GURPS hardback differences

[GM Joe]

I own all the GURPS 4e hardbacks, and I've noticed a couple of them are different looking as compared to the rest:

- GURPS Zombies has the copy on the spine higher than the other books do; the all-seeing eye is much higher, for example, but the GURPS logo and book title are a bit higher as well.

- GURPS Low-Tech has a different finish: it's glossier, with a very shiny look; I'm not sure if that's what's causing the cover to appear a lighter shade of black than the rest of the hardbacks do, or if the color really is different.

Are all copies of these books like that, or did I end up with misprints/manufacturing defects?

[Imion]

Since the printers have changed multiple times since 2004 such things are only to be expected. *shrug*

[GM Joe]

Ah, OK. Those two just look funny on my shelf. :)

[demonsbane]

But a noticeable difference in height would sound more like a design thing?

My hardcovers are of the same height, but the last one I have is Low-Tech.

[GM Joe]

Originally Posted by demonsbane

But a noticeable difference in height would sound more like a design thing?

My hardcovers are of the same height, but the last one I have is Low-Tech.

Mine are the same height, too. It's just the placement of the text and logos that differs on the one.

[mook]

I've long noticed the higher "Zombies" title on my shelf, but I never noticed the different matte/color on Low-Tech.

Now, I cannot unsee it. You shall rue this day, GM Joe. Rue it! :)

[GM Joe]

Originally Posted by mook

I've long noticed the higher "Zombies" title on my shelf, but I never noticed the different matte/color on Low-Tech.

Now, I cannot unsee it. You shall rue this day, GM Joe. Rue it! :)

I'm always happy to help! :)

[ericbsmith]

Some of the printings of Basic Set: Campaigns were slightly taller than others (I believe this was limited to Campaigns). I remember this because they were selling some of the extra slipcases from the Deluxe Edition and an issue came up with the 2nd or 3rd printing of Campaigns wouldn't quite fit in the slipcase.

Essentially, SJGames doesn't print enough books to be a "regular" customer at a printing press. So when they get ready to print a new book they sometimes shop around to see if they can get a better deal at another printing press; or, for that matter, even if they do stay with the same press company there's no guarantee that the printing press machine will be the same as it was a year or two earlier. So there are going to be slight differences from book to book, whether you're talking new printings of older books or brand new books. Paper prices, quality, and availability also vary, so a new book may not get quite the same type or quality of paper as the last book did because the prices have fluctuated.

[demonsbane]

Originally Posted by GM Joe

Mine are the same height, too. It's just the placement of the text and logos that differs on the one.

I missed this reply. I understand now what you mean, and it's better than what I'd imagined!

[GM Joe]

Originally Posted by demonsbane

I missed this reply. I understand now what you mean, and it's better than what I'd imagined!

True, my GURPS bookshelf isn't looking like the jagged peaks of a mountain range. That would be much worse. :)