Gentlefolk of DC-179 ...

Feel obliged to step in here concerning some comments that have been posted on the DC-179 forum. I sympathize with the player frustration, but would like to make several points clear.


1. All GMs on Diplomaticcorp are volunteers. We do not get paid to do this - we do it because we love the game and because we want to ensure that those who love it as much as we do have an opportunity to play.


2. Some GMs on DC have more experience at running games than others - this is simply the nature of the beast. Those who run games that appear seamless to the players have been through or had just as many pratfalls and screw-ups as those who are currently having troubles in their games. This is how we learn and grow - and develop a broad base of GMs to ensure as many games as possible can run.


3. Except in rare cases where real-life matters intervene or the GM finds himself unable to continue - we do not replace GMs at DC. Indeed - one of the things that I love about this community is that GMs are able to run their games with no heavy-handedness from the Moderators.


4. Garry is working with Steve and the other moderators to ensure that future adjudications will follow in a timely manner. If players are on time with their orders, it is totally agreed that the GM should follow suit with the turn adjudication. Concerning the rest of the raised issues:


a) The Late Build - I admit that Garry asked my advice on what to do here. I told him that since it was a FRIENDLY game, and not tournament play, that he should be all right to allow the build assuming that he explained the rationale to the players. He did so in a very reasonable manner, and quite frankly I fail to see where the disgruntlement on this topic is coming from. As I was the one asked for advice on this one - anyone who feels that I told Garry wrongly may feel free to write me and discuss the matter.


b) The NMR - No Move's Received happen in games. I admit that I do not know the full details on this one, but once again - anyone who feels shafted by this may contact me and discuss it. We will review Garry's house rules together - or the club default HR's if Garry does not have a full set of his own.


c) The Retreats - In Garry's latest adjudication, it says very clearly that he defaulted retreats - but that if players CHOSE OTHERWISE to just let him know and he would correct the adjudication. I do this myself when there is only one retreat option other than OTB - in this case Garry's style differs slightly from mine. With the option clearly given and explained to change that retreat, there is no unfairness to the players that I can see.


Once again - any players that feel as though they are being given a raw deal in this game may contact Garry directly, or address the issue with myself or any of the other moderators. I would look forward to discussing any of these points in further detail.


Best regards,


Trout