Re: pbm list statistics

From: madcentral@aol.com (MadCentral)

Date: Tue, 18 Jun 2002 20:55:53 +0000

>>There's also the argument that some genres of PBM games are well-supported
by good quality free games, and so there is not much potential market for
those that require money. (Wonder how cheap asbestos is these days)<<

Thats an interesting point (and not one I plan to flame, so put away that
asbestos).  I haven't yet found a free game as good as, say, Middle Earth, or
B.S.E., but I admit they might be out there and have just escaped my focus.

The main problem with these free games is they tend to suddenly fold.  Mind
you, that happens all too often with pay games too, I suppose. <sigh>  The
absolute worst thing about free games is that if you aren't happy for some
reason you cant be quite such an ass about it, coz you aren't paying for it in
the first place.  ; )

>>I notice that one of the few genres of games that do not translate well to
being 'pay to play' are the RPGs -<<

I dunno... the goods ones never seem to want for players.  The main problem
with good, commercial RPGs is that the GMs tend to be so flooded with players
that they 'burn out'.  I know I did, back when I ran Night of the Things.  I
got to the point where I simply couldn't face writing another turn and had no
choice but to (cleanly) fold it.

>>It seems that the hobby is now split between the hardcore wargamers who like
the stats side of thing but aren't able to form too many original, evocative
ideas .. and the kids who 'wanna rock' but aren't always able to put their
imaginations to either paper or the keyboard.<<

I can understand where you're coming from, but I haven't actually experienced
this myself.  I've got a pretty reasonably amount of absolutely excellent
players, who roleplay, scheme and imagine with the best of 'em.  If I didnt
have I'd have been bored to death by now, but I find the players and their
ideas challenging.

Steve T.

References

Re: pbm list statistics
"Plod" <plod@plod.com>
Tue, 18 Jun 2002 18:14:45 +0000