Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.
2013/07/01 10:57:23
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
That's a bunch of stuff I'd rather not have read. I've posted something similar on his blog before to the effect that I regretted not buying his latest book because his publisher had driven me away. I didn't expect him to give me some sort of thumbs up and rail against his employer, I just wanted to offer some small show of support given that I felt unable to support him by buying the book in question. I
totally sympathise with his feeling unable to respond, but his doubting that anybody 'that loyal' is being driven away feels like a bit of a kick in the teeth.
Those of us who have engaged him in this way are precisely those who feel loyal enough to feel a bit crap about having felt unable to support him with our wallets. I've no doubt that he'd rather we hold our noses and part with the cash, but his defence of Black Library isn't going to persuade anyone. At the end of the day I want to give him money for his work, but Black Library ebooks were already the most expensive I ever bought and I'm not willing to pay extra for insulting 'enhanced' versions with nothing of any worth to anyone who uses an e-reader.
I haven't had to hold my nose to buy ebooks in the half year since I swore off Black Library. If everyone else is publishing with the same odious practices as Black Library I must have been very lucky so far.
2013/07/01 14:43:05
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
I don't even mind the trade paperback switch so much any more.
I just found it to be ridiculous that they are re-releasing a previous book that I already paid $12 for. Tossing in a new novella, that I can buy e-book of for $5. And it's hardback (which I don't care about)
And for this they are charging $30?
It just seems like it has nothing to do with "industry standards" and more to do with "empty your pockets."
Veteran Sergeant wrote:Oh wait. His fluff, at this point, has him coming to blows with Lionel, Angryon, Magnus, and The Emprah. One can only assume he went into the Eye of Terror because he still hadn't had a chance to punch enough Primarchs yet.
Albatross wrote:I guess we'll never know. That is, until Frazzled releases his long-awaited solo album 'Touch My Weiner'. Then we'll know.
warboss wrote:I marvel at their ability to shoot the entire foot off with a shotgun instead of pistol shooting individual toes off like most businesses would.
Mr Nobody wrote:Going to war naked always seems like a good idea until someone trips on gravel.
Ghidorah wrote: You need to quit hating and trying to control other haters hating on other people's hobbies that they are trying to control.
ShumaGorath wrote:Posting in a thread where fat nerds who play with toys make fun of fat nerds who wear costumes outdoors.
Marshal2Crusaders wrote:Good thing it wasn't attacked by the EC, or it would be the assault on Magnir's Crack.
2013/07/01 17:11:48
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
But then again, maybe they think "well people will pay that for x....why not?"
Personally I think ADB is one of two writers for BL that could hold water outside of the publisher. Dan Abnett has shown he can already - some great comic book work, and the novel I read of his (Embedded) was certainly worth the read. That he manages to come up with so many new and exciting ideas (without stepping on any toes, or pissing off long-term fans) in an increasingly well-defined universe I think is pretty remarkable and speaks well of his imagination.
Would love ADB to do the same as well, think both of them no doubt have a future beyond the confines of BL.
"It is the great irony of the Legiones Astartes: engineered to kill to achieve a victory of peace that they can then be no part of." - Roboute Guilliman
"As I recall, your face was tortured. Imagine that - the Master of the Wolves, his ferocity twisted into grief. And yet you still carried out your duty. You always did what was asked of you. So loyal. So tenacious. Truly you were the attack dog of the Emperor. You took no pleasure in what you did. I knew that then, and I know it now. But all things change, my brother. I'm not the same as I was, and you're... well, let us not mention where you are now." - Magnus the Red, to a statue of Leman Russ
2013/07/01 21:38:33
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
While I get the frustration with the company (I don't necessarily agree with much of it, but I get it), I'm not sure I understand personally engaging ADB on it. What is the endgame to such a decision? The company represents his employer, many of his friends, and his mechanism to work on what he loves and support his family. Why should he address business decisions he has no control over? His job is to write. He delivers quality storytelling in a well worn universe that typically suits my imagination. Be it a hardcover, trade, eventual mass market, or e-book - that is his obligation. With respect to Blood and Fire, I can purchase the $5 e-book (novella) or I can splurge on a nice looking hardcover that also includes Helsreach (the first of his books that I read). I just hope Blood and Fire is good. That is his obligation.
2013/07/01 22:12:41
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
I asked him about it because he made himself available on facebook for me to do so. And I wanted to know if he had an opinion about it, since he was promoting the release.
That's pretty much it.
FWIW I like ADB, I think he's a great author, and his blog has given me a chance to share in some special moments in his life, he's generally a fun kind of guy.
I wanted to talk to him about it the same way I'm talking to all of you about it.
Veteran Sergeant wrote:Oh wait. His fluff, at this point, has him coming to blows with Lionel, Angryon, Magnus, and The Emprah. One can only assume he went into the Eye of Terror because he still hadn't had a chance to punch enough Primarchs yet.
Albatross wrote:I guess we'll never know. That is, until Frazzled releases his long-awaited solo album 'Touch My Weiner'. Then we'll know.
warboss wrote:I marvel at their ability to shoot the entire foot off with a shotgun instead of pistol shooting individual toes off like most businesses would.
Mr Nobody wrote:Going to war naked always seems like a good idea until someone trips on gravel.
Ghidorah wrote: You need to quit hating and trying to control other haters hating on other people's hobbies that they are trying to control.
ShumaGorath wrote:Posting in a thread where fat nerds who play with toys make fun of fat nerds who wear costumes outdoors.
Marshal2Crusaders wrote:Good thing it wasn't attacked by the EC, or it would be the assault on Magnir's Crack.
2013/07/04 01:42:00
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
I got my copy of the newly re-published promethean sun today. I missed this on the initial release and was glad to get one of these new ones. I have a friend who is in possession of the original and we compared copies today. The main difference is the absence of a colour section which in the original limited release started at page 64/65 which gave you a salamander seal, the book's cover and some details about the forces written about in the book. There may have also been some editorial changes as the pages don't match up 100% or perhaps the text size is slightly different. The limited numbering is also absent as one would expect. Outwardly it looks similar to the other first one and matches up to the style of the other limited run horus heresy books.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2013/07/04 02:07:40
The USS Orinoco was a Federation Danube-class runabout that was in service with Starfleet in the late 24th century, attached to Deep Space 9. It was outfitted with a sensor pod.
Perhaps changing tact if you are messaging ADB is the way to go?
Sure, he's probably tongue-tied by Black Library on any 40k books.
However, what you can say to him is something like, "hey Aaron, I really enjoy your writing, however I disagree with Black Library's publishing practices, which is why I'm massively looking forward to reading your upcoming Ancient Rome novel. "
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/07/04 23:46:05
2013/07/05 02:11:43
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
Good to hear - he's a tremendous writer, I'd definitely pick up anything he wrote outside the confines of BL (and I'm sure I'm not alone in that regard).
BobtheInquisitor wrote: But Gav Thorpe is the former Black Library scribe who wrote an ancient Rome fantasy novel...
Former? Is Gav not writing for BL any more these days?
After the success of their desperate mission to Salvation’s Reach, Colonel-Commisar Gaunt and the Tanith First race to the strategically vital forge world of Urdesh, besieged by the brutal armies of Anarch Sek. However, there may be more at stake than just a planet. The Imperial forces have made an attempt to divide and conquer their enemy, but with Warmaster Macaroth himself commanding the Urdesh campaign, it is possible that the Archenemy assault has a different purpose… to decapitate the Imperial command structure with a single blow. Has the Warmaster allowed himself to become an unwitting target? And can Gaunt’s Ghosts possibly defend him against the assembled killers and war machines of Chaos?
The USS Orinoco was a Federation Danube-class runabout that was in service with Starfleet in the late 24th century, attached to Deep Space 9. It was outfitted with a sensor pod.
Compel wrote: Pity that it'll be what/ 18 months before it's readable.
i'll be reading it on release day, all the way down here in BFE Mexico, because, you know, that's MY choice...
it's YOUR choice to wait...
on a more positive note, Headtaker is a good read...
not as snappy as Skarsnik, but Queek is awesome...
Seventh Retribution was good, especially if you like the Imperial Fists, but also some cool Chaos, Inquisition, and Assassin action...
there is also a new series of short stories out about a war on an Eldar Maiden World...
i believe it is called the Carnac Campaign...
looks like 3 eShorts are out now...
cheers
jah
Paint like ya got a pair!
Available for commissions.
2013/07/08 23:04:01
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
So, Jah-Joshua, does that make it the company's choice to make their product so unsavory that many of their most loyal customers are choosing not to buy right now?
Or is it only a choice when the customer is the one withholding?
I'm glad that you have no preferences to reading media or any financial constraints that limit your choices, but it would be interesting to me if you could choose to understand that not all people live in your mindset or circumstances.
It is readable on the date of release. It may not be affordable (for everyone), but it is certainly readable.
And BL made the decision to count profits, not number of books sold, as the driving metric for their decisions. Presumably it is working for them, since they doubled down on it.
2013/07/08 23:43:43
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
C'mon Unremembered empire where are you. K needs a new book.
On a side note. I'm not fussed too much about the style or price of these books when they are released. I luckily can afford them and I have a big book shelf. What does it for me is the terrible writing of some of the authors. I've almost stopped buying them because of this but I did learn who to avoid over time. I almost sold my BA because some of there books were so bad.
I pray that ADB or Mr Abnett are writing all the ones I'm dying to read.
Cheers,
k
2013/07/09 01:43:54
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
BobtheInquisitor wrote: So, Jah-Joshua, does that make it the company's choice to make their product so unsavory that many of their most loyal customers are choosing not to buy right now?
Or is it only a choice when the customer is the one withholding?
I'm glad that you have no preferences to reading media or any financial constraints that limit your choices, but it would be interesting to me if you could choose to understand that not all people live in your mindset or circumstances.
hey Bob...
yeah, it is BL's choice to alienate some of their customers...
i don't claim to know why they have chosen their current path, but they will reap what they sow, for better or worse...
i'm not here defending their business practices, i'm enjoying some fiction...
i buy what i like, in the cheapest format available...
sometimes that is digital, and sometimes that's in print...
i just got Luthor Huss and Treacheries of the Space Marines from Powells.com, $12 for the pair...
that's a damn good price, but i had to wait until someone was coming from Portland to visit...
i got Skarsnik for $7.99 digital vs. $14.00 in print, and didn't have to wait...
these are personal choices, and i always make that clear in my posts...
believe me, i do "understand that not all people live in your mindset or circumstances"...
that is why i don't state my opinions as if they are facts...
my choice to get out on the street and hustle for money everyday, and then spend it as fast as i make it, drives my girlfriend insane...
honestly, to me, reading on an iPad doesn't make a novel any less enjoyable...
mine happened to be a gift from Nike, so i use it, and oddly enough, usually save money by doing so...
i'm not here judging anyone, i'm just presenting the other side of the argument...
some people say that we, the customers, have to wait 18 months for MMPB to read a book, and i'm saying that is a personal choice, nothing more...
yes, i'm a lucky SOB, and i give thanks for that everyday...
i wear $100 board-shorts, and ride $1,000 dollar surfboards, not because i have no financial constraints, but because people like to give me free stuff...
i still have to go out and hustle for my $10 to eat, everyday...
i go out and risk my life everytime i step out of my gate...
i live a life of passion and adventure, that could all end in an instant, so i choose to enjoy it to the fullest...
plus, my surfboards can snap on any given day and be ruined, but my little novels will outlive me, so they feel like a sound use of what little money i have...
Unremembered Empire has me excited, so i will choose to grab it on release day...
others will choose to wait...
that is neither a judgement, nor a condemnation, just a choice...
some of us are stoked to have new books, and others are angry about the format and price...
i understand why some people are angry, i just choose not to be...
cheers
jah
Paint like ya got a pair!
Available for commissions.
2013/07/09 06:22:57
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
Skarsnik was/is most enjoyable indeed, Mr. Haley improves with every book.
A few people have bought and read "Vulkan Lives" by Mr. Kyme.
.. ending seems somewhat.. marmite .. if you follow me.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2013/07/12 12:40:20
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
Had dispatch notification from Amazon for my MMPB of Angel Exterminatus today, so anyone waiting, you should be able to pick one up very soon!
Best bit of that news is we're now over the big gap, and us poor, non hardback buying, format matching plebs will now get regular HH books, even if we will be a few titles behind the elite!
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/07/12 21:52:25
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
"It is the great irony of the Legiones Astartes: engineered to kill to achieve a victory of peace that they can then be no part of." - Roboute Guilliman
"As I recall, your face was tortured. Imagine that - the Master of the Wolves, his ferocity twisted into grief. And yet you still carried out your duty. You always did what was asked of you. So loyal. So tenacious. Truly you were the attack dog of the Emperor. You took no pleasure in what you did. I knew that then, and I know it now. But all things change, my brother. I'm not the same as I was, and you're... well, let us not mention where you are now." - Magnus the Red, to a statue of Leman Russ
2013/07/13 00:13:34
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
Just Dave wrote: I've found spoilers to be a huge downside to the new staggered release policy: so no doubt I'll have the ending given away by someone soon enough...
Bob, the Legion tea-boy dies at the end . . . . .
2013/07/13 00:58:47
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
Just Dave wrote: I've found spoilers to be a huge downside to the new staggered release policy: so no doubt I'll have the ending given away by someone soon enough...
Vulkan lives.
2013/07/13 00:59:52
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
"Sometimes the only victory possible is to keep your opponent from winning." - The Emperor, from The Outcast Dead.
"Tell your gods we are coming for them, and that their realms will burn as ours did." -Thostos Bladestorm
2013/07/13 07:20:18
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
"It is the great irony of the Legiones Astartes: engineered to kill to achieve a victory of peace that they can then be no part of." - Roboute Guilliman
"As I recall, your face was tortured. Imagine that - the Master of the Wolves, his ferocity twisted into grief. And yet you still carried out your duty. You always did what was asked of you. So loyal. So tenacious. Truly you were the attack dog of the Emperor. You took no pleasure in what you did. I knew that then, and I know it now. But all things change, my brother. I'm not the same as I was, and you're... well, let us not mention where you are now." - Magnus the Red, to a statue of Leman Russ
2013/07/13 07:48:55
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread IV, in obligatory unwanted 3-D!
One can only assume he went into the Eye of Terror because he still hadn't had a chance to punch enough Primarchs yet. 
...
