Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions

Everyone has something they liked, didn't like, or would like to see in a given session of D&D, but after a year we still don't have a good way to iron out the kinks. Looking over other campaigns, I see people who use a method of DM tyranny, with the my way or the highway standpoint. I also see complete democracies and even rotating DMs. Neither of these seem well structured, but at the same time I lean toward democracy. Input is always considered, largely because so many things are changed from core rules. The biggest problem however, is that DMing is stressful, particularly when frustrated PCs give the poor ol' DM crap and/or the DM gets pissy. This leads to input being poorly considered or the occasional (or sometimes frequent) rude response. As such, there is a new idea for feedback that should be more constructive pulled from wizard's site.

Simply put, it is email. Sure we see each other quite often, but email provides a nifty service. First, the person writing it has to think through what they are saying. While someone might blurt out how not being able to use that tree trunk the giant had as a club is unfair, a little thought on the matter might make it evident that such an arguement doesn't hold much water. Second, as a DM I can read it when I'm relaxed and ready. No more shuffling up and asking for my time like Oliver asking for food in Oliver Twist. Careful, I might just hit you with that ladel ;).

Another benefit that I really like is that any suggestion or complaint can be backed by solid, researched information. If Nurse Bob swears that modifying spells to go off after a period of delay makes healing impossible, then he could construct some situations to prove his point. ie: Enemies with reach. A troll could hit Nurse Bob when healing Joe Shmoe. The solution to this, which in this example Nurse Bob hasn't thought of, is casting the spell and holding the charge to run up and deliver it next round. If this exchange were to happen in conversation, it would be a battle of opinions lacking examples and possibly necessary rule citations. Over email however, examples can be given and reasons fully expressed. This doesn't mean I'll enter a huge debate over it though, which is an important part of this system. Complaint/Suggestion does not equal change. I'll consider it, talk it over with a few people perhaps, and respond with counter points or just an acknowledgement that it has been read.

Really, what I'm trying to do is give everyone a chance to put their best case forward for something that concerns them, then give me time to review it in the best possible light. It isn't just about negatives however. Email me with things you like or want to see more of. Let me know what excites you and what doesn't. It is easier to balance everyone's likes and dislikes when I can go back and reference what they are.

So that about wraps this up. IN CLOSING! Got a Comment, Complaint, or Suggestion? Email me at ddespie@digipen.edu and I'll look it over. Please keep it to one topic per email if possible.

-Dr. D.M. Bird