After every in-person event I’ve done as Exeunt Press, I have tried to do a post-mortem. I think through what went well and what didn’t go so well, and then try to formulate a list of lessons learned.
Gene and I found that the biggest issue is explaining solo journaling games to people. For PeopleCon, I’m going to look into getting some cheap, colorful journals to sell as a package deal with my games, which might be more relatable.
I think a script would help - maybe a note card with some bullet points that you can reference - I personally wouldn't mind seeing a small publisher with many different titles using a "reference" to ensure they are providing me the info I would need to make a better decision.
On the flip side, I can see how some people would take it as "reading from a script, so they don't know their games" [insert snarky joke, but I'm working on being better about that]
I agree with the visual aid to help sell - or maybe a QR that links to some videos explaining or actual plays of the game - meant to go along with your pitch, not replace it. I know that is additional work, but since so many people are visual creatures it might help them with understanding.
As for Tumulus, I would just give them one to browse through while standing there. I knew the first day I got my first issue that it was the right purchase and is exactly the type of publication I enjoy and support. Others will know its not for them. The book sells itself honestly and the pay structure is an additional bonus, not having a subscription for people to forget about and get lost in their monthly bills makes it an easy "dipping of one's toes in the water".
I have a bag of everything I bring when I run at conventions that I slowly pack up each day for the week before, making it more muscle memory so I don't forget anything (I usually do anyway, but I would be a mess if I waited until the last minute) I know the booth is a much bigger thing, but I'm assuming you have that all packed together after each one so you know its all there for the next one, but those small things are what we always forget - so the nightly routine for me help.
Congrats on another successful convention, happy to hear sales and experiences are on the rise.
Thank you! To be clear, I wasn't suggesting I have at written script at the event. Just that I could write something ahead of time as a way to organize my thoughts. I could re-read it before an event to give myself "Oh right!! That's how I explained that!" big of a refresher. And honestly, after the first few people, I'm good to go. I just feel bad for that first person to my booth as I stumble and try to remember what the heck to say. Hah!
I'm in the same boat when I table with both my stuff and Underland Press. The Arcana titles are a series, and while they are pretty and help fill the table, they're hard to quantify in an easy way to people. More so when they realize there are a dozen of them. They don't know where or how to start (and God forbid I've sold out of issue 1). I usually tell 'em that they're like tarot decks: get one that speaks to you.
Really interesting read. I love visiting events like this but, as a browser with limited purchasing budget, I can feel awkward approaching exhibitors as I worry I'm wasting their time if I don't make a purchase. Hearing you briefly mention the positive effect talking with a community can have is nice to know. I can donate a little enthusiasm, if not cash ;)
A thought I had regarding scripts, could you offload some of the communication to the stand visuals. Maybe collect some quotes/reviews that do a good job of summarising the play experience, while providing some social proof?
Absolutely stop by to chat! I don't get a table at small events like HBGD because I think I'm going to "make the big bucks." I go because it helps support the local community and I get a chance to talk to people who play my games! And maybe introduce solo games to someone new. That's the rewarding part and a large part of why I attend.
As for visuals and such, I've found that people don't read anything on the table. :) Maybe it's just a big word or two, but I've stopped trying to have text descriptions. Hahah.
Good question. I wrote it to be played as a standard CY_BORG heist and didn't include any explicit solo mechanisms in it (e.g. oracles, special solo rules, etc.). That said, I do try to be explicit when writing adventures/heists so that it is less work for the GM. That usually makes it easier to adapt to solo play.
Is it designed for solo play? Not explicitly. Can it be played solo? Quite possibly, but I'm not sure! :)
Gene and I found that the biggest issue is explaining solo journaling games to people. For PeopleCon, I’m going to look into getting some cheap, colorful journals to sell as a package deal with my games, which might be more relatable.
That's a fun idea. Might help to have the physical journal there with the game. Thanks!
I think a script would help - maybe a note card with some bullet points that you can reference - I personally wouldn't mind seeing a small publisher with many different titles using a "reference" to ensure they are providing me the info I would need to make a better decision.
On the flip side, I can see how some people would take it as "reading from a script, so they don't know their games" [insert snarky joke, but I'm working on being better about that]
I agree with the visual aid to help sell - or maybe a QR that links to some videos explaining or actual plays of the game - meant to go along with your pitch, not replace it. I know that is additional work, but since so many people are visual creatures it might help them with understanding.
As for Tumulus, I would just give them one to browse through while standing there. I knew the first day I got my first issue that it was the right purchase and is exactly the type of publication I enjoy and support. Others will know its not for them. The book sells itself honestly and the pay structure is an additional bonus, not having a subscription for people to forget about and get lost in their monthly bills makes it an easy "dipping of one's toes in the water".
I have a bag of everything I bring when I run at conventions that I slowly pack up each day for the week before, making it more muscle memory so I don't forget anything (I usually do anyway, but I would be a mess if I waited until the last minute) I know the booth is a much bigger thing, but I'm assuming you have that all packed together after each one so you know its all there for the next one, but those small things are what we always forget - so the nightly routine for me help.
Congrats on another successful convention, happy to hear sales and experiences are on the rise.
Thank you! To be clear, I wasn't suggesting I have at written script at the event. Just that I could write something ahead of time as a way to organize my thoughts. I could re-read it before an event to give myself "Oh right!! That's how I explained that!" big of a refresher. And honestly, after the first few people, I'm good to go. I just feel bad for that first person to my booth as I stumble and try to remember what the heck to say. Hah!
Thanks for the comment and advice!
I'm in the same boat when I table with both my stuff and Underland Press. The Arcana titles are a series, and while they are pretty and help fill the table, they're hard to quantify in an easy way to people. More so when they realize there are a dozen of them. They don't know where or how to start (and God forbid I've sold out of issue 1). I usually tell 'em that they're like tarot decks: get one that speaks to you.
Yeah, agree. A larger (wider) catalog is great, but that doesn't mean it all needs to be on the table at the same time. :)
Really interesting read. I love visiting events like this but, as a browser with limited purchasing budget, I can feel awkward approaching exhibitors as I worry I'm wasting their time if I don't make a purchase. Hearing you briefly mention the positive effect talking with a community can have is nice to know. I can donate a little enthusiasm, if not cash ;)
A thought I had regarding scripts, could you offload some of the communication to the stand visuals. Maybe collect some quotes/reviews that do a good job of summarising the play experience, while providing some social proof?
Absolutely stop by to chat! I don't get a table at small events like HBGD because I think I'm going to "make the big bucks." I go because it helps support the local community and I get a chance to talk to people who play my games! And maybe introduce solo games to someone new. That's the rewarding part and a large part of why I attend.
As for visuals and such, I've found that people don't read anything on the table. :) Maybe it's just a big word or two, but I've stopped trying to have text descriptions. Hahah.
Thank you!
Happy for you that sales were up! Always a good thing.
Thanks!!
So sorry I missed this! I’m down in Baltimore. I do have a question. Is Blackflower designed for solo play?
Good question. I wrote it to be played as a standard CY_BORG heist and didn't include any explicit solo mechanisms in it (e.g. oracles, special solo rules, etc.). That said, I do try to be explicit when writing adventures/heists so that it is less work for the GM. That usually makes it easier to adapt to solo play.
Is it designed for solo play? Not explicitly. Can it be played solo? Quite possibly, but I'm not sure! :)