Official DREAM FORGE Distributors - Frequently Asked Questions


   In the short time since the release of the January issue of DREAM
FORGE, many sysops have asked about becoming ODFD's. To save time (a
precious commodity these days) I have created this list of frequently
asked questions.


 Q) What kind of software is available to take orders/control
    downloads?

 A) Sorry, we don't have the time or inclination to help sysops
    set up their systems to handle online ordering. If you have
    to ask a question like this, you're simply not ready to become
    an ODFD. We are looking for established commercial boards as
    distributors. Line count isn't important, but you must have
    experience accepting online orders, or at least online
    subscriptions, to be seriously considered as an ODFD.


 Q) I don't live in the United States. How do I handle pricing?

 A) There is a system used by print magazines in North America
    whereby the magazine covers contain two prices:
               example:  $4.95 US, $5.95 Canada
    This accounts for the fact that the Canadian dollar is worth
    somewhat less that the U.S. dollar (about $0.70 US, as of 1/95).

    There is no reason why such a plan cannot be used for e-mags
    as well. ODFD's are therefore allowed to charge the local
    equivalent of $2.95 US in their local currency. Further,
    Non-US ODFD's will be allowed to charge a premium of up to 10%
    to recover long distance and currency exchange costs. The ODFD
    may want to round the price down to the nearest customary price
    point (3.95, etc.) in local units.

    For instance: Canadian ODFD's could charge $4.50 (Canadian) for
    each copy of DREAM FORGE. ($2.95 US/0.70 = 4.21 Canadian, plus
    10% = $4.63 Canadian. Round down to $4.50 Canadian. Note that
    given the 0.70 exchange rate factor, a Canadian ODFD could NOT
    charge more that $4.63 Canadian per copy of DF).


 Q) How do I make payments to Dream Forge, Inc.?

 A) Simply mail a check or money order every month to the
    publisher:        Dream Forge, Inc.
                      6400 Baltimore National Pike, #201
                      Baltimore, MD. 21228
                      USA

    We expect to accept checks online eventually, which would
    allow ODFD's to logon the Dream Forge BBS and pay by check
    without having to mail any paper. Remember that all checks
    and money orders must be in U.S. funds.


 Q) How would I get the new DREAM FORGE issues?

 A) Several ways are available:
     1) By internet e-mail (as a uuencoded file attach).
     2) Logon to The DREAM FORGE BBS and download the new issue.
     3) Via private Fido-technology Tick file echo.


 Q) Can I give sample issues away to my users to entice them
    to subscribe?

 A) No, that is what the free demo issues are for. Beginning
    in July 1995 we will publish a free quarterly (tentatively
    titled DREAM FORGE LITE (DFL)). DFL will contain the table
    of contents of the previous three DF monthly issues, plus a
    few (very few) sample articles from those issues. The samples
    will usually highlight any new features added to DF since the
    last quarterly edition. DFL will be freely distributed the
    same way the sample issues are, so there is no need for ODFD's
    to give away the monthly DREAM FORGE issues. Actually, you
    MAY give away the monthly issues, provided you pay Dream Forge,
    Inc. the fee of $1.77 (US) per copy given away. <g>

 Q) May I print DREAM FORGE on paper and sell it that way?

 A) No. DREAM FORGE is an electronic magazine. The publisher
    retains full control over distribution format. If we do
    decide to offer a printed edition or non-English language
    editions in the future, rights will have to be negotiated
    on an individual (per-project) basis.

Dave Bealer
Publisher, DREAM FORGE (tm)
January 1995

==============================={DREAM}===============================