Discworld: a commercial succes?

[Marky Lazer]

With tons of spin-off products like The Science of Discworld, maps of the Discworld, Nanny Ogg's Cookbook, Calendars, and whathaveyous, do you think the Discworld is a bit overly commercialised or do you think it's just because Pratchett enjoys working on his world so much that these products have come into existence?

 

[PTeppic]

Up to a point, how much is it other people wanting to spread the product? As author and TM-holder, he has a number of options: agree to things other people do, only agree to what he can personally control or agree to nothing (apart from the books). The problem with the former is it can get out of hand and quality can be questionable, whilst with the latter is you'll get all sorts of unauthorised products, as there certainly have been for other authors (e.g. JK Rowling). It's possibly therefore in the author's own interest to restrict products up to a point (Discworld-brand "Sonkies", anyone?) whilst on the other hand assisting with others that are appropriate, to add detail and keep standards high: the Mappes, companions, diaries, etc. Then again, how much is fan-fed: e.g. who didn't, in the early days, try to draw their own map?

 

[Thadlerian]

Unfortunately, the spin-off is not limited to Mappes and such, many of the early pockets (Josh Kirby covers) used to have some rather indiscreet ads near the back, for wax models of DW characters. It ran along the lines of "GET YOUR FAVOURITE DISCWORLD CHARACTERS", etc.

 

[Lenny]

Discworld-brand "Sonkies", anyone?

Sell 'em cheaply, and you've got a whole new customer base that knows the Discworld name!!

 

[Pyan]

Unfortunately, the spin-off is not limited to Mappes and such, many of the early pockets (Josh Kirby covers) used to have some rather indiscreet ads near the back, for wax models of DW characters. It ran along the lines of "GET YOUR FAVOURITE DISCWORLD CHARACTERS", etc.

Yes, it used to be quite jarring - you'd just have finished the book, and the next page would read "And now your favourite Discworld......." - a bit like the way they shrink the closing credits and do a voice-over to trumpet the next programme on TV these days...

But at least most of the spin-offs seem to be in reasonable taste - not like some I could mention....One Ring To Rule Them All socks, anyone?

 

[The Ace]

Yes, it used to be quite jarring.

But at least most of the spin-offs seem to be in reasonable taste - not like some I could mention....One Ring To Rule Them All socks, anyone?

WOW ! any idea where I can get a pair ?

 

[Lenny]

But at least most of the spin-offs seem to be in reasonable taste - not like some I could mention....One Ring To Rule Them All socks, anyone?

They really do need to go into wedding rings, don't they?

 

[anirban_82]

Even if discworld is a bit over merchandised, so what ? I mean it doesn't change the fact that it is still a fantastic series of books and the merchandising is not stopping anyone from enjoying them. I mean star wars, star trek or lord of the rings are all over merchandised but that doesn't change the fact that they are still very good entertainment. So even if Pratchett wants to make an extra buck off his creation, I personally don't grudge him that. And for the true discworld nut, its just a way of getting closer to his passion, so everybody wins .

 

[PTeppic]

not like some I could mention....One Ring To Rule Them All socks, anyone?

You're aware, of course, you can get "One ring to rule them all" engraved rings. Different models, some being quite expensive (UKP100?).

 

[Pyan]

Yes, but do they work??

 

[Who's Wee Dug]

No they claim income support

 

[Ice fyre]

Arrrrggghhh that was bad DUG!

I think the merchandising is of all quite good quality and, TP isnt the sort of author to pad things out. By that he writes one story realtivley self contained. While charicters cross over from book to book you can read one without having read the previous ones, though it is better to read the guards series in order.

Anyway must dash got to get my mail order Limited edition signed Terry Pratchett rubber underpants! Quality merchandise like I said!