Pages

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Growing the OSR if you want: part 2

So, based on the various realizations I talked about in the last post, what are the things I'm trying to do in 2018 that will boost the signal of the OSR and provide more material for us to use? As I mentioned in the last post, these two goals are highly linked, because a rising tide lifts all boats. More signal tends to create more material.

My plan basically has three parts to it, addressing a mix of the issues with each point. (Those points being a missing generation, different communication patterns in that missing generation, the community-building power of face-to-face contact whether by video, hangout, tabletops, or conventions, and then lastly that rising tide lifting all boats.)

Part 1 of the plan was to create a website that pulls together and links the various media sources of the OSR: blogs, youtube, facebook, G+, podcasts, and others. Those aren't currently shown in the same place anywhere as an OSR smorgasbord because social media doesn't link them in any useful way. That website is now up and running as Old School Gamer Radio (OldSchoolGamerRadio.com). As of today, we are still adding content and fine-tuning the functionality, but it's looking good for becoming the type of resource that will do what it's supposed to do.

Part 2 of the plan was to create an OSR youtube channel that does a few different things. First is simply to create that face-to-face feeling of community. I have been "interviewing" lots of people from the OSR, ranging from DIY stars like Matt Jackson up to publishers like Jim Raggi and bloggers like Tenkar. I'm including artists, cartographers, and a wide range of people. I have gotten LOTS of comments that these videos offer a much greater sense of connection to the community than a blog format (that's not a criticism of blogs, which are better at content, just the fact that video offers something more powerful at a different primary goal). The youtube channel is Uncle Matt's D&D Studio, and since it's been established longer than the actual Old School Gamer Radio site, it has pretty good depth of content already.

Part 3 of the plan was to get an actual example of old-school play into the mainstream of that "lost generation," since old school gaming tends to require "show," not "tell." So I am running an online Swords & Wizardry game called Swords of Jordoba, pointing out that it's the original version of D&D, and airing the episodes on the channel. The first episode is mission and marching order, so it might not be as engaging as the second episode, which is where the actual dungeoneering begins. Watching online games is a much more common pastime in the youtube generation than it is for us older farts. The game itself is still in an evolving technological phase, and I'm calling both of those episodes "pilots," but it should be up to full quality very shortly.

Funding is an issue for these projects, although this post is a summary, not a plea for cash. For those interested, the patreon for the website (still a very disorganized patreon presentation with no rewards or other whistles and bells) is at patreon/mattfinch, and the better-looking one for the Swords of Jordoba game is at patreon/Jordoba. Contributions are welcome, of course, but both these projects are still in formative stages.

Next post on this topic will be about what those who enjoy the project of growing the OSR can do to move that goal forward.

39 comments:

  1. Thanks for including Bat in the Attic on that list.

    ReplyDelete
  2. If you can get a hold of Stuart Robertson from the Strange Magic blog, and if he still have them, the sound files of "Expedition to the Ancient Academy" is pure gold to show how this role play thing works.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Matt. I'm not sure if I'm in the missing generation you mention - I'm in my late twenties and started gaming with 5th Edition - but as a newcomer to Blogspot and Google+, here's how I feel about the different platforms:

    * Youtube is great for watching actual play (more convenient than Twitch, certainly, although it's hard to tell when a Twitch video is inaccessible because of monetization, and when it's just because of bad design). As for anything else... I have watched some "talking head" videos that gave me useful ideas, but on the whole, I don't really get the point. Videos should be used for showing something in action, or for interviews and roundtable discussions (exactly what you do). But for monologues, I would much rather have a well-edited blog post to skim and re-read at my leisure, rather than a charismatic but rambling vlog.

    * Facebook is pretty much rubbish for any purpose except organizing a birthday bash. Maybe one could find some local communities there if looking to start a game.

    * Twitter is not really for discussion, either. It's fine for discovery, sharing links, getting reminders about which product or show is out, or even shooting out a quick rules question. But the really meaty thinking and discussion are in blogs and their comments, I've found. So that's why I looked into joining the Blogspot realm, which means joining Google+.

    * Google+ is strangely formatted with the multiple columns. (Also, where do I discuss? Below the blog? Below the share on Plus?) But more significantly, the social barrier of entry is higher than, say, Reddit, or Tumblr, or one of the many good old-fashioned forums. For one, most people on Google+ use their real names - even though it's not strictly required, the impression is that this is the place for your real-life persona, a "professional" setting.

    Of course, for professional game designers that is no issue, or even a positive thing. But I suspect that for some people whose full-time careers are in other fields, their preference would be not to connect their real name to discussions about disemboweling orcs or diseases you can get from a medieval house of ill repute. Not because it's wrong, but just in case a potential employer who isn't as hip googles their name.

    Inexperienced writers/designers may feel more comfortable experimenting under a pseudonym. And some writers will prefer not having their juvenilia on display for all eternity. Some people just want to remain anonymous on the internet in general. What's more, even if you present a pseudonym, there are technical barriers - did you know that Blogspot requires a Google account, and opening a new account requires verification by mobile phone? Most websites require email verification at most!

    So that may be one reason for the lack of new blood to Google+ you've observed. However, I don't really know of a better alternative. Certainly videos and tweets can't replace articles, but maybe a combination of all three is most effective.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really appreciate your professional approach.These are pieces of very useful information that will be of great use for me in future.

    หนังชีวประวัติ

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey Matt, of the Necromancer Games products for 5e, do you have any product that details a hexcrawl protocol?

    Tomb of Annihilation has one, but I was wondering if perhaps a directory OSR inspired one might be simpler to generalize and use elsewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You Have More Utility For Fighting Men Than in Most OSR. There is only one real rule.

    https://rfpgurus.com/
    https://compareelectricrates.choicegenie.com
    https://texaselectricrates.choicegenie.com
    https://texaselectricityratings.choicegenie.com
    https://powertochoose.choicegenie.com
    https://electricityplans.choicegenie.com
    https://electricrate.choicegenie.com
    https://texaselectricityratings.choicegenie.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful information with us.

    ดูหนังออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  8. I will definitely use your information. Thank you. If you need help writing an article, essay helper online.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really liked your article and the photo is super. Thanks you. If you need homework help , our service will do the best for you.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was diagnosed with COPD with 55-60% lung capacity. My doctor just said all the crying , stomping your feet will not change it so just accept it and basically patted me on the back and sent me home to die. I was devastated and was afraid to do anything. I stopped riding my bike, I was afraid to do anything that would cause any exertion. It consumed my thoughts with every breath and the fear of what to expect was almost more than I could deal with. So I couldn't get myself all time I decided to find a herbal cure online and I came acrose Doctor Itua on how he cure several people suffering from Hiv, and Herpes I gave him a call on this Number +2348149277967 also chat on whatsapp he gave me all the details about the cure i paid him for the medicine after 5 working days i receieve my herbal medicine ,I use it for two weeks that is how I get Cured and today I'm living healthy and fine I give him thanks also promise him to testify about his work,He Can also cure the following diseases..Copd,Herpes,Alzheimer's disease,carcinoma.Asthma,Allergic diseases.Parkinson's ,Epilepsy,Cancer,Fibromyalgia,Hiv,Hepatitis,diabetes,Coeliac disease,Infertility, Asthma.Contact...drituaherbalcenter@gmail.com..Whatsapp Number...+2348149277976

    ReplyDelete
  11. True story, I'm one of the people who have benefited from Dr. Ogbeifun Love Spell. Dr. Ogbeifun appeared in the middle of my life when all hope was lost. I gave up on life and thought the best way to care for my broken heart. I have several experiences with my husband who have been working with me for many years. I made up my mind to continue with my suicide before a strange spirit. Afterwards, Dr. Ogbeifun Temple, I reluctantly looked for and found testimonials and recommendations for him via his email. He answered and asked me to go away and take my life; he said that my case is solvable after consulting his Oracle. Well, here I am today thanking Dr. Ogbeifun for saving my life and bringing back my Husband. We are so happy today and happier than we have ever been. He also helped me stop my cardiac arrest problem. I am grateful for being among the people sharing this testimony. Contact him at this email ogbefunhearlingtemple@gmail.com call or add him on whatsapp +2348102574680 website

    ReplyDelete
  12. Please let me know if you're looking for a writer for your blog. You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd really like to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. custom shipping boxes, custom shipping boxes,custom printed packaging, personalized boxes for business, personalized boxes wholesale, printed boxes, custom boxes manufacturers, customized boxes wholesale, custom printed gift box, printers boxes Please send me an e-mail if interested.
    Regards!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Spesial Promo Khusus Member Setia Di Situs CrownQQ
    Yuk Buruan Daftar Dan Mainkan 9 Game Berkualitas Hanya Di Situs CrownQQ
    Agen BandarQ Terbesar Dan Terpercaya Di indonesia
    Rasakan Sensasi serunya bermain di CrownQQ, Agen BandarQ Yang 100% Gampang Menang
    Games Yang di Hadirkan CrownQQ :
    * Poker Online
    * BandarQ
    * Domino99
    * Bandar Sakong
    * Sakong
    * Bandar66
    * AduQ
    * Sakong
    * Perang Baccarat (New Game)

    Promo Yang Hadir Di CrownQQ Saat ini Adalah :
    => Bonus Refferal 20%
    => Bonus Turn Over 0,5%
    => Minimal Depo 20.000
    => Minimal WD 20.000
    => 100% Member Asli
    => Pelayanan DP & WD 24 jam
    => Livechat Kami 24 Jam Online
    => Bisa Dimainkan Di Hp Android
    => Di Layani Dengan 5 Bank Terbaik

    << Contact_us >>
    WHATSAPP : +855882357563
    LINE : CS CROWNQQ
    TELEGRAM : +855882357563


    Link Resmi CrownQQ:
    RATUAJAIB.COM
    RATUAJAIB.NET
    RATUAJAIB.INFO

    CrownQQ | Agen BandarQ | Agen DominoQQ | BandarQ | Domino99 Online Terbesar

    ReplyDelete
  14. NAGAQQ.COM | AGEN BANDARQ | BANDARQ ONLINE | ADUQ ONLINE | DOMINOQQ TERBAIK

    Yang Merupakan Agen Bandarq, Domino 99, Dan Bandar Poker Online Terpercaya di asia hadir untuk anda semua dengan permainan permainan menarik dan bonus menarik untuk anda semua

    Bonus yang diberikan NagaQQ :
    * Bonus rollingan 0.5%,setiap senin di bagikannya
    * Bonus Refferal 10% + 10%,seumur hidup
    * Bonus Jackpot, yang dapat anda dapatkan dengan mudah
    * Minimal Depo 15.000
    * Minimal WD 20.000

    Memegang Gelar atau title sebagai Agen BandarQ Terbaik di masanya

    Games Yang di Hadirkan NagaQQ :
    * Poker Online
    * Bandar Poker
    * BandarQ
    * Domino99
    * AduQ
    * Sakong
    * Capsa Susun
    * Bandar66 (ADU BALAK)
    * Perang Baccarat (NEW GAMES)

    Info Lebih lanjut Kunjungi :
    Website : NagaQQ
    Facebook : Facebook
    WHATSAPP : +855967014811
    Line : Cs_nagaQQ
    TELEGRAM :+855967014811

    BACA JUGA BLOGSPORT KAMI YANG LAIN:
    agen bandarq online/
    Kemenangan NagaQQ/
    Daftar NagaQQ
    agen bandarq terbaik

    ReplyDelete
  15. PERFECT WAY TO CURE HERPES PERMANENTLY AND IT WORK FAST WITHIN 14 DAYS WITH DR SALATO HERBAL MEDICINE,Email: drsalatosolutiontemple@gmail.com or website http://drsalatosolutionte0.wixsite.com/drsalato.. you can call or whatsapp number: +2348103629945
    Hello everyone here I saw so many testimonies about Dr SALATO a great HERBAL DOCTOR that will help you CURE your herpes virus and give you the rightful health to live a good life, i didn't believe it at first, but as the pain got worsen and my life was at risk after using lots of drugs from the hospital and some herbs from African but nor gave me the result i wanted so i decided to give a try to Dr Salato, I visited his website http://drsalatosolutionte0.wixsite.com/drsalato and i told him i want a cure for HERPES, he gave me advice on what i must do and he deliver it to me in my home address and which i use according to his instruction, and to greatest surprise,it was only one week of using His HERBAL MEDICINE and i started seen changes all over my body and system and i was completely cured after two weeks of treatment and today i must say I am so grateful to Dr SALATO for curing me from HERPES and for restoring me back to my normal health and i am making this known to every one out there who have been trying all their life to be cured from HERPES DISEASE or any sickness should contact him with his details below, believe me this is the only way to get cured from HERPES, this is the real solution we all have been searching for. Do not waste more time contact him today for you can also live a sound and happy life. contact info below.Email: drsalatosolutiontemple@gmail.com or website http://drsalatosolutionte0.wixsite.com/drsalato.. you can call or whatsapp number: +2348103629945 you can as well contact him on other issues you are having like HEPATITIS B,DIABETICS,CANCER,ALS, HIV,BODY REDUCTION AND Enlargement, FIBROID,,PREGNANCY, Relationship issues etc..THANKS

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm trying to do such things that will boost the signal of the OSR and will provide more material to write my assignment professionally.

    ReplyDelete
  17. jika anda bermain dominoqq di asikbandarqq dan mendaftar sekarang juga, anda berkesempatan memenangkan bonus hingga ratusan juta rupiah
    daftar sekarang juga hanya di http://180.215.13.115

    ReplyDelete
  18. I value your difficult work. Continue posting new updates with us. This is actually a magnificent post. Decent Blog Very fascinating and helpful data on your site. A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing the blog and this extraordinary data which is certainly going to support us.

    Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job Man,Keep it up.
    www office com setup and follow the on screen instructions

    ReplyDelete
  19. the information is very useful and provides very extraordinary knowledge. quality and clear at all
    pengeluaran hk

    ReplyDelete
  20. thank you for sharing the information. very useful and provide accurate and reliable explanations. greetings from us site.
    Click Here
    Click Here
    Click Here
    Click Here
    Click Here
    Click Here
    Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  21. [ ] I'm here to testify about the great work Dr Osebor did for me. I have been suffering from (HERPES) disease for the past 5 years and had constant pain, especially in my knees. During the first year,I had faith in God that i would be healed someday.This disease started circulating all over my body and i have been taking treatment from my doctor, few weeks ago I came across a testimony of one lady on the internet testifying about a Man called Dr Osebor on how he cured her from HIV Virus. And she also gave the email address of this man and advise anybody to contact Dr Osebor for help for any kind of sickness that he would be of help, so I emailed him on ( oseborwinbacktemple@gmail.com ) telling him about my (HERPES Virus) he told me not to worry that i was going to be cured!! Well i never believed it,, well after all the procedures and remedy given to me by this man few weeks later i started experiencing changes all over me as Dr Osebor assured me that i will be cured,after some time i went to my doctor to confirmed if i have be finally healed behold it was TRUE, So 
    - [ ] friends my advise is if you have such sickness or any other at all you can contact Dr Osebor via email. { oseborwinbacktemple@gmail.com }or call or what sapp him on( +2348073245515 )
    - [ ] DR osebor CAN AS WELL CURE THE FOLLOWING DISEASE:-
    - [ ]  HIV/AIDS
    - [ ]  HERPES
    - [ ] CANCER
    - [ ] ALS
    - [ ] cancer 
    - [ ] Diabetes
    eye problem etc.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for being truthful, I will immediately share your blog on my Facebook and Instagram platform to many other members of my group and also take the advantage to share with you the new

    UNDETECTED FAKE BIRTH CERTIFICATE FOREIGNER USE TO OBTAIN PASSPORTS ABROAD FREELY which many are ignorant of at the moment, it is also the easiest way to obtain dual nationality through this birth certificate in any country. I request your permission to join our 379.3k members TELEGRAM GROUP
    to share with us your daily post for it to also reach my audience. Thanks, I am Scott from Globex, we await you on our platform too.
    You can call me Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  23. the information. very nice and give clear knowledge. thank you. keluaran hk

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is such an awesome asset, to the point that you are giving and you give it away for nothing. Our article has piqued a lot of positive interest.
    Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experience.
    house for sale in township lahore
    house for sale in township lahore

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very interesting blog. A lot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definitely interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know.
    online real estate marketplace
    DHA lahore 1 kanal plot

    ReplyDelete
  26. fascinating! thank you for your hard work! it's truly such a nice post. tinggalpoker

    ReplyDelete