frankthedm
First Post
diaglo said:
Yeah, i have that issue.
Are DMs better players?
- Thread starter eris404
- Start date
Yeah, i have that issue.
ThoughtBubble
First Post
I agree with Henry. From personal experience the two of my players who took time DMing both became better players after doing so. And there's one thing that we all agree on: Biting the hook. For all those DM's out there, remember the time when you setup some cool stuff to happen, and the players all stayed in their rooms, didn't follow up on jobs, and avoided plot critical NPC's? Well, all the player/dm's that I know (like, all 4 of them) understand that pain, and will more often chase leads or try and deal with people.
Also, since none of us (well, with the exception of my mentor) are all that terriffic, DMing forces players to get used to interacting with things, making decisions, and tracking details. Three things that are VERY important to an enjoyable game.
So in that aspect, players who have some time in the chair are better players.
On the other hand, I'm a bitch of a player. I'm picky (houserules and fun/time ratio). I have a different style. I'm into acting fully (door didn't unlock? Chop it down baby!) and heavily in character. I'm the decision maker and tend to dive in all the way when I dive, and often my group (notably the ones w/o DMing expierence) are the stort that have deep reservations about moving forward ("Ok, I'll chop the door down, but I'd like to do it quietly"). Another aspect of that is that I've never once been able to get a clear answer of what sort of game we're going into and end up with a character who isn't good for the situation.
But you know what? My two stints as a player have made me an infinately better DM. Nothing like playing through two games that are built on the model I introduced to make me see what sucks.
Also, since none of us (well, with the exception of my mentor) are all that terriffic, DMing forces players to get used to interacting with things, making decisions, and tracking details. Three things that are VERY important to an enjoyable game.
So in that aspect, players who have some time in the chair are better players.
On the other hand, I'm a bitch of a player. I'm picky (houserules and fun/time ratio). I have a different style. I'm into acting fully (door didn't unlock? Chop it down baby!) and heavily in character. I'm the decision maker and tend to dive in all the way when I dive, and often my group (notably the ones w/o DMing expierence) are the stort that have deep reservations about moving forward ("Ok, I'll chop the door down, but I'd like to do it quietly"). Another aspect of that is that I've never once been able to get a clear answer of what sort of game we're going into and end up with a character who isn't good for the situation.
But you know what? My two stints as a player have made me an infinately better DM. Nothing like playing through two games that are built on the model I introduced to make me see what sucks.
tonym
First Post
It all depends, I guess...
However, there are some DMs who can't STAND being players. You can usually tell these people because they say at least once every other session, "How many more sessions until we're done?" And then they explain how they want to DM next, in case you forgot from last week.
These DMs want to run the show, and it shows in how they play. Their PCs primary motivation is to hurry through everything so the campaign can end.
Nonetheless, this kind of DM can still be a good player. Rude, thoughtless, uncooperative and bossy, but still a good player.
![:]](http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/devious.png "Devious :]")
Tony M
However, there are some DMs who can't STAND being players. You can usually tell these people because they say at least once every other session, "How many more sessions until we're done?" And then they explain how they want to DM next, in case you forgot from last week.
These DMs want to run the show, and it shows in how they play. Their PCs primary motivation is to hurry through everything so the campaign can end.
Nonetheless, this kind of DM can still be a good player. Rude, thoughtless, uncooperative and bossy, but still a good player.
Tony M
Thimble the Squit
First Post
I have to say, far too many of these generalisations apply to me! I am the best and the worst kind of DM/player all rolled into one: I'm a metagamer and a rules lawyer and I argue with my DM over differences of style; on the other hand, I throw myself into my roleplaying, bite every plot hook and occasionally make deliberate mistakes in order to remain in-character.
It's hard to say whether or not DMs do make better players per se but, I do agree with EricNoah: players make better DMs, certainly.
(Good thread, by the way, Eris; some interesting reading here.)
It's hard to say whether or not DMs do make better players per se but, I do agree with EricNoah: players make better DMs, certainly.
(Good thread, by the way, Eris; some interesting reading here.)
evileeyore
Mrrrph
One of the greatest DMs I have ever had the pleasure playing with, was also one of the worst players I have ever played with.
Actually the hypocrisy makes him the worst player. Faulting people for things when you run, then doing the exact same thing when you play is a very big no-no.
Actually the hypocrisy makes him the worst player. Faulting people for things when you run, then doing the exact same thing when you play is a very big no-no.
pogre
Legend
EricNoah said:
This is exactly the reason I agreed to start playing in a friend's campaign. I had not been on the other side of the screen for several years and getting into the players' shoes now and again helps me understand what is fun from their perspective.
I try to be a good player. The right attitude is a big help. The DMs in my campaign are very solid players.
Berandor
lunatic
I think I'm a competent player, and while playing, I tend to support the DM in his or her decisions, and also sympathize with the rigors of DMing when they come into play.
However, I am also regularly analyzing the other DM, thinking about whether I would have done the same he did. So while I have been called a good player for my immersion and role-playing, I tend to get annoyed at certain things I perceive as DM faults or mistakes. Thanks to my aforementioned sympathy, however, I rarely act on my annoyance, or if I do, I'll speak to the DM privately.
However, I am also regularly analyzing the other DM, thinking about whether I would have done the same he did. So while I have been called a good player for my immersion and role-playing, I tend to get annoyed at certain things I perceive as DM faults or mistakes. Thanks to my aforementioned sympathy, however, I rarely act on my annoyance, or if I do, I'll speak to the DM privately.
eris404
Explorer
Thimble the Squit said:
It has been interesting. I had to admit that I was saddened by some of the stories, but that happens in a lot of the threads here (especially the "what should do about this situation" threads). I actually feel very bad when I hear how annoying other players/DMs can be in other groups, because, well, I love gaming and I hate it when someone spoils it for anyone. And I don't want to be the person who spoils it for my group, so I've been taking some notes where applicable.
pogre said:
I agree totally. I ran almost non-stop for two years and I am suddenly in a situation where I will be a player in three games and probably not run a game for a couple of years (we tend to do long campaigns in my group). I had a little trouble adjusting, because it is a different mindset, and I admired how the DMs in our group are able to transition so smoothly into great players. As for me, I'm still working on it.
