A repost from the old blog, but updated a little bit.

If you have been with me for a long time (and if so, thank you!) you will notice that for a few years I have charged for early/beta versions of rules: Usually a dollar or two or putting it through Patreon (which is also paid for, if you think about it that way). 

I sometimes get asked why I do that. 

Reason 1: 

It is usually enough material to be a full game. Maybe not "full" in the "150 page rulebook" sense but full in the sense that you can play multiple games and have a good time. If I am providing that amount of stuff, a cup of coffee is a fair return. This also means that if the game doesn't end up going anywhere (which happens) there is enough to be worth having whether to play it as is or loot for ideas. 

If a draft is so rough that it isn't really viable as a game yet, it usually does not get released at all outside the critical "inner circle". 

Reason 2:

I've noticed that people just provide more and better feedback when there was a dollar or two on the line. I don't know if that is because people feel more invested or if they feel it makes the effort more worthwhile on my part. It could be both as well.

Over the years I have tried basically everything at least once and will continue to do so, but if you are wondering about why a beta version might cost a cup of fancy coffee, that is why.