Box Set vs. Folio debate...

Omote · Post by **Omote** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:27 pm

There has been a slight discussion forming in the Adventure Module section for the Haunted Highlands about what would be the best way to go, Box Set or Folio.

So what do you think TLG should do? Go with more Folio action or Box Set craziness?!

-O
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dachda · Post by **dachda** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:32 pm

I like box sets. They protect the booklets from wear and tear better and stand up better themselves than the folio folders. The folders of my folio sets are rapidly getting chewed up on the corners just from pulling them in and out of my bookshelf. Boxes probably cost more, but I'd pay the extra cost for something that holds up to use better.
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Deogolf · Post by **Deogolf** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:37 pm

dachda wrote:
I like box sets. They protect the booklets from wear and tear better and stand up better themselves than the folio folders. The folders of my folio sets are rapidly getting chewed up on the corners just from pulling them in and out of my bookshelf. Boxes probably cost more, but I'd pay the extra cost for something that holds up to use better.

Seconded.
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moriarty777 · Post by **moriarty777** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:41 pm

I voted for 'old-school' folio action!

I like the folios and mine are pretty much in beautiful shape after a year. However, I've been *VERY* careful with my signed copy of the Eastmark and I also have the PDF version of the Aihdre Folio which helps account for their condition. My old Greyhawk folio has seen better days.

If there is enough material to warrant box set, I say go for the box set but if the material is a bit on the light side but still has a couple of books and some maps then I think the folio treatment is good. The mission of the folio is to protect the contents after all.
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DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:12 pm

Box set.

Period.

The folios are too cheaply produced and get damaged to easily. I've had my previous two TLG folios for roughly a month and they already have damage around the edges and that is with me only checking them out minimally. If I know I'm going to be using them, I remove both books and place the folio itself somewhere safe.

If you keep with the folio format, at least increase the production value of the folio itself. But, if that means I'm going to have to pay more...then I'd rather pay more for a box.

serleran · Post by **serleran** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:22 pm

Both. A box set of folios.

cinderblock · Post by **cinderblock** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:26 pm

Boxed sets make me happy .

Julian Grimm · Post by **Julian Grimm** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:39 pm

Gotta go with boxes as well. Folios are nice but the wear is horrid and my Aihrde folio's maps don't fit right. They were nice for nostalgia but boxed are much better.
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Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:53 pm

I think the booklets that would be produced/printed for either a folio/gaz or boxed set would be done the same way.

I haven't had any issues with my Aihrde or East Mark folio booklets.

I think a folio release would be fine and cheaper, so that's how I voted.

But, if there is enough material for a box , , , then hey, I'll buy it.

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DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:04 pm

Yeah, but it isn't the booklets that me personally am griping about, it is the folio itself. If we're going to go for cool packaging, go box set baby. The folios are flimsy.

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:14 pm

Hmm, sorry. Maybe I'm not understanding (heh, it happens regularly), but my Mouths of Madness from the East Mark Gaz/Folio is exactly the same as my MoM from the CZ UW boxed set.

Do you mean the folder that holds them? This too seems like good quality paper stock.

I just looked at my Aihrde Rings of Brass Gaz/Folio and both the booklets and folder are excellent quality.

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Taranthyll · Post by **Taranthyll** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:21 pm

Boxed set for me. If my World of Greyhawk Gazetteer had come in a box I might still have it.

DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:39 pm

Rhuvein wrote:
Do you mean the folder that holds them? This too seems like good quality paper stock.

Yup, the folder.

The corners crumple far to easy. With minimal usage my corners are all dog-eared.

By comparison, my folders which came with the 4e modules have suffered far more use and abuse and have held up many times better. The folder the inanely crappy 4e character sheets came in gets regular useby my wife for her character and campaign notes and it looks brand spanking new compared to my rarely handled folios.

I say throw that stuff in a durable box instead.

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:48 pm

DangerDwarf wrote:
Yup, the folder.

Gotcha. Heh, since my East Mark folder is signed by Gary, that thing is stashed away. And the Aihrde folder is on the shelf. Only the booklets get taken down.

But I'll agree, boxed sets can be good, but sometimes they sustain the wear and tear if improperly stacked.

My BD&D Holmes box is in fantastic shape considering it's been ~ WOW ~ 30 years!!!
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Rigon · Post by **Rigon** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:56 pm

I picked folio only because they take up less space on my bookself and as much as I like boxed sets, minimum space is better. That said, the folders could be a little better quality.

R-
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DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:06 am

If the trolls move ahead with more folios in the future, I just hope they keep two things in mind.

1. Sturdier folders!!!!!

2. The pockets of the folder. Put the fold on the outside of the pocket, not the inside. With the fold on the inside, it has a tendency to snag the book corner as you put it back in the folder, dog-earring or at least blunting the corners of the book. Which is irritating.

Rigon · Post by **Rigon** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:09 am

Agree 95%, DD. I'd add just a bit larger so no pieces stick out. My Ahirde maps stick out the top of my folio.

R-
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Lord Dynel · Post by **Lord Dynel** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:14 am

Man, I wasn't sure if you were talking Haunted Highlands or Greyhawk.
I'd vote box set.

Tadhg · Post by **Tadhg** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:52 am

Rigon wrote:
Agree 95%, DD. I'd add just a bit larger so no pieces stick out. My Ahirde maps stick out the top of my folio.

R-

Good point Rigon about the maps. Tis the first thing I take out and flatten - never to be folded or put back. I do this with all my maps and keep them in a flat stack (mostly - some can stand up sideways tucked behind a bookcase)!

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Egg of Coot · Post by **Egg of Coot** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 4:05 am

In the interest of continuity and pricing, I'm voting for folios. I'm very careful with my gear, so wear and tear aren't big issues for me.

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Treebore · Post by **Treebore** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 4:16 am

Box set if they can be stuffed full of goodness, otherwise folios. I agree with DD that the quality of the folio covers, and the size of their pockets, could use some improving.
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voynich · Post by **voynich** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 3:02 pm

if there is enough material, i would vote for a box set. if its only about 64 pages, folio. i would like to see both, though, honestly. a folio "player's guide" and a box set for the game master to flesh out all the details just hinted at in the folio.

Taranthyll · Post by **Taranthyll** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:14 pm

Another advantage of the boxed set is that there is usually lots of room in the box for GM-created material, addenda, etc. I know you can always put this stuff in a binder, but I like to keep it all together in one spot.

Aladar · Post by **Aladar** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:32 pm

I would prefer box sets myself.
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Troll Lord · Post by **Troll Lord** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:58 pm

Its really a material oriented question. We can't really do a box set for two little books and a few maps. Its just not cost affective, or effective, or aeffective.

DD: Davis had a plan to take small chains and beat the hell out of the folios before we shipped them and make them look "distressed." I'm guessing you would not be in favor of that?
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DangerDwarf · Post by **DangerDwarf** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:02 pm

WTF

You guys killme.

mordrene · Post by **mordrene** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:50 pm

is this a place where I state I prefer box?