thread: 2012-06-11 : Ask a Frequent Question
On 2012-07-25, Vincent wrote:
Christoph: Oh good. I don't mind answering that. Occasionally there's a fight about whether indie rpg publishing can be profitable, and it's popular among the "it can't be profitable" crowd to ask me whether, come on Vincent be honest, whether I really honestly pay myself for my time. The answer is that, yes, I do, and these days I'm inclined to throw in a colorful phrase for emphasis.
But that's not what you're asking, so, great! I'm happy to answer.
I have a full-time job, a couple of teenagers and a six year old. I cook dinner most nights, do almost my share of dishes, laundry, and chores, and read most of the bedtime stories. Sometimes I go to parent-teacher meetings and, like, violin recitals and what-all. I also keep up on some TV and who knows how many internet conversations.
Right now, 30 hours a month is a little generous, I think. If I were billing a client for my game time, I couldn't justify 30 hours most months. It's more like 20. When I'm actively working on a game, sure, 30 hours a month, maybe sometimes closer to 40.
I do most of my thinking in the shower, and I always take my notebook with me into the can!
I do have one gigantic advantage, which is that my wife Meg is also a powerfully motivated creator - a quilter, game designer, and writer - so she knows what it's like when the muse drives. She doesn't get mad or hurt when I get up abruptly in the middle of whatever we were doing and go work. I have at least a couple of friends for whom this isn't true, who have to somehow balance their partners' needs with their muses'. I'm lucky!
This makes CB go "Thanks a million!"
Exactly the kind of answer that I find useful.
