08-16-2008, 05:18 PM
This is a subject that's been brought to my attention, and something I'll be putting forth for public discussion. Normally I would post something like this on the GM forums, but as this rather directly affects the players and I feel they should have at least the opportunity to voice their opinions.
There has been concern expressed, several times, about GMs "spying" on players by being GM invis around them and watching them RP. The rules are quite clear on how this pertains to players themselves, as they cannot watch an RP OOCly unless they have express permission from those acting the scene. The rule, however, is understandably trickier when dealing with GMs, for three reasons:
1. We may need to watch RP in order to detect rule breaks.
2. It is best, for puppeteering mobs to be invisible and otherwise uninvolved in the RP in question.
3. We are, for all intents and purposes, completely invisible, and thus not as disruptive to RP around us as someone who is actually visibly present in body.
As some might remember me mentioning, I was once an immortal/GM on a MUD as well, where I had similar powers there that I do here. Not being the head honcho there, I learned what was and was not acceptable in that medium, and I have often carried what I learned there to here. In this case, there are some cases where I will watch RP, and these are the standards I typically expect from the GMs below me (though not something I have closely policed as of yet.)
1. If the RP in question is in a highly public place (towns, major cities, or the tavern, for instance) then watching is fine, as the people involved are under public scrutiny anyway. Often I won't let people know that I'm present in this case, as it's unnecessary.
2. If someone is suspected to be breaking rules, or when someone is requested we come to observe someone who they claim is breaking rules. Obviously, we do not make our presence known in this case either, except possibly to the person who requested we show up.
3. If a pair or small group is outside of public view, I usually will avoid sticking around. If I do watch an RP in this case, it is usually with people I know decently well, and I try to make my presence known, usually through whispers.
Now, obviously situations vary and what is and is not allowable is dependent on circumstance. It's a touchy subject because I know on one hand the idea that the "ever-present Admins" could be watching at any moment is a bit unsettling, but I also know that to a degree some observation is either necessary, or completely not harmful.
I want to hear people's opinions.
There has been concern expressed, several times, about GMs "spying" on players by being GM invis around them and watching them RP. The rules are quite clear on how this pertains to players themselves, as they cannot watch an RP OOCly unless they have express permission from those acting the scene. The rule, however, is understandably trickier when dealing with GMs, for three reasons:
1. We may need to watch RP in order to detect rule breaks.
2. It is best, for puppeteering mobs to be invisible and otherwise uninvolved in the RP in question.
3. We are, for all intents and purposes, completely invisible, and thus not as disruptive to RP around us as someone who is actually visibly present in body.
As some might remember me mentioning, I was once an immortal/GM on a MUD as well, where I had similar powers there that I do here. Not being the head honcho there, I learned what was and was not acceptable in that medium, and I have often carried what I learned there to here. In this case, there are some cases where I will watch RP, and these are the standards I typically expect from the GMs below me (though not something I have closely policed as of yet.)
1. If the RP in question is in a highly public place (towns, major cities, or the tavern, for instance) then watching is fine, as the people involved are under public scrutiny anyway. Often I won't let people know that I'm present in this case, as it's unnecessary.
2. If someone is suspected to be breaking rules, or when someone is requested we come to observe someone who they claim is breaking rules. Obviously, we do not make our presence known in this case either, except possibly to the person who requested we show up.
3. If a pair or small group is outside of public view, I usually will avoid sticking around. If I do watch an RP in this case, it is usually with people I know decently well, and I try to make my presence known, usually through whispers.
Now, obviously situations vary and what is and is not allowable is dependent on circumstance. It's a touchy subject because I know on one hand the idea that the "ever-present Admins" could be watching at any moment is a bit unsettling, but I also know that to a degree some observation is either necessary, or completely not harmful.
I want to hear people's opinions.