• How does this work?

Open Design uses an old business model called patronage. The people who want a project directly commission an artist (in this case, a game designer, mapper, and illustrators) to produce an adventure of interest. No publisher or distributor or retailer is involved.

It’s like a Renaissance artist who worked for a patron on commission. Your voice will be heard in what the final project will look like. You’ll be able to offer suggestions about what you want to see, vote on proposals for the adventure slots within the book, and—if you’re interested in that sort of thing—even potentially contribute. Notes Patron John Ling, “Whether you opt to contribute is entirely up to you. But, for example, I was a patron on Halls of the Mountain King and didn’t make a proposal, and I feel I still got my money’s worth from the project.”

• How is this different from a vanity press?

Two main differences, the first of which is that vanity presses never reject an author, while Open Design most certainly can and does reject material all the time. More than 8 people would like to design one of the anthology adventures, but there’s only room for 8, so only the strongest are chosen. Some patrons who pitch to write an adventure are turned down. There’s feedback as to why, and how to improve for the next pitch.

I don’t recall a vanity press ever saying “No, we won’t publish that.”

The other difference I’d point to is that Open Design is collaborative design. If your pitch is accepted or your monster is taken for a bestiary, that doesn’t mean it goes into print without changes. Critique, review, and playtest are part of the process as well.

I’ve never heard of a vanity press offering a critique. Maybe they do, but I doubt it.

It’s like a writer’s workshop (but for game designers).

• I donated, now what?

The first step is easy, but the second step requires a tiny bit of patience: you’ll get access to the KQ Forum for the project and  an email invitation to visit the private posts for that project.

Because there’s a small volume of patrons (relative to, say, customers of the latest mass market adventure), it’s pretty much done manually. You’ll get the invitation email within 48 hours unless something is seriously wrong.

• Can I get a copy of a project that is already over and done?

Sort of. Up to an including Halls of the Mountain King all projects were done as limited editions. Starting with From Shore to Sea and Sunken Empires, the Open Design projects are available either from KQ.com or in print editions.

• What do I get for my patronage?

First and foremost, you gain access to the Open Design site for the project. You can participate in the discussions, and vote in polls that determine the project directions. You’ll read design essays that uncover the way that professional designers work, test, and think about game structure.

If you’re a senior patron, you can suggest an NPC or a monster and/or template, see the unfinished manuscript in progress, request design essay topics, preview maps and artwork, pitch your own adventures for anthology projects, and submit other materials such as spells or rituals if you are so inclined. That’s all purely optional, but senior patrons tend to be more involved in the collaborative design.

All patrons receive a PDF of the final product, plus all errata in an updated edition, and a pointer to the Lulu site with the option to purchase a print copy of the project. For From Shore to Sea, a print edition is included in the project.

• How do I make suggestions?

When you see a post in the private boards, you can discuss either by leaving a comment on a post, or in some instances, sending the lead designer an email. Just remember that everyone is collaborating on the same team, so keep the conversation friendly!

• Can I upgrade my patronage at a later date?

Yes, at any time you can send Wolfgang the difference between your current level of patronage and the higher level you wish to support. An email is best so that he is aware and can update your access to private discussions right away.

• Can I support more than one project at a time?

Yes. You’ll need to sign up for each project you wish to sponsor.

• What happens if my project doesn’t make the cut/commission?

Donations for projects that are not commissioned are fully returned.

• What if I change my mind about supporting a project or wish to change my vote?

If the project hasn’t launched, no problem! Contact Wolfgang and let him know your concern. After 60 days, PayPal charges a percentage fee for refunding a transaction—if you are beyond this window, expect to see slightly less than you pledged.

• How does it work in practice?

Updates, information, and discussion happen through the KQ Forums for Tales of the Old Margreve and using Open Design’s LiveJournal blog for From Shore to Sea and Courts of the Shadow Fey. The blogging software assigns permissions and differentiates standard and senior patrons. Senior patrons see additional materials for the project.

The main venue is the discussion between you and the project designer. As mentioned elsewhere, Senior Patrons have a lot of pull, but a great idea is a great idea from any source. Many of those elements are laid down in initial brainstorming posts and refined over time with playtest and discussion.

Patrons need a KQ.com registration or a LiveJournal (LJ) account to get the most out of the project, and these are absolutely free. Patrons do not need to start or maintain a journal themselves if they don’t want. The LJ accounts are simply a way to assign permissions to who can see what, and to allow patrons to comment.

• Playtesting?

Yes! Patrons can be playtesters, either running or participating in the playtest. Playtesters must sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before materials are released. You will receive electronic copies of the material for testing once Open Design has received your NDA. Specifics of the playtest may vary from project to project.

• I’ve been a Patron for many projects. Wolfgang knows me, we go way back. Do I still need to send him my KQ Forum name or LJ user name?

If you’ve been a prior patron, Wolfgang probably will recognize your KQ Forum handle or LJ user name and have a sense of who you are.

But, he can’t really tell most regular Patrons just from their e-mail address alone. It’s safer and faster to just include your handle; you’ll get access a little faster that way, and we’ll spend more time designing and less time looking up screen names. Thanks, see you on the boards!