Thanks for the usual mixed bag of reactions.
At present I allow prisoners to play in 2950 (postal and email) tagged
games. Also 3wk 1650 games. Partially for the impact that they have on the
game - ie lack of communication, or ease of communication. Similar to
postal only players. Assuming the law allows it, I think that I should
allow anyone who wants to play the game to play. Seems only fair. (Players
who bring the game into disrepute, or break the rules are clearly exceptions
to this). We have around 15 prison players I think.
Okay this is what I suggest for future games. I tag a game as available for
prisoners (default is not), and then inform players if there are prisoners
in the game. Postal only players get their postal address on the Front
Sheet by default if there is no comment from the player when joining (as
does your email address if there is no comment from you when you join up
requesting otherwise.) So far I have only had two players request all such
information be kept hidden. I also allow players, when they join up, to
stipulate players that they do not want to play with. Eg Fred Bloggs/John
Doe, I would be content to include Prisoners in that list, or Norwegians or
whatever else you want to avoid.
My experience as a player was that the prisoners were the most communicative
members of that particular team, very friendly and polite. As a GM I have
also found the letters to be friendly, overtly long... :-), but also very
polite. Most seem to be aware that they are receiving a privilege and are
careful not to have that removed from them by the prison authorities. I am
aware that some of the prisoners are incarcerated for commiting crimes
including murder though so understand if players do not want to associate
with them. Thanks for the information and comments they've been very
useful.
Thanks
Clint