Re: How do I start a PBM?

From: Carol Mulholland <carol@pbmgames.com>

Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 10:50:35 +0000

Dave Panchyk wrote:

> what
> are the first steps I should take toward running a hand-moderated,
> open-ended, commercial fantasy narrative RPG PBM that will ascertain
> whether I have good ideas, the ability to hold an audience, and won't
> get utterly overwhelmed by the work involved?

We published a series of articles in Flagships 63-67, but our
website's being revised at the moment, so you may not be able to
access them. Here's a quick summary. Hope it helps. Anyone's welcome to
contradict me!

1 - It's worth asking advice from any moderator that you already play
with; we're mostly a friendly bunch in the hobby, and want to keep
standards high. If you need to close, someone may be willing to adopt
your players.
2 - Running a commerical game, your players are customers, so you've a
financial commitment as well as a friendly one. If they're paying, they
don't need to feel grateful. (They may, which is lovely, but they don't
need to!)
3 - Don't give up the day job. Moderators don't get rich: you'll need
to love what you do.
4 - You're already planning to run a playtest, hooray. Don't be too
alarmed if problems arise after this, though - an open-ended game is
very difficult to test exhaustively, and new players bring new demands.
5 - The money comes it up front, but keep it separate in case you need
to refund it. Earn the money before you spend it.
6 - Make sure your accounts software runs well. I recommend printing a
player's individual account on his/her turnsheet, showing the money
received and the money deducted. Don't deduct money too soon, just in
case you need to run the turn again.
7 - Don't expect to cover your initial costs immediately. Keep all
receipts in case the taxman asks for them.
8 - Fix your charges according to what other, similar games charge.
It'll be easier to reduce your charges than to raise them. Moderators
don't over-charge, so aim to compete on quality rather than on price.
9 - No game will suit everyone: research what already exists for the
sort of player you're aiming for.
10 - In an open-ended game, the first players will grow powerful quite
quickly: be sure to have ways that new players can enter without
getting overwhelmed. An alliance structure can help, but be careful
that newer players who join aren't let down by the older player losing
interest. Or that you're not left moderating a game with just a handful
of demanding long-term players.
Personally, I wouldn't run another open-ended game. I'd go for a game
that would run for 2-3 years, but have some kind of in-built victory
conditions (without the players necessarily knowing what all of these
are). Players will come back for another session if they enjoy the
first.
11 - Keep some free time for yourself, that you don't spend on the
game. Keep your office area separate from your living space. It's OK to
take a holiday, as long as you inform your players beforehand.
12 - Try to remain fond of your players, even when they seem
irritating. Thank them for their questions, tell them that they'll have
to discover x through play, etc etc. Remember that you're not dealing
with a group, but with individuals.

Phew, hope doesn't sound off-putting. I've boiled down some much more
chatty articles! Running a game is tremendous fun - Carol

References

How do I start a PBM?
dpanchyk@hotmail.com (Dave Panchyk)
Sun, 16 Feb 2003 20:00:44 +0000

Referenced By

How do I start a PBM?
dpanchyk@hotmail.com (Dave Panchyk)
Sun, 16 Feb 2003 20:00:44 +0000