How long between editions is enough?

[Michael Hopcroft]

I got another e-mail from a potneital reviewer who was so ticked off by the various "errors" in HeartQuest that he refused to write a review at all. In fact, every critic has had something nasty to say about my inaugral effort's editing and layout.

Now HeartQuest D20 will correct many of these errors, but I'm not entirely sure the original FUDGE-based design is something that should be abandoned. It's simple, direct, and easy to create charatcers and NPCs for.

My question, then, is how much longer I should wait until I start to seriously put together the second edition of HeartQuest. The WOTC model appears to be two years (between D&D 3E and D&D 3.5), but in my case I'm wondering if it might be closer to three before I can actually afford the project. And what would be gained by a second edition that would make it worth doing in the first place?

Expiring minds want to know!

[DaR]

Speaking strictly as a consumer, I'd say that what and why matter a lot more than when.  If you're going to change the system and provide other significant new content, putting out a new edition isn't a bad thing, especially if it corrects perceived flaws in the previous one.  

The only downside is there will obviously be some group who thinks they got "ripped off" by buying the old inferior edition only to have the new edition released immediately after.  However, you'll get these people no matter when you release a new edition, unless you deliberately stop selling the previous edition long in advance of the new one is released, which is a very tough business decision and may not even be practical given how long copies might float around the distribution channels.

Again, as a consumer, if you did something along the lines of giving a deep discount on the PDF version of the second edition to those who bought the first edition, that would take any sting out of releasing a new edition so soon.

-DaR

[Matt Gwinn]

Michael,
What kind of changes are you considering?  If it is simply spelling and gramatical errors I don't see anyone complaining, since the old version is pretty much identicle (just messier).  If you are adding new material or changing rules, you can offer the changes/errata on your web site for free (or a minimal charge if there are extensive additions).

We discussed the difference between 2nd editions and Revised editions  recently in my Doubling up On Art thread.

,Matt G.