This'll go over something that a lot of people are confused about. When you start a mod, how do you attract people to join your team? I've got a decent amount of experience in this from Immersive Quests, which has a team of around 12 now. So, let's start. I apologize if I seem to take a harsh stance on this, it's a point that needs to be made.
And regarding the title... Mlee made an article on this but redacted it. I wrote a new one but since it's about the same subject figured I'd go with a similar name. Just didn't want to confuse people who think this is also by Mlee.
And regarding the title... Mlee made an article on this but redacted it. I wrote a new one but since it's about the same subject figured I'd go with a similar name. Just didn't want to confuse people who think this is also by Mlee.
Something that's incredibly important is showing off your work. No one will want to join your team if you don't show that you're willing to work and put effort into the mod yourself. This is a simple, indisputable fact. Your word that you'll finish isn't enough.
Another hugely important thing to note is that just having ideas isn't enough for people to join your project. The one thing that there is an abundance of in the community is ideas. Everyone has ideas. Some people have better ideas than others, and some are exceptional, but ideas are not all that hard to come by. Ideas are a great foundation, planning is a great foundation, but it's not worth much.
If you're one of the many people who posts a thread, details a great or not so great idea, and expects people to just join you, then prepare to be disappointed. It might seem harsh, but what you're asking as just a writer is this:
"Please, modders, come do my work for me. Spend time and effort on an idea that I will do absolutely nothing for except come up with. I won't implement anything or do any of the technical work, but it's my mod and I want you to help."
So if you're a writer and you've got an idea that you want to come to fruition, learn how to mod. Start yourself. Excuses of not being able to learn aren't fine. Anyone can learn. Excuses of time aren't fine. Modders have lives too, contrary to what some people believe. We're busy oftentimes, but we take the time to implement things that we have a passion for. All of us started somewhere and learned. So can you.
Another hugely important thing to note is that just having ideas isn't enough for people to join your project. The one thing that there is an abundance of in the community is ideas. Everyone has ideas. Some people have better ideas than others, and some are exceptional, but ideas are not all that hard to come by. Ideas are a great foundation, planning is a great foundation, but it's not worth much.
If you're one of the many people who posts a thread, details a great or not so great idea, and expects people to just join you, then prepare to be disappointed. It might seem harsh, but what you're asking as just a writer is this:
"Please, modders, come do my work for me. Spend time and effort on an idea that I will do absolutely nothing for except come up with. I won't implement anything or do any of the technical work, but it's my mod and I want you to help."
So if you're a writer and you've got an idea that you want to come to fruition, learn how to mod. Start yourself. Excuses of not being able to learn aren't fine. Anyone can learn. Excuses of time aren't fine. Modders have lives too, contrary to what some people believe. We're busy oftentimes, but we take the time to implement things that we have a passion for. All of us started somewhere and learned. So can you.
Foundational Things and Important Stuff
Showing Work
As I've already said, you need to show off your work for people to join. This means pictures, videos, etc. Whatever applies to your mod, show it off. You need to show that you've made progress on your own. Like I've said, your word isn't enough to show that you've made progress, if you really want people to join you. Posts are fine too, detailing what you've done, but eyecandy gets more interest.
So what I'm saying is that you want to start on your mod without a team, in order to gain a team. This is less necessary when you're an established mod author or someone that people know to have skills and expertise. People are more inclined to trust you then, as you've already shown that you have the skills and can get things done.
So what I'm saying is that you want to start on your mod without a team, in order to gain a team. This is less necessary when you're an established mod author or someone that people know to have skills and expertise. People are more inclined to trust you then, as you've already shown that you have the skills and can get things done.
Actually Getting the Team
So you've generated some interest in your project with pictures, with videos, etc. Now you've actually got to put it out there that you're looking for help. So post a topic in gaming communities/forums (ONE topic), post in your WIP thread, in the OP (first post/original post) of your WIP thread have a casting call at the top, and post in Reddit. Everywhere you post that isn't directly in your WIP thread, be sure to have a link to your WIP thread or post some pictures of your project. Else, people might not connect your topic with the project, and will think of you as yet another person with an idea who hasn't done anything.
Some people don't like Reddit, but it's undoubtedly a good place for publicity. If you can make it to the "hot" page. You'll want to post in the SkyrimMods area.
Make sure you detail what you want - voice actors, modelers, level designers, etc. Be specific. Then wait, and hopefully someone will be interested enough in your project to lend a hand.
Some people don't like Reddit, but it's undoubtedly a good place for publicity. If you can make it to the "hot" page. You'll want to post in the SkyrimMods area.
Make sure you detail what you want - voice actors, modelers, level designers, etc. Be specific. Then wait, and hopefully someone will be interested enough in your project to lend a hand.