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The RPG Bloggers Network won’t die …

… unless we let it die. The former RPGBN board members have announced today that they step down from their posts after there was some (sometimes very emotional) criticism of how the network was run. I have to admit that although I didn’t always agree with the decisions of the board, I am sad to see them go.

But we now need people to step up and continue what Phil, Dave, Graham and Danny started. The biggest challenge is probably the hosting of the RPG Bloggers main site which has some very high CPU requirements. But perhaps it could be worth looking into an alternative solution like a Planet software. But technical issues aside we need a few people (probably more than we had before) to step up and keep the RPGBN going. The network (and the people running it) helped a lot of us when we started out and a lot of readers rely on it.

I already offered to host the RPGBN forums in the future (if nobody objects of course) and I am willing to help out with other aspects of running the network. And I would be happy if a few more people who benefitted from the RPGBN in the past, will help us keeping the RPGBN running!

Thanks again to Phil, Dave, Graham and Danny  for their hard work and dedication. I am sad thing turned out the way they did but I respect your decision. But it is my sincere hope that the RPGBN will not start dying today!

UPDATE: Since I posted this, a lot has happened and new developments make my initial offer more or less obsolete. So I’ve decided to just wait to see who gets to run the RPGBN in the future. If I am happy with how things turn out, I may stay as a member or even offer my help with the forums or even more.
Stargazer

Michael Wolf is a German games designer and enthusiast best known for his English language role-playing games blog, Stargazer's World, and for creating the free rules-light medieval fantasy adventure game Warrior, Rogue & Mage. He has also worked as an English translator on the German-language Dungeonslayers role-playing game and was part of its editorial team. In addition to his work on Warrior, Rogue & Mage and Dungeonslayers, he has created several self-published games and also performed layout services and published other independent role-playing games such as A Wanderer's Romance, Badass, and the Wyrm System derivative Resolute, Adventurer & Genius, all released through his imprint Stargazer Games. Professionally, he works as a video technician and information technologies specialist. Stargazer's World was started by Michael in August 2008.

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14 comments

comments user
Chris Tregenza

Dave has just released some stats that give a good clue about traffic levels. They are perfectly reasonable and no problem for any host. The only issue will be being able to run the required software as many hosts do not allow much freedom in this area.

6d6Fireball (my own company) has spare server capacity and has offered to sponsor (i.e. host) the network to overcome the technical issues.

All the members need to do is work out what they want the network to be and how to run it.
.-= Chris Tregenza´s last blog ..D&D History & Growth (2009 Edition) =-.

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comments user
wrathofzombie

I'll help anyway I can! I love the network, and am sad to see Phil, Dave, Graham, and Danny go, but respect their decision!

We can keep the RPGBN from dying.. all we need is a few good people;)
.-= wrathofzombie´s last blog ..Guest Post with Shawn, Creator of Clockworks webcomic, Wiki, and Homebrew SW RPG!! =-.

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Stargazer

@Chris: I think it would be great if you could sponsor the network. What you want in exchange is reasonable and you seem to have the required technical skills to keep the site running. And having a sponsor is much better than relying on donations or even member fees *shudder*.

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Zachary

I would be more than fine with 6d6 Fireball hosting. I think you guys are a proven, responsible endeavor I'd have no issues working with.
.-= Zachary´s last blog ..Small Press Week: Farsight Games and SKETCH =-.

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David

I'd be willing to pay a small membership due for the network… if I was a member. But having the sponsorship of 6d6Fireball would be cool too.
.-= David´s last blog ..The Toothless Rat Taphouse =-.

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jatori

Hmm, I don't really have the time to contribute in any sustainable way to the running of the RPGBN. However, I can act as the Stargazer's election campaign manager, if you'd like. 😛
.-= jatori´s last blog ..I fireballed his barbarian, so he became a bard =-.

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anarkeith

I'm hoping that the mass exodus of the board is not a result of the criticism, but rather something that the board members had been considering. The time commitment to maintain and manage RPGBN must be significant, and I realize no one wants to be shackled to something, and then verbally abused despite all the behind-the-scenes work.

I'd be happy to pitch in financially, if such a thing would be helpful. Are there any systems in place to receive, and or encourage donations to the network at large?

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comments user
Wyatt

Anarkeith:

Well, the network page has a paypal donation button on the side.
.-= Wyatt´s last blog ..A Round Of Applause =-.

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comments user
Zzarchov

I can help out, but I would need to know more of exactly what is needed.
.-= Zzarchov´s last blog ..Example combat tricks =-.

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Stuart

I'm not sure I understand why it would need to be any more complicated than Google Reader and an expanded Blogroll on Blogger. There's no real reason to be using WordPress for what is essentially just a blogroll.
.-= Stuart´s last blog ..RPG Bloggers and Blog Networks =-.

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comments user
satyre

antispam = fate (bonus points for irony if nothing else).

I'm also sorry to hear the RPGBN leadership are stepping down to pursue other projects. Wish them the very best of luck because they've given us quite a headstart.

@zzarchov: As for what's needed – lessee…

Hosting.

Domain name.

RSS aggregator for 250+ blog feeds from WordPress and Blogger blogs.

Forum.

Admins/Moderators.

All possible – the how & who is the question.
.-= satyre´s last blog ..play vs. story =-.

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comments user
Zzarchov

thank you, I'll start researching any solutions I can bring to the table.
.-= Zzarchov´s last blog ..Nerd Projectitis: Getting things done =-.

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Spenser

Unfortunately, I have no money to donate to the effort, but I do have some time. Anyone need my time?

Also, my anti-spam word was "masterminds," that's got to count for something, right?
.-= Spenser´s last blog ..Sunday Hooks – Lord of the Flies Edition =-.

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comments user
Stargazer

As you can read in my posts' update I've decided to wait and see how things turn out. Feel free to continue to discuss about the future of the network here or head over to the official RPGBN Google groups.

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