Re: PBM vs. PBeM (costs)

From: hack@aio.jesnet.jsc.nasa.gov (Edmund Hack)

Date: Thu, 07 Jun 1990 20:20:24 +0000

In article <10176@stiatl.UUCP> bryan@stiatl.UUCP (Bryan Donaldson) writes:
>
>DragonByte also offers the option of returning your turn
>printout via Email, diskette, or paper.  Of course, the
>electronic options, Email and diskette, are cheaper than
>the paper option.
DragonByte is not mailing out turns by Email at this time, but is taking
turns via Compu$erve and MCI mail.  The only commercial games with full
Email capability that I am familiar with are Adventurer Kings from Ark
Royal Games and several of Flying Buffalo's games (including Battle Plan
and StarWeb and excluding Moebius I).  Droids and one other game may be
available by email, but I'm not sure.

However, it is true that data entry costs are the main driver in setting
prices for computer moderated PBM.  A properly designed turn sheet (such
as in DragonByte's Ad Astra) can dramatically reduce data entry cost.

(As to those who claim that one turn every 2-4 weeks is too slow, I say
"Get a life!".  If you work a real job, have a family, own a house or
any combination of the above, 2-4 week turnaround is about right.  I
shudder when I think of what would happen if I joined up to one of the
Empire games I see discussed in rec.games.empire that have 6 hour
deadlines!  I have been in a 7 day turnaround Battle Plan game, and have
missed 2 turns due to time pressures from family and work - one of which
has caused me to be doomed to placing 3rd instead of winning the game.)

Edmund Hack, Lockheed ESC, Houston, TX
hack@lock.span.nasa.gov
"This is me.  This is my opinion.  This is me on my opinion. Any
questions?"

References

Re: PBM vs. PBeM (costs)
jim@world.std.com (James D. McNamara)
Wed, 06 Jun 1990 04:37:52 +0000
Re: PBM vs. PBeM (costs)
bryan@stiatl.UUCP (Bryan Donaldson)
Wed, 06 Jun 1990 12:27:57 +0000
Re: PBM
deej@nvuxr.UUCP (David Lewis)
Tue, 29 May 1990 15:45:45 +0000
Re: PBM
wbock@polyslo.CalPoly.EDU (Bill)
Tue, 29 May 1990 20:25:01 +0000
Re: PBM
gl8f@astsun.astro.Virginia.EDU (Greg Lindahl)
Thu, 31 May 1990 15:17:20 +0000

Referenced By

Re: PBM vs. PBeM (costs)
jim@world.std.com (James D. McNamara)
Wed, 06 Jun 1990 04:37:52 +0000
Re: PBM vs. PBeM (costs)
bryan@stiatl.UUCP (Bryan Donaldson)
Wed, 06 Jun 1990 12:27:57 +0000
Re: PBM
deej@nvuxr.UUCP (David Lewis)
Tue, 29 May 1990 15:45:45 +0000
Re: PBM
wbock@polyslo.CalPoly.EDU (Bill)
Tue, 29 May 1990 20:25:01 +0000
Re: PBM
gl8f@astsun.astro.Virginia.EDU (Greg Lindahl)
Thu, 31 May 1990 15:17:20 +0000