Hey everyone, it’s been a week and just wanted to let y’all know I’m still here…and working a number of cool minis projects.  As I’m super-ADHD I am usually doing bits and pieces of several things.

I’ll have a big update of my trade list tomorrow; I’m thinking of adding a sales price column as well as I’m getting close to completing my Collecting Goal 1 (any pricing will definitely be lower than both eBay and CSI…for ease I’m thinking of just doing CSI – 20%, as I use their values for trades as well).  I think I’m only about 40 minis shy of having all of the first 14 sets.  I’ve got a couple of big trades in the mail with folks as well, so that will bring that number down a bit more.  Anyhow, check out my rares list tomorrow if you need anything, it’s almost at 150 rares or so.  I’ll update my Collecting Goal page as well.

The bigger project I’m working on is the design of a new DDM website (other than this one!).  I’ve mentioned it before, but I currently have 3 pages done on the design specifications for the most complete DDM site on the net.  My goal is to make a permanent repository for all things DDM.  Too many sites have gone dark, and it’s too hard to find current versions of things like the Vassal mods for DDM or the Bifur database.  On one site, I will have the best have/want list and trade tools available for collectors, a full database of all pre-painted minis (including both versions of DDM stat cards), full search functionality, warband builder, etc.  I know I’m not reinventing the wheel with any of that, but the benefit is it will all be in one place.  Plus, I am going to pre-pay the domain for as long as Godaddy will let me.  I purchased my main business name for 10 years, so it’ll be at least that long.  Even if I quit playing DDM or die or something, the site will never go away, and I hope that provides some incentive for folks to be active on it.  I also plan on having some features that will might make it fun to come by for a few minutes a day, like a ‘mini of the day’ section and a warband rating tool.  Basically, a social networking DDM site.=)

Anyone who wants to be involved with the new site, please let me know, as its definitely a big job for just one dude.  (though I’ll certainly do my best if I can’t find any help!)  I’ll need help pulling documents from WoTC’s site, keeping the site updated with the newest minis released, uploading DDM Guild stat cards, that type of thing.

I’m also stuck on what type of accessory I am going to try to create first for DDM.  I have a couple of ideas kicking around, but I’m not sure which to pursue.  On one hand I’m thinking about doing a solo/duo module/intro to DDM kit.  Basically, it would be a kit with 4 maps, 24 minis, and about 5 scenarios that can be played both solo (hey, I do it, others can too!) or against a ‘DM’.  It wouldn’t be cheap due to the minis (I’d probably include 3 boosters worth, so 3 rares, 9 uncommons and 12 commons or so from across all sets), so I’d probably offer a .pdf version as well for folks who already have a bazillion minis.

Another thought I had was to do a ‘board game’ style DDM accessory.  Think ‘Risk meets DDM’, where each player would take turns recruiting, enhancing their warbands, and fighting over territory.  I got the idea from the old Eternal Campaign that used to run on Plasticrypt, and it’s the type of game that really appeals to me personally.  Each kit would have country/land tiles, item cards, minis, and maps as well as a full rulebook.

The first is probably less manpower intensive and something I could get done more quickly, while the 2nd idea might have more appeal to skirmish gamers but would take a lot more in terms of playtesting and designing.  I’d love to hear folks thoughts on either, and again, I’m all for accepting help from anyone who likes either idea and would like to work on it with me.  Plus, as I’ll only be able to use OGL or personally created monsters in the material, I’ll have to come up with a bunch of new stat cards as well (including a new design).  I already did a query of the OGL vs. DDM and there’s about 350 OE crossover creatures.  For example, a Large Gold Dragon would be a creature I could use in either accessory under the OGL, but not a Beholder.

Also, as an FYI, it’s only getting busier for me from here on, though I plan to keep folks updated as I can, and I always make it a point to do something DDM related every day.  I have another baby girl on the way in June (yay!), so most of the Summer will be spent without sleep.=)  My wife and I are also looking to buy a larger house to make room for the expanding family, so that will take up a bunch of time.  However, at the end of the day that will also help with all of my gaming projects as we are going to build a new warehouse for our business on the property.  As part of the warehouse, my wife and I are going to build out a huge gaming space (2-3000 square feet) that can be used for displaying all our gaming stuff, homeschooling my girls, and giving the local role-playing and board-gaming folks a great place to play and meet, etc.

My goal is to eventually phase out/sell my current business and become much more involved in raising my girls and gaming.  This blog (not that its much!) has really done a lot in making me think about where I want to be 5 years from now.  And while I love my business, it’s been an exhausting five years running it.  I haven’t been on a vacation in all that time, I work all but about 15 days a year and when I slow down some days I’m just bone tired.  My wife and I live very frugally, so the plan is to make enough to pay off all our debts including our mortgages, sock a bit away after that, and then semi-retire.  We’ll run a little e-commerce business on the side, rent our current house, open up a game store, and (with the Good Lord’s Blessing) enjoy the fruits of 10 years of hard labor.

Anyhow, it’s approaching Midnight, I know I should probably wait until tomorrow to post this as it probably comes off way too stream-of-consciousness, but so be it!=)

Update Thursday: Still Here, Collection Grooves, New Website Ahoy

4 thoughts on “Update Thursday: Still Here, Collection Grooves, New Website Ahoy

  • May 31, 2015 at 1:12 pm
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    Hi, did you abandon? This website is just great, your posts have been quite interesting.

    Reply
    • June 30, 2015 at 2:20 pm
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      Heya, thanks for the note! No, I’m still here, just life has gotten incredibly busy. I think I’m going to get up a post today updating what’s going on!

      Reply
  • November 14, 2016 at 6:47 am
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    That's a solid comparison, Sherry! The unfamiliar and unexpected in any field or form is scary! Ooh! I always love your tidbits of advice. I'm building courage, but I didn't know about this "intestinal fortitude" bit for tackling the challenges in life. I'll have to work that second one. =)

    Reply
  • March 1, 2017 at 8:06 am
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