[OOC] What to Read in the Dark

[wodine]

Are there burning questions you think Explosive Runes can answer?

Is there a story you want told?

Are there problems you can only trust Explosive Runes to solve?

Do you have questions for the staff?

Do you want to share your opinion about one of the printed pieces?

If so, this is the thread for you.

[Gath]

Hello,

I have an artwork that I think might be relevant to this publication. I'm not sure how to proceed. Admin Dirk pointed me here, but I'm not quite clear on the submission process.

[wodine]

Hey Gath,

We just set up a submission thread, here.

We're still looking for alternative methods of art submission, but for now this is what we have.

Thanks for your interest!

[Gath]

Yes, I saw that, but it is labeled as Information and doesn't look like a place to post content, or anything, really.

I would like to know where I should paste my image link or to whom I should PM it. Or at least to confirm that I should post in the brand new, untainted "Information Submissions" thread.

[wodine]

I've removed the "information" tag.

You may post it in the Art Submission Forum or PM it directly to me, whichever you prefer.

[Gath]

Thank you for the clarification.

[bananabadger]

Love the concept of themed issues.
Are you announcing the themes of upcoming editions so that art or story pitches can be made with those in mind?

[wodine]

Originally Posted by bananabadger

Love the concept of themed issues.
Are you announcing the themes of upcoming editions so that art or story pitches can be made with those in mind?

Right now we're doing every other issue as a 'themed issue.'

So the next issue will be 'normal' fantasy fanfare. Since the majority of gameplay on the site focuses on that and 5e or PF1.

There has been some discussion of Summer 2023's theme but nothing has been decided. If you/anyone has ideas feel free to toss them into the ring. Though please keep in mind we need to make sure we can actually generate a full issue out of the suggested theme.

[writelite]

Hi

I made a little drawing you might like. The Policy document got me a little confused. Could you lead me through the exact steps for submitting my work, please?

Also, there is something i'm not very comfortable with, and i hope to have your advice on.

 

Rights and Exposure dillema I divided the matter into points, for easy processing - but it's really just one topic: 1. I noticed Gath made an entry, but it's in Secret, apparently. I guess he must have sent a link, but i can't be sure... (He could have sent text accompanying the art piece. The Policy mentions: "A separate list of captions and credit lines should accompany the illustrations, clearly keyed by number, as well as releases granting ER permission to reproduce them.") 2. The Policy says "The submission must not have been published previously (...)" Does this apply to storing the image file on a dedicated site? In that case i could not send you a link, but would have to mail the image file. 3. Either as a submission to an editor (as specified in the Policy) - probably in secret or by PM, or as a mail attachment, the editor would be the only other person on this site seeing my file. 4. But the Policy file also specifies: "(c) you acknowledge and agree that we shall have the right (but not obligation), in our sole discretion, to refuse to publish or to remove or block access to any Content you provide at any time and for any reason, with or without notice." 5. So what happens with my work in case you refuse/remove/block it? No one else would know i made it. It's just gone, along with the idea that went in it. That doesn't seem fair... I want people to know i made this drawing, hopefully to enjoy it, but also to have an idea of my current drawing ability, which might attract their interest in view of future collaborations here at RPGX.

[wodine]

Much of the document is written in a way to cover us from multiple angles, and it is quite possible that parts of it don't really relate to what you want to submit.

1. Captions for example, for a map. Room numbers, schematics, etc...

2. It means something along the lines of if it is in some form of print or digital media (not like imgur) in which you received money or rights for the work, like a coffee table book or an adventure module.

3. I'm not sure what your question is here. Normally people PM myself or Admin Dirk with stuff but we also created a submission thread for people to submit things.

4/5. This isn't about the work so much as, if someone submitted something and their only copy was here and then we had to ban them for some reason, they lose access to their art and that isn't our problem.

In all honesty, the policy is there to protect Explosive Runes and the site.

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

[writelite]

Thank you

My drawing was made for the magazine, but maybe it can be considered acceptable in a Library thread. I'd get my visibility and you guys could decide on the level of quality. Then perhaps we can talk about creating something else for the ER, on your terms

I also had a few ideas to share, including an alternative to your current policy and method of handling submissions. You'll find them enclosed below.

 

the ideas Suppose you guys would declare the magazine as an extension of the site, only the medium differing. Then to copy something from the site to the magazine would be the same as linking a post, or quoting text. Suppose then that i'd place my attempt at art in a normal thread, where everyone could see it. And with it i would add this simple statement: "I agree that: (1) this image, which I created, will be used only on the site and in the associated magazine; and (2) I will be recognized as the sole author." Then, if you would like it, you would use it in ER. If not, it would at least remain visible on the site. To me, that situation would be ideal - if only the image could be uploaded directly to this site, like the avatar setup mechanism allows. If i upload to a site of image storage, i practically give away the claims at authorship. It's okay, if all i want to achieve is to share it with the people here (besides the rest of the internet). But if we start looking at different rights, then it becomes necessary to upload directly to the site. The only other alternative would be to send my work by e-mail, but then it may at most see the light in the magazine. I, for one, would like my content to be immediately visible at RPGX. I'll add that the same simple policy and method of handling could be applied to any content uploaded to the site, including original ideas expressed in writing. And i see that it would cover also the material left behind by someone banned.

[Ildrahil]

I have a few questions of the famous Explosive Runes staff. If one wanted to submit a story how would one go about it? Do you have rules about what can be written about? Can it be a knockoff of a series, like say Glen Cook's Black Company Chronicles, or does it have to be original? What is the word count limit? Is there a place we can find what upcoming themes might be? These are the burning questions we of the RPGX community have been chewing over for eons.

[wodine]

Originally Posted by Ildrahil

I have a few questions of the famous Explosive Runes staff. If one wanted to submit a story how would one go about it? Do you have rules about what can be written about? Can it be a knockoff of a series, like say Glen Cook's Black Company Chronicles, or does it have to be original? What is the word count limit? Is there a place we can find what upcoming themes might be? These are the burning questions we of the RPGX community have been chewing over for eons.

The editorial policy itself can be found here.

There is no word count limit, however we prefer shorter pieces under 3000 words.

You can basically write about anything you want as long as it follows site rules, most notably being PG13.

While the next issue is slated to be a themed issue, we have not formalized which theme we are going to use yet. We also have not received any feedback on whether people enjoy the themed issues. Should your piece not fit in the themed issue, it can easily roll over into the next issue.

I am unfamiliar with The Black Company but the the works we publish must be original, previously unpublished, and not violate copy right laws. Since Glen Cook and Tor Fantasy still hold the copyright to the material this means you would either need written permission or the work needs to fall under fair use. I'm not a lawyer so I can't give actual legal advice, but this would be easier to answer if the author was one who has publicly stated they don't mind fanfiction, ie Gaiman or Pratchett.

If you would like to discuss the details of your interest more feel free to PM me or respond here in the thread.

[HotsuSama]

Explosive Runes is taking submissions for its Spring 2023 issue!

The upcoming issue theme is EVIL. Sharpen those cursed blades, bring those foolish heroes to their knees, and let's hatch some dark schemes!

• Do you have homebrew content for evil artefacts, cursed items or wicked minions?
• Do you have plot hooks or game scenarios that reward being the baddie?
• Do you have advice on running an evil campaign, creating memorable villains or playing an evil character?
• Do you have a story about villains, minions, dark schemes, etc.?
• Have you played an evil-centric RPG (e.g. Wicked Ones) and want to talk about your experiences?

If you answered YES to any of the above, we want to hear from you! Refer to our Editorial Policy and PM wodine before 30 April.