Cheating is part of any game, just as winning and losing are, just have to take precautions.
···
----- Original Message -----
From: Middle Earth PBM Games
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 8:21 AM
To: mepbmlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [mepbmlist] Am I cheat....?
> It actually says on page one of
> >the rule book that, "deceit (between players) is a common and perfectly
> >acceptable tool in this game. Just because you've received a card
from the
> >dwarves doesn't mean the dwarves actually sent it".Because it's a classic example of a rule which needs updating. It refers
to the days of postcard diplos, and all sorts of issues are raised by the
fact that we almost all use e-mail now.GSI are not interested. MEPBM games need to review the house rules more
regularly.
*** I totally agree that this rule needs to be changed - but we have had a
lot of player rebuke when we asked about it in the past. I personally
would much prefer it be changed. We're bringing out a new rule book at
some time in the future. At present this is allowed, although I personally
frown upon it I leave it up the conscience of the player concerned. It's
great fun to do, but causes more annoyance to have it done to you and
causes us no end of hassle and destroys games and is the 2nd biggest cause
of players leaving the game forever.
MEPBM games need to look again at the question of anonymity - the automatic
distribution of e-mail addresses has reduced the bluff element of the
game.
*** It's not automatic. Check the house rules. It's the default. If you
don't want them sent them you need to contact us at game start to inform us
that's what you want - otherwise like most players - we'll assume that you
want them sent on.
If as a neutral, you want to do a bit of bluffing, you now have to
positively opt out, and make a request to stay anonymous.
*** Not the case. As a Neutral no-one gets your email address or contact
details unless you give them out. When you change allegiance you will have
your contact details sent onwards unless at game start you have requested
otherwise.
That makes your
sneaky intentions immediately apparent to everyone - thus making it rather
pointless. The Dumboat variation seems to have come about partly for this
reason - but it's a gross hammer to crack a small nut - throwing out
diplomacy entirely instead of seeking moderate ways to rebalance it in the
light of e-mail technology.
*** I personally am enjoying Gunboat, but glad to have your opinion on this
version of the game. If you don't like it don't play it. I would consider
running a limited diplomacy game but for now I doubt there is a player base
for it at present.
Clint
Middle Earth PBM - hit reply to send to everyone
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