What Space Atlases would you like to see?

[Agemegos]

I see the fnords

[isf]

I would buy all of the above.

[Pomphis]

Me too. And a Gaean Reaches sourcebook would be very welcome too.

[ravenfish]

I sure would. And I'm glad someone is going to be writing for the list.

[Icelander]

I'd probably buy such Space Atlases for any Flat Black worlds you can think of doing.

But I can't help thinking that you are hopelessly optimistic for thinking about ransoming kings, even small ones, and RPG writing in the same breath. I think the rewards for RPG writing are more suited for ransoming second-cousins of backcountry nobles than they are for any kings.

And with the dollar situation as it is, things are even worse for people abroad who have to rely on payment from the US.

You could maybe ransom the king's glove, if you write several books.

[elv]

Originally Posted by Agemegos

The question remain, though: do people want to buy Space Atlases describing worlds with bizarre governments and societies? Societies with radically different family types? Societies with different values? Societies with radically unfamiliar social 'gender' roles? Or is this a hopelessly uneconomic niche?

When it comes to Space Atlases, there are basically three things that would get me to part with what little money I have available for gaming:

1. Writing that is so good it makes even a vanilla "yanks/brits in space" setting shine;
2. Well-developed, interesting alien life (intelligent or otherwise);
3. Well-developed, interesting societies.

Your description sounds like it definitely fits #3. Go for it!

John

[Fnordianslip]

In a word, hell yes. Solidly designed space settings are fantastic. There's very little I like more than a logical and consistent space setup. Aliens should be, well, alien, not just humans with some exaggerated trait. If you write it, I'll buy it.

[Shrale]

probably anything that isn't a "one-off" type of atlas, meaning when you go to planet X you can only do such and such.

the adventures don't necessarily have to be multi-topic but some of the setting revealed/detailed should provide ideas for things other than a single type of adventure.

[Icelander]

Originally Posted by Agemegos

Anything specific to Flat Black—the relationship of worlds to the interstellar community, the history, features consequent upon the process of settlement, the ban on private spacecraft—would have to be carved out and replaced with vanilla

Ugh. Hate vanilla. ;)

Originally Posted by Agemegos

Indeed. But since I write RPG material anyway even a derisory rate of pay is pure gain.

That it is. But at the expense of writing what others want, not what you feel like writing, I guess.

All the same, if I had more free time, I'd probably do the same thing. Granted, I don't have any illusions about payment amounting to more than my RPG budget for the month, and that if I was lucky and diligent, but it would be fun to write "professionally" if one had time.

The wretched appellate committee decision I'm penning now does a poor job of satisfying my aesthetic sense, let alone exercise my creativity. I am, however, too much the slave to material comfort to consider exchanging US 50-80¢ (since it's billed by the hour, it depends on output speed) for US 4¢.

Originally Posted by Agemegos

On the other hand, this state of affairs ought in theory to increase SJG's overseas sales, and increase royalties.

RPG authors receive royalties? Unprecedented luxury! ;)

I thought they signed away most of their rights, up to and including that for their eternal soul, for a joyous song-and-dance.

[Icelander]

Originally Posted by Agemegos

Twenty-three years ago Blade (a division of Flying Buffalo) offered me either 3¢ per word or a 5% royalty.

And which did you choose?