Collaborative projects

[RyanPaddy]

I think the idea of collaborating on some projects here on Shades is nifty. The idea of getting an international group of larp writers working on a virtual project is pretty cool. I'd be interested to see what comes out.

However, in my opinion it will require a solid framework to make it work. If the boundaries are too squishy, nothing will come of it. Here's what I think:

• Each project will have one overall leader. It's not their job to do all the work or throw away teammate's great ideas. Their role is to keep the project on target to its vision and help resolve differences of opinion.
  
• A clear vision for the project will be agreed before any work starts.
  
• One person will be in charge of producing a PDF that is the output of the project. Other people may help with it by contributing artwok or layout suggestions, but one person takes responsibility for the final appearance of the work.
  
• Ideally, each project will have an advisor who is a relative expert in the particular type of project. They won't be the leader or even a major contributor on the project, but someone with a track record of producing good projects of this type who can be consulted on tricky questions, or who can point out when things are going down a dead end.
  
• The discussion of development will all take place in a thread here, not in private emails or messages. The idea is not just to create something, but to provide an open forum for all participants and observeres to learn how these things can be done.

On a small project, one person may take on more than one role. The leader may wish to create milestone dates and a deadline for their project, but that is on a project-by-project basis.

[Grimace_Reaper]

Yeah that sounds like a good idea to me, and I would be glad to help with owt (anything) that everyone votes on to decide to do first.
I can't say that im an expert on anything in particular, but if its anything to do with art/design or any Occult based stuff (Been a practising occultist for nearly 19 years now, and have been in ritual design for about 7 of them and also usd to work for Abyss FX before that) So I don't know what I could do, but if I can contribute in any way I will.

Like the Idea about the projects being in PDF format, that is a graet idea, but tell me (Not that I am a complete novice when it comes to PC lore, is it possible to embed sound and video in those type of files?

I think you can do sounds, but is it possible with video?

If so, it could be a great addition to a static PDF doc.

Keep me posted on developments, not that I want to make a suggestion, I would like to be involved thats all. I will go with the flow about any decisions made here, I sometimes work better if its someone elses suggestion anyway.

So if we can get a coherent agreement on all involved, what do we propose to do? Admittedly, my initial suggestion for the creation of a LRP system maybe was a bit too ambitious, so what about a project?

Come on you guys, surely one of you out there can think of a worthwhile task that we can complete in the good name of Shade's?

[RyanPaddy]

Trying to get a consensus on a single project for everyone to work on would be a road to madness.

Instead, I suggest that people who are willing to lead a project put their hand up. The absolute minimum that any project needs is a leader, someone willing to take overall responsibility for making it happen. Post in the General forum, like my post about an Arthurian scenario project. The idea doesn't have to be as specific as mine. You could just say that you're willing and have time to lead a system or scenario design, and ask for ideas.

Or you could do it the other way and start a thread chatting about some ideas for a project you're willing to work on but not lead, then try to find a leader for it.

This may lead to several different types of project running at once, which in my opinion is a good thing. Some people want to write a system, some a scenario or something else entirely. And everyone has different preferences for genre and tone. It's no good mashing people together onto a project that doesn't interest them. Better to have manageable, achievable projects with small solid teams. At least until we get the hang of this.

[Jupe]

I'll give you a hand the way I can. Can't accept full responsibility for anything yet, my shrink would be really mad ... But I have some experience on this. Will answer questions.

I like the way the Shade's is going if you guys pull this one through
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