[PnP] Powers and Perils Rights

[Albert Sales]

    Opening with a leading question has not worked for any writers I've known. It has worked elsewhere. The view makes it seem as though we are willing to do the work, but only if WoC could make it worth our while. A different angle on a leading question may be alright, but if used wrong, can get negotiations closed. I like the first paragraph you wrote (the changes), but to follow, a different angle would be advisable. To use a question, I would lead with the suggestion (whatever you would be looking for out of it), and then soften the offer by identifying that as a suggestion, and asking what they could offer. You would still be inviting negotiations, but also showing them where you currently stand and what you would like. You also wouldn't be leaving the door completely open (a LOT of people dislike that), and wouldn't seem like you were trying to "get something out of it". 
   I know my wording is bad. To say that you think something is reasonable and ask what they could offer may go better than simply asking what they can offer. It sounds less profit driven. If the initial suggestion is close to a standard offer, it shows experience. Also, the pure question approach opens the door to a no on the basis of the fact that they have no particular interest in the project. If they don't care to pursue P&P, they are willing to offer nothing to get it done. If told that we want to do this, and make a good offer, it seems like THEY have more to gain by acceptance.
   I am waiting on responses from a few people who work around this type of thing, to see what recommendations they can make. My exposure to writer submissions is fair, but not along the same lines as this, so I'm in the dark a bit. I can easily be wrong. The opening question is a good idea, but circumstances may weaken its effectiveness.

Alex Koponen <akoponen at mosquitonet.com> wrote:
Richard,
After some more thought I suggest that you present the offer in the form
of a question. Something along the lines of:

I wrote Powers & Perils......and think that it is
worth improving and putting on the market again. A small core of people
still play the P&P and think highly of it. Some of them wish to join in
any effort to rewrite and improve the game to be suitable for publication
of its 2nd edition.

What offer could you make to have us do the work? Perhaps you could make
an offer wherein you have the rights to publication with royalties to
myself and the volunteers.
If you choose not to publish, so that our effort is not wasted an option
might be that in lieu of payment WoC could transfer the rights to us so
that we could attempt publication.
Looking forward to hearing from you & etc.


Anyway. That is a suggestion on starting the negotiation.
Alex Koponen


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