the joy of pdfs

[bashamer]

having the rules and cards in pdf is actually awsome. you can search, cut'n paste rules for questions etc.

So I was wondering if we will be able to buy the mk 2 books as a pdf. I for one would prefer to have all the books in some ereader rather than lug them around.

I wonder if other people are finding the same thing.

[Nyarlathotep333]

I'd love to see all the PP books and NQ magazines available in PDF if possible. Especially NQ Magazine. It's almost impossible to find the first couple of issues without paying an arm and a leg for them (when you do find them).

[Corroded]

Yeah.. bit torrent will pretty much make that never happen. :/

[CrimsonGuard]

Yeah.. bit torrent will pretty much make that never happen. :/

Especially not the first 10 issues. No sir! :p

[almond]

If PP decides to put all their books into pdf format for purchase, I'd be buying them in a heartbeat!

[z1g1]

If PP decides to put all their books into pdf format for purchase, I'd be buying them in a heartbeat!


That is exactly how I feel, I would love to load up my Kindle with all of the fluff when I'm out with the family over the holidays

[bashamer]

yeah it is the little thing like searching the rulebook for the term grunt, or looking for effects that trigger on boxing. There is a lot of utility and they aready have a relation w/ drivetrurpg.

[althai]

Yeah.. bit torrent will pretty much make that never happen. :/
Actually several of the IKRPG books are available as pdf downloads, so I don't see why they wouldn't be willing to make other materials available in that format. Especially the old No Quarters - if they are sold out anyways, it's not like having pdfs will cut into their magazine sales, even if the pdfs are pirated.

(Plus, last time I checked, anyone pirating their material will have their nads shot off and fed to a dire troll.)

[Shadowspite]

thankfully, I have a copy of every single NQ magazine :D

also, while PDF's are nice, I still prefer having an actual book in my hand.

but I can see how it might appeal to people.

[jandrese]

I really like having the PDF for the rulebooks. Being able to Ctrl-F is incredibly useful.

[Shinobiwolf1980]

The annoying thing is I'd end up buying them twice. One for the computer and one for my fingers to flip through and read on the road. I'd love to get my hands on some of the old NQs. And the PDF stuff would be awesome, instant access to some of that fabulous artwork as wallpapers.

I doubt it'll happen, but its a good idea in some regards. Especially if they just did older issues, so people would still have to buy the magazine to get the lastest stuff.

[Iron Fist]

Count me in for a "yes" vote on pdf-ing rulebooks and mags.

[Snake Eyes]

Absolutely. This PDF thing has absolutely spoiled me.
I would definitely pay for PDF's that get updated with new models as time progresses. Seems like a no-brainer money maker for PP.

[WrackedMenite]

Count me in for paper and pixel.

[N0rdicNinja]

I'd certainly pay for PDFs of the Rule Books, as has already been stated multiple times ctrl+f is a godsend when you need to see a rule right quick! XD They would even receive a double purchase from people like me who like having an actual book in their hands.

[Peregrine]

They could include a key or something in the backs of books. A key that could only be used once and it lets you download a file that you can't altar or move around or something. Not sure about all the specifics of how those things work, but I've seen similar things before.

[blue loki]

I definitely want a hard copy with all of the art and fluff included, but I do love having the pdf copy for online discussion and quick searching.

I think an ideal solution would be to include a one-time use download code with the purchase of each hardcopy (as well as a pure online purchase option for those who don't want the hardcopy) that would allow you to get a pure rules version of the book in pdf form.

The pdf version also lends itself to more frequent updates as typos and erratas are corrected.

[necronomitron]

The annoying thing is I'd end up buying them twice. One for the computer and one for my fingers to flip through and read on the road.

Something that happens sometimes in the RPG industry is that buying a hard copy will entitle you to download a digital copy of the book for free. I'd support this.

[tusic]

Something that happens sometimes in the RPG industry is that buying a hard copy will entitle you to download a digital copy of the book for free. I'd support this.

They did this with the D&D 4.0 books, didn't they?

[Wafflebob]

I support this idea as well. It's not like it will prevent anyone from buying the books. Someone is going to scan them and put them out there in .pdf form anyway. At least if PP does it themselves they'll be able to make some revenue from their more faithful customers.

[Helion]

I'd buy every Factions book if they all entitled me to a copy of the pdf. I've been planning on buying a Kindle anyway, and a netbook if not that so not a big loss for me. :)

[Karazax]

They did this with the D&D 4.0 books, didn't they?

No, it was discussed, but I believe one problem with the D&D books was the concern of someone going to a book store, writing down the download keys and not buying the book. In theory there are ways around that such as giving out the key at the cash register on purchase, or shrink wrapping the books, but in the end WOTC decided against it.

However D&D does have D&D insider as an option where you pay a monthy subscription and get Dungeon magazine, Dragon Magazine and access to a database with all the items, monsters, class_es, ect from every book released for 4e along with a character builder that ties into that data base and several other tools. The cost is between $6 and $10 a month with the longer subscription lengths giving you a better deal. They release new Dragon and Dungeon magazine articles basicly every week day. It is possible to get a one month subscription and download every back issue of Dragon and Dungeon released to date since they went digital, so it is a pretty good value.

As for PDF's, Wizards of the Coast actually went the opposite direction, from selling the books at the start of 4e's release, to removing all PDF sales a while back due to piracy concerns.

Personally I agree that PDF's are a major plus.

[saxondog]

I would still end up buying the books, but PDF's would be a good idea for keeping track of any updates or erratas. Kind of a living rulebook for tournaments.
That would greatly simplify keeping track of any changes.

SFK

[tuttleboy]

Digital and dead tree? Count me in for one of each!

[Vorocano]

Another option might be for them to make the rulebooks available in a plaintext (and more easily searchable) format with none of the fluff or the artwork. That way players could have a digital copy, but the dead tree copy would be "value added."

[-Vinsent-]

It really is too bad that the game is not fully pdf based. I love the books and plan on buying them as they come out, if for nothing else but the fluff.

But having a search-able document, that can periodically be updated with erratta and other things is a huge resource.

[Annichka]

I like books and found all but #1 of the No%, and all of the IK book besides Lock and Load... something about it being on the computer is so impersonal, the moment I downloaded the rules for MKII I printed them all out. But that's just my opinion