The most common questions I get about patron projects (and their answers) are: (Thank you To Wolfgang Baur for his assistance).
How does this work?
Rite Publishing is using an old business model called patronage, which we have adapted from Wolfgang Baur’s Open Design. The people who want a project directly commission an artist (in this case, a game designer, cartographer, and illustrators) to produce a product of interest to them.
What is patronage? Patronage is similar to a preorder except you get direct input and access to the product before the product is released. You get both the product, and all of the benefits of an alpha and beta test, with senior patrons having even greater access, and making actual changes in the design itself.
What do I get for my patronage?
First and foremost, you gain access to the Rite Forums project forum. You can participate in the discussions regarding material from the designs, illustrations and layout. You can vote in polls that determine the project directions. You’ll get to read design essays. Plus free access to any bonus material: examples include web enhancements, map packs, high definition maps,
If you’re a senior patron, you can suggest an NPC or a monster and/or template . Senior patrons also see the unfinished manuscript in progress, request design essay topics, preview initial sketches of maps and artwork, pitch their own encounters and other suggestions, they can even submit other materials such as spells or rituals if they are so inclined. That’s all purely optional, but senior patrons tend to be more involved in the collaborative sides of the design. They also get access to play-test the project at both the alpha and beta stages of the design.
All patrons receive a PDF of the final product, plus all errata in an updated edition, and a pointer to the Lulu site with the option to purchase a print copy of the project. Most patrons simply use the PDF, but the Lulu version is sold at cost, Rite Publishing does not make a dime off of this sale.
I purchased my patronage, now what?
The first step is easy, but the second step requires a tiny bit of patience. Once you have become a patron on a project, you will need to register at The Rite Forums specific to your patronage project, an send me an email with our username so your access can be upgraded to the level of patronage you have purchased. Because there’s a small volume of patrons (relative to, say, customers of the latest mass market adventure), it’s pretty much done manually. You’ll likely to be given full access in less than 8 hours, 48 hours at the latest unless something is seriously wrong.
Can I get a copy of a project that is already over and done?
Yes. All of our projects are available via any of our online vendors at the exact same price you would have paid for a standard patronage. Our current vendors are Your Games Now, Paizo, Rpgnow or Rpgdrivethru, print on demand copies are available at a retail price via our Lulu storefront.
How do polls work?
The developer on a project puts forward options about moving forward on a design point this could be as simple as deciding on the level of an adventure or as complex as what direction a particular adventure or encounter is going to take. Patronage is open for a set period of time; whichever has the most votes on the closing day shows the direction we will be taking.
How do I make suggestions?
Post to the patron forums its as simple as that. Some input is limited by your level of patronage, but chances are if you can see a post, then it is something you can discuss. Leave a comment on a post. Just remember that everyone is collaborating on the same team, with the intent to make the project better, and to keep the conversation friendly!
What if I change my mind about supporting a project or wish to change my vote?
Just post to indicate your choice. or private message that projects developer
Can I upgrade my patronage at a later date?
Yes, at any time you can send us the difference between your current level of patronage and the higher level you wish to support. An email or private message conversation is best so that we are aware and can adjust your access level on the forums once the donation is in.
Can I vote for more than one project at a time?
Yes. But you do it with your dollars, so you’ll need to make patronage donations to each project you wish to sponsor.
What does “threshold goal” mean?
Writer gets paid A + illustrators get paid B + Layout Designer gets paid C = X, the amount that X equals represents the minimum amount necessary to start production on the project, our threshold goal.
What happens if my project doesn’t make the threshold goal?
If your project does not meet it threshold goal within 60 days your payment will be refunded in full, including all Paypal fees. .
What if I change my mind about supporting a project?
If your project hasn’t reached threshold, no problem! If it has contact us and let us know your concern and we will see about addressing your particular issue. After 60 days, PayPal charges a percentage fee for refunding a transaction — if you are beyond this window, expect to see slightly less than you pledged.
I understand how it works in concept, but how does it work in practice?
Updates, information, and discussion happens through The Rite Forums and an update email. We set your access on these forums to a particular level of which you will them be able to see threads in that particular forum for example if you’re a Senior Patron on Heroes of the Jade Oath you will be able to see and post in both the standard and senior patron forums, while a standard patron will only have access to the standard patron forums.
Through replies of each post, discussion is had between all the patrons and with the staff of each project. As mentioned elsewhere, Senior Patrons have a lot of pull, but those considering standard patronage should know that a particularly inspired idea can often be snapped up from the lower tier. A great idea is, after all, a great idea.
Patrons need to register on The Rite Forums get the most out of the project, and that is absolutely free. Patrons do not need to reply and can simply lurk if they wish. The Rite Forums are simply a way to assign permissions to who can see what, and to allow patrons to comment.
Playtesting? We can playtest?
Yes! Patrons can be playtesters, either running or participating in the playtest. Playtesters are required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before materials are released. You will receive electronic copies of the material for testing once We has received your NDA. Specifics of the playtest may vary from project to project.
I’ve been a Patron for many Projects. Steve knows me, we go way back. Do I still need to send him my Rite Forums user name?
Yes you do, just be safe…
If you’ve been a prior active patron, We probably will recognize your user name and have a sense of who you are. But, when the Paypal payment comes through he only sees the e-mail address associated with the payment. We can’t really be 100% sure unless you tell me. Plus, it’s possible that someone else could be making the payment on someone else’s behalf. A gift patronage for example.
It’s really safest and easiest to always reply to the introductory e-mail and remind us what User name is associated with this payment.
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