Victoriana

[doctor_kaos]

So very figuring out Victoriana at the moment. At present I’m really pleased with how we’re doing.  Something I’ve realised is that if you tally up everything you spend on a game, it’s totally impossible to break even.  Seriously, if it’s not a labour of love, then you’ve not got a chance. The rules are really shaping up and the background is

Comments

[lstn_natalie]

I think that in order to encourage people to pay a large amount for a first event, your marketing will need to be spot on, and probably quite aggressive.

You're a premium product, and total customer satisfaction is the #1 priority for premium products, especially those with a focus on promoting return business.

It's going to be difficult the first time, but I think with some impressive photography, perhaps some video work, the excellent copy that I know you're capable of writing and the willingness of friends to volunteer unpaid to help with creating your initial advertising portfolio, you're on to a winner.

Once you have your first event behind you, and you have your player testimonials to work with, the amount charged will seem more reasonable - I know from personal experience that NWO had that effect on people, and indeed players were even making the suggestion of paying higher rates if it were to ensure a continually unsurpassed standard for events.

Thank you for letting me use my marketing experience for a change, and my best wishes for the future. While it's not quite enough to tempt me out of LRP retirement, I may be able to help out in some ways - even if it's only acting as a cynical consumer soundboard.

[doctor_kaos]

That's perfect Nat, gives me a lot to think about.

[glamwhorebunni]

I think having a Unique Selling Point and a concept that get's people exciting is key as well.

Masquerades & Massacres: "Jane Austen's Aliens"
Winter In The Willows: "Post-Apocalyptic Wind In The Willows"
etc

[lstn_natalie]

The issue with a USP (and the reason that I didn't include it) is that EVERY live roleplaying event should have one.

An event that offers nothing new or unique is doomed from the outset; one may get by on the reputation of the organisers alone, but that's an exceptionally rare occurence and even then people are looking for something "special" from the event.

As Mikey doesn't presently have a reputation for organising events made of glam, glitter and the golden touch (though I sorely hope that he DOES earn such a reputation) then the need for a USP is a given.

The pre-event excitement over concept and execution is going to be down to the promotion materiel produced, and if Mikey is lucky, a bubbling undercurrent of word-of-mouth regarding how much FUN people had taking part in the promos.

x

[sarahlascelles]

Another vote from me for the importance of the USP.

[doctor_kaos]

If it helps, here's another vote for unique selling points. Every game needs at least one reason to entice you in. I'm hoping to have quite a few. Watch this space.

[sarahlascelles]

I think you have a pretty good approach actually. I have a number of LRP mates that I think might be interested. When you have more info I shall pass it on (with your permission of course)