Are you a good Dungeon Master?

[Ashrem Bayle]

I was thinking about this, and I was wondering how you guys feel. I've been DMing for the better part of 16 years. I've had, on several occasions, been told by players that they really enjoyed my games, and I've been told moro than once that I was the best DM they'd ever played with. I put WAY too much energy into gaming, and I'm very passionate about it.

But at the end of the day, I always feel like I'm doing a poor job. I never seem to be as good as I want. Despite my best efforts, and the positive feedback of my players, I don't consider myself a great DM.

The reason I post this, is I'm wondering how many of you other DMs are like that? Are we too hard on ourselves?

 

[Chaldfont]

I am a kick ass DM.

 

[Crothian]

Ya, I pretty much suck at it. I never get the imagery right, I get impatient at times, I enjoy the NPCs and pets and role playing them too much, at times I feel like I steal the show, I antagonize the players, I don't care if the rules are right as long as the story flows, I have combats that end up being a lot harder then they should be, I have a tough time getting things across in game and establishing certain elements

 

[vulcan_idic]

No, but I hope to be one day. I learn some thing new everytime and eventually I think I'll learn enough to be decent.... good is a lot further off though.

 

[adwyn]

I too have received plenty of praise for DMing, but still feel the way you do. My wife says that's because good DM's are never satisfied and continually strive to make their games better.

Ultimately the question of quality is too subjective and ourselves too close to it to judge, so take the praise to heart. As long as the players keep coming back without coersion then you're doing things right.

 

[Odhanan]

I was thinking about this, and I was wondering how you guys feel. I've been DMing for the better part of 16 years. I've had, on several occasions, been told by players that they really enjoyed my games, and I've been told moro than once that I was the best DM they'd ever played with. I put WAY too much energy into gaming, and I'm very passionate about it.

17 years, but the exact same thing. So I guess I'm good.

 

[Jdvn1]

I'm told I'm a good GM, but I think it's part of the job of a good GM to always try to get better.

 

[DM_Jeff]

Good DM

OK, This'll be my 25th year DMing, and just like you I put way too much energy and time into games (so much that others have called it 'catching').

Also, like you, I was constantly reevaluating myself. So much so that even when everyone left happy and already excited for the next session, I still second guessed myself and had doubts I was doing a god a job as I did. Luckily after many long talks with my players and getting honest responses, I found out I should stop beating myself up. I toned up the stuff I questioned, and have got over all the worry.

OK, not ALL the worry! I think folks who put as much passion into doing a good job have a natural reaction to want to strive for better or else we have nothing to work for! We'll never stop learning, and sure even now I say after a session "I bet I could have handled that better", but more often than not I handled it fine and the players don't notice.

So the answer? Sure, sometimes we are hard on ourselves and it's all part of the role. We're *always* learning and growing!

-DM Jeff

 

[devilbat]

If you're players are having a good time, you're a good DM. The rest is icing.

 

[lukelightning]

I'm a pretty good DM; I'm good at making an interesting scenario, but still working on customising encounters to suit the players personalities (some like problem solving, some like combat, etc.)