There comes a time in a game developer's life when their game is almost complete and ready to ship. Their fingers get itchy to write dozens of "HEY GUYS IT'S READY" emails. Maybe does a little hot-foot shuffle in anticipation. Bursting at the seams, ready to flail wildly and tell everyone what amazing thing is about to be unleashed on the world.
But there's only so much flailing you can do before you get tired. There's only so much shout any one person has in them.
So when it comes to time to start telling people about your game, you want to use your energy and time effectively.
Target the good guys.
Talk to people who will get excited about your game.
Hit the world in it's market sensitive nether-regions.
Who are you going to email? Who do you want to send review copies to? Or preview copies for that matter (if you have the endurance to hold off from popping that Game Shipped champagne you have waiting in your cupboard)?
So - my question to you, fine BGDFers - who do (or will) you contact? Who are your top five communities, interviewers, reviewers and websites to hit up and say "Hey, I just made this great thing. Want a copy?"
Thanks Brad. Agreed, the BGDF is a great resource with access to some awesome people.
I'm looking forward to hearing other replies to this as well.
For what it's worth, I haven't yet done my research in this area, but these are some sites I've picked up along the way so far - some reviewers, some general news:
The Dice Tower - http://www.dicetower.com/
Father Geek - http://fathergeek.com/
Purple Pawn - http://www.purplepawn.com/
The Gamers Table - http://www.thegamerstable.info/