[OT] Calling all English-speaking gaming groups...

[randomling]

I'm a second-year undergraduate, studying English Language and Linguistics, and one of my assessments this semester is going to be a 5,000 word research project on pretty much any subject I choose.

I'm thinking of studying the linguistics of roleplaying games. This hasn't been approved by my tutor yet, so I'm just dipping my toes in the water to see who might bite...

Would any of you be interested in (audio) taping a gaming session or two for me? I'm afraid I can't pay you for your time/effort, but I'll reimburse you for the cassettes and postage, and send you a copy of the finished project when it's done if you're interested. Only two restrictions:

1) If you don't game in English, I won't be able to use your data, as I don't speak any other languages... sorry.
2) If you play in a pub, bar, or anywhere noisy, there will likely be too much background noise for me to do an accurate transcription. You're an ideal candidate, however, if you game in somebody's house.

Would anyone be interested in helping me out with this?

 

[Ashwyn]

This is a very interesting idea. I don't have a gaming group right now, so i can't help you, but I'm sure there's someone around who can!

 

[seasong]

I would have to talk to my players, but I don't think they would have an issue with it. I would be recording a non-D&D session, however - I'm running our core group through a superhero soap opera right now.

If you are looking for D&D-specific, I can't be quite as helpful.

 

[randomling]

Seaong -- I'm thinking about looking at RPGs in general rather than just D&D, so that's fine! Thank you!

Oh, and that's another thing: research ethics say that I must have informed consent from all participants, so no taping your players in secret! If my tutor gives me the go-ahead I'll probably draw up a release form or similar.

 

[Skade]

It's a new group I have here, Randomling. I'll talk them into it, I'm just afraid you will think less of my group when you hear them! I'll be talking it over with them when next we meet.

 

[Ashwyn]

Surely there are others that want to join in?

 

[Kilmore]

Actually, I'm interested in seeing who games in a bar or a pub...

 

[Capellan]

Randomling, I'd be happy to tape a session for you, but since I am in Australia, the cost of shipping the tapes over might be a bit hefty!

 

[Ashwyn]

Randomling, I'd be happy to tape a session for you, but since I am in Australia, the cost of shipping the tapes over might be a bit hefty!

I'll take up a collection right away!

 

[Agamon]

Does it have to be tape recording? How about in MP3 format? A whole session in MP3 would be a large file, but it could be cut down into bite-sized chunks and either burned to CD or emailed...

Problem is, I don't own a cassette player anymore.