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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TirionAnthion" data-source="post: 5134609" data-attributes="member: 61048">I work at my local game store (Mayem Collectibles in Des Moines IA, *blatant plug*) and I also run the D&D events at the store. I am lucky to work at a store that has a large dedicated gaming space. The play area has its own access and can remain open later than the store, in fact it is often open until midnight. We have a cirlce of "trustees" that run various games and have keys to the game store side of the store and can lock the game room when they are done. As someone who runs and coordinates the events, and having done so for the past 6 or 7 years, I understand some of the issues that can arise from running event. I have had alot of problems, in both the 3.5 and 4e days, in finding people to run events. Oftentimes people would volunteer, receive the kit with the minis and adventure, and then never show up to run the event. Once I stopped giving out the minis ahead of time, instead handing them out to DM's at the event, the volunteers seemed to dry up. My store does not charge for D&D events. On the same note, I do not get paid for running D&D events. I am not "on the clock" while running the events. It is however a labor of love. While it can sometimes be a headache to schedule, coordinate and run an event I really do love it. I can see how some stores might have a problem finding someone to run events and put forth the neccessary effort to make it a success. While I do not agree with charging a fee, I do not question anyone's right to do so. I myself would probably not play in a game with a fee, but that is just my opinion. As for the Encounter program specifically, I know very little about the FR setting but I don't feel this has inpaired the game. I disagree with the statement that the FR books are required to run the Undermountain adventure. Everything you need to know is contained in the module. Granted, knowing something about FR can certainly enhance your game, it is by no means required. Also, while I run the games on Wednesday, I also run an encore game on the weekends for those who can not make it on Wednesday. I just report them all as Wednesday sessions. For my store, WotCs new focus on the Game Days, Encounters and retailer incentives has been a great boon. Getting the books early has boosted sales. Many of the dedicated players would get the books from Barnes and Noble as the local B&N routinely had the books the weekend before the release. The increased marketing for events has created a notable upwards swing in attendence. The first week of the Encounters I had to run two tables, one at 6pm and one at 8pm. For the second week I had a customer come to the rescue and offer to run a table. That was a big help as I had two table of 7 at 6pm and a table of 5 at 8pm.  Overall the Encounters program has been a big success. I appreciate the help I have received from my voluteer DM. It is alot of work but worth it, and I just feel that we would not get such a good turn out if a fee were involved. Anyway, that is just my opinion, your mileage may vary.</blockquote>

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