What makes a good module?
If you are a publisher, then the answer is: sales. Which means you have to make something that appeals to the largest cross section as possible.
- DMs who don't need much story, but don't have time to put together encounters.locales.
- DMs that need ideas for stories.
- DMs that need all of it.
- A whole spectrum of consumers who need different things.
- And folks who just like to read through them like fiction
These needs will often be working in opposition. Some consumers will want detailed writeups of NPC characteristics and relations, other want a quick flow chart. Some want fantastic maps of encounter areas and tactics, others are good with basic info. In the end all of these things compete for page count. In the case of the last group; what makes for quick/easy reference at the table (a quick spoiler-ific overview of the plot, charts, tables, references) does not make a good read.
For me at least, I prefer something closer to a "bullet points" version of module content. Quick overview of the expected events, distinct chunks for any main info I need, maps, locations, NPCs relations. When I am reviewing/prepping/running a module I want to have as much of the info at hand when I need it, not come across it in process or need to flip through it. Finally some references/indexes at the back. Some of this will necessitate repetition of content (which undoubtedly would bother other consumers, those pages could be MORE CONTENT!!)
So with the how, out of the way, WHAT do I want in a module....it depends. Sometimes I have a hook and events, and I just need a cool location for the villain of macguffin. But in those cases, I can usually pull something out of any decently presented module or adventure. The real trick is when I am in the need for a good set of events/plot, usually with interesting NPCs/ interconnecting elements. In those cases though, I am very much in the tell, don't show model. Give me flow charts showing how stuff connects, give me the elevator pitch of the plot. Don't make me work for those details (that's why I am paying for this).
In the end, I think modules are best when they are in the same zone as a box of Betty Crocker mix. I don't want to make a cake or brownies from scratch, but I also don't to just buy a pre-made brownie. Give me the basic mix, let me toss in my own ingredients, and have it fresh made at home.
