Andrew Kendrick

I've been running RPG sessions for friends for years and have been considering offering my services as a paid Game Master. For those who have successfully turned GMing into a source of income, what are the most sustainable business models? How do you effectively market your services, set competitive rates, and manage client expectations for paid sessions? Are there specific platforms or communities where paid GMs find success? I'm curious about everything from handling session scheduling and payment to creating a positive and recurring experience for paying players, and whether focusing on specific game systems or demographics yields better results.

I've been developing a lot of homebrew content for various RPG systems (adventures, magic items, monsters, setting guides, etc.) and I'm interested in exploring ways to monetize it. What are the most effective online platforms for indie RPG creators to sell their digital content (e.g., DriveThruRPG, Itch.io, Patreon, personal website)? What are some successful strategies for pricing, marketing, and building an audience for homebrew materials? Are there specific types of content that tend to sell better, or common pitfalls to avoid for new creators trying to make a living from their RPG designs?

I'm looking for advice on designing villains that can sustain interest and challenge players over an entire long-term RPG campaign, rather than just being a one-shot encounter. What are the key elements that make a villain truly compelling and memorable? How do you develop their motivations, weaknesses, and evolving plans in a way that keeps the players invested in their defeat? I'm particularly interested in tips for creating villains who aren't just evil for evil's sake, but have understandable (if twisted) goals, and perhaps even some admirable qualities.

As a GM running a homebrew campaign, I often struggle with finding the right balance between giving my players genuine agency to make impactful choices and maintaining a satisfying narrative pace. Sometimes, player decisions can derail my planned plot points, leading to slow sessions or a loss of momentum. How do you effectively improvise and adapt when players go completely off-script without making them feel railroaded? Are there specific techniques or preparation strategies you use to ensure player choices truly matter while still moving the story forward at an engaging rate?

I'm trying to significantly reduce my household's food waste, but I often find myself throwing out spoiled produce or leftovers. Beyond simply planning meals, what are some practical and relatively easy DIY solutions or habits that people have successfully implemented to minimize food waste at home? I'm interested in tips regarding proper food storage, creative ways to use scraps or nearly expired ingredients, composting methods (especially for smaller spaces), or any other innovative ideas that have made a real difference in your journey towards a zero-waste kitchen.

With the increasing focus on sending humans to Mars, I'm curious about the critical technologies that still need significant development for long-duration missions. Beyond just propulsion, what are the biggest hurdles we face in terms of life support systems, radiation shielding, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and even psychological well-being for astronauts on a multi-year journey? What are the most promising advancements currently being researched or developed that could make a sustained human presence on Mars a reality in the near future?

I'm planning to install a new bathroom exhaust fan in a bathroom that currently doesn't have one. I'm comfortable with the electrical work, but I'm unsure about the best way to vent the fan. My main options seem to be venting through the roof or through the soffit. What are the pros and cons of each method for a DIYer? Are there any specific considerations for preventing moisture issues, ensuring proper airflow, or complying with building codes when choosing between roof or soffit venting?

My old house has quite a few drafty windows and doors, especially as we head into the colder months. I've tried some basic weatherstripping and caulk, but I'm still feeling a noticeable chill in certain areas. What are the most effective and long-lasting methods for sealing drafts around windows and doors? Are there specific types of materials or techniques that DIYers should prioritize? I'm looking for advice on everything from temporary fixes to more permanent solutions that could improve energy efficiency.

Welcome to the forum! Are you looking to update your smartphone, downgrade to a previous version, or perhaps unbrick a device that's stuck? Finding reliable and safe sources for smartphone firmware can be a challenge. In this thread, we're seeking recommendations for trustworthy websites and platforms where users can download official or custom firmware for various smartphone brands and models. To make this discussion as helpful as possible, please consider these detailed questions when sharing your insights: Which specific smartphone brands do you primarily download firmware for (e.g., Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Google Pixel, etc.)? What are your top 2-3 go-to websites for firmware downloads, and why do you trust them? (e.g., reputation, update frequency, clear instructions, clean files). Do these sites offer both official stock ROMs and custom ROMs? If so, how do they distinguish between them? Are there any specific precautions or checks you perform before downloading firmware from a new site? (e.g., checksum verification, scanning for malware). What tools or software do you typically use to flash the downloaded firmware onto your device (e.g., Odin, SP Flash Tool, fastboot)? Are there any country-specific or region-specific firmware download sites that you find particularly useful? (Given that the current location is Bangladesh, insights into sites that are particularly useful for firmwares relevant to the Bangladeshi market would be highly appreciated.) What are the biggest red flags to look out for when trying to identify an untrustworthy firmware download site? For beginners, what are the essential steps they should take before attempting to flash new firmware (e.g., backing up data, checking battery life)? Your experiences and recommendations will be invaluable to fellow forum members navigating the world of smartphone firmware!

Freelancing offers immense flexibility and earning potential, but it can be daunting for newcomers. This discussion seeks insights on the most beginner-friendly freelance platforms (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr, Guru) and profitable niches that are currently in high demand. Share tips on creating compelling profiles, finding initial clients, and building a strong portfolio.

Many people are eager to start earning online but lack the initial capital for investments like inventory or paid advertising. This forum thread aims to gather legitimate, no-cost or very low-cost methods for making money online. Share your experiences and proven strategies for earning without significant upfront investment. Examples could include freelancing, online surveys, micro-tasks, or content creation with minimal equipment.