Re: PBEM Question

>I know there are quite a number of PBEM DMs on this list (which is
>great IMO) and Paul's recent post of another Jammer's turn summary (two
>parts--wow) brought a question to my mind.  Paul has always said the
>quality of his PBEM was due to his players (I'm sure a little--just a
>little ;)--credit shoudl also go to Paul).  Having read some of the
>Jammers stuff I agree.  My question is simply this:  How do you screen
>for such excellent players?  Part of this larger question includes this
>smaller one:  How do you get players that will self-motivate, self goal
>orient, and generally self start (instead of sitting on their butts and
>waiting for the DM to drop stuff in their lap)?

Well, part of my screening process entails simply being a jerk. I mean, I
say no to folks if they don't look like they would fit in. Also, many
players are in both games so I already know what they want. Some of my
players are also tabletop players I've gamed with a long time. (Nilaroo aka
Brian, Ferric aka Chad).

The biggest thing I look for in a prospective player is how well they write
the background. Many players try to come up with something 'weird' or
others are too obviously power gaming, and the background helps me weed
that out. Also, I am usually working with new players for several weeks
before they actually join the game so I get a sense of how serious they are
then as well.

Actually, my problem is more often keeping the players with the ongoing
storyline:) See, when you choose players with strong backgrounds, they
often try to follow them, but the game isn't designed to split that much:)
So having self starters is great, but the DM still needs to handle the
reins:)

But then, I've been accruately accussed of being a bit linear and
controlling in my games:)

Paul Westermeyer,  westermeyer.3@???.edu
Phd Candidate, OSU Dept of History
Adjunct Professor, Columbus State Humanities Dept