Renewal Goodies

I believe that, upon renewing, a member should receive an updated membership card, a club profile form, a current list of member PBM games, and any other club materials (maps, EPS, history) that have been updated during the previous 12 months. Sending an entire membership packet that contains materials that have not been revised within the last year would only be adding to the cost of production and postage. It should be fairly easy to keep track of what needs to be sent out.... If a member desires a copy of club materials which they have already received, then they should send a SASE requesting it (thus covering the cost of postage at least). Or better yet, be charged a small fee ($0.50 and up, depending on the item and the cost of postage) for additional copies with the member gaining some XP for the price.

Each author submitting an article to Chain-Mail should have the opportunity to approve the final draft of their submissions. Such approval would be to ensure that any editing or corrections made have not changed the article's intent. Since the club treasury is limited, each member should send a SASE with their submission to cover the cost of returning a copy of the final draft. If no SASE is enclosed with the submission, then it should be the Editor's discretion whether the article's intent has been changed as a result of editing, and if it needs to be returned to the author for approval. Because a member voluntarily sent in their submission, it should be assumed that they wish to have it printed. If they want the submission withdrawn after seeing the final draft, they should be required to notify the Editor; otherwise, the article should be printed as it appears in the final draft.

XP should be given for various club activities (trivia contests, crossword puzzles, etc). The problem with giving XP for such activities is that only the winners (the top three for example) get the award. XP should be given to all who participate. All those who have entered a contest or quiz should receive 25 XPs automatically. This gives each participant something for being involved with the club by offering them XP - for taking time to enter the contest. Of course, the winners should still receive the higher XP (up to 400 or 500 points). Why? Well, I started to answer the questions in the trivia contest but found what I felt to be my lack of knowledge regarding the club, and I have been a member since issue #6. If I knew I wasn't going to win, why spend the time and postage answering the quiz?

I figured I would try and get back to it later. Well, I didn't, not until I received a postcard stating that only a few people had entered the contest. So I dug up the quiz, looked it over, spent an hour digging out my back issues of Chain-Mail and did a little research. I still didn't know all the answers, so I did what I have always done: guess, or give a silly answer. I mailed it and what happened? I finished second. Most of the XP next to my name is from that contest. If I'd known I would have received even 25 points, I would have filled out the quiz the best I possibly could (even if it was blank except for my name), and immediately mailed it off. The only reason I even entered was because so few others had sent in their quiz. I certainly didn't anticipate winning anything except by default.

As an extension of this idea, those in the club who take time to vote and participate in the club elections receive nothing for participating, beyond the hope that their choices are victorious. I believe that those who participate should receive 25 XP for taking their time to support the club. Today, if a member does not wish to vote for anybody nominated for a position as a club officer, or has no opinion on a proposed change in the constitution or EPS, then why spend the stamp returning the ballot? Maybe offering some XP for everyone who answers a ballot, even a "none of the above" or "no opinion" vote would make for a more active (interested) voting membership. A further extension of this would be to randomly draw someone's ballot and give an extra 50 XP, turning the election into a club drawing for XP.

--William Onufryk

New Member

I am a new member of DU, and just received Chain-Mail #24 today. I see that a lot is occurring within the club, and everyone is asking for opinions. I thought, since I'm new, that I should make a few comments (especially since I plan to be around for quite a while!). So, in no particular order....

I agree with those promoting the change of "Novice" to "Squire" [in the EPS]. Although I have missed most of the debate, "Squire" just seems to strike me better. In relation to the publication, Chain-Mail, and the other titles of advancement, it fits well. I would say yes to "Squire," though it doesn't really bother me what [first level] is called. James Elmore was on target: it really doesn't seem that big of a deal!

The EPS is a nice sideline item, but it doesn't affect club life in general. Think how many issues of Chain-Mail could be created if the letters discussing this topic were actually articles of some type for the publication!

As to the publication itself, Chain-Mail appears to be an excellent newszine. But why stop short of perfection? Suggestions? Well... first, keep Rick as Editor! My brief contact with him has been enjoyable. He is the type that makes a publication successful. Second, add more items from outside of the AD&D spectrum. I realize that Chain-Mail should concentrate on that system, but I believe some of us do play other things. I plan to send a few items as submissions concerning the MARVEL Superheroes game, movies, etc. Any feelings from others on this?

Third, if Chain-Mail is now being printed for free, what is the chance of enlarging it? Perhaps to an 8.5 by 11 inch size, or more pages. Do we have a specific limit? It would mean more material, provide extra space for illustrations, etc. Lastly, more artwork if possible I think Gennie Summers does a great job! Anyone else with artistic abilities out there?

Well, I'll stop here for now. I would like to say congratulations to everyone who has built DU to where it presently is - quite an achievement! If anyone needs assistance with anything, feel free to let me know. I'm more than willing to assist with writing, editing, publishing, etc. Always happy to help! Good gaming!

-- Squire Richard McCoy

Cheers

Three cheers to James Elmore on his convention report. While Colorado is too far away for me to attend future conventions there, the report was quite good, and I look forward to reading more reports. In Chain-Mail, I would rather have maps or re-doing past submissions instead of fancy artwork. I think the debate over names has gone on long enough. How does one propose an amendment to get it over so we can get on with other issues?

Like Dan Lambert, I'm upset with media trends. I've defended D&D in the local paper, and sent copies of local articles to DRAGON magazine. I like Jeff Schmidt's idea of an extended [membership] directory, and think a quarterly publication schedule would be good enough. I loved James Elmore's story, and am looking for the next one.

-- Dennis J. DeBalso

Wow!

WOW! The cover of issue #24 was fantastic! If the 'zine has a weak point, it's the cover. In the past, every issue has been the same, with practically the same look, a piece of artwork inside a border with the title of the 'zine done in bold black letters. In fact, issues #1 through #5 had the same cover design, the only change being the color of the paper; issues #6 through #8 used a different piece of artwork than the first five issues; on issues #9 and #10, the title appeared on the same line instead of being broken into two lines; and finally, with issue #11, we were treated to one of Gennie Summers' sketches.

With issue #12, the cover took on a better look, with the use of different artwork than before; the frame also had a better look. I really thought the frames used on issues #19 and #20 looked very classy. With issue #21, the lettering for the title took on a new look, but the layout for the cover was still very much the same as it always had been.

At long last issue #24 had a different cover - no frame, the title was vertical instead of horizontal, and the color of the paper was white.

In summary, after seeing very little change in each cover, I found the cover of #24 to be a welcome change. It may seem that I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill, but stop to think for a moment: if the cover doesn't catch the eye of a prospective member, he/she may never look inside the 'zine.

So what's the point of all this? Rick [the Editor] has suggested that the cover of the silver issue [#25] could be done in specialty paper, white with colored confetti. Other possibilities are silver embossing on the edges and/or gold foil lettering. As an alternative to the standard artwork in a frame, he asked if a collage of the title would be preferred. I've notice that the main thing lacking from the cover is a pleasing-to-the-eye variety of color, but why stop with the special issue? Let's make a more colorful cover standard. I like the idea of silver embossing on the edges, silver foil letters on a silver confetti paper with a black frame, and art that would look very classy. Please keep the artwork on the cover!

By the way, Gene, you now know that you're not the only noncharter member with a complete collection of the 'zine.

In closing, I'm surprised that only eight members responded to Rick's questions concerning the special issue (I was one of the eight), and I'm still opposed to it containing all the past Crimsonvale submissions simply because I enjoy the "grab bag" variety of submissions in each issue. I really missed Gennie Summers' art in #24, however, the idea of an extra, special issue in addition to issue #25 would permit the newer members, who don't have all the back issues, to have access to the complete set of Crimsonvale submissions, and allow us to have a variety of submissions as well. It's nice to know that Gennie isn't the only "artist" in the club; Will's art on the cover was super! Let's see some more, Will, please!

-- Frank Young

Ink of Blood 

In the #24 "Club Forum," James Elmore expressed an opinion to the effect that too-much ink has been spilt over the issue of EPS titles. To quote James, "IT'S NO BIG DEAL!" I agree. Therefore, what follows is my last word on the subject.

I commented in #24 that "a member's EPS rank should not be listed each time that a member's name is mentioned in the newszine." Newszine Editor Rick Emerich responded that my statement was "not completely correct," since EPS titles are generally only used "with a member's name when it appears in a byline for a Chain-Mail submission." That is, of course, true. My intention was to echo Ben Gregory's comment in #21: "I have noticed that the name of a member's rank has appeared before their name wherever their name has been printed. I, for one, don't like the idea of having ranks thrust into one's face as though this were the military...." I never said that a member's EPS rank is listed each and every time his or her name appears in the newszine. What I did say is that a member's rank shouldn't, in my opinion, be listed each time his or her name appears. I am therefore pleased to learn that, despite Ben's concerns, this is not standard practice in CM, and that members whose submission are printed in CM have a choice as to whether or not an EPS rank appears with their byline.

I would like to share with my fellow members a letter that I recently received from Gary Gygax in response to a copy of GURPS Twin Peaks (my unpublished supplement for Steve Jackson's game) that I gave him at the Gateway 12 convention in Los Angeles. Gary's advice to me should be heeded by every DU member who wishes to make it in the gaming industry: in short, "Don't give up!"

-- Dan Lambert

Two Cents

I would like to put in my two cents' worth on the EPS. Come on, gang, lighten up, it's only a bunch of points. I don't think anyone will deny you entrance to McDonald's or a Star Trek convention if you don't have enough [club experience] points. Do we get free gifts with X amount of points? I don't think so. The whole points issue [has been] blown out of proportion. If you're beyond Novice status, and you're bragging or flaunting your title, shame on you. If you're so insecure about being a Novice, then maybe you should do something about it (maybe get involved). I think if we sit down and realize how big a deal we all made of this issue, we will save a lot of [future] headaches, and at least one or two articles per newszine issue devoted to EPS (including this one).

For those who are the foundation of this organization, I take my hat off to you all. It takes a lot to run a club. As a gamemaster, it takes countless hours of preparation for a game. It must take 500% more to run a PBM club. My admiration and respect to each and every one of you. To Rick [the Newszine Editor], I hate to see you resign as Editor-in-Chief, it's taken a lot of dedication and hard work (by this time, you're probably burned out). Maybe it's time for someone else to carry the torch, and take up the burden?

Until the next newszine, good gaming all!

-- Squire James Cote

Last

What you see before you is my last submission to Chain-Mail as a member of Dragonslayers Unlimited. While this has not been an easy decision for me to make, I felt that the least I could do was to offer some parting ideas for the membership.

First, in issue #23, the topic of selling [newszines] to local hobby stores was discussed by Rick Emerich and Will Nesbitt. The idea had both good and bad points, but I'd like to offer a solution to this. What about selling advertising space to gaming companies? With the slowly expanding membership, a newly formed company could do rather well by placing an ad in Chain-Mail. The costs, of course, must first be worked out and, in my opinion, should come under the control of the Secretary/Treasurer. He/she should be in charge since the fees from selling an ad would go to the club's treasury, while setting up the space and the layout would come under the direction of the Editor. This idea should be looked into as it would not only benefit the company, but the club as well. This could also be used to sell advertising space to members for things such as selling role-playing supplements, etc.

Second, in my opinion, the club's constitution and by-laws need to be reworked. As they now stand, they're too long and difficult to be effective or work properly. The rework should be done by all members, after all, the club's constitution was modeled after the American Constitution, which is also changed by its members, in this case the citizens of the U.S.A.

Third, there has been some discussion into developing department heads for Chain-Mail. While it may have some benefit in relieving stress from the Editor, just how reliable would the department heads be? Who would have control over what they send in for submissions? 

Who would have the authority to appoint somebody to a department, and relieve them of their duties as well? Instead of relieving the stress from the Editor, it may just add more to him or her. If the department heads were enacted, would there have to be additions to the bylaws and constitution? If so, who would make the changes? A solution could be to have a written agreement between all parties involved to avoid lengthy drawn out language added to the bylaws.

Last, I do not want any member to place the blame for my leaving the club on the previous administration. As I have stated before, if there had been better communication in the first place, maybe things could have been different. I am just as guilty of lack of communication as anybody else. So, before anybody decides to lay blame, just ask yourself this question: am I a good and effective communicator, and am I willing to take on the challenge? Good gaming.

-- William "Bill" Brierton

Store Sales

I would like to add a few more comments to the idea of newsstand (hobby store) sale of the newszine. The $10 or $12 pricing of non-member subscription does include postage. Keep in mind that the subscriber must order at least four subscriptions to get this price. These issues would be mailed in bulk, of course. You also have to keep the price low enough so that the merchant can make money! If the merchant can't make money off the publication, why should he sell it?

Obviously this plan will only work if the idea benefits the merchants as well as the club. Let's take a look at it from the merchant's point of view: four subscriptions cost $48, and they give him a year of advertising. He can sell these (at a steep cover price of $2.50) for a profit of $12 over the course of a year. Our newszine can generate an increased interest in hobbies and possibly increase his local sales. If he does mail order (which many hobby shops do), his advertisement is targeted at a devout little group. Is it a good deal for him?

From the club's point of view, we have the opportunity to pick up new members through newsstand sales. We have increased volume (as explained before, this is good for the club). Another option is simply to sell more from the advertising aspect. How about four subscriptions for $96? That includes a half page of advertising. How about a newsstand price of $2? After selling his copies, the advertiser would basically pay nothing for the advertisement. That sounds fair, and perhaps that is the best way to go. (Major hobby stores, which often do a great deal of mail order, might be interested in 10 subscriptions and a full page ad for about $240.) As a selling point, the fact that we have four years behind us makes us a much safer bet than small newszines!

Many people would be opposed to printing the club's roster on the newsstand version of Chain-Mail. I wholeheartedly agree, and we can use that space to spell out all the benefits of joining DU, the [publishing I and subscription information. I also have a feeling that if we sold enough of these "hobby store" subscriptions, we would be able to lower the price of the newszine to members! We could eventually bring the subscription price down to $10 per year, if we had enough members! To motivate and reward members for selling the newszine subscriptions to their local hobby stores, I recommend a hefty XP reward (probably a multiple of the reward for getting a new member into the club).

Now I know that someone (not Frank Young) is probably saying they don't want a newszine full of ads rather than articles. I guarantee you that this will never happen no matter how many ads we sell! The newszine is 32 pages long right now [actually, 40 pages per issue will probably be the standard from now on, due to free xeroxing for the club - Ed.]. If we sold 32 full page ads, we would have a minimum of $7,880 in the treasury and we could afford to go full-size and full color! However, that, I promise you, will not happen. The point is: the more we sell, the better it is for the club.

-- Will Nesbitt

XP Xes

I must disagree with some of what William Onufryk has said with regard to XP for contests. To give out an automatic amount of XP just for entering a contest is not completely equitable in my opinion. Specifically, I am worried that simple participation will devalue, by comparison, the extra effort other members will put into winning the contest, as well as the efforts and rewards for being a club officer, or for submitting an article to Chain-Mail for that matter. "Simple participation" does not necessarily require "active participation": if there were 20 questions but one had to only attempt to answer one or two to get 25 XP, then it seems to me that we are giving away XP. Those who have served the club with dedication and consistency will then begin to ask/complain, "why bother making a true, maximum effort when others slide by, earning 25 XP for putting a single 'X' on a contest quiz, or get 100 XP for renewing their membership?"

I mention the recently adopted 100 XP for membership renewals since it is a related subject in my mind. I voted against the 100 XP for renewing a membership, since I felt that participation in the club, whether "active" or "passive," was a member's choice: paying club dues in order for that member to participate was a decision to be part of the club and receive its benefits, not an action done to earn XP. For the same reason, I dislike just giving XP away automatically as William suggests, though I do not object to awarding XP for all participants if they make a true attempt' to fully participate in whatever contest, activity, or other club event is offered.

I also therefore have a problem with William's idea of giving XP away for voting in the club elections. Voting is a right and a duty of all club members, not a XP earning opportunity. We didn't get $10 cash when we voted for Bush/Clinton/Perot on November 3rd, and there was record turn out (though, admittedly national politics are a different animal than those of the club, but the idea is the same). Paying for voting participation, whether in cold cash or by XP, subverts the process in my opinion; assuming there is a contested position, then one might find themselves voting "just to get the XP" rather than for the purpose of placing the best qualified person into a club office. I'm not saying that it will happen, but it should be a serious consideration if the membership continues debate on this subject.

I admit that I have a somewhat skewed view of this idea, since I have worked very hard to earn all the XP I have accumulated. However, I certainly am for anything that will inspire the membership to become more involved with the club and with other members, and I am for as many opportunities for members to earn XP as we can come up with. William has at least started the ball rolling by throwing out ideas for comment, and thus is to be congratulated for his efforts. I simply make the point that the XP so awarded should be truly earned, not just given away.

On other subjects, I believe that the club's Sec/Tres does place on all club ballots an "abstain" line as matter of course so a member can vote but not necessarily support the majority/only opinion(s) offered. If this is not being done, or has been neglected, then I join those who support having such an option on all ballots.

Will Nesbitt further describes his plan for hobby store marketing of the newszine stating that he believes merchants would sell our 'zine at $2.50. Though I'm happy to see that he considers the 'zine in such high regard that he would pay this newsstand price for it, I feel that the average hobby enthusiast would not. Though I take great pride in the product I produce on behalf of the membership, and many (both garners, and professionals such as at TSR, Inc.) have high praise for it, it is not completely a true, professional product.

I look at possible shelf-brothers for our 'zine: comic books, gaming aids, magazines, and hobby specific publications, and think that $2.50 is logically unreasonable for a retail per issue price. Just one example are professional comic books, which have cover prices of $1.00 to $2.50. Comparing a comic book from a major publisher to our 'zine - and I hate to say this - would be like comparing a new Mercedes convertible to a slightly used Chevy Nova.

A cover price of $1.00, or at most $1.50, would be more reasonable, and more likely to produce a sale from hobbyists who, like most of the breed, tend to be stingy with the money allocated for their hobbies. The merchant could get a special price for these 'zines, perhaps 50¢ to 75¢ per issue (depending upon cover price), and would pay postage for their delivery by book rate mail. He would have to buy a minimum of 10 issues each time. Each 'zine issue which he purchased would include a business card sized advertisement for his store in it. Larger advertisements, full page, inside front or back cover, or centerfold, would be additional, perhaps a flat rate of $5.00 per 10 issue lot for cover ads, or $10 per 10 issue lot for centerfold ads. These ads would/could either be merchant-specific or general-distribution. In the former case, the newszines supplied would have only the merchant's ad in them, so that the 'zine would be "tailor made" to each merchant buying the 'zine for retail sale. In the latter, all participating merchants would have their ads in the 'zine, and only one version would be produced for them all. (Such a 'zine could very well have an ad for a hobby store in Greenwich, CT and one from a store in Kansas City, MO at the same time!)

Whatever we decide, we probably should not produce 'zines for sale which have the membership directory listed. I'd suggest that only the Editor's address should be listed, or a club contact agent (such as the President). Let's hear more from other members! What are your thoughts on the subject?

I also must disagree with former member Bill Brierton when he states that our club constitution is "too long and difficult to be effective or work properly." Being only about four pages long, it is by far one of the shortest regulatory documents I've ever seen in small business or for charitable organizations, and it was made this way to avoid being overly complicated and unfriendly to the club's members. With the recent changes in the constitution and Bylaws, I believe we have all that is required for our club's efficient and correct operation, no more and no less than is necessary.

-- Dragonslayer Rick Emerich

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