Soapbox: About the Industry

A Decade of Distilled Advice

by Sandy Antunes
Sep 03,2004

A Decade of Distilled Advice

In a way, here are all my columns in one go. I have finally distilled everything I've ever written in a column down to a short list.

FREELANCING:

• If you must blow a deadline, inform the publisher in advance.
• Always either get paid, or have a great time.
• All work should have at least 2 of these: fun work environment, meaningful work, and/or good pay.
• No matter how tempting, don't work for nice people who truly suck at business.
• It's okay to work for an asshole, if they pay on time and don't hassle you.
• Retain authorship credit, even with work-for-hire, whenever possible.
• Get paid what is owed you, no matter what.
• Resell your published work as often as possible.
• Only keep a half dozen of your best ideas-- trade or give the rest for notoriety and reputation.
• Ideas are cheap; implementation is hard.
• Ignore anyone who says "I predict..." unless their own money or livelihood is on the line.

BUSINESS:

• Don't start a publishing company just to get your game published-- spend the time creating and shopping out your work instead.
• Never expect to publish a magazine for profit.
• If you're forming a company, hire an accountant to help do it-- not a lawyer.
• Never do a business venture alone-- if you can't attract partners, you'll never attract customers.
• Never work with someone who says they're an Idea Person.
• While running a business can be fun, your first goal has to be to make money. If you want fun, do a hobby... like writing RPGs instead!