Creating a game development journal?

Gappsoft

Hey everyone. A friend and I have picked up gamesalad in the past few months and we absolutely love it. We have created two games that are currently under review and will go PRO in the next week or so. In the past, I would spend some time on aquatic forums where people would have "aquarium journals" where I could watch the progression of their tanks over months. We have recently partnered with four artists to create a very interesting game and I believe a journal to watch our development would not only be fun for us as well as the community but could serve as a learning lesson for others. However, unlike aquariums, there are a few aspects of a game development journal that have me worried. Let me list the pros and cons that I can think of.

Pros to creating a game development journal:
Publicize the game
Get community feedback on how to better the game
Get beta testers
If I get stuck, there are people that would probably be willing to help.
Showing my work to others is a constant motivator of mine to make things the best they can be.
Your knowledge

Cons to creating a game development journal:
Your idea can be taken
Artwork posted can be taken (Unless I do a very obtrusive watermark)

I think a development journal would be fun however I would hate it if someone in the community took my idea and used it. I've planned out the development stages and the game will take a good 4-5 months to create as it is an RPG. Would it be in my best interest to create the development journal or if a question arises, just create a new thread here on GS?
Best regards.

tatiang

I think you've summed it up well and you'll just have to make a decision. Those who have posted work-in-progress "journals" here for high-quality games have gotten great feedback, appreciation, and assistance with their games.

PixelMetal

I figure why not? I have one up here that I don't update enough:
HTTP://robbergame.tumblr.com

lycettebros

I have one up here that I don't update enough:

@PixelMetal makes a good point (conscious or not) . All the best intentions and energy can dissipate really quickly when maintaining a journal/blog. The energy sometimes can outweigh the benefit.

beefy_clyro

I love journal write ups on games, its great to get early feedback but I dont tend to do these until i'm a good way into my game!

As for ideas being stolen, unless you 100% sure no-one else has ever done the game mechanic, I wouldnt worry too much as chances are, theres something similar already been done

PixelMetal

I have one up here that I don't update enough:

@PixelMetal makes a good point (conscious or not) . All the best intentions and energy can dissipate really quickly when maintaining a journal/blog. The energy sometimes can outweigh the benefit.

Yeah, that was intentional. It's a great idea until you realize how much time it sucks away from working on the actual game.

GS_Master

Good Idea!