DMs: How do your players show their appreciation for what you do?

[ConspiracyAngel]

Usually by saying that they either like the story or that they don't want me to stop DM'ing

 

[Morpheus]

Uh...they uhhh...sometimes they...uhhh...I got nothing.

 

[eris404]

Most of us know that DMing is a lot of work for little reward. We concoct the adventure, roll up encounters, perform impromptu characterizations, and usually end up cleaning up after the players. But sometimes they'll surprise us. For instance, Christmas 2001 my players pitched in and bought a wonderful drop-leaf table (hardwood with chairs!) that I've used every session since. This year, they pitched in and purchased a 4 day trip to GenCon Indy, all expenses (except food) paid for my birthday.

Has anyone else out there had a similar experience?

Wow, your players are nice!

We don't do anything that elaborate, although when one of DMs decided to end his campaign (which had lasted a couple of years), we had a party.

EDIT: Not that we were glad the campaign ended. Just to show our appreciation. You know what I mean.

 

[Paladin]

You know, really appreciative players should reward their DMs with custom dice bags.

 

[Ao the Overkitty]

As a DM..... uhh... I'm afraid I'm with Morpheus. Got the ocassional compliment on my craftiness, but for the most part I got negative feedback.

As a player, we all chipped in and commisioned a seven character portrait by Joe Minns, then had it printed out and got a nice frame for it.

 

[Sir Whiskers]

Usually through compliments. "I really enjoyed the last session" or "I like the world that you've developed for our game". Stuff like that goes a long way.

A friend taught me that lesson many years ago. Now I try to always thank the GM and let him/her know I enjoyed the session. Even if it was a bad session (which happens to all of us) I try to thank the GM for his/her time.

 

[Eye Tyrant]

Uh...they uhhh...sometimes they...uhhh...I got nothing.

Uh... yeah, what he said... :\

 

[MacMathan]

IMC we rotate DM's fairly often so one person is not stuck with all of the work. Picture different Seasons of a TV show where the director/writer changes. It works really well for us and prevents burnout.

Also the group is good about rotating venues and picking up the tab for drinks and food.

We also make a number of purchases, like tons of plastic minis, for "group use"

All of these things show appreciation for the game we put together.

 

[Umbran]

Mine just say, "Thanks! We had fun!"

I think I would not be comfortable with extravagent presents like you describe. After all, I'm doing it for fun. That should be it's own reward.

 

[Zappo]

But seriously, they keep coming back every week for 4 years now. They choose me to DM when they have a choice. Really, what other payment do I need?

Yeah. Ten years for me. It's payment enough.

(Although, paying for my Gen-Con registration would be nice...)

In my case, that would have to include a transcontinental round trip plane ticket. I don't ask that much.