Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Newbie Questions

Jun-15-2006 12:06

I just mailed my check off and although not new to the game, I am new to subscribing and the perks which come with it.

Why join an agency? There seem to be lots of rules attached and thinly veiled threats for non-compliance...

What are the advantages of joining an agency vs creating your own, or just playing solo?

Thanks for your input.

Jun-15-2006 15:19

Phew, that's a big question, mave :)

I don't know about the "thinly veiled threats for non-compliance", though, think that really depends on the agency.

Creating your own agency will of course mean that you can decide how you want to run things - if you want to be very competitive or very laid-back or somewhere in between. And you can decide if you want it to be an agency just for you, where you can store equipment, cases, etc., or if you want to invite others to join you. The disadvantage to having an agency just to yourself is that you won't be able to get help with cases from team members and profit from their contacts, and treasure hunts will need a lot of luck to complete.

By joining one of the existing agencies, you can (apart from the advantages just mentioned in connection with being part of a team) also get to know some of the tips and tricks of the agency business (but if you prefer figuring these things out on your own from scratch, creating your own agency might be more to your liking). Of course with the existing agencies you'll have to be prepared to accept that others have already decided how they like things to work - which isn't always a bad thing ;)

So if you consider joining one of the existing agencies, a good idea could be for you to write an ad on the detective recruiting boards stating some of the aspects you'd like an agency to have and then those who have similar thoughts can respond and will also have a better idea if you and they will be a good match.

Oh, I completely forgot that part of the fun of being in an agency is the people you get to know and "work" with, and can actually become the most addicting part of this game :)

Jun-15-2006 21:23

I will add that I think joining an existing agency is the best way to start. Even if you know you will make your own agency in the near future. Be honest with the director, tell them you want to learn, build up a few resources then leave to start your own.

There are agencies out there to fit almost every kind of player. The only ones who can't find a good fit are the people who don't subscribe.

Jun-16-2006 00:28

I think one of the risks of starting on your own is the rent. So you might need to be very very active till you build some cash reserve. But if you know you can handel it, why not?

Existing agencies will probably have some rules. some are laid back and some ask you to be very active. Just check with the directors what they expect from you. If you just want to start in an agency and then later create your own, let the director know.