Free PDFs vs Final Product

[Matt Gwinn]

I have been offering Kayfabe for free on my web site for about six months now.  About a month ago I decided that I would not update the PDF file, despite the fact that I have made numerous improvements on the game.  My reasoning for this is to ensure that people have a reason to actually pay money for it at GENCON.

My problem is that the current rules, and the rules available for download, are not 100% compatible.  I feel quite uncomfortable about it.  I don't want people to get used to playing the game one way and then having to deal with a bunch of rules changes in four months.

I could, post portions of the game, but as I have widdled it down to 24 pages there isn't much I can post.

I'm considering taking down the PDF all together, until the sale version is complete.

Any thoughts?

,Matt G.

[Valamir]

Why don't you just say the above on your website so that people who download know theres a new edition on the way.  That way you still have the teaser up to generate interest.

[Matt Gwinn]

That's a pretty good idea.
Sometimes the solution is right under your nose.

[Clinton R. Nixon]

Matt,

I think you're on the mark - having a less-complete version out there as a "teaser" is a good way to get people actually interested in the game. I've been doing this with Donjon (the earlier version, Donjon Krawl, is still out there - but isn't nearly the game Donjon's become), and I've seen others do it to great effect. (The apprentice version of Sorcerer - which isn't quite the same, as it's purposefully scaled-down rules - comes to mind.)

[Alex Gray]

Good to hear that other folks have gone this route. We will be previewing our game - Crusade - this way. We plan to use the Shareware/Crippleware model which offers a cut down version for free. You want the whole thing - pony up the dough. the plan is to keep the Free Demo PDF current so it is consistent with the product we are using it to promote.