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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Captain_Commando" data-source="post: 4751444" data-attributes="member: 71848">I've decided to try the business out. Other jobs will be pursued as the business is underway. Flexible hours for the GMing service will make it possible to pursue other sources of income.I've collected both positive and negative criticism from each of the 6 forums on which I posted this brainstorming thread. A lot of insults but also a lot of insight, even from some of the insults.There are profound differences between a pay-for-play campaign and a paid-by-the-hour GMing service. Perhaps the most important difference is flexibility.Here's a new list. This might not be everything but it's a few steps forward from the first brainstorming list. Keep the comments and the suggestions coming.1. The business is a DnD 4e GMing service paid by the hour. DnD 3.5e or Pathfinder service might be offered as well though 4e will remain the primary rules system used.2. The cost might be $15/hour. <no tip mentioned> Too little or too much can drive away clients. The existence of a mandatory tip may cause problematic expectations. A 4-hour session split between 5 players would thus be the equivalent of a movie ticket in Manhattan. Special session packages may be offered at higher or lower rates.3. The service offers 1-shot adventures (original pre-written, published, or custom). Custom adventures may have free prep or prep at an additional charge based on the amount of time and effort required to fulfill the client's request.4. The service offers teaching games. This may include rules tutorials, game design tutorials (including monster and NPC design), plot writing tutorials, and at-table performance tutorials. Good for both players and aspiring game masters. Special games for math, science, or history tutoring could be offered.5. The service offers special cooperative war games with DnD miniatures.6. The service is sold on time and convenience as well as guaranteed quality.7. Role-playing products could be sold or advertised at the end or during each session.8. Snacks could be sold during sessions depending on the gaming location.9. The service will have its own web site, not part of someone else's.10. All original adventures are tested through the local DnD meetup group.11. Local comic and gaming stores should be approached for cooperation. Product discounts, coupons for clients, store and service advertisement, and space reservation/rental may be discussed.12. A menu of [gaming locations + location details] will be on the web site.13. Special packages could be offered that may include food or renting a conference room at a hotel or space at a store.14. Gaming products may be sold or advertised on the service website for extra income.15. A standard survey should be prepared to find out client preferences and maximize their enjoyment. All sessions should be adapted or suggested based on the survey.16. Breaks for bathroom or food will not be included in the bill. An itemized billing summary indicating time consumption might be necessary.17. Extra effort must be taken to memorize story elements to provide a more professional level of performance.18. Attire and behavior should be professional. A nice shirt and slacks if not a suit and tie.19. A feedback or evaluation survey form could be given to willing clients with space for writing suggestions on how to improve the service or business model.20. A minimum 24-hour notice will be given if I have to cancel a session. Any less and the next gaming session is offered for free.21. Character generation will be offered as pregens, partially constructed characters, or up to the client to create. A character creation tutorial could be offered as part of the session.22. Business networking is crucial to the service's success. Some companies might hire a known professional game master to run team-building exercises. Local Meetup groups will be marketed to including NYC DnD, Board Games and Card Games, SciFi Fantasy, and BizNet. New groups and companies should be marketed to every month if not daily/weekly. The previous attempt at marketing focused on college students and the marketed product was unmarketable.23. Copies of all receipts for the service should be kept for tax purposes.24. A contract with carefully written terms of agreement should be issued at the beginning of a session to prevent certain legal problems.25. All gaming materials will be provided by me (clients can still bring their own though). This will include dungeon master's screen, dice, pencils, paper, dungeon tiles, printed handouts (including reference sheets), cinema stand, action tokens, and washable battle mat. Reference sheets should be no more than 5 pages. Cinema stand is yet to be tested but holds promise. Meticulous memorization of details/rules and innovative use of pre-tested game design tools (ex. battle challenges and moving terrain) will likely enhance the value of the service.26. RPGA certification as a judge should be pursued. I'll be registering as a member on Wednesday, and the Herald test has been quickened. Higher level judge certification should be pursued as soon as possible. Having DMing experience recorded on the NYC DnD Meetup site is also helpful for attracting clients.27. A compilation of play tested and refined adventures from the service will be offered to a game company for increased income.28. A business relationship with a game company might be possible based on how much attention the service gains.29. For packages including food, perhaps culinary/baking students might be approached for the promise of a share of the haul and/or in some cases a seat at the table and/or experience to add to their resumés and/or a free game session or product. NYC is loaded with culinary/baking students.30. Professional web support may be possible. Web designers also have a meetup group. Web design students can always use more cash. Perhaps someone will trade web service in exchange for free game sessions or morbid curiosity or just for fun/experience.</blockquote>

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