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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Master of the Game" data-source="post: 3673210" data-attributes="member: 9220">Great idea Zachery.  If you don't mind I'll just post my bio and answers to save people the link.  If you want any more information just ask, or you can check out my <a href="http://enniejudge.blogspot.com" target="_blank">blog</a> for in dept discussions on the process I used for judging, the way I voted, and ideas for how I would do it again.Jeramy WareHaving been a gamer for 25 years, I have run numerous campaigns using a great many different systems. I have extensive experience as both a Game Master and a player, and though I have never been a part of the industry, I have been a member of the community for most of my life.I believe that I am a good judge because I enjoy reading a variety of games, and can see through their differences without having any preconceived notions about the inherent superiority of any single system. I also have the time and desire to read through the great many books that I would have to review as a judge. Due to the flexibility of my job I will have ten to twelve hours each weekday to dedicate to fulfilling my responsibilities.During my term as a judge for the 2007 awards I feel that I proved myself more than capable of handling my duties, as comments from fellow judges can attest, and I promise to bring the same work ethic and openness to my term this year, should I be elected again.Finally, I'll not only commit myself, but each of my three weekly games to making sure as many games as possible are judged through actual play-test, rather than simple study. I have a dedicated group of experienced players who are as voracious as I am about trying new games, and they have proven to be just as excited to be a part of this process.2008 ENnies Judge Questionnaire1. When did you join the RPG hobby and what inspired you to become involved and stay with it?I was first introduced to gaming by my older brother, who used me as guinea pig to try out his campaigns back in 1982. I've stayed involved for all these years because there's nothing I enjoy doing more than roleplaying, and I can't think of a better hobby to spend my time on.2. Since you joined the hobby, what roles have you played (e.g. vending, professional writing and publishing, reviewing, convention organizing, homebrewing, playing, GMing, etc.)?I've been a GM for most of my gaming experience, though I've played a great deal as well. I often homebrew my own systems and always my own campaigns, but have never really had an interest in publishing.3. The ENnies require a major commitment of time and mental energy. What resources do you bring that will help you discharge these responsibilities? Will your gaming group or other individuals be assisting you?I own a small business and have a great deal od flexibilty in my work, allowing me to spend 10 to 12 hours a day working on my ENnies responsibilities. My group has also proven willing to help me playtest the materials, and I often turn to them to discuss their perspectives on the products.4. What interests, experience and skills do you bring from outside the hobby that you think will make you a more effective judge?Time and energy, solid judgment, and a commitment to fulfill my responsibilities.5. What styles and genres of RPGs do you enjoy most? Are there any styles or genres that you do not enjoy? Which games best exemplify what you like?At the moment I'm really on a sci-fi or biblical apocalypse kick, but that changes pretty frequently. Usually I find myself wanting to play whatever I'm not currently running. I don't have a lot of experience playing Westerns, though I don't know that I would dislike them, and I have a lot of favorite game systems though GURPS, D&D, and Shadowrun are my old stand-bys.6. What system do you think is best designed? Is it the one you play most?Ouch, that's tough. I like systems that are written to evoke a specific style of play. GURPS has my all-around vote, because I feel like it can be used for anything, but I play d20 most frequently.7. What games have you played in the past year? List up to 10 RPGs you have played the most.Well, I play tested a lot of games for the ENnies last year, so I'll stick to the ones I've played most often:D&D 3.5, GURPS 4e, Shadowrun 4e, Scion, L5R 3e, Spycraft 2.0, Runequest (Mongoose), Obsidian, Hollow Earth Expedition, and Conspiracy X.8. Briefly summarize the criteria you will use for judging products in the different categories. How will you deal with comparing products of vastly disparate lengths, medium (PDF vs. print), or mechanics to prose ratios? Will innovation and originality play a major role?Much of my voting preferences have been discussed in length on my blog, but most importantly it comes down to judging each product on its own merit, not worrying about how it stacks up against something else.9. How will you judge supplements or adventures for game systems whose core rules you are unfamiliar with or you believe are badly designed? What about for systems that are out of print?Like last year, I will get my hands on core materials for any system I don't already own wherever possible. If I simply don't like a system I will seek out reliable sourses that do. Last year I referred to revies and actual play posts extensively during my reviews to try and understand what other people find to be fun about the system. 10. How would you like to see the ENnies change (categories, policies, etc)? What should remain inviolate?Mostly I think communication between the ENnies staff and publishers needs to be improved. There needs to be a quick easy way for entrants to see any decisions or changes that have been made that might effect their products. Beyond that, I think the Ennies need to keep their fan-based focus. Keep open communication with anyone interested about each product and why they are being considered.BONUS: (optional) If you were an RPG, what would it be, and would you play it?Some terribly complex Frankenstein homebrew. I'd play it, but no one else would likely enjoy it.</blockquote>

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