Re: Non-commercial emphasis

From: madcentral@aol.com (MadCentral)

Date: Fri, 02 Nov 2001 10:27:49 +0000

>>I notice that this news group seems to have a bias against commercial
games.<<

Why do you think that?  It might have been true two or three years ago, but
these days its only really got a bias towards get rich quick adverts.

>>The information in the FAQ is mildly flippant when it comes to the
commercial games, <<

Oh!  That's why!  <grin>  Lets not get into that.  Its way too peaceful here
right now and who wants to ruin such a pleasant hush with a Mr Mouth
appearance?

>>for example Legends is described as :
a commercial D&D-type simulation in which 200 players
         wander around a large map trying to become more powerful.<<

Not entirely incorrect, really.

>>when a more accurate description would be, something like:
a fantasy based simulation, with strategic, tactical and roleplay
options. Various modules allow for play in different worlds.<<

This isn't necessarily more *accurate*.  Both statements are true, the first
being more simplistic, the second being better advertising towards a certain
audience.  Personally, If I was looking to play Legends then the first would be
*far* more likely to recruit me that your description... but thats just me.
<chuckle>

>>Now, this may be due to a boycott of this group by the games
companies, or some past fight where they were flamed off this group
for advertising.<<

Nope.  In fact I'd say there are more commercial games people here than
non-commercial ones.  The FAQ is made by Greg Lindahl, it is not an official
FAQ of Rec.Games.PBM, just one persons attempt to be helpful.  The views
expressed in the FAQ dont express the views of the forum, only of one
particularly prevalent individual who is sometimes seen here.  Nevertheless,
given that nobody else bothers to make and submit an FAQ, nobody really has a
right to complain about it.

>>However, I think the emphasis for this group should be on current
information and news worthy stuff, both for non-commercial games and
for commercial games.<<

Then *post some* by all means!!  That would be nice!

>>Perhaps a request to the companies that run PBMs asking them to advise
what games are about to start (and giving them a posting format),<<

In order to do this somebody would have to do the advising... and since nobody
owns or runs this forum then who would do it?  GMs of commercial games do often
post announcements here.  The only reason you see more ads of free games is
because there are lots *more* free games.  The ration is simply higher.  Making
a living in commercial PBM is a tough ride and a lot of the old firms have long
gone.

>>rather than having to advise Greg would increase the newsworthy
content of this group (albeit with more commercial postings)<<

Nobody advises Greg anything about this newsgroup, and Greg has no say over
what does, or does not, go into this newsgroup.  Greg has simply gone to the
effort of having autoposts of stuff from his own big PBM site.  This move,
while not appreciated by everybody, has certainly increased the ration of
'real' PBM posts in this, the land of 'Get A Credit Card Right Now'
announcements.

>> I am just suggesting something
that may make the newsgroup better.<<

Do it then!  If you like the idea of contacting and organising GMs into
newsposts, please go ahead!  In order for an idea like this to happen, somebody
has to *do* it.  You've suggested it, so why not you?  There's nobody else.
This newsgroup isn't owned or run by anybody, its simply a combination of what
people choose to put in it.

>>So if there was a brand new game like this out there
I didn't find it.<<

Legends is a huge and classic game.  What it does has never been duplicated in
the same way, in my opinion, and probably never will.

There are very few large commercial PBMs left in the world.  I'd guess that you
could count the number of non-sports PBM firms who are still in the 3+ figure
player numbers on your two hands.  Maybe even on one hand.

Steve T.

References

Non-commercial emphasis
gamerman12@usa.net (GamerMan12)
Thu, 01 Nov 2001 11:31:44 +0000

Referenced By

Non-commercial emphasis
gamerman12@usa.net (GamerMan12)
Thu, 01 Nov 2001 11:31:44 +0000