House Rules - Part 2

House Rules Part 2: PBEM Mechanisms & Manners


Contents

Links to the sections marked are 'must sees'.

PBEM Etiquette
Deadlines
Press
GM Errors, Appeals etc
Key GM Principles


Introduction

1. This section summarises how I intend to run a game using the PBEM method of play. Much as I dislike the need for detailed codes on how we should behave to each other as human beings, there's a bit of that as well, as this seems to be the vogue in House Rules. Note that my approach to NMRs and replacements is explained in Part 1 of my House Rules.

PBEM Etiquette Back to Top

2. Behaviour. Courtesy of Bill Highfield, because I think he puts it very well: "When it comes to negotiations, anything goes, as mentioned in the rules. However, let it be known that if any player in one of my games takes this game out of the Internet and into the personal lives of other players, s/he will be replaced. This includes, but is not limited to: personal threats, slander, libel, transmission of computer viruses, or other forms of harassment. This is a game, and any attempt to make it a forum for personal vendetta will be vigorously opposed". I will remain the final arbiter of good taste as GM (that allows a fair degree of latitude!). Enough said, I hope.

3. Gunboat Games. In the unlikely event that I choose to run one, players may not communicate with each other directly (ie, through a mechanism other than the GM) in games where the identity of other players is concealed (that's what I understand by the term 'Gunboat' in PBEM). The potential for this arises if they guess at another player's identity or if the player's identity is accidentally revealed. Players in Gunboat games may not make any claim, true or false, as to their real identities. PS: I will never run a 'no-press' game, so no need to worry about games where all communication is barred!

Deadlines Back to Top

4. Players should submit moves by the deadline, come hell or high water. Players may wish to submit a set of tentative orders as soon as possible and then modify them as the turn progresses. A player who consistently misses the deadline (ie NMRs) risks being expelled from the game. If you need more time you should request a deadline extension, in cases of genuine need.

5. Where possible, there will be an all-inclusive period of one week for each Spring and Fall move turn (ie including any retreats and adjustments), but this can be flexible. The normal routine will be:

Spring week:
Wednesday: Movement orders deadline.
Friday: Retreats deadline (if needed).

Fall week:
Wednesday: Movement orders deadline.
*Thursday: Retreats deadline (only if there is a need to conduct it separately from Adjustments).
Friday: Winter Retreats/Adjustments deadline.

6. The deadline for order submission will be strictly enforced. Any grace period will only apply up until I process the orders (which will often be straight away), unless otherwise specified for a particular game (for instance, a test game may have more leniency so as not to prejudice the test). All deadlines will be given in GMT (you will need to figure out your conversions to local times from that). For your information, I am on Australian Eastern Time, which is GMT +10 hours (+11 hours during daylight saving in the southern summer) and I work the Net from home. So the time of day for deadlines will generally be evening my time - GMT 10:00 am. I will not set weekend deadlines unless all the participants wish to have them (for home users or workaholics).

7. Feel free to ask for deadline extensions at any time (but not later than 24 hours before a deadline, please). However, if you will be unable to continue playing permanently or for a significant period of time, you should notify me as soon as possible to allow me time to find a replacement (unless you have one yourself, which is preferable). Any requests for lengthy extensions (say for more than a week) will only be approved by a vote of the players - unless its me that needs the extension, when executive privilege will apply!! I may allow temporary replacements so long as they have no past or current involvement in the game as another power and no other players have any violent objections.

Press Back to Top

8. Press between players is to be self regulated. I will take no part in, and normally require no 'CCs' of, any press between players, unless called upon to address an alleged 'code violation'. In some cases, such as play tests of a new variant, I may request a little more information than usual (like CCs), but will make this clear at the beginning of the game. Any signed on player is welcome to continue to correspond after elimination, but not after abandonment or resignation (except where a temporary replacement was approved).

9. I will offer a limited 'Black Press' service in each posting of results, but not outside those postings (draws or other important/relevant matters of game mechanics or house keeping are another matter: I will treat any non-Press type broadcast requests on their merits). Let me know exactly what you want published in a black press article (I will take all care but no responsibility). You should all be aware that the contents of the 'Black Press Clippings' are completely unvouched for and can contain any forgery, disinformation or scurrilous rumour that passes the (minimal) taste test of the Official Censor and Editor in Chief (ie me). I will not reveal the authors of Black Press at the end of the game, unless they wish to put up their hands voluntarily: a good journalist always protects his/her sources!

GM Errors, Appeals etc Back to Top

10. Correcting Errors. Turns will not be replayed. Turns may be reassessed to correct an error, but no new orders will be allowed. Turns will only be reassessed if I have made an error of some sort. If you believe I have made a mistake, you must notify me before the next deadline. Otherwise, after the next deadline passes, the mistake becomes history. This applies also to other players who may object to a revision made as a result of someone else's appeal. If I think the mistake seems serious enough, or if a player asks for more time to consider the change (say to appeal a revision, etc), I will consider an extension.

11. Appeal to a Higher Court. I have again largely borrowed this from Bill Highfield, and only include it because we live in a litigious global society: In the event that an unresolvable disagreement occurs because of a GM error, or a perceived GM error, a three-member board of inquiry will be called from non-involved GMs from the Cat23 list server as chosen by the GM. The player and the GM will each submit one email to the three judges as well as any other interested party (ie. a fellow player) who wishes to contribute his/her views on the dispute. The judges will rule (majority verdict) on the issue, and the results are final. Hopefully, no dispute will ever reach that point and can be resolved in a friendly manner, but I think it important to have this rule in place "just in case".

Key GM Principles Back to Top

12. The following are my 'Ten GM commandments'. They represent my commitment to you:
  1. I will remain impartial in all matters.
  2. I will not interfere in game play.
  3. I will not interpret orders.
  4. I will not comment on any perceived notions, alliances, or treachery in the game.
  5. I will not actively participate in player deceptions.
  6. I will delay the game and ask for new orders from a player if I suspect that a player's orders were faked by another player.
  7. I will do my best to meet all my information processing and game maintenance responsibilities as quickly and accurately as possible.
  8. I will not change the basic game parameters after players start signing up, unless the players vote to do so unanimously.
  9. I will endeavour to be 'firm, fair, but friendly' at all times.
  10. I will try, to the best of my abilities, to ensure that everyone has fun!
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These House Rules can be amended at any time.
This page was last modified on 10 May 2001.