Novus digest version -- opinions wanted

[imported_Rasyr]

Recently, over on rpg.net there was a discussion regarding the 2 column format of PDFs.

Now, I will likely never stop with the 2 column format, I thought that it might be a good idea to see how a digest-sized version (i.e. 6" x 9") would work out.

One of my reasons for doing this is because of the increasing popularity of 7" tablets, and of how things look on it, especially the larger (8.5" x 11") PDFs.

So what I would like is to hear a little bit of feedback about what you think of the idea of offering Novus in a digest format. Also, I would like to get one or two folks who already have Novus, and who happen to have a 7" tablet to perhaps beta test this new format to tell me how it compares on that size tablet with the full sized version you already have.

Note: I am actually announcing this post to all forum members, so please respond by coming to the forums and responding to the thread. Also, I will post a couple of sample pages in another post to this thread.

Thanks!

[imported_Rasyr]

Here are a few sample pages....

Note that I am still page-making the digest version and that it is currently at 207 pages, which will likely still grow as I add images back into it and get it properly formatted....


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[sladesy]

I use a 10 inch tablet and 6 inch phone, this format looks great on my phone. I really like it.

[samwise7]

I always thought that the Lamentations of the Flame Princess PDFs would look great on a tablet (they use A4 I believe).  I have yet to get a tablet though. 

[dbm]

In general I am in favour of the single column, as double format is annoying on an iPad and that is the primary way I consume RPGs these days.

Having looked at the samples you provide up above, I think a little more tailoring would improve them still further. Certainly, it is tricky to quickly read text when it spans the full width of the page - I would suggest a point or two of space between each line to make it easier for your eye to track.

[imported_Rasyr]

full size ipad? or ipad mini? On a full size, I think that the 2 column format of the larger more print-like PDFs is more appropriate. On an ipad mini (or kindle, or nook tablet/color/HD), the digest format might be more appropriate....

[dbm]

I'm on a full-size iPad. It ultimately depends on the size of the text and boarders; if detail is small so you have to zoom in for easy reading then the double-column format is a real pain.

[imported_Rasyr]

true as well

[Dorchadas]

I have a full-size iPad, and I don't mind the two-column format, and I would prefer it if it came down to a choice between them.

Edit: I know you mentioned that it wouldn't, I'm just mentioning my preference. 

[Sunwolf]

I have a Nook HD.  I have tried pdfs for games on it with limited success in the past.  I will be testing your samples most likely this weekend.

[imported_Rasyr]

I have a full-size iPad, and I don't mind the two-column format, and I would prefer it if it came down to a choice between them.

Edit: I know you mentioned that it wouldn't, I'm just mentioning my preference. 



The 8.5 x 11, 2 column format will not go away because of the simple fact that that is the format used for making print products. So no worries there.

I have a Nook HD.  I have tried pdfs for games on it with limited success in the past.  I will be testing your samples most likely this weekend.

I have the Nook Tablet myself (came out between the nook color and the nook HD), and I am running N2A on it, and I think that the PDF I am creating for this is turning out pretty well  on it. But I definitely want to hear your feedback as well how good it looks for you on yours.

[Sunwolf]

Loaded it up on my Nook HD and it displayed nicely.  When I had it vertical it displayed one page that covered the width of the screen and had only a little unused screen space on top and bottom.  Zoom worked and when I turned it sideways it displayed two pages.

When I had it vertical with one page it was a pretty good font size to read.  For me I wouldn't mind it being a shade bigger on the font, but I have old eyes.  If you decide to convert all the rules and Libram's to this format I would definitely be interested.  Good job.

[imported_Rasyr]

Update......

Okay, initial page-making is complete. I have the entirety of the text layed out, and I have added more art along the way as well, so make sure things break across pages a bit more properly.

Things left to do

• Page References -- all those "See p. xx" have to be connected to the proper page where the referred to text can be found.
• Table of Contents -- While this can be generated almost automatically, I still have to go through and clean it up. This is will be done after the next item on the list.
• Character Sheet -- Since I am putting the book into a 6x9 format, I figure that I need to do the same for the character sheet (and yes, that will mean that I will need to create a seperate sheet and even semi-automate it like I have done with the full size version as well. I think that the result will be interesting but also challenging to do as well.
• Index -- I have to go through and completely create a new index (not a hard task, just potentially time consuming).
• Cover -- I have to create a proper-sized cover for this as well.

[/list]

[imported_Rasyr]

And here I thought that the Character Sheet would be the hardest part...

The Digest-sized character sheet is complete...

Check it out (yes, I will eventually make a fillable form version).


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[sladesy]

That looks great on my phone. Keep up the great work.