A thought on DMing - a need for layers

[MorbidKate]

Okay, how about some ADM perspectives? Anyone remember how their first experiences were when they joined ALFA as a DM subordinate to other DMs and/or the HDM? Any recommendations to avoid the pitfalls they encountered?

I also started on SD as an ADM and it was tough going for me as well. Murky was almost totally AFK and there was little or nothing about ongoing plot lines or NPC bios in the server forums. That eventually changed in time thankfully but at the time I was afraid to touch anything for fear of messing stuff up for the others, DMs & players alike. Legionaire was extremely helpful however, touring the server with me and giving tips on the DM client. Loulou was also very helpful offering advice on NPCs and plots.

What that experience taught me was how important it was to lead a server from the top down, mentoring new DMs to get them familiar with a server and most importantly COMMUNICATION & creating a sense of TEAMWORK among the DM crew. Being supportive and offering help and/or advice are keys to keeping people.

Once I became HDM of TPI I gave DM access to Electryc and arranged cross-server plots with him as he's one of the nicest people one could ever hope to work with. Trust was never an issue and Electryc would never hesitate to ask questions so communication was excellent.

Lastly, if any member of a DM crew proves they can't be trusted or are being disruptive and can't be reasoned with they need to be replaced asap. That includes HDMs.

Kate

[Arkan Bladesinger]

Okay, how about some ADM perspectives? Anyone remember how their first experiences were when they joined ALFA as a DM subordinate to other DMs and/or the HDM? Any recommendations to avoid the pitfalls they encountered?

I don´t remember having much difficulties as both servers I´ve DM´d on, The Long Road and Sembia, I was a regular player on for quite some time before taking up the wand, so many NPC´s and stuff were semi-familiar to me already. I´ve also always liked reading, so I carefully devoured about everything written in DM forums quite happily.

Illialid did run a learning session to me and couple of other PADM hopefuls way back then in TLR for basic wand usage and GUI stuff plus some tour around the server, but we were given pretty free hands after that. The Team was very helpful whenever a question arose and DM´d a lot so often there was a co-DM on at same time, too. The Second time around when Misty conscripted me on Sembia crew it was even easier to get integrated as the Wand wasn´t a stranger anymore and even though there was tons of the stuff it was very well organized and recorded and continues to be so to this day. Also communication has been quite superb brainstorming included both in chat and forum.