Saturday, November 29, 2008

Still in Memphis...

Well I am still in Memphis with the family. The wife and mother-in-law will be hitting the road on Sunday around 3 Am so we can get back to Miami by 6 or 7 PM and ready for work on Monday. Being here with the family has only made my choice of doing Project X even easier. Talk to you later...

Friday, November 28, 2008

The new Project X

When I am working on something tat I don't want people to know what it is I call it "Project X". And every year there is a new Project X for me and LPJ Design. One year it was NeoExodus: A House Divided, one year it was bitemefanboy.com, this year it was Obsidian Twilight. Well for 2009, I have started putting together my newest Project X. This is something I have wanted to do for a LONG TIME. I finally have everything in place. It will be groundbreaking while at the same time a chance for me to o back to "my roots". I plan to make a HUGE announcement for it January 1st, 2009. While it may be the biggest thing I have ever done, I think this will bring me the most joy I have ever wanted from my business. If you are a fan of my work, then this will not be a huge change for you. It is me doing me. So sit back and relax and enjoy. On January 1st, 2009 I am going to take a quantum leap to the next level. Talk to you later...

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

William Shatner's response to the new Star Trek Trailer!!!

[PDF buisness Wednesday] Tilting at Windmills

Since I will be on the road for Thanksgiving, I decided to give this to you a day early. Enjoy!

One of the great books that every RPG and comic store and publisher should read for a better understanding of the comic and gaming industry as a whole is Tilting at Windmills written by Brian Hibbs. Brian’s insite on the topic is so AMAZING not for the fact that they were innovative when he first spoke them in 1992 but they are still if not more important today. This is the handbook my buddy Tate Ottati of Tate’s Comics used to build his 1st store from a 1,000 sq. ft location to its current size of 6,000 sq. ft, not including his 700 sq. ft. art gallery in the store and the 2,000 sq. ft. gaming store which is a few doors down from the main store in less than 15 years. This book is worth its weight in gold and you should be able to find at least 10 good ideas that you can use to make your store or company better. The monthly One Day Sale and the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale that I do are directly from what I learned in that book. It is a bible that you should be reading cover to cover every three or four months to refresh yourself and see what other nuggets of knowledge you can gain from it. This is the book that makes it possible for me to keep making money and sales in a market where most are losing more and more market share and money. Talk to you later...

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Fantasy slowing down, Modern picking up...

While sales of D20/OGL fantasy based RPG stuff has been slowing down, my D20/OGL modern material has taken off. I don't know what that is about, but all I can say is keep it up!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

[Obsidian Twilight] Rough sketchs of the Exalted

Well here is the rough sketches for for the fourth race in Obsidian Twilight, the Exalted. What are the Exalted...well let just say, they are ... well ... You know what. Let's just keep it a surprise until we release the project. Talk to you later...

[PDF Business Wednesday] Graphic Design

If you really want to get in the buisness of PDF RPG creation you need to understand the one thing that everyone over looks often, the graphic design of your product. If you take a long look at RPGNow on any given day you will see a lot of medium to outright BAD and complete crap graphic design work. Here are some of my favorite bad designs, see here, see here, and this one. I don't care if you have the greatest games to be invented since checkers, no one will care about it if it looks like crap. This is the place that people jugde a book by it cover. Now I know a lot of you are saying, "But Louis. I am not a graphic artist like you, what can I do?" My personal favorite book for beginner graphic designers or those who want to learn more is the Non-Designer's Design Book, The (3rd Edition) (Non Designer's Design Book). This book give you more then a basic knowledge to get you started and working in the right direction to understand what is good design and what sucks. There are enough people putting out bad looking stuff. Do you really want to be part of it? If you are in this business, then be in this business. Talk to you later...

Narnia Screenwriters in Talks to Write Captain America

Read about it here!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Cole Mechanic

Obsidian Twilight writer Joshua Cole came up with a really cool d20 / OGL mechanic for races and feats. The mechanic which I branded, “The Cole Mechanic” was first seen in Races of NeoExodus: P’Tan. The RPGNow.com review Nathan Collins even made comment of it in his 4- out of 5-star review of the product. Now of course I am not going to tell you what it is or how it works (pick up the PDF if you want that info) but I will say that we are using it for the all new races we are creating for Obsidian Twilight. The Cole Mechanic is perfect for publishers looking to add some really interesting dimension to their own created races. Talk to you later…

Sunday, November 16, 2008

[LPJ Design] I only work with the BEST artists…

If you know anything about LPJ Design, we make sure our product look as good or better then the best and the biggest names in the RPG industry. The thee best artists I have ever worked with have been Anthony Cournoyer, Rowan Dodds and Jason Walton. I can not say enough great stuff about them. They all redefine the work PROFESSIONAL ARTIST to me. But I have noticed a new group of artist that seems to be the next big thing. Burnin' Flamez Studios looks like they are going to be big in the artwork business. So if you need some good artwork, you might want to check them out. They seem to have what I like, and you can't believe the work I have planned for them. Talk to you later...

Saturday, November 15, 2008

[Obsidian Twilight] Accepting Patrons for the Obsidian Twilight Parton Program

Louis Porter Jr. Design, in association with Devil’s Workshop, the Obsidian Twilight Patron Project is now accepting patrons for this project. The Obsidian Twilight Patron Project is inspired from asking the question, “If I combine the Dark Sun and Ravenloft settings, I get...” And from that source inspiration the setting of Obsidian Twilight was born.

“Being a huge fan of the D20/OGL license and the creative openness it brought to the world of RPGs, LPJ Design wanted to do another d20/OGL setting that the fan would love to play, but was really for a specific niche of player. With the 3.5 edition license for Ravenloft reverted back to WOTC and a 3.5 edition Dark Sun only being release as a one-time Paizo created product, a lot of rabid fans of those setting were missing their fix of gaming in those settings, when WOTC when to the 4.0 GSL edition. And I was one of those people who who loved both of the 3.5 OGL versions of the setting and didn't like the changes to 4.0 GSL,” commented Louis Porter Jr., owner of Louis Porter Jr. Design. “With the patron project concept created up by Wolfgang Baur, it seems that it would be a perfect application with Obsidian Twilight.”

As part of the creation process of Obsidian Twilight, LPJ Design will share the manuscript as it evolves over time (and the whole manuscript with some patrons). A Patron Project is a way to look inside the RPG design process, and to suggest changes to it as it is being written, developed and created. Interested parties buy in as patrons of the project. When the project reaches a threshold number of patrons, the project starts moving forward full force. The first manuscript will be open to patrons for play-testing. Patrons will choose which sections will be supported by interior artwork, and look over the shoulders of designers, editors and layout artists to offer suggestions and guidance on the various directions the project could take.

When you order, no matter the patron level, you will send an email to LMPjr007@aol.com confirming that you purchased the patronage, tell us what e-mail you used to purchase the patronage via Paypal.com and what email we should use to contact you with. After that we will inform you with further instruction on what to do. You can choose from four different levels of patronage to support this project. Available here: http://www.lpjdesign.com/obsidiantwilight_patron.html

[Obsidian Twilight] The rough sketches...

Here are the rough sketches for the race the Hallowed for Obsidian Twilight. Just getting the clothing right is as important as getting everything else about him right. The image has to believeable or people will not like it and most likely not play that race in the Obsidian Twilight game setting. So as of now, wer have four races "fleshed out"; the Harrowed, the Khymer, the Osirians and the Exalted. But then you realized I have not ever talked about the Exalted. So what are the Exalted? Well you are going to have to wait and see. Talk to you later...

Thursday, November 13, 2008

[LPJ Design] Owen K.C. Stephens hired to work on Obsidian Twilight

Louis Porter Jr. Design announced today the hiring of Owen K.C. Stephens, Author of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game, to join Louis Porter Jr. Design as a developer on the upcoming fantasy horror post apocalyptic setting, Obsidian Twilight compatible with the 3.5 edition of the world's most popular roleplaying game.

“I have worked with Owen on several NeoExodus: A House Divided projects and found him to be an excellent person with a lot of ground-breaking style. I think his knowledge and experience with roleplaying games will be a great asset to the work we are doing on this project.” commented Louis Porter Jr., owner of Louis Porter Jr. Design. “I'm excited to bring him on this Obsidian Twilight patron project. His unlimited inventiveness, originality and amazing understanding of the rules will help position Louis Porter Jr. Design as leaders in the Patron Project RPG business. With the skills and abilities that Owen brings will complement the talent of the other writers, Joshua Cole, Neal Bailey and Chris Field.”

Owen Kirker Clifford Stephens was born in 1970 in Norman, Oklahoma. He was introduced to gaming by his uncle in 1978 (though his uncle now claims no memory of the event) and was instantly hooked. Owen moved with his wife and three cats to the Seattle area in 2000 after accepting a job as a Game Designer at Wizards of the Coast. While there, he worked on numerous Star Wars Roleplaying Game projects and the Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game. He has written freelance for numerous companies, including White Wolf and Steve Jackson Games.

Owen's gaming credits include d20 Critical Locations, d20 Cyberscape, Advanced Player's Manual, The Black Company, EverQuest Player's Handbook, Murder at the Vulgar Unicorn, Power of the Jedi Sourcebook and Star Wars Arms and Equipment Guide.

[LPJDesign] 3rd Annual Black Friday / Cyber Monday $1 Sale

[LPJDesign] 3rd Annual Black Friday / Cyber Monday $1 Sale -- Friday November 28 thru December 1st

It’s the sale you waited all year for. It’s the sale that has the best deals for PDF products you can imagine. It’s the sale you can’t pass up! It’s the 3rd Annual Black Friday / Cyber Monday $1 Sale!!!! If you have been saving your money wait for these great deals, now is the time to brake open your piggy bank and spend it!!! The pricing is as follows:

All products with a price range of $1.01 to $9.99 are ONLY $1

All products with a price range of $10.00 to $14.99 are ONLY $5

All products with a price range of $15.00 and higher are 50% OFF their normal price


This sale only happens once a year, Friday November 28 thru December 1st. Start putting products in your wish list to save money on. Save money and get what you want for cheap!!!

Exclusively at http://lpjdesign.rpgnow.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

PDF Business Wednesday

Since a lot of blogs have days where they write and focus on a specific topic, I have decided to do the same thing and create “PDF Business Wednesday”. PDF Business Wednesday will focus on books or materials that could be used to increase sales and profits at your PDF business. We are going to start this series with the newest book I recently picked up, How to Make Webcomics written by Scott Kurtz, Kris Straub, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar. While focused on the webcomics market, a lot of the material can be converted over to the PDF markets and business. The sections on Branding & Building and Comic Convention I found to be right on target. Plus the ideas how to increase revenue and traffic on your blog/website was so interesting I have used it for this blog. So, if you can spare $12.99 go pick it up and enjoy. It will be more than worth it.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

First Look: The All new Enterprise

Read about it here!!!

3 days left, $6,000 to go...

My buddies over at Paradigm Concepts announced their patron project a while back for Crusade. I liked the idea and knew with their Living Arcanis campaign they would get a lot of support. But whne I hear they were asking for $10,500 with this patron project, AND they want to raise it in 30 days, I have to admit I became a little skeptical. Over the last 27 days, I have seen the interst in the project grow and grow. But with 3 days left, and needing $6,000 it is going to take a miracle. So this is a little heads up, if you are a Paradigm Concepts fan and you like Living Arcanis take a second out to support them on this project.

(Personal note: I am not sure that the boys over at Paradigm Concepts know that that Fundable.com, they service they are using to collect the money, only gives you the money WHEN and IF you meet your goal. If you don't meet it, Fundable.com refunds all the money back to the people, so people can not take the precentage of it and run. So you have to start from the beginning again to raise the funds.)

[Obsidian Twilight] Looking at prestige classes...

I just receieved the first rough draft of prestige classes from Chris Field. They seem very fitting for Obsidian Twilight and will work out well. We will make some changes, of course, since we are making changes and modifications to the outline and history on a near daily basis, but this is a solid foundation. I am still working on the remaining three races for the setting. Some of thier racial abilities are quite unique and making sure they would be interesting is a long and tough process.

Remember this Saturday, November the 15th, is the big Obsidian Twilight Patron Project start. The ONLY way to get "dead tree" AKA bookshelf version of this patron project is to be come a patron. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Talk to you later...

Worst Idea Ever: Jaden Smith Confirmed For Karate Kid Remake

I think I throw up a little bit in my mouth. Read it here!!!

Monday, November 10, 2008

[Obsidian Twilight] Good News is...

...we got in some more new line artwork on the new race for Obsidian Twilight, The Khymer. This race is going to be unlike any other race that you have seen ANYWHERE IN ANY D20/OGL GAMING SETTING EVER, which makes them perfect for this setting. I should be getting the finished artwork some time tonight and then I will get the artist started on the Hallowed. I still need to get get the remaining three races solidified sometime this week so we can start on their art by this weekend. Talk to you later...

[Wizkids] Bad News is...

...Wizkids is DEAD!!!!!

[Obsidain Twilight] We have an official patron start date

Well it looks like the official start date of the Obsidian Twilight Patron Project will be Saturday, Novemeber 15. Now that you know, make sure you have your money ready for the openning of the project. Also Ihave have bee working on the layout for the book and I must say that this going to be the best looking RPG book I have ever done. I think a lot of people will be very impressed when they see the final version of this. Working in Full color instead of black and white really bring the beuaty to the setting out. So remember, if you are a patron you will get to see all this BEFORE anyone else!!!! Talk to you later...

Joe Johnston to Direct Captain America

Read about it here!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

[Obsidian Twilight] Not the final version (not even close)

From my artist:

"I have treated the pencils a little to make them look closer to ink. I have to do a few adjustments but I wanted you to see it. As for the skin tones, I don't think I will use those ones on the final coloring, but just let me know what you think about them."

I think this looks good! I still have to get him started on the the other three races and I still need to finish the final two races. I am still up in the air about those but I will see what the patrons say. Talk to you later...

Thursday, November 6, 2008

[Obsidian Twilight] Rough Sketches

Here are the initial and color test sketches of the Osirians. As you can see these are very rough. But don't worry The next round of images should be clearer and more detailed. Who are the Osirians? Well you will have to talk about that another day. Talk to you later...

Watchmen Goodness!!!!

Watchmen Exclusive: Girls Kick Ass

[Obsidian Twilight] Art Preview -- Coming Soon!!!

Now I know a lot of you have been saying, “OK this Obsidian Twilight sounds kind of cool, but how will the artwork look?” Well after much back and forth with a few artists, I have nailed down an artist for the PC races of Obsidian Twilight. He is currently working on one of the races I developed for the setting, the Osirians. I am hoping to have something for you to see by Friday or Saturday. So keep stopping by the blog: http://lpjd.blogspot.com or just subscribe to it to save time to see the image. Talk to you later…

No money? Can't pay? Wrong answer.

With this thread on on EnWorld, I thought I might but my 2 cents it. Times are tough for all RPG publishers. My sales are off, not anywhere as bad as Gareth, but they are off. Right now, I owe at least 10 to 15 people money, including my accountant. But with all that said, the majority of them will be getting paid by the end of the year. The reason it is simple, I owe them the money, they worked hard for it and IT'S THEIR MONEY!!! This will be the first time in 5 years that I will use some of my actual money (AKA my work paycheck) and company money to pay people. As a publisher, the one thing that I know for a fact is the people who work for me ACTUALLY like working for me. I never want to abuse that trust by not paying them.

Here is a little business advice for you starting off in the RPG publishing game, pay people as soon as you can. If you can pay them two seconds after they turn in their final completed work, pay them then. The sooner the better. This will build MASSIVE credibility with those who deal you. So when you have to come late with a payment, the people are very forgiving and understand. Things happen and people understand that. Just treat people like you would treat someone you love and you should be OK. Talk to you later...

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

President Obama

The United States of America has a new president in this historical election. For those who voted for McCain, I hope they can feel the say like as John Wayne said when the canidate he voted for lost:

"He is not them person I voted for, but he is my president and I hope he does a good job."

In my father’s lifetime we have going from living in segregation in Mississippi in the 1940s thru 1960s to the first African-America president in 2008. Now I guess the statement is finally true, "You can be anything you want to be in America if you work hard for it." I wonder how different my future children’s lives will be because of this. Talk to you later…

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

[Obsidian Twilight] One product becomes two...

With all this excitement on Obsidian Twilight, I started looking through some old finished projects of mine and I found a old adventure that I did more than 10 years ago that would fit in very well for Obsidian Twilight. The adventure was called Hostage and it was based in the setting of Ravenloft. Back in the day, I had planned to submit it to Dungeon Magazine but never got around to it.

The overview of the adventure is the party enter a small town whose main church had been take over by a man who had been bitten by a vampire and went to the church to be cured. The man had taken the priest, altar boy and a few church members as hostages and barricaded himself in the church. The PCs had to rescue the hostages and stop the man from killing his hostages. Sounds simple right? What could go wrong?

I am adding Hostage to this Patron Project, so if you sign up with this patron project at any level you will get the PDF version of Hostage for FREE! So keep saving up those dollars the start of the Obsidian Twilight Patron Project will be coming sooner than you think. Talk to you later...

How to kill a vampire, and what happens after...

Go watch this!!

My only political post...

All I am going to say is, go out and vote. I don't care if you are for McCain or Obama, just vote. Its is the right thing for a citizen to do in a civilized nation. Your vote does matter. Talk to you later...

Monday, November 3, 2008

Planning for 2009...

I have already started planning for the products and product lines for 2009. I think it will be a big year not only for Obsidian Twilight (we have a ETA release date, but we are not announcing it yet. We also have a date announcing the start of the Patron Project that will be coming very soon) but with NeoExodus: A House Divided too. I have been energized with the items we are planning including the upcoming NeoExodus: A House Divided Adventure Path called [CLASSIFIED] and the 2009 summer event called [CLASSIFIED]!!! So you are going to have to wait for the big announcement with everything going on with LPJ Design, but don't worry it will be BIG NEWS!!! Talkt to you later...