Shadowrun

Catalyst Game Labs => Catalyst's Shadowrun Products => Topic started by: PMárk on <01-17-17/1536:35>

Title: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: PMárk on <01-17-17/1536:35>
Hi all! I recently debated buying the 5e core rulebook in paper, but got discouraged very quickly. Notably, a lot of persons are complaining about the binding quality and how their 2nd and 3rd replacements are still falling apart. Honestly, I don't have much money and living in Hungary, so it's another cost to deliver here and frankly, I don't want to spend a lot of money on a book with bad binding, although I wanted to buy this book. I hoped it was an early binding problem, but amazon costumers reported the same with recent dates, but without the number of the print they had and amazon itself doesn't list the print number of the book I'd buy from them.

So, how is this situation now? Are the recent printings are good quality? Do amazon sells the latest print?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: Kincaid on <01-17-17/1552:44>
I'm still using a first-run copy of the CE without an issue (gold lettering is fading, but the binding is fine).  I don't think there's an accurate way to predict what sort of glue you're getting.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: PMárk on <01-17-17/1606:02>
So basically it's a roulette regardless of print number and the source (Catalyst itself or amazon) you say?
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: Kincaid on <01-17-17/1621:02>
The problem is going to be with the printer, not the source, so that won't be of any help.

It's possible that you could winnow down good printings from bad printings, but there are a LOT of variables to consider that I don't think anyone could answer.  The binding issue is likely caused by a bad batch of glue.  If there's a perfect 1:1 ratio between glue batches and printed books, that's one thing, but if more than one batch of glue is used over the course of a printing, there's really no way of getting that granular.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: Xexanoth on <01-18-17/1212:42>
In my Opinion if you happen to have a laptop there really isn't much use for the paper versions(unless you're a collector),
Even at the Table, PDFs make it a lot easier to search if you need to look up something. And you get the updated version without having to buy a new book.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: PMárk on <01-18-17/1945:08>
To me, the paper version has two advantages.

1. I found it still easier to use it for rules-referencing than pdfs. Yes, searchable pdfs and good bookmarks made it easier, but still. I prefer physical copies of core rulebooks for frequent use and having the supplements and sourcebooks in pdf.

2. To me, it's somewhat moot to have a good-looking, well designed book, if I have it only in pdf. All that futuristic design and excellent full-color artworks are somewhat wasted if the book isn't on the table, being an eyecandy. Moreover, the full-color illustrations of nowadays' rpg books are just plain better-looking in physical, than on a screen.

All in all, if I give up a significant amount of money for a premium rpg book, I'd expect it to perform as a gaming implement and withstand use, while still being pretty. It's too costly for me to be just a collector shelf-decoration (it's a rulebook!). If I want only the rules, I could print the important parts from the book at a local print shop and bind it, for the fraction of the price, but then, it's somewhat sad to having all that excellent design and great illustrations having to be wasted.

'Shrug.' I suppose it's not Catalyst's fault, but I think it'd be good for them to find a more reliable binder, because right now I suspect they're losing would be customers of the physical book, like me, who'd be willing to pay for it. Also it builds a non-flattering reputation, which isn't good if thinking long-term.

WotC had issues with their first batch of the D&D 5e books, but they fixed it. I realize they're a much bigger company and because they're selling a lot of books, the bad copies are disappear faster from the shops, or getting replaced. But still, it'd be good to be able to buy a reliable physical copy of SR5e, because I think it's a gorgeous book. 
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: AJCarrington on <01-19-17/0743:33>
In fairness, I haven't heard much about printing/binding issues recently. If you do go a print copy, I suggest you ask/look for the Master Index version which was just released this past fall.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: PMárk on <01-19-17/1809:10>
Sadly, it seems that people have the same problem with the master index version. :(

Seems that I'd have to go with a printed outlet from the pdf with the important rules parts to have a reliable and much cheaper rules-reference during game. I'd liked to have a gorgeous, reliable book on the table much more, but oh well. I could wait 'til Catalyst sorting it out.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: Reaver on <01-19-17/1925:25>
Bindings are not Catalyst's problem, they are the printers.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: AJCarrington on <01-19-17/2018:52>
PMark - could you point me in the direction of those issues? At a minimum, I want to make sure that CGL is aware, as this is the first I've heard of these.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: The Tekwych on <01-19-17/2056:42>
My FLGS received 3 copies of the Master index Hardback and one had all of the signatures bound about a half inch above the end papers and cover. Before the owner could call Alliance and ask for a replacement a customer asked to by it as is. Rather than return it and hope to get another sale at full price the customer and owner agreed to a sale.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: AJCarrington on <01-20-17/0824:22>
Thanks Tekwych...that defiantly sounds like a printing snafu. Glad the owner was able to make a sale...not sure I would have been interested had I been he customer (I tend to be a bit of a book snob ::)).
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: The Tekwych on <01-20-17/1045:08>
No I would not have taken it either (My preorder was one of the others) but the store has a client base from a 200 mile radius. Closest store in one direction is 2 hours, in another its 5 hours. Some people are willing to take what they can get out here
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: PMárk on <01-21-17/1848:57>
PMark - could you point me in the direction of those issues? At a minimum, I want to make sure that CGL is aware, as this is the first I've heard of these.

I asked the same question on reddit and there was at least one person saying hist Master Index edition's pages are falling out. I don't know how widespread that problem is. Also, there are recent complains in amazon and various forums about bad copies, although those could be older prints, but bought recently.

 
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: AJCarrington on <01-21-17/1853:49>
Thanks PMark
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: PMárk on <01-21-17/2149:31>
No problem! :)

I recall reading other anecdotes as well from various other sites, reviews, forums, and so, but I don't remember exactly what I read where and I'm not sure which concerned the master index edition.

I just want to add, to close this, that if the problem with the binding is still present, I hope Catalyst will be able to work things out, because it's still a quite gorgeous book and I'm still willing to buy it in the future, if the binding thing get sorted out.

Anyway, thanks for listening! :)
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: Braussie on <12-29-17/1524:17>
I was just gifted a new master index 5e hardcover, 2nd printing (purchased & delivered directly) and can confirm the binding has a glue issue still. It appears the pages are still together, just separation between content and hardcover. This was evident upon arrival and prior to use.
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: PiXeL01 on <06-05-18/0803:36>
Has the latest reprint been released as PDF actually? I haven’t received an email about an updated version so I was wondering
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: The Tekwych on <06-05-18/1351:53>
I picked up a copy of the 5th printing with the corrections from the FAQ and errata and it seams to have a good solid binding. Only 4 days or rifling through it but no issues what-so-ever
Title: Re: Question about the core rulebook
Post by: Marcus on <06-05-18/1532:20>
Pixel why are you Necroing threads? Just make a new one man.