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

[DungeonmasterCal]

One of my players married me. Does that count?

Well, I would say yes! (Unless it were some twisted act of long-term vengeance for a PC death)

 

[Calico_Jack73]

Well, I would say yes! (Unless it were some twisted act of long-term vengeance for a PC death)

I can see it now...

"Kill my character will you, well I'm leaving you and taking the house, car, and kids, AND at least half of your paycheck!!!!"

 

[Djeta Thernadier]

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

I moved in with mine!

 

[francisca]

Mixed bag. I have one player who is really into the game, always brings snacks and beverages, is involved in the game, posts on the message board I run, and lets me know what he likes, and what he doesn't like in a very tactful manner. He always thanks me for running and for having him in my home.

2nd player: into the game, thanks me on a regular basis, participates outside the game. Too broke to always bring lots of chow and drinks, but does bring some stuff now and again, which is more that I expect.

3rd player: has never brought anything, which I feel is a slight to the other players, rather than me. Isn't really tuned in during the game. Never said thanks.

But, the fact that they show up every other week, and talk about their characters as "I" and "we" when describing the game session is enough for me. I've really been enjoying the game lately, overall.

Sadly, I think we are about to fall apart as a group. Player #2 is moving, and I think #3 is just losing interest, as he has a bit too much going on in his life to make room for gaming.

So, me and player #1 will be looking to form a new group or join an existing group sometime this summer in the greater Lafayette, IN area (hint! hint!).

 

[Mystic_23]

I think as with most people who have posted here it's more about the thanks than actual gifts for me.

As an example, last weekend, I finished the story arc in the Star Wars D20 game I was running. I still consider myself a "beginner DM" for the most part. So, I know I made some mistakes.

Anyway, one player asked me "So, this wasn't a published adventure, you made this up yourself?" That felt good to me, because it showed that she thought it was good enough to be published.

Along the same lines, the guy who normally DM's for our group (Who I consider one of the best DM's I've ever had the pleasure of playing RPG's with) said "That was cool. I liked how it wasn't a typical Star Wars game full of missions." Both of those statements I take as great compliments. Hopefully it shows that I am improving in my GM'ing.

I think that makes it all worthwhile. As others have said, I don't know I would be all that comfortable with my players giving me extravagant gifts for GMing for them. Although, it is cool that your players do that for you.

 

[4everdm]

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?

I've been playing with the same group of people - some have come, some have gone and some have remained constant - for about 25 years now, of which I've DMed about 90% of the time. Though they always thank me at the end of a game session whether good or bad, at time my players have really shown their appreciation by taking me out to dinners, movies, purchasing me gaming materials like books, maps, dice, etc., thrown me birthday parties and have even driven me around . Since I recently moved away - from NY to FL - they have flown down on several occasions for long weekends to play my games & have even purchased my ticket and flew me up for games.
I have to admit I have a great group of players; with all that said - it's been great gaming with all of you & I look forward to rolling dice, slaying monster and defeating villians with all of you for the next 25+ years...With a special shout out and mucho props going out to my main player, best friend & #1 GAMER Richie "Father Falldown" Z., Lord Magister of Riverdale.

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

I think as with most people who have posted here it's more about the thanks than actual gifts for me.QUOTE]

Don't get me wrong; they always say thanks for the games and the messageboard is nearly always filled with comments and compliments, both for me and the other players. The table and the tickets were a grand gesture of thanks that I never in a million years expected.

We've had cookouts before games where everyone brings something to burn on the grill (the biggest one saw me DM for 16 players once...oy). Everyone brings snacks and drinks, some buy materials for the group as a whole. One of my players does demos for a large gaming shop, so he gets books and such at a big discount for all of us.

I once got into a big argument with a friend and former campaigner (we live too far apart to game now) where he believed I should charge an admission to my games because he believed they were that good. I told him he was out of his mind and I'd never do that. I look at DMing as an art form, and it's something I do out of love of the game, not for pay. The fact they did this without my knowledge really showed me the work I've put into our home brew campaigns was appreciated, and that they'd rather game with me than any other DM. Truly, more than any material prize, that is the greatest reward.

 

[scranford]

4everdm ___ Where are you in Florida. We have a group meeting every other Saturday in East / Central Florida and are looking to add an "experienced Player" Almost 75 years of both playing and DMing between our group of 5. Email me if you're interested or are close enough to consider.

 

[Hamdir]

Let's see. When I was a DM in the Marine Corps on Okinawa my group would pay for my meals at the local USO. IN Camp Lejeune they actually paid my by the session - which I promptly apent on books.
Now my current group helps to buy books, accessories (lie minis), a nice big hardwood table and they all chip in for food. Now if I can onoly get them to pay my rent and hire a maid to clena up the mess they leave behind.
The funny thing is, I don't expect or want them to give me anything. I play for the love of the game and the friendships I've developed since I first starting playing way back in 1978.

One happy Brooklyn DM

 

[braints0rm]

Not much appreciation

Usually they just say "Good night Westley. Good work. Sleep well. We'll most likely kill you in the morning."

It's been that way for about 5 years now.