I think you handled that masterfully. Part of the art of feedback is to be specific and just saying 'poor editing and layout' doesn't cut the mustard without examples in order to allow a learning process to occur.

You definitely didn't come across in that in a bad way, no.

Neil

Take the King's shilling at http://www.omnihedron.co.uk/dutyandhonour/

Shame about the less-than-positive review. I think it's a great-looking book.

Graham

Thanks for taking a look for me guys. Very much appreciated. Hopefully I can get a discourse going with Chris.

Cheers

Iain

Mob Justice now available!

'The Giant Brain':Small games, big ideas.

I think, by and large, it's best to say thanks for a negative review and leave it at that. Attempting to defend against it usually makes you look like an arse. Never, ever go in with both feet first or when emotions are running high. You have far more to lose than the reviewer.

However, I think in this case you've played it well - you've addressed his concerns in a polite and friendly way and attempted to get a discourse going, which can turn a negative into a positive. Posting links to actual play can help too, especially if the reviewer has concerns about not being sure how to structure a game.

I wouldn't rely on a dialogue happening, but I think you've played it well.

Graham

Somebody will dislike what you've made.

In fact, it's often better if people do. It means you've created a product worth remarking on.

More so, a good review will tell you why a reader didn't like it. Which will also tell people with different needs why they will.

-Matt

Realms Publishing

I'm with Graham. Its a great looking book.

I think your responses were measured and appropriate Iain.

Jon Hodgson
www.jonhodgson.com

Well, hats off to CW for doing the review, which I think is very balanced -- very CW (I normally rely on the generator). He has a load to do and it's way quicker than I thought he'd get around to it.

There's not much you can say to it. I mean, a reviewer like CW -- who's not a newbie to it -- will submit a review that he's happy to stand by. He thinks about what he writes and, boy, it's a tough score.

Art and layout are subjective, but it's not the first time I've heard of someone finding the look too cerebral or passive. But, y'know, that's a judgement call and I reckon anyone looking at the cover will decide quickly which camp they fall into: (a) bullet in cocktail glass -- cool!, or (b) matt, grey, hmm, seems cool-distant-twentiesvibe-and-not-for-me. I don't think he's marked it down too much solely for that though. (Though partly his reaction to the look, and the price point feed into the score.)

Y'know I really think you should get that freebie campaign starter/scenario you were working on out there. Here! Try these rules and play this game is what you should be doing. If you're not enthusiastic about it who else will be?

And, yeah, I think you're unlikely to get a discussion out your questions, but no harm in trying.

I had Ruby reviewed by a few guys, and had to deal with negative reviews, including one by CW which was a little harsh I gfelt. . To be honest I think a quick 'thanks for the review' and then moving on is your best option. It's hard to get a discourse going as few people are unlikely to read the posts unless there are particularly contensious (i.e. entertaining) going on, and most won't have the game and won't be able to comment - you'll come across as argumentative and if you're not careful a bit angry! The sad thing is a bad review on rpg.net can really screw your chances of getting much impact from your game.

Ruby...Worlds beyond Dream, a science fiction roleplaying game from Fire Ruby Studios and available through lulu.com.

Wildfire, 15mm Skirmsish combat

fireruby.co.uk

Lulu storefront http://www.lulu.com/firerubystudios