Thanks for the quick comments guys!
This is actually what I consider version 5 of the game. Every time I sat down to play one of the previous four versions, I ran into some game-breaking issue and had to restructure it. The core mechanics and theme have stuck though.
Likewise this is also basically version 5 of the components. Started with some index cards that I wrote onto, then upgraded Excel cards with just words. Now Ive got some images (took from Google Creative Commons) on them. I've actually just recently (as in the past three days) hired an artist and Graphic Designer. It's suggested that you have one of each but I got lucky and found an artist I liked that also does the Graphic Design work. If you look up the game "Quartermaster General" on Board Game Geek, he did the art and GD for that game.
I'm doing a lot of research daily into what it takes to design a game and publish it on Kickstarter. It's a shit ton more work than you would expect. The first two days of the KS are the most important so you have to build up hype, get early reviews, get your art nearly finished *before* you even know if it will fund. Which is kinda scary but it forces you to be prepared.
I hope the rules make sense - but please if they don't, let me know.
Chariot- for early components, I just went to Michael's and got some wood pieces, paper and such. The first prototype was me literally writing on cut pieces of paper. I still use some of those pieces for my version 5 prototype but I've obviously replaced my index cards with some computerized cards. When I think I have the game 99% complete, I'm going to make about 10 prototypes using
https://www.thegamecrafter.com/which is a great site where you can fairly cheaply make a prototype of a game. Obviously you don't have to mass order components but its inexpensive enough to get some good pieces together to send out to reviewers and playtest at conventions, etc.
Reddit is a great idea. I will definitely have to post something there once I have a thorough prototype.
At the moment, I'm focusing on coming up with a name for a company, creating an LLC, working with my artist (I can't wait to see what he comes up with), and continuing playtesting. My FLGS has game night on Thursdays so I'm taking my game there for the first time tonight to get some random playtests.
Also, I need a name for the game. Perhaps something about dogs, dogs escaping, treats, etc. The best I can come up with is "Off the Leash" but I don't *love* it.
Oh also I forgot to mention: Nojo my blog is actually shit. I haven't really kept up with it - I really need to get on that!