Comments on: First Time GM: Looking for Group http://www.gnomestew.com/intro-to-game-mastering/first-time-gm-looking-for-group The Game Mastering Blog Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: evil http://www.gnomestew.com/intro-to-game-mastering/first-time-gm-looking-for-group/comment-page-1#comment-9673 evil Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:21:13 +0000 http://www.gnomestew.com/intro-to-game-mastering/first-time-gm-looking-for-group#comment-9673 I like the idea of interviewing new players. Recently I've started sending out a six question sheet that players have to answer before they are okayed for the group. It's mostly simple questions (are you a rules lawyer, which games have you played, etc.). For all new players, I suggest you meet them in person in a neutral territory before inviting them to your place to play. Sadly enough, there are some people out there in the world that seem nice enough online, but you wouldn't want them in your home. Safety first.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('9673','evil'); return false;">Reply</a> </div> I like the idea of interviewing new players. Recently I’ve started sending out a six question sheet that players have to answer before they are okayed for the group. It’s mostly simple questions (are you a rules lawyer, which games have you played, etc.). For all new players, I suggest you meet them in person in a neutral territory before inviting them to your place to play. Sadly enough, there are some people out there in the world that seem nice enough online, but you wouldn’t want them in your home. Safety first.
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]]> By: Scott Martin http://www.gnomestew.com/intro-to-game-mastering/first-time-gm-looking-for-group/comment-page-1#comment-9672 Scott Martin Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:43:03 +0000 http://www.gnomestew.com/intro-to-game-mastering/first-time-gm-looking-for-group#comment-9672 If you can make space, I strongly suggest that a first time GM host the game. That keeps you in your comfort zone and aligns with social expectations. (People are used to hosts having more discretion in dealing with social issues-- relying on that familiar framework prevents awkward disputes between "a GM's not in my game" and a host's "not in my house".) Dizman has a good point about creating a new group: as a first time GM, you don't have to go into it thinking about it as a year long commitment. Pitch it like you'd pitch a poker night, an evening of board games, or any other fun evening. If you have fun, then you can set up the sequel.<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('9672','Scott Martin'); return false;">Reply</a> </div> If you can make space, I strongly suggest that a first time GM host the game. That keeps you in your comfort zone and aligns with social expectations. (People are used to hosts having more discretion in dealing with social issues– relying on that familiar framework prevents awkward disputes between “a GM’s not in my game” and a host’s “not in my house”.)

Dizman has a good point about creating a new group: as a first time GM, you don’t have to go into it thinking about it as a year long commitment. Pitch it like you’d pitch a poker night, an evening of board games, or any other fun evening. If you have fun, then you can set up the sequel.

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]]> By: dizman http://www.gnomestew.com/intro-to-game-mastering/first-time-gm-looking-for-group/comment-page-1#comment-9670 dizman Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:56:15 +0000 http://www.gnomestew.com/intro-to-game-mastering/first-time-gm-looking-for-group#comment-9670 Well best way for new GM-s to find new players is to get new players to the game. One new GM does not want anyone at the table to start giving anoying remarks about his favorite GM and how he handles "this" particular situation. So getting a small group of new people is for me best way to start. About scheduling sessions, well its easy, know when you have time, know when your players have time, be on time, players can be late use that time to talk to players who were on time about current adventure. GM is never late. And if by chance you are late give at least SMS or something that you will be late or if something comes up give at least 6hour heads up. Location, if you are new i think the best place is the place you feel most confident. If it is your kitchen-be it, if gaming club be it. Remember you are in charge. Hope this helps :)<div class="comment-remix-meta"><a href="#" class="replyto" onclick="replyto('9670','dizman'); return false;">Reply</a> </div> Well best way for new GM-s to find new players is to get new players to the game. One new GM does not want anyone at the table to start giving anoying remarks about his favorite GM and how he handles “this” particular situation. So getting a small group of new people is for me best way to start.

About scheduling sessions, well its easy, know when you have time, know when your players have time, be on time, players can be late use that time to talk to players who were on time about current adventure. GM is never late. And if by chance you are late give at least SMS or something that you will be late or if something comes up give at least 6hour heads up.

Location, if you are new i think the best place is the place you feel most confident. If it is your kitchen-be it, if gaming club be it. Remember you are in charge.

Hope this helps :)

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