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Miniatures Adventure => Age of Myths, Gods and Empires => Topic started by: JW Boots on 14 March 2024, 12:39:24 PM

Title: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: JW Boots on 14 March 2024, 12:39:24 PM
A few weeks ago I published something as pdf-only. And for free. Also via the Wargame Vault.

However…

The Wargame Vault, I learned, also offers a print-on-demand service. A simple PDF, so to speak, is not suitable. But it can be adapted. That is a bit of a job, but doable.

So I have a question.

For rules, supplements, etc. do you prefer a PDF, for free, or a hardcopy that will cost at least the printing costs plus post and packaging?
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Cubs on 14 March 2024, 12:48:53 PM
Hard copy every time.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: dadlamassu on 14 March 2024, 12:51:30 PM
Hard Copy or VERY low (max 12) page count pdf.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Ran The Cid on 14 March 2024, 01:03:26 PM
I find that PDF files collect on my Google drive, but never get read.  Hard copy at least has a chance of being read.

The reason for this is two part - I don't have a good system in place for reading PDF files:  phone is too small, and I don't feel like sitting at my PC to read a rule set.  Second part is usability - how do I try to play a game with a PDF?  To play, I'd need to lug around a laptop or something similar.  Maybe I just need a cheap tablet dedicated to rules.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Sgt_T on 14 March 2024, 01:22:59 PM
PDF.

Saves storage space, specific rules are easier to find with the search option, I can zoom in (my eyes are not what they used to be).

T
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Lost Egg on 14 March 2024, 01:40:50 PM
I'm going to be awkward and say both. I like a free pdf so I can take a look at the rules and see if its my thing or not. If it passes the first flick through then I print it off for a better look and finally if I think its something I'd use or would like to go back to then I'll grab a hard copy.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: SJWi on 14 March 2024, 02:33:04 PM
I prefer a hard-copy of a rulebook but happy with PdFs of army lists or scenario books as I normally read these on my PC, or I only need to print out a few pages at a time to help with a particular game.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 14 March 2024, 02:49:50 PM
Hard copy preferably.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Tarnegol on 14 March 2024, 03:38:59 PM
I'm a weirdo who likes (and is usually happy to pay for) both, but if you force me to choose either/or - hardcopy.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: FifteensAway on 14 March 2024, 04:28:19 PM
PDF.  Easy enough, for me, to print.  And a printed PDF is a hard copy.  If I like them enough to use them, then they go inside plastic sleeves inside of a binder.  Good to go.  If I don't like them, minimum to zero cost - except for the paper and the toner (ink jet printer).  And time.  Though, generally, I do review on computer before printing to determine if they merit the resources.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Easy E on 14 March 2024, 05:46:39 PM
Well, from publishing companies I prefer Hard Copy.

For indies, I prefer PDF. 
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Aethelflaeda was framed on 14 March 2024, 06:26:09 PM
PDF, with a low-res low ink use, no fluff illustrations, version for printing out.  Better yet, a .doc so i can edit the thing when i get to houseruling…there is almost always a house rule or clarification yo put in…
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: fred on 14 March 2024, 06:40:09 PM
PDF - especially if it’s free!

I can always print the bits I want (either at home or using a service if its big)

I much prefer PDFs for reference during a game. Hard copy can be good for learning the game.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Storm Wolf on 14 March 2024, 06:50:07 PM
Hard copy over PDF anytime, but if both are available then yes please thank you  :D
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Will Bailie on 14 March 2024, 06:50:30 PM
So I have a question.

For rules, supplements, etc. do you prefer a PDF, for free, or a hardcopy that will cost at least the printing costs plus post and packaging?

For rules, I prefer hardcopy, so I can set it on the table, pick it up, pass it around, highlight or underline key items, etc.  Supplements - should be hardcopy if I will actually need to refer to it during play.  Other items can be PDF, so I can print as much of them as is needed for a particular event (game, campaign, or whathaveyou).

HOWEVER given my predilection for living far away from wherever the people who write the rules live, I definitely appreciate the instant gratification of purchasing a PDF and getting it in my inbox at the speed of electrons, rather than having to wait weeks for the product to be packaged and shipped to my location.  And then if I favour a particular portion of the rules/supplement/game aids/whatever, I can then print it and if required bind it for use.  The TFL model works well for me, as I can get the instant gratification of the PDF and, when appropriate, order those books and bits that I decide I need in hard copy.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Cat on 14 March 2024, 10:12:14 PM
Hardcopy.  If it's pdf, I'm just going to bring it to Staples and pay to print it out anyway.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: wkeyser on 18 March 2024, 03:05:29 AM
I like to have the option of buying a pdf and or a hard copy. I have book shelves that are groaning under the weight of wargame rules. So I like to buy a pdf of the rules read them and try them then if I like them I will buy a Hard copy of the rules.
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: bluewillow on 18 March 2024, 04:27:29 PM
A few weeks ago I published something as pdf-only. And for free. Also via the Wargame Vault.

However…

The Wargame Vault, I learned, also offers a print-on-demand service. A simple PDF, so to speak, is not suitable. But it can be adapted. That is a bit of a job, but doable.

So I have a question.

For rules, supplements, etc. do you prefer a PDF, for free, or a hardcopy that will cost at least the printing costs plus post and packaging?

I prefer a hard copy myself and perhaps a pdf for iPad

Cheers
Matt
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Basementboy on 19 March 2024, 07:52:30 AM
Definitely a hard copy, or something physical. Having the rules sitting on my shelf motivates me to read them, whereas having them online means they just languish away  lol
Title: Re: Question of preference for free PDF-only versus hardcopy with printing + P&P
Post by: Bodvoc on 23 March 2024, 06:44:20 PM
Hard copy everytime. Reading pdf's on a screen gives me eyestrain.