Wishlist: Manual

[JTullman]

First off thanks Don and Andy for the new patch. I really appreciate the hard work!

Just wondering if there's been any thought put into producing a high quality printed manual for the game. Don't get me wrong I think that the HTML manual and Cross's PDF versions are great but I would sure love to have a handsomly bound printed version. I would gladly pay a pretty penny for one too.

Just a thought...

Thanks again.

[Double_Deuce]

I'm guessing the upfront print run costs are prohibitive, along with the needed storage space. I guess they could consider a print on demand source like LuLu but the cost using those agencies are usually much higher than what most users would be willing to pay.

[JTullman]

I agree, the price would considerable. I think the end cost would be around $40 a book. That would cover the printing cost and still make it a worthwhile venture.
It's safe for me to guess, I work in printing
However, as you alluded to, there are many web based outfits that are suitable for short run printing batches or even on-demand printing such as 48hrbooks.com.

I'm not so sure how Shrapnel would take the idea of having the manual paginated and submitted to a third party...intellectual property and whatnot...

The provided materials are more than sufficient and the CD's booklet is more manual than you will get with any other game nowadays.
I guess my thoughts were that it could be a "deluxe" product that might drive a small amount of profit from hardcore fans.

[Skirmisher]

The game guide is very complete.

It has one advantage over a printed manual, you can't spill anything on it.

And most hardcore fans of this have been playing it since it was a dos product. They allready know how everything works.

[Mobhack]

The costs for a full-sized printed manual would be ridiculous in the extreme.

Then, each and every year any remaining stock would have to be pulped since there are changes with the new patch. Easily done in the HTML version of the Game Guide, but not in wood pulp. Plus the boxed sets would have to be opened and repacked, so more costs. Oh, and all the old boxes would have to be pulped too, since you would need a new huge size one to fit a full manual. Then add the shipping charge for several kilos of dead tree.

It is not going to happen. Anyone who wants can always print off a copy at a print shop or their own printer for their own personal use, if so minded. See the Distribution Notice section of the Game Guide about the copyright stuff and the passing on to a third party. (Remember to bin your old copy and reprint the new every year, if you need to keep up to date.)

Personally I can see no reason why a paper copy would be required - if needed for reference then play in windowed mode with the HTML G/G open in a browser and switch between game and browser windows. And in any case the "?" key for the in-game help is likely all one needs (e.g. for the hot keys).

Cheers
Andy

[JTullman]

No materials would need to be modified nor would games need to be repackaged.

My idea was that the manual would sold on it's own.

Never mind....


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