I think this can usually be gotten around by better coding. TADS'
differentiation schemes seem to require a good bit of mucking around with
the verDo[Verb] settings, which I'm only just beginning to grasp.
Anyway, on the topic of making money, we're about to have another case
study to examine, since I plan on releasing my next game in two forms: a
fully-playable freeware version, and a registered version with hints
(which *won't* be necessary to finish the game by any means, but which
some people might find convenient). I'm doing this for two reasons:
* I've spent a lot of time this year designing this game instead of
working for pay, and it would be nice to get something back for it, even
if it's only lunch money.
* I want to include some Infocom-style goodies with the registered version
of the game, which means somebody's going to have to pay printing and
mailing costs.
With any luck, this will keep everyone happy: People who don't want to (or
can't) pay can play the freeware version, and ask for hints on r.g.i-f if
necessary, and those of you who *would* pay for the game will have the
opportunity to do so.
I can wishful-think with the best of them, don't you think?
Neil deMause