligible to request another "Itch". And so on.
I'd imagine services would include anything needed to help create completed content. illustration, writing, cartography, layout, editing and proofing etc. Whatever is necessary to get concepts from one person's brainpan and into everyone's hands.
The rewards of such a system? Cheaper production costs for everyone's projects - the only real currency is here is time and a love of what you're creating. Also a stronger community - we're all helping each other out to produce what we will all enjoy. Add to that awareness of each other's projects - by asking for work on your particular project others you're advertising your project.
There are issues that would need to be addressed regarding copyrights and ownership.
So yeah, all you DIY RPGers, as a concept can you see it working, and what are the potential merits and flaws? Is it something that will really galvanise the community, or is it trying to formalise an unspoken system that's already out there - is it superfluous?
And if it really is a decent idea and one worth running with... how the hell would it work?
Lemme know what you think.
UPDATE: If you are interested in being a part of Backscratcher, please leave details over here.
Need anything written? :D
ReplyDeleteHellz yeah Jez! I dig this. I honest can lend myself in the writing and sexy department.. My art figures look like they were mauled by angry badgers though... So that's out.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a good idea, though people are aware (mostly) if they can't draw or lack technical skills. My suspicion is that most folks who do rpg stuff think they can write (and probably, anybody who does a blog can--at least up to the standards of self-published indie rpgs). Of course, I guess there's also proofing/editing, though that's really a slightly different set of skills. Anyway, not naysaying, just problemitizing. :)
ReplyDeleteI was actually going to ask you about expanding "backscratcher" if you were interested, offering up my own services writing/editing. I definitely feel this is something that could work amongst the RPG community.
ReplyDeleteSome things to consider though:
I think the challenges you'll face will be over matters of quality. I'd like to think I'm a talented writer, as well as a keen editor...but other people might think what I write is total shit. :)
So if someone scratches my "itch", but I feel their work is utter garbage, I might reject it. So is my "itch" lost in the process?
Also, I personally missed out on "The Forge", although I've benefited from its results (Apocalypse World, I'm looking at you). I'm not sure how similar this is to The Forge, but you might want to look into that to see how successful whatever they did was for all of its members.
Best of luck...you definitely have my full support with this project.
Have you heard of ckutalik's Hydra Cooperative?
ReplyDeletehttp://hillcantons.blogspot.com/search/label/publishing%20coop
I am not a member myself, but the goal sounds similar.
@The Secret DM
ReplyDeleteI imagine there should be a charter with language like:
Note that tastes differ. If your offering is rejected, you will not gain a brownie point. I promise not to be offended by such rejection. Signed X________
@ Brendan: No I hadn't heard of the Hydra Cooperative... all the best ideas are already taken :) Off to have a chat with Chris.
ReplyDelete@ Trey: I think there's a place for a lot of creative services though. I (think) i can write decent prose, but finding the time and headspace is a killer. But I can bang out a picture pretty quick, and barter that with someone who is in a position to write something far better.
ReplyDelete@ Secret DM: One way to help overcome the issues of quality would be to include a portfolio or sample of the potential contributor's work, and/or rating system for people you've helped out to comment on. That way you can check to see if what the potential contributor's offering suits your requirements.
You could do this informally ("here's my blog, hope you like what you see!") or in a more structured manner - a dedicated website with contributor pages, a board for Itches and Scratches, etc. that option seems like a fair wack of work to me, certainly beyond my time and ability to put together.
All that's essentially needed is one page out there in the intertube where people can post their Itches and others can track their Scratches.
@Brendan - yknow, I wrote to Chris about the Hydra thing, and never heard back. I don't know what's up with it lately.
ReplyDelete@Erik I spoke to Chris recently about this; it's moving into a new phase...updates to come soon. I was inquiring about helping out myself with that project as well, and Chris wasn't sure if they'd be adding new members to the cause as of yet as they prepared for "Phase 2"...which I imagine meant producing some actual content to be released. We'll have to wait and see how that project develops.
ReplyDeleteJust for everyone who took the time to reply to this, I've added a new post where, if you are interested in taking part in Backscratcher, you can leave all your details:
ReplyDeleteBackscratcher: Want In?