[AD&D] Review: Black Blade: The Secret of Smuggler's Cov

[tacojohn4547]

Jon, you get the stand-up guy of the year award for not only linking to a negative review, but posting it.

Thanks Rich. As bitter as that pill was to swallow, I think posting two reviews that vary in opinion does serve to let folks be a little better informed about the module. Hopefully they'll form their own opinions if they opt to take the adventure out for a spin.


Incidentally, Goodman Games will have copies of this module in liminted quantities at their booth at Gen Con this year.

[Cimmerian]

Jon, you get the stand-up guy of the year award for not only linking to a negative review, but posting it.

Agreed.


With two opposing reviews it's a little easier to see where the truth lies and if he's not bothered by the more negative review the product speaks for itself.

[Mythmere]

From the standpoint of people reading reviews, negative reviews aren't necessarily bad. I think most people know that a negative review (and a positive review) are going to contain a lot of personal preference. It's why I pay a lot less attention to positive reviews. Having a negative one to balance it out is more likely to make me feel like I know what I'd be buying and feel confident shelling out money for it.

The OSR in general needs more reviews, and more critical ones (not vituperative, just more middle of the line). There's a ton of products due to POD and the internet and low production costs - critical reviews are much more needed than they were back when there was the filter of higher printing costs. I'm not saying that there's bad material out there; I'm saying that there's no way or little way of discerning what will fit a particular reader's preferences. Negative reviews, if well written, may actually indicate a "positive" review for a reader who has preferences utterly different from the reviewer's. Those sorts of polar opposite preferences exist in the OSR (as we all well know).

[rredmond]

...
The OSR in general needs more reviews, and more critical ones (not vituperative, just more middle of the line). There's a ton of products due to POD and the internet and low production costs - critical reviews are much more needed than they were back when there was the filter of higher printing costs. I'm not saying that there's bad material out there; I'm saying that there's no way or little way of discerning what will fit a particular reader's preferences. Negative reviews, if well written, may actually indicate a "positive" review for a reader who has preferences utterly different from the reviewer's. Those sorts of polar opposite preferences exist in the OSR (as we all well know).

This is where I'd be terrible for reviews. I like the old stuff because of great memories, I like the new OSR that remind me of the 1E TSR stuff, and then the OSR that's "different" I enjoy for presenting it in a different way. It's tough to be critical when you are so jazzed by something, though I appreciate, and respect those who can do the critical reviews pointing out strengths and weaknesses of a product. It's really skill bordering on art, meshing likes, don't-likes, with the overall of the product. Solid reviews are impressive.

[grodog]

Have you considered publishing reviews in KS, Matt?

[ExTSR]

Hey Taco, maybe I should review each mss (like I did in the early '80s) to make sure it's 1e. Want a 'Consultant'?

F

[tacojohn4547]

Hey Taco, maybe I should review each mss (like I did in the early '80s) to make sure it's 1e. Want a 'Consultant'?

F

WOW, Frank! That's a hell of an offer, one I'm thinking I'd be a damn fool not to take you up on! (In other words, "Hell yes!")

We've had a number of other inquiries and offers for helping hands, some from folks here at K&K and over at DF, and others from total and complete strangers. In all honesty, Allan and I have only briefly talked about expanding the number of folks participating in Black Blade Publishing's efforts and endevours. What's becoming apparent is that we're going to need to 'figure out' some of that sooner rather than later.

Perhaps we can talk about it further at Gen Con? I'll be at the Acaeum dinner on Wednesday, and will be around all throughout the convention (Tuesday afternoon through Monday morning).