Dual-Statting Headaches

[Cynthia Celeste Miller]

We're currently in the layout stages for Omlevex, our Silver Age setting book which was originally just going to be an M&M Superlink product.  A bit later on, it was decided that we should include character conversions for Hero and SAS too.

The problem is: the location of these additional write-ups.  As it stands, the background/personality info on each character has the M&M stats included.  Should we place the Hero and SAS conversions in sidebars or should we give them their own appendices in the back of the book?

I'm beating my head against my desk (ouch) trying to figure out which approach would be best, from both a layout standpoint and a usefulness standpoint, so I figured that instead of bashing my brow into hamburger, I'd drop a line here.

Thanks.

[jdagna]

I'd be more inclined to put dual stats at the back of the book.  If all three versions appear in sidebars, you're going to clutter up the text with information that a third (at best) of the readers will want to use.  The ones who do use them can easily photocopy them out.

Actually, I would also consider putting the information on the web instead of in the book itself.

[ADGBoss]

First off I would suggest a few minutes of Halo or Quake as an alternative to brain surgery via the desk. :)

Is number of pages a problem? If not then what I might suggest is a striagh appendix, pretty and with nice artwork that would have both sets of Alternative stats on one page.  Since its not the main focus of the book I think many people who did not want to see thos stats would appreciate not having them near the main stats.

On the other hand it would be more convenient to have all the various stats in one place.  If you do that I would say make them a smaller font and put both sets of extra stats on one page.

Third alternative might be to make them a free downloadable PDF. If people want them they can go get them.

Whichever you do I am sure someone will complain.


Sean

[Cynthia Celeste Miller]

Thanks for the reply, Justin.  

I think it would look better in the appendices too.  I just don't want a bunch of angry SAS and Hero fans hunting me down.  Hehe.

As for putting it on the website, well, the licenses have already been paid for and we've already been advertising the product as being compatible with those systems.

[Pramas]

You wouldn't have this problem if you just stuck to M&M Superlink. :)

[Cynthia Celeste Miller]

First off I would suggest a few minutes of Halo or Quake as an alternative to brain surgery via the desk. :)

Is number of pages a problem? If not then what I might suggest is a striagh appendix, pretty and with nice artwork that would have both sets of Alternative stats on one page.  Since its not the main focus of the book I think many people who did not want to see thos stats would appreciate not having them near the main stats.

On the other hand it would be more convenient to have all the various stats in one place.  If you do that I would say make them a smaller font and put both sets of extra stats on one page.

Third alternative might be to make them a free downloadable PDF. If people want them they can go get them.

Whichever you do I am sure someone will complain.


Sean

Definitely valid ideas, Sean.  Thank you.

As for space considerations... yeah, we're cramped.  The text came out to be like 19,000 words over.  Ouch!

[Cynthia Celeste Miller]

You wouldn't have this problem if you just stuck to M&M Superlink. :)

Yeah, yeah... yuk it up, Chris.  Yuk it up.  ;)