A Land Far Away

In Rumple's "2012 Year in Review and Eye on the future" thread, Castano wrote "We need more regular DMs running weekly or bi-monthly games. These game times/dates should be posted on the front page of ALFA and in ALFA General in an easy to see table." http://www.alandfaraway.org/phpBB3/view ... =3&t=48862

Well, I also wish that the "Active DM information - All servers " ( http://www.alandfaraway.org/phpBB3/view ... 31&t=48959 )
page had more actual days and times. Even if the session is full or restricted (which I guess means full?) it would be really helpful to see the day and time, if only to see when and where there is already a session. Looking at that page leaves me thinking "wow, there are alot of DMs, but exactly when are they around?"

I guess "by appointment" means that the DM does not have an RL schedule that lends itself to DMing at a set day/time. Believe me, I understand that. I don't know how you DMs do it. However, it is really intimidating to a n00b (even one that is listed on the first page of the "Members" page, lol). I mean, I just (re)joined, so I just don't feel like it is my place to try to make an appointment with a DM. It's just not my style.

'By appointment' usually just means no scheduled time but that the DM either does ad hoc stuff or is available on request. I am off the later. I do not do much active DMing but I am frequently in chat and am available often to help people if they get stuck, help them get items imported or if they have questions related to the server that would affect their roleplaying.

Also usually available if players need to perform some RP with an NPC.

Don't be afraid to ask! The worst that can happen is you get told 'No'

Legend added to the main page. Thanks for the suggestion Wild Wombat.

You're welcome, Rumple. I figured that since I actually am trying to navigate my way around the site without much prior knowledge, plus feeling my way around for the first time with the servers (and pretty much the UI) now was the time to give my perspective as a n00b.

The Key to the terms certainly helps. I probably should have known what "Restricted" meant though.

However, I still don't know much about the times. But I do realize that this is your consolidation post, so maintaining information there about the times for all DMs on all servers is much more difficult. It is a great starting point, but I find myself hungering for more.

So, what about including a link to a (stickied) page on each server that would have more accurrate and perhaps more detailed information? That way the DMs of each server could edit the page to keep it more accurrate and informatiove, or at least one of the DMs on the server could. After all, they are in a much better position to know that information. I understand that some DMs aren't running campaigns - the "by appointment" DMs that I needn't be shy about introducing myself to, but for those that do have campaigns or even fixed or preferred times, it would be great to know that. (Please understand me: I am not asking that every DM commit to a fixed schedule. You guys do this out of what I will call the "goodness" of your hearts, so I'd be an idiot to ask for that. If you don't know your schedule, that is no problem, it is enough that you have volunteered. My thanks for all you do.)

I found a page like that for Moonshaes http://www.alandfaraway.org/phpBB3/view ... 93&t=44740 (but it only lists Castano's time). There is a link provided by Hialmar to the DM Google calendar page but, as Castano points out, it is broken. (Too bad, since I saw that Tridisus was DMing )

I found a similar page for Baldur's Gate, with a link to a Google calendar (which only shows times for Paazin), but since the post was last edited in August of 2010, I am guessing that it may be outdated too.

I am guessing that maintaining a Google calendar is a pain (maybe something to do with only one person being able to update it?) so while it sure looks great, we would probably be stuck with a sticky on each server.

Perhaps I am in a minority, but more information about when DMs are having sessions (day-time, open/closed, restricted or not etc.) would be really helpful.

Again, not complaining. I will muddle through, regardless. I also know that what I am suggesting takes work (TANSTAAFL).