What's The Fascination With The Hall of Justice?

Ok, just saw this week's episode of Batman. They introduced the Justice League satellite and it is a Hall of Justice in space. Brad Meltzer made the new JLA headquarters in the comic look like the Hall of Justice too.

I know that everybody liked Superfriends as kids, but I don't get the fascination.

Back To The Garage

This is sort of a work in progress, so bear with me.

I want to make a return to the "Garage Band" aesthetic that marked the early days of role-playing games. What does that mean for me? Well, a few points:

1. Complete games. Let's face it, the supplement gravy train isn't really doing a lot more than just propping up sales. Personally, in a lot of cases I think that it is going even further and sapping a lot of creative juices from people. Why both creating your own interesting stuff when you know that Splatbook X will do it for you. This doesn't mean that there shouldn't ever be supplements for games, far from it.

Games need to be designed in a way to not only enable play, but to also enable the game masters and players to further be able to develop the game in their own style and direction at the gaming table. That is supposed to be the ultimate extension of a game anyway, what people do at the table.

2. Support the fanbase and it will support you. It's just sad when a publisher drops the fanbase that helped build their popularity for a "cooler" one once they have a bit of success. Dropping your fanbase for a "sexier" one is a pretty short termed, and I would say even myopic way to build popularity. Stand by your fans.

However, this comes with a caveat. At the same time don't design just to hit a particular sweet spot with a fanbase, or try to make each and every person happy with your games or designs. It just isn't going to happen, and I would bet that it will also lead to a lot of writer's block just because things are being overthought. Besign a game that makes you happy, that causes you to have fun at the game table. The rest will follow because, and this part always surprises me when I release a game or stuff, there are a lot more people out there who are interested in the same things that you are than you would think.

3. Hype. This is a big one. Too many designers get overly enthusiastic after a blog post or two and start hyping their cool new game. The problem is that they don't actually have a cool new game yet. Don't curb your enthusiasm because that enthusiasm is very important. After all, if you're enthusiastic other people will be as well. In gaming nothing is as infectious as enthusiasm. The problem is that, more often than not, hype just leads to RPG.net threads with titles like "What The Hell Happened To Game X?" and the resulting accusations of vapourware.

Be enthusiastic and talk about your games, just don't get the cart get in front of the horse.

Keep in mind that all of this is just a Beta version of things. I'd also like to hear what other people have to say as well. I'm sure that parts of this will be better received than others.

AnCon '07 Update

Hello everyone,

AnCon '07 is less than a month away (October 26 - 28) and we want to let you know that badge pre-registration is available on our web site: www.anothergamecon.com. Please pass this email along to your friends and family letting them know about the full weekend of hobby games we have planned.

We have also created a PDF pre-reg book in two parts. Please visit our site to take a look at the pre-reg book. The second half contains the current events schedule which we will update every week until the show. We have some great games lined up for a full weekend of tournaments and demos. Still more events are arriving each week so be sure to check to see what is new.

In addition to purchasing badges at a discounted pre-registration rate we are selling show T-shirts and generic event tickets. If you want to reserve a seat in a scheduled event, first purchase a generic ticket for that events' cost then send an email to anconsuper@aol.com listing the event code and name to reserve. We will place people in a first come - first reserved basis. An email confirmation with all the events you are registered for will be sent. Sold out events are posted as soon as possible and all excess tickets will be available to the purchasing attendee with their badge at pre-registration pick-up.

The Holiday Inn Hudson has rooms reserved for AnCon attendees at a discounted rate. Be certain to mention ANCON when reserving your room to receive the special group rate. Contact the Hotel Front Desk: (330) 653-9191 or Hotel Fax: (330) 656-0048
Holiday Inn Hudson 240 East Hine Hill Road Hudson, OH 44236

AnCon '07 is sponsored by Mayfair Games. www.mayfairgames.com

Please check out our Exhibiting and Advertising companies' web sites. If you desire any specific merchandise to be available at the show contact them directly with you requests.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at anconsuper@aol.com.

RECAP
1) Forward this email to your friends and family.
2) Visit www.anothergamecon.com.
3) Reserve your discounted pre-reg badge online
4) Purchase event tickets and send your event registration to anconsuper@aol.com
5) Reserve your hotel rooms today. Be certain to mention ANCON for special discounted group rate.
6) Visit the web sites of our Exhibiting and Advertising companies.

AnCon '07: Another Game Convention
October 26 - 28, 2007
Holiday Inn Hudson - NE Ohio

Crew member on new Batman film killed in crash

A special effects technician has been killed in a crash during production of the latest Batman film, Warner Bros. said Tuesday.

The studio said the man, who was not identified, died when a truck carrying a camera platform crashed into a tree while following a stunt vehicle on Monday. Filming on the movie, 'The Dark Knight,' was not taking place at the time, and no actors were involved in the accident. The accident took place during a test run at a racetrack near Chertsey, south of London.

The studio said producers, cast and crew 'are deeply saddened by this tragedy and their hearts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased.'

What's My Name? Tell Me My Name!

My pirate name is:

Iron Harry Read

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. Even through many pirates have a reputation for not being the brightest souls on earth, you defy the sterotypes. You've got taste and education. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

The Shat sings Common People

She came from Greece she had a thirst for knowledge,
she studied sculpture at Saint Martin's College,
that's where I,
caught her eye.
She told me that her Dad was loaded,
I said "In that case I'll have a rum and coca-cola."
She said "Fine."
and in thirty seconds time she said,

"I want to live like common people,
I want to do whatever common people do,
I want to sleep with common people,
I want to sleep with common people,
like you."

Well what else could I do -
I said "I'll see what I can do."
I took her to a supermarket,
I don't know why but I had to start it somewhere,
so it started there.
I said pretend you've got no money,
she just laughed and said,
"Oh you're so funny."
I said "yeah?
Well I can't see anyone else smiling in here.
Are you sure you want to live like common people,
you want to see whatever common people see,
you want to sleep with common people,
you want to sleep with common people,
like me."
But she didn't understand,
she just smiled and held my hand.
Rent a flat above a shop,
cut your hair and get a job.
Smoke some fags and play some pool,
pretend you never went to school.
But still you'll never get it right,
cos when you're laid in bed at night,
watching roaches climb the wall,
if you call your Dad he could stop it all.

You'll never live like common people,
you'll never do what common people do,
you'll never fail like common people,
you'll never watch your life slide out of view,
and dance and drink and screw,
because there's nothing else to do.

Sing along with the common people,
sing along and it might just get you through,
laugh along with the common people,
laugh along even though they're laughing at you,
and the stupid things that you do.
Because you think that poor is cool.

I want to live with common people,
I want to live with common people etc...

Zeitgeist's History Of Reptilian Satanism

I couldn't make stuff like this up!

New "Wizard of Oz" Goes to a Darker Place Feature Story

Oh, this will suck. This will suck hard.

The 1939 film 'Wizard of Oz' starring Judy Garland was great fun for the entire family to enjoy. A few big names in the movie business are looking to remedy that. Warner Brothers Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures will work together to create a less family-friendly version of the film. That’s right -— they’re going to take bright, beautiful Oz, sweet singing Dorothy and company and drop them all into a darker, more sinister place. The writers and producers promise a 'grittier and nastier' version of the classic tale, reports Digital Spy.

Remember, this will be brought to you by the man who had this reimagining of Dorothy:

Not Feeling Well

There will probably be a short lull in posting.

2007 ENnie Winners

The ENnie winners were announced at GenCon yesterday. It looks like the Summer Revolution has failed.

Best Fan Site, presented by Russell Morrissey:
Silver: Planewalker
Gold: Dragonlance Nexus

Best PodCast, presented by Dan Repperger of Fear the Boot:
Silver: Yog Radio
Gold: Have Games, Will Travel

Best Cover Art, presented by Kevin Kulp:
Silver: Hollow Earth Expedition, by Exile Games Studio
Gold: Five Fingers, Port of Deceit, by Privateer Press

Best Interior Art:
Silver: Qin, by 7th Circle
Gold: Mutants and Masterminds, Ultimate Power by Green Ronin Publishing

Best Cartography:
Silver: WFRP GM Toolkit, by Black Industries
Gold: Ptolus, City by the Spire, by Malhavoc Press

Best Production Values:
Silver: Mutants and Masterminds, Ultimate Power, by Green Ronin Publishing
Gold: Ptolus, City by the Spire, by Malhavoc Press

Best Writing:
Silver: WFRP Children of the Horned Rat, by Black Industries
Gold: Five Fingers, Port of Deceit, by Privateer Press

Best Rules:
Silver: Spirit of the Century, by Evil Hat
Gold: Mutants and Masterminds, Ultimate Power, by Green Ronin

Best Adventure:
Silver: Mutants and Masterminds, Time of Vengeance, by Green Ronin Publishing
Gold: WFRP: Lure of the Liche Lord, by Black Industries

Best Setting, presented by Kieth Baker:
Silver: Five Fingers, Port of Deceit, by Privateer Press
Gold: Ptolus, City by the Spire, by Malhavoc Press

Best Supplement, presented by Kevin Kulp:
Silver: Mutants and Masterminds, Ultimate Power, by Green Ronin Publishing
Gold: WFRP Companion, by Black Industries

2008 ENnies Judge Election, announced by Richard Miller:
Kathryn -Gertie- Barden (Xath)
Elizabeth Bauman (Queen_Dopplepopolis)
Chris Gath (Crothian)
Zachary Houghton (Zachary The First)
Kevin Kulp (Piratecat)

Best Aid or Accessory, presented by Kevin Kulp:
Silver: GameMastery Combat Pad, by Open Mind Games/Paizo Publishing
Gold: Deck of Many Things, by Green Ronin Publishing

Best Miniature Product:
Silver: EZ Dungeons, by Fat Dragon Games
Gold: Game Mastery: Flip-mat Tavern, by Paizo Publishing

Best Regalia:
Silver: Liber Chaotica, by Black Industries
Gold: Order of the Stick, No Cure for the Paladin Blues, by Giant in the Playground

Best Free Product:
Silver: Classic Battletech Free Package, by Catalyst Games
Gold: Savage Tide Player's Guide, by Paizo Publishing

Best Electronic Book:
Silver: Magical Medieval Society: European Warfare, by Expeditious Retreat Press
Gold: Classic Battletech Free Package, by Catalyst Games

Best d20/OGL Product, presented by Rodney Thompson of Wizards of the Coast:
Silver: Five Fingers, Port of Deceit, by Privateer Press
Gold: Mutants and Masterminds, Ultimate Power, by Green Ronin Publishing

Best Game, presented by Rob Boyle of Catalyst Games:
Silver: Qin, by 7th Circle
Gold: Scion, Hero, by White Wolf

Product of the Year, presented by Peter Adkinson:
Silver: WFRP, Children of the Horned Rat, by Black Industries
Gold: Ptolus, City by the Spire, by Malhavoc Press

Fan's Choice, Best Publisher:
Silver: Green Ronin
Gold: Wizards of the Coast