This is a new version of an old, old site, with a lot of catching up to do in terms of getting eyeballs here. For instance, the Hero forum and the Steve Jackson forums have about 20,000 members each. At the time I'm writing this, this one has about 50. So, I'm open to suggestions and volunteers to implement those suggestions so we can get more people on-site and if not contributing, at least seeing what's up on an occasional basis.

Suggestions?

You need to get some web banners made up. Then you should nab some advertising on places like RPG.net, ENWorld, Roleplaying Chronicle, Pen & Paper Games, RPGGeek, etc. Game specific adverts work better IMHO. Also, you should consider a Google ad words campaign. You need to spend a little on a marketing budget. I would suggest saving up and making a big HUZZAH push with EABAv2. You should have several banners and adverts ready to go, so after the EABAv2 campaign is over, you can segue right into the next one. Google Analytics should will help you track visitors from banners.

Web Ring is a great program to get into, and it's cheap to get "featured" at the top of a ring. Code is easy to add to the site.

Because you are using XMap for your site map, Google bots and search engines should have a hay day gobbling up all the links here. Google provides the lion's share of search results, so making sure the site's meta keywords, meta tags, and SEO friendly URLS are up to snuff will be time well spent. It makes it easier for Google to find BTRC and related stuff.

Example: BTRC comes up first in a search. It is non existent on the front page search on "Blacksburg". Search for EABA, and 1.1 link pops up about 5 entries down. We would want to keep updating keywords and tags until that improves. We want BTRC games to come up on the first page, first results whenever possible!

I can help with the logistics, web banner creation (you just need to email me or link me to the graphics you want to use; eye catching is best!), metatags and keywords, and placing the web ring code on the site.

Email me offline and lets outline a plan. I have some time, and we can tweak your online presence better. We will scream BRTC from the tops of the mountains and they shall gather in your name (RAWR)!!!!!

I know, I know. I've been holding off on dealing with banner ads and such until EABA v2 is closer to launch and I have at least one completed game setting for it in the can. Then I will have something to hype. But keep any and all ideas you have firmly in mind, as I will no doubt want to tap your expertise when that day gets closer.

Kickstarter seems to be all the rage these days. Could BTRC benefit from one somehow?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kickstarter

According to the above wiki article (at the time of this posting) Wasteland 2 (a sequel to the '80s computer game RPG) was one of the highest grossing drives.

I think Kickstarter is a great tool for publishers.

Mr. Porter is doing good right now with an open play test. If we spread the word, and more people get involved, then when the time comes to release, people will be excited about kicking in on a print version.

They don't just happen. It's important to build support and have a presence for the game. I think EABA v2 in print would be a great candidate. Maybe combined with a setting guide as a bundle?

rpgkickstarters.tumblr.com/

I was trying to find that link for my previous post. I think its kind of funny that Kickstarters have become so popular that there is even a tumblr blog about them! It seems to be working.

For what it's worth, I've been reading the beta files for v2.0 and I'm in the middle of composing a blog post about it and EABA in general.

Greg, there's a fairly new free game mag on the net now that might be of interest here: It's called infinite horizons and it's done by avalon hill.

www.rpgnow.com/product/88852/Infinite-Horizons%2C-Issue-%231

I got all 3 and it's a decent free mag, I was thinking of emailing them and recommending you for an interview or profile. I won't do it unless you say you want it done though.

Still, it could be free publicity for you, BTRC, etc. They seem willing to cover non AH games so they might be willing to interview a game figure of your stature.

If you want me to email them and suggest an interview/article on you, I'll do it.

BTW, I recommend this mag to everyone here. It's free, it usually has some decent fiction/cartoons in it, some free goodies like free minigames, paper figs, pap[er models, etc and it seems to show potential to be a modern version of something like the late great challenge magazine, which I was quite fond of.

Another effective means of getting the word out there is once v2.0 is released, make sure you get a copy in Kurt Wiegel's hands.

I'm sure we all know his YouTube Game Geeks show.YouTube Game Geeks show. Seems like he's happy to review games that are delivered to him.

Hold off for now. If we're going to do a blitz, do it right and try to keep as high a presence for as long as possible.

For what little good it will do, I will review/shamelessly pimp EABA 2 on my facebook page when it is ready to come out.

Someone else will have to post a review on rpg.net, since they made it impossible for non members to do them anymore.

There's also rpggeek.com.