The other side of the screen

[Grimmjow]

I'm thinking i enjoy playing more that this time. Mainly because i like coming up with stories but i have trouble doing that with a story that lasts for 30 levels, even if i come up with the end first its hard to figure out how to get to that point. One the other had I'm great at coming up with a backstory for a PC and than adapting it to someone else's game. So while i enjoy DMing i have a lot to learn there, and i feel being a player comes more naturally to me.

 

[Dice4Hire]

I am mostly a DM and have been so since I started doing D&D.

I like playing, but most of the time I like telling stories more, and seeing what the players will do with them.

As for a comment above, I would recommend not doing any game level 1-30. Just too much work. I find 12 level or so story arcs work best.

 

[Rhenny]

I've been DMing most of the time for the past 20 years (mostly a player for the 10 years prior to that). Once in a while, now a day, I get to play, and I really love it. I think both experiences give me something different.

When I DM, I'm always in action, and I prepare more in-between games, which keeps my head in the game. The power/control is addicting but also sometimes draining.

When I play, I try to immerse myself, and I can really escape into one specific character and enjoy myself without feeling the weight of the world upon me. Unfortunately, when I'm used to DMing, sometimes playing seems less stimulating because I am not involved in every decision or action.

I used to play baseball as a teen. In a way, being the DM is like being the pitcher or catcher. I'm in on every play. Being a PC is more like playing one of the other positions. Once in a while, I get to make a play and affect the game. Sometimes I have to back up the play, and sometimes I just have to watch and encourage my teammates. Although the roles are different, they are all enjoyable to me.

 

[Quickleaf]

For me it all depends on the group. There are rowdy power/meta-gaming groups I have enjoyed playing alongside that I would *never* DM for. Then there are "turtle pace" groups that I can DM because I can always step away and only half listen as they debate what to do, but if I was a player in a group like that I would go frigging nuts or end up pushing *any* sort of movement.

On the other hand, with a well-balanced group I'd rather play in one-shot sessions but DM a campaign. I get more enjoyment from long term planning, foreshadowing, making a vivid world, etc.