Campaign Questionnaires

[RatPunk]

I have read on ENWorld and other boards about DMs periodically handing out questionnaires to their players to determine how the campaign is going and what the players would like to see in the future. I have been considering doing this for my next campaign, but wanted to get a feel for how it works for others.

So, if you hand out questionnaires, how does it work for you? How often do you do them? What questions do you ask? Players feel free to answer as well. Samples would also be greatly appreciated.

An inquiring DM wants to know!

 

[Scotley]

For an overview of the process check out role-playing tips #184.

http://www.roleplayingtips.com/readissue.php?number=184

I don't have much personal experience with surveys. Back in my younger days when I had a lot more time our group talked a lot between session about the sorts of games we enjoyed and why. I learned a lot that influenced my own style and has made my games more interesting. Unfortunately, the process I used took hours and hours over a period of years with friends who were willing to be candid and talk about things that might lead to hurt feelings. Its worth it if you have the time and the group. Failing that I suspect the method from Role-playing tips is a good one. Let us know how it goes and what you learn.

Scotley

 

[Pseudonym]

In my old Kalamar game, I gave out general surveys at the six month and one year mark, to get a more formalized overview of how the players thought the game was going. I find that surveys are especially usefull when gaming with people new to you. My usual group I have known and gamed with for a little over fifteen years now, but my Kalamar group was composed mainly of people I met via EN World and other on-line contacts. I can predict with certainly what the former group likes in a campaign, but the later I didn't have that sort of rapport with.

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

I opened up a phpBB for my groups, and one of the uses that I make of it is to ask questions like these - as well as a place to store campaign history, handouts, track XP and NPC's, etc.