The Players Corner Archive

Consider it a unique opportunity to dialogue and exchange, instead of insult and accuse.

This topic is not an invitation to speculate on or demonstrate who is corrupt, who is not corrupt, and who was released as a GM. If it degrades into that kind of flaming, I'll ask to have it closed.

I do find that conspiracy theories about every GM who has ever left did so for some nefarious reason or due to termination 99% wrong.

This kind of speculation a sad disservice to those who have dedicated many years to this game, and did so because of their love for it and the players. By the way, Kennesaw was just in the other night.

It's unrealistic to expect a GM to stick around forever. Things change with the game, things change with their lives. How many people do you know that have been in the same job for more than 5 years? It's not too disimilar a situation. New job or job responsibilties, school, babies, illness -- all of these can create changes in schedules.

And sometimes, it's just time to move on. You don't have the time for it, it's no longer a priority, you don't feel like you're contributing anything, the magic is gone for you, you don't agree with the direction the game is moving in. That's why people leave. It's no different for GMs than it is for players.

Paranoia seems to give some folks a wide berth to state pretty specious comments, without conclusive evidence much of the time. And if anyone had an actual log of a GM doing something as corrupt as duping items and giving it to someone, or caught in the act of blatant favoritism, I would hope it was submitted for review.

Do keep in mind, if you know of a GM duping items out there, and you haven't reported them and given Melissa some conclusive evidence, then you're a part of the problem with the game, not part of the solution. Why a GM would take such a risk is beyond me, considering it's likely everything they create is logged somewhere. It wouldn't take much to find them out.

But... back to the topic at hand. I'll invite the other GMs and staff people reading to post why they might have considered leaving at some point in time, why they stay, and in general, what it's like to be a GM. Roberta tried to start this up once, by posting what she did as a GM, so let's try this again.

--A.

[This message has been edited by GMAndraste (edited 11-20-2001).] reg

Why does it seem they become unhappy with the game, and thus, go on about ruining people's days, until they are 'suggested' retirement, and they take it, perhaps?

Or perhaps you could shed some light on kennesaw 'leaving' i heard he was fired... to be honest, if i'm ever let back in, i'll go light a candle and throw a friggin' party, as i've mentioned him and a situation between me and him in the 'Banned' category. reg

NDA and Simu's odd release of information have always been a big part of the problem.

No one want's trade secrets. No one wants actual people names.

Customer, yes your customers just want good examples and lessons so they can learn from mistakes in the past.

Never, I repeat never, has Simutronics posted some anecdotes and examples of recent problems and an open way to fix them considering policy.

If you truly feel that staff is spending their time wisely with regards to policy then I got a bridge to sell you.

Hiway reg

You don't know why a GM would take such a risk? Remember, great risk = great reward.

If I were a GM that was duping items, I would weight the two sitatuions: $1,000 per item vs working as a slave (low pay) in a game building areas and getting critized by all players.

I don't know about you, but if I were able to make that kind of cash quite often and the only consequence was not being able to be a GM anymore, I would have done it too! This is, of course, once you reach the plateu of not having fun with GMing anymore, thereby becoming disgruntled.

Free money in the bag. Not 5 bucks, not 20 bucks, but thousands of dollars where everyone looks the other way. I'd have to say at least 25% of the game's population is involved with that type of stuff whether you know it or not, even when that person denies or even speaks against those types of activities.

So again, why are you surprised?

But yes, GMs do get burned out, have babies, go to school, and do a slew of other things as well. I agree that too many people have some sort of paranoia or conspiracy theory as to people leaving. While many times they're wrong, sometimes they -are- right.

But in the end, for those "corrupt" GMs, they do like to cash-out and get some sort of decent pay to make up for the lack of what Simutronic's paid them. So no, I don't see them as being corrupt when you compare the two evils. It all goes hand-in-hand whether you want to believe it or not.

- Pudgee, who is for vigilante justice. =P

PS - Also about logging and flagging items, you said "likely", not "is". There's ways around everything.

[This message has been edited by Pudgee (edited 11-20-2001).] reg

I'm currently writing a MUD and this is how the security works (some systems may or may not be parallel to GS3).

There are multiple "levels" of ability, and here are some examples.

Assistant -- Has special access to things such as an act verb (players do not have access to this). Can move to locations/players/items. Assistants are turned on and off, they cannot use their abilities at whim, only when a higher up needs them for an RP event.

New Builder -- Can make any items they wish, but the items cannot be put into the game by them. The item is stuck to specific testings rooms and or their person and cannot leave them. They can also make rooms but these rooms aren't added to the game until they get a QC flag.

Programmer -- A step above new programmer, they now no longer need QC flags for items they've worked with but their items have logs attached when they enter the game. They can also now work on non-locational code such as spells or new system buts the permissions on the code are such that players cannot use them unless the player is tagged a beta tester.

Trusted Programmer -- Still limited by permissions, cannot read or write any code with the $root permission. They can however write non-locational code and implement it.

Admin -- Me. I'm not restricted by permissions, but all my actions of note are logged and can be reviewed by Trusted Programmers. The only reason I'm an admin is so that I can fix deep core problems that usually would be off limit to prevent accidents.

The system is a multiple inheritance system so that someone can be, say, a Trusted Builder yet a New Programmer. The key here is that nothing is left to the GM to decide, if a programmer works on an item, say, to add a unique script it's logged and can be reviewed. Since there are some things only I can do (such as change a time stamp where the permission is $system or $root) the Trusted Programmers are in charge of watching me.

You cannot watch what every GM does, but you can prevent them from doing some things. The most important part is that everyone can do just about anything -- although they must be a programmer to read/write code -- but the logs only take effect when the item enters the game. I could make a 10x permabless claidhmore with a lot of extra crit/damage weighting and give it massive acid flares and walk around TSC with it... but until it leaves my position in player territory there isn't a log. This cuts down the noise tremendously. And it actually can't leave your possession until your past being new unless you give it to higher level person who can then hand put it into player territory.

Question is, how is it possible that GMs can be corrupt in GS3? Are systems like this not in place? To pick up an object you invoke a method on the object, and the first line of code is a permission check. Entering player territory isn't a physical thing, it's when the base permissions (such as getting an item) are reduced from $beta_tester to $player. Until then, even if the GM put the a DB item on a player it wouldn't work.

One more thing, I plan to aim for a rating of R or higher. Anything IC is left IC, including mass murder. The specifics of how I plan to make it work are irrelevant, what matters is it gives GMs less opportunity to target a player. Unless he's talking about sports scores in public or claiming he's going to bring in an older character to beat you to a pulp, there really isn't much a GM can do to you. GS3 does feel more like a police state at the moment than a place where you can express yourself and relax. I feel that's the real crux of the unhappiness some people feel.

--Jonathan Ross, Player of Zachary Haedden reg

You aren't really going to use the title "Trusted Programmer" are you?

reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rhain:

You aren't really going to use the title "Trusted Programmer" are you?

---

I could call them chi-pets for all the system cares

------------------
--Jonathan Ross, Player of Zachary Haedden reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pudgee:
You don't know why a GM would take such a risk? Remember, great risk = great reward.

---

There's also the subsequent tip-off to the IRS for unreported revenue, and criminal court action, since the items were not "theirs" to "sell".

It's called white-collar crime.

--A. reg

Sonic reg

Only can be a white collar crime if Simutronics puts a value on it's text. Then all GH and GM gifts are taxable and considered income. Hence. Simutronics has been not reporting earnings from them. Fraud on the part of all GHs and GMs for not notifying the IRS of such gifts for payment of services.

So if someone selling items for cash is doing tax invasion. So is Simutronics and they will go down!

If I remember correct. If you receive a gift or tip that has a cash value for services rendered. Then it is taxable.

I hope I made any sense at all.

edge reg

>There's also the subsequent tip-off to the IRS for unreported revenue, and criminal court action, since the items were not "theirs" to "sell".

>It's called white-collar crime. --A.

And exactly how many of these "tip-offs" have been made?

Most likely none.

I can do the same thing and say this and that, if and when, but if you don't do anything, it means jack squat.

>Only can be a white collar crime if Simutronics puts a value on it's text. Then all GH and GM gifts are taxable and considered income. Hence. Simutronics has been not reporting earnings from them. Fraud on the part of all GHs and GMs for not notifying the IRS of such gifts for payment of services. - Edge

Wow, glad I'm not the only one realizes that. Every time I've mentioned that, people have brushed it off as nonsense.

I like how GMs and GHs get paid in "virtual" gear and such. You expect them NOT to sell that for real life cash when most are getting paid diddly? That is how Simutronic's pays for their staff, and if the staff doesn't take advantage of it, then so be it.

I love hearing people talk about crimes being commited when nothing leaves the property of Simutronics. The text is their's, always been their's, and has never been in anyone else's possession.

So people have had a few "bridges" to sell and the buyer is completely happy with the deal, big whoop. It's a stupid sale, plain and simple where both parties are satisfied. Nothing was stolen from Simutronic's, the buyer literally has "nothing" yet is happy, and the seller now has money.

If I removed a pebble from my boot and sold it for $100, is that against the law?

But to go back on track with the topic, uh, if I can even think of a way to do it...GMs are people too? Heh.

- Pudgee reg

You know. When Kulbaen tried to say I was cheater on the official boards because I was MA spelling up a rogue in the rift. I came out and said where his items came from and he was the cheater. Then I wrote feedback and some of the staff personally. Because they kept removing my posts and gave me a warning. Saying it was disruptive. Telling the truth was disruptive.

Amazing how he was MADE a self mana heroism pin(150m = $2700). What gave him away is he said it was a ice age quest item. Self mana items didn't exist in the ice age. Plus, he bragged about this to everyone and their mother.

His 3x incredible crit padded double with no spell hindrance(100m = $1800). These was create from duping his 3x exceptional leathers with no spell hindrance. Then the padding added. Most likely strenghtened. Wow! 2 armors with the same enchant! No spell hindrance too!! AND!!!! The padding was different and the alter was to. Wow. Figure that one out people. Never seen a set of double with no spell hindrance, but yet 2 of them.

Now, when I wrote to feedback, SGMs, etc.. I never got a reply from any of them. They could easily find when it was created. They could have investigated it like they are suppose to.

Now the question is. They have a policy if they find out a item is duped, they take one and destroy it. End of story. Why did they ignor the items that was obviously created for personal gain?

Only conclusion I can come to is. They are getting a kickback. They only reason you don't destroy items you know was made illegally is because you are on the take to.

There is my conspiracy theory Khaladon. Look into it.

I can't believe a person called me a cheater when they had items created for them.

edge

reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zachary:
Frankly I've never had any bad experiences with any GMs. The only "not so great" would be the you know who that they invented Customer Services GMs for (so they could hide him far far away from players <snickers> ).

I'm currently writing a MUD and this is how the security works (some systems may or may not be parallel to GS3).
<etc.etc.etc.>

--Jonathan Ross, Player of Zachary Haedden

---

Can i say 'sign me up, please?'... God, i'd love a chance to be in a world like elanthia, where i know things are honest, and everyone can watch everyone else...

Change a few names, thumb your nose at SIMU about it, invite all their customers to come and play, drive the company into the ground.... Know what that would mean?... It'd mean they'd have to fix things to get the players back, thus eliminating the problem, then we'd all go back happy...

<Kind of sounds like a round-about way to get things done, don'tcha think?... The customer is always wrong... The customers banded together are always right... but that is the idea, who wants to ditch years and years of work on a character?> reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Urgoyle:

Can i say 'sign me up, please?'... God, i'd love a chance to be in a world like elanthia, where i know things are honest, and everyone can watch everyone else...

---

Heh, First off I'm doing a Studio 54 sort of thing where only people I know or people known that I know are invited. I have no delusion of grandeur that I'm going to take on the Simutronics Giant. Frankly I just want a fun little world where me and my friends can hang out. If it ever gets popular, sure I might open it up. Remember though, many people have tried to take on Simu and lost, take Realms of Exile and Inferno.

Besides, since it's not up and running (still working on the Web client) who knows if my system will even work to prevent favoritism? And how do I know I won't take a kickback the next time my rent is due and I'm a penny short. Human nature is human nature, all you can really do is try to make sure you have a checks and balance system so that those people who aren't having rent problems can catch you.

One more things, when someone does show favoritism (grounds for immediate dismissle) I would definatly flog them publicly. Why Simu feels the need to cover things up is beyond me, they should scream proudly from the bell towers, "We caught us a witch, burn, burn, burn them!"

------------------
--Jonathan Ross, Player of Zachary Haedden

[This message has been edited by Zachary (edited 11-21-2001).] reg

I guess you've never been in that type of position or have seen the after-effects then.

- Pudgee reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pudgee:
>>One more things, when someone does show favoritism (grounds for immediate dismissle) I would definatly flog them publicly. Why Simu feels the need to cover things up is beyond me, they should scream proudly from the bell towers, "We caught us a witch, burn, burn, burn them!" - Zachary

I guess you've never been in that type of position or have seen the after-effects then.

- Pudgee

---

Ya know... i seem to remember... Or maybe i'm just spacy... I'm not sure if it was Gemstone or Dragonrealms, but some young person was cussing his mouth out, and he was tied up and burnt at the stake, or was that decapitated?.. In either event, he was executed for the enjoyment of the public... Anyone else have vague memories of this? reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pudgee:

I guess you've never been in that type of position or have seen the after-effects then.

- Pudgee

---

Well, you're right, I've never been in that position.

A lot of people spend years of their lives playing GemStone, I've played for six years and nearly six months. When you've invested that much time and effort into something, even a game, you become emotionally involved OOC.

Many people have spent as long or longer than me playing GS3 and they can get very frustrated when they have no idea what's going on. The cries of favoritism aren't items or numbers in game, it about "Why does he get special treatment, I've been around just as long and feel I've added to the environment equally."

I simply feel that if the catching of favoritism was made into more of a fun event for people rather than covered up it wouldn't be such a soar spot. As it is now we don't know when a GM is telling the truth, we cannot believe them because we know anything dirty is swept under the carpet.

If we were just told, "GM X was caught doing favors and has been asked to resign," we might just move on with our lives. It's not like such a GM would deserve the respect of anonymity. And if we were told in these cases then I'm sure there would be much less suspicion of "GMs and Why They Leave."

--Jonathan Ross, Player of Zachary Haedden reg

Crap happens and life isn't fair?

And no, while people may feel that they've "added to the environment equally", they haven't. If that were the case, then why was one person selected as a favorite over the other?

>>I simply feel that if the catching of favoritism was made into more of a fun event for people rather than covered up it wouldn't be such a soar spot. As it is now we don't know when a GM is telling the truth, we cannot believe them because we know anything dirty is swept under the carpet. - Zachary

Why is there such a need to know of what every GM does? You do realize that this is a game, no? I don't know about you, but I don't know of -any- game that let's us know what every staff member is doing, muchless let us know when they leave and why they leave at that.

This is a game, it is meant to be played. There is absolutely -no- reason for you to know what goes on behind the scenes. Again, Gemstone is a rare gem in that it's customers are actually able to know so much about the game, the staff, and anything else. And in Simutronic's case, sometimes that privelage, not right, has ended up hurting them as in this instance.

In simple terms, why would a business want to let anyone know anything bad that goes on? The only thing a business should do is let everyone know the good things. "Hey, come play our game, we roleplay!", "Hey, come buy our cars, we have the safest ratings ever!". You don't see companies saying "don't drive our cars, the tires we use aren't #1 on the list, but further down", or "our game has 1,000 people playing on average as opposed to Everquest's 20,000".

>>If we were just told, "GM X was caught doing favors and has been asked to resign," we might just move on with our lives. It's not like such a GM would deserve the respect of anonymity. And if we were told in these cases then I'm sure there would be much less suspicion of "GMs and Why They Leave." - Zachary

If you were told that, you "might just move on with your life"? Uh, I don't know about you, but if that's the case, I think you need help. Why would anyone be so stuck up on something -- a game -- that they cannot move on with their life? This is something that bugs me about people on the official boards. Everyone needs to know everyone elses business and they can't just play the dang game.

Gemstone has so much freakin drama it's rediculous. While there were many reasons for me leaving awhile back, this was the number one reason of me leaving. I actually started thinking and began realizing that most people in this game are totally screwed in the head so I wanted to get away from it.

So again, I ask, why must everything be on a need to know basis? So many things that go on with this game, you shouldn't even know about. Be lucky that you get at least that much of a taste and understanding of some things that go on with it.

And keep in mind most things said in this post isn't directed at you, but rather people in general.

- Pudgee Round-Belly, former player of Jubuls Frubuls.

reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pudgee:

If you were told that, you "might just move on with your life"? Uh, I don't know about you, but if that's the case, I think you need help. Why would anyone be so stuck up on something -- a game -- that they cannot move on with their life? This is something that bugs me about people on the official boards. Everyone needs to know everyone elses business and they can't just play the dang game.

---

A man breaks into a store. He removes some money from the cash register and is wearing black clothing.

What was the man who stole the money from the cash register wearing?

If you answered black clothing, you inferred he stole the money. I never said the person wasn't the owner, I never said he stole the money. It's quite alright, small children are notorious for inferring.

--Jonathan Ross, Player of Zachary Haedden, quip quip quip reg

Let me be the first to say, that I support Zach here, and think Pudgee is speaking out of his rear, that is all.... No, wait, that isn't all...

What's wrong with being addicted to something? Maybe fantasy is better then reality, maybe the idea of terrorists gunning down a lot of people on thanksgiving, or the thought of Iraq eventually getting a nuke to NY, where millions die, isn't a pleasurable thing.

Pudgee, you need to think 'And it harm none, do as ye will' <which is a pagan mantra, and i've had bad dealings with them, but it sounds good on paper, or text>...

Would it be better if Zach was totally involved in real life? What if he took his pleasure out of running over cats and beeping his car's horn outside at 3AM? What if his idea of a fun night of entertainment, was to get drunk off his [a$*], and go fighting bar to bar? <no offense, if you do, heh>...

Compared to what 'healthy normal people' _ARE_ doing, i think gemstone or any online game, is a good thing, and i just had to mention, you say how you left this place because everyone has a screw loose, would you like me to play freud, and talk about how loose your screws might be, if you leave someplace, because everyone's too weird, yet still find pleasure in bothering those 'weird people' you so had to get away from?

-Urgoyle... now apparantly existing in gemstone only through memories of a board...

[Edit a word]

[This message has been edited by Omnirus (edited 11-22-2001).] reg

Which is why staff should reveal no information when another staff members leaves. You know how people tear apart any type of response a GM may give. Heck, I even do it myself. So the best thing for them is just to say nothing. This is a game, not life. There is no need for you to everything about everyone. What do you want to do, create some Simutronic's portfolio or shrine and pray to it every night? Heck, just be glad you're even able to talk to GMs period and even know who a lot of staff are. I know with most games, you just play the game and that's all the information you get to know.

Again, there is absolutely no reason for everyone to be up in everyone's business, especially the staffs. If a GM left and they wanted the whole world to know of their reason, then they would announce it. Otherwise they'll just let who they want to know, which would be their friends.

What other issues would you like to know about staff? Is it really -that- important to know that GM so-and-so uses one-ply toilet paper over two-ply, or that another prefers Pepsi over Coke, or one occasionally has fun orgies each month during a moon full, or that another has two children and a dog named Spot?

Remember the saying, "What you don't know won't kill you".

>>would you like me to play freud, and talk about how loose your screws might be, if you leave someplace, because everyone's too weird, yet still find pleasure in bothering those 'weird people' you so had to get away from? - Urgoyle

Well where I'm at in the lands, it's like a totally new game compared to the rest of it. I know who and where the freaks are in the game and I'm very glad I'm able to seperate myself from them.

As for my loose screws, go ahead and talk about them, I don't mind. I'll even share some of them with you as I prefer a little oil on my nuts and bolt.

And lastly, for me finding pleasure in bothering those "weird people", I don't know where that came from as it doesn't apply to me.

- Pudgeeeeeeeee
reg

quote:

---

A man breaks into a store.

---

BREAKS IN. That INFERS that he is not supposed to be there. Otherwise it would be a man ENTERS.

We small children are actually a bit more swift on the uptake than you are apparently giving us credit for.

And as for this thread...Andraste opened the floor for us to ask questions about what is like to be a GM, good and bad.

quote:

---

I thought perhaps the point of this topic could be a discussion about what it's like to be a GM, and why GMs have toyed with leaving, as a means of creating some insight and sharing of our view of things with you.
Consider it a unique opportunity to dialogue and exchange, instead of insult and accuse.

This topic is not an invitation to speculate on or demonstrate who is corrupt, who is not corrupt, and who was released as a GM. If it degrades into that kind of flaming, I'll ask to have it closed.

---

How long does it usually take to become a merchanting GM?

Do GMs tend to focus on one area (CS, Dev, Profession Guru) or can you multi task depending on your talents?

Aerienne reg

quote:

---

:
How long does it usually take to become a merchanting GM?

Do GMs tend to focus on one area (CS, Dev, Profession Guru) or can you multi task depending on your talents?

---

Like the questions

Also would like to know how involved the interview process for becoming a GH is. What types of questions are on the 'exam' as you might call it?

What are the main reasons that you turn people away? reg

I also had to break into my own house a couple of times when I was a kid, because my mom hadn't come home from work yet and the bus dropped me off from school and I didn't have a key to get in. Does that mean I wasn't supposed to be there?

You are assuming the person breaking into the store wasn't the owner who had inadvertently left his keys home, or on his desk after his trusted assistant locked the door when he left the night before.

Inferring - yep that's exactly what you did. You inferred based on what you felt made sense to infer at the time. That doesn't make you a bad person, but it does make you someone who prefers to assume than investigate or ask questions.

Sometimes the obvious - is wrong.

R
reg

Because it is an entirely reasonable assumption. An adult assumption. Not that of a small child.

Aerienne reg

It's none of your business. If you want to expend the energy required in fussing about it, making assumptions, starting or listening to rumors, that's your headache.

Yes, it IS interesting to know why GMs leave, I wouldn't deny that at all. But wanting to know, and having the "right" to know, are two different things. You have the right to utilize the mechanics available to you in a 30 day period on an IP address. That is *all* you have the right to do with your Gemstone account. And that right can be removed at any time by the owner of the IP address for *almost* any reason except those reasons protected by the government.

You do not have the *right* to their financial documents since they are no a public corporation. You do not have the *right* to a list of employees or volunteers. You do not have the *right* to their staff member's real names. They are not obligated, morally, ethically, or legally, to divulge any such information to you and further, if I was a GM and the game owner posted my real name to the public, I would quit being a GM immediately. It is not their place or their right to give that information out without my express written permission.

Roberta
reg

Examples like that are stupid, how many people, upon seeing someone dressed in black break into a store and grab money, would run up and ask them if they were the owner of the store "just in case". Unless your steven siegal , you won't-- you'll go call the police with your shades drawn in the comfort and safety of your home.

And when the cops do arrive, and the man in black turns around and starts to pull a shiny metal object out of his pants, the policeman will not stop to ask if its a crescent wrench before they shoot him in the chest.

The ability to reason is what seperates us from a hole in the wall.

'lood

reg

_IF_ it were me (which it's not, so you don't have to mention that) I would choose to explain why certain GMs were forced to leave. Remember, GS3 isn't a retail store I visit on occasion to pick up some staples, or else if a GM gave a discount to a friend for buying staples it would mean absolutely nothing to me.

In fact, it doesn't, and that's what the entire point of my inference post was about. Pudgee presumed that I had the same feelings I was speaking about in my earlier post when I took a bit of effort to insure I never once said I did. I've posted on the regular boards that I do not in any way have a problem with someone getting a free ETable DB cloak in a box, how does it hurt me that he has 40-50 additional DS? I don't duel, so it doesn't.

My point was a lot of people spend significant portions of their lives in GS3, which is a valid thing to do. I spend a significant portion of my life living in my state, so I care what pot my senator is poking his dip stick in. In GS3, all I think would matter is telling people a GM was released for favoritism to reduce the effects of the rumor mill. After all in politics it's common practice to expose someone as the guilty party to people stop nipping at your heals

--Jonathan Ross, Player of Zachary Haedden reg

Guilty party?

Sorry, bro, but every single person in the world does things out of favortism. Whether it's a GM, a roleplayer, a priest, a bum, a basketball player, they all do.

The only difference is that people do it in various degrees. Every single GM does things out of favortism. One might not make a DB cloak for them, but another might conjure up some little flower for the person that seems harmless, but is still favortism, and even some tend to spend their time around certain roleplayers than others.

Lock me up and throw away the key!

- Pudgee reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pudgee:

Sorry, bro, but every single person in the world does things out of favortism. Whether it's a GM, a roleplayer, a priest, a bum, a basketball player, they all do.

- Pudgee

---

... duh

--Jonathan Ross, Player of Zachary Haedden reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pudgee:
>>

Sorry, bro, but every single person in the world does things out of favortism. Whether it's a GM, a roleplayer, a priest, a bum, a basketball player, they all do.

- Pudgee

---

And how many of them say 'You must be wrong, we cannot be corrupt, there are rules in place to keep this from happening, all of us are unbreakably honest, and we couldn't be corrupt, because we are constantly monitored, and we would be found out'?

-Urgoyle... wondering where the collection plate _really_ goes.
reg

>>-Urgoyle... wondering where the collection plate _really_ goes.

Do you consider yourself gullible? If not, then don't worry about it.

I don't need someone to have to spell everything out for me to know what's going on. Some things are just better left unsaid. If someone wanted you to know something, then they would say it. Simple as that.

Again, there is no need for everyone to be all up in everyone else's business.

- Pudgee
reg

This isn't a roleplaying environment anymore, it's a god-damn kiddy shack... i can't wait until they finally update thrak.... reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by edge:
Conspiracy 101 is in session.... Blah blah blah by Edge.

---

The funniest thing is how wrong you are, and I really wish you would have seen the reply. Oh well. Now I know where everyone keeps getting this crud from.

Here's a run down of your claims. The Heroism item wasn't MADE for me, it was acquired just like so many other items in gemstone, in trade. The person that gave it to me was an Ice-Ager and told me that it came from back then. You can gather what you will from that.

The leathers were completely different, two suits of the same kind of armor... and not the double leather you are talking about. I had two suits of exceptionally padded light leathers. One suit was created because they were lost when Kulbaen was corrupted coming over to the web. When they finally got around to doing the backup of Kulbaen and restoring his items and levels, they returned everything that was registered. The suit that was originally made was on another character who I had sold it to at a Giantsheild auction. Being that I lost quite a few levels and all, I didn't feel so bad about looking in my locker to see another suit of it. I eventually bought it back to be worn by my mage from the buyer back then (can't remember who it was).

My last name isn't Billingsly, by the way. Course, I think if you call up to Simutronics they'll tell you that they never had a Derek Billingsly on staff. You are thinking of Derek Sanderson. Thanks fer playing.

Any other rumors that I might need to clear up?

*Derek* Kulbaen the former.

P.S. Doesn't really matter now anyways, when one realizes that its easier join'm than beat'm the "sparkle" is lost. But do me a favor from now on Edge, find out the truth before you make up stuff on hearsay. Its pretty silly. reg

I really think GM's leave because of stress.

------------------
Spidr reg

Why would GM's get stressed out?

~=[ Jael Baerd ]=~ reg

Draack's player reg

Andiago
The Diagoest of the Diagos reg

edge reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by edge:
Notice you posted AFTER you sold everything and months later. Looks real shady to me.

edge

---

Did you miss the part where I said "Now I know where everyone keeps getting this crud from.", Edge?

Everyone was tellin me that you were runnin mouth about me on the boards. Didn't know it was these boards. If you look, I just registered on these boards the same day I replied.

The reason its been months is cause I quit over a year ago, cause I just didn't give a crap anymore. Would make sense wouldn't it?

Face it, yer just not as swift as you've talked yerself into believing.

*Derek*

P.S. Nice retort by the way. reg

If that's the case, then the Gemstone staff is part of the problem of GS being such crap as far as real roleplaying goes these days, because a lot of stuff isn't enforced like it should be.

Even the little things like TTM, U, "what's the invaders AS?", "Wow that critter has a 1200 AS!!!!!!!!!"

There's a ton of other things I could list, but I'm sure the point was made. reg

Also amazing that you posted contesting after you got cash in yourpockets.

So makes your story a bit less legit and more shady.

edge reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by edge:
Sorry to say Derek. You bragged to way to many people about your items.

Also amazing that you posted contesting after you got cash in yourpockets.

So makes your story a bit less legit and more shady.

edge

---

I didn't get cash in my pocket until I quit, and that was only after ALOT of persuasion. I probably sold no more than 25% of what I had and I sold it for CHEAP! I felt (after quite a bit of nudging) that some items needed to stay around, and others not. I think its rather hilarious that someone who has bought as much as you have with RL cash finds a problem with that.

As much as you'd like to substantiate your claims, they just aren't true. I wasn't a GM, I didn't have a GM friend making me items, I never paid cash or some other form of trade for items and I didn't have some devious method of creating my own items.

If you want to know what the "big deal" was, it was a combination of several things. Kulbaen was definitely not my first character, and when certain things occured that required my starting over you better believe I transferred all my items and money over to Kulbaen. Who wouldn't?

Later, I hit dragonbones nicely on several occasions (course I lost nicely as well quite a few times), made a ton of money enchanting when there were few enchanters, was a heavy trader for YEARS (I'm sure that Giantsheild, Wadsworth, or whoever is still around would attest to that) and had several friends from the early days leave and with that they left me their items to "hold" should they come back, who never did nor intended to.

I don't really know what you are looking for with this lil witchhunt but I certainly am no shady GM person. After playing for as long as I have/had, god forbid I would have something to show for it. Heh.

*Derek* again.

P.S. By the way, there's a nice big world out there... No, really! There is!
reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Derek:
P.S. By the way, there's a nice big world out there... No, really! There is!

---

Wuts dat like? I hear it purdy. ::grins::

Hey, you should feel honored that people are spreading rumors about you even after being gone a year. I rather miss running into you during a hunt only to find you swinging away cause you were bored. In an odd way, I'm glad you still care enough to come here and explain yourself (which you really shouldn't do.. it's really no one's business). Hope all is well with you. Take care sweetie.

P.S. I was still using your website as a reference up until my hard drive went kablooie and I lost the link. If it's still up can you email it to me? ::smooch::

------------------
Don't sweat the petty things, and don't pet the sweaty things. reg

Mike reg

Nice try. I never spent any of my own money on stuff.

As for the rest. I don't beleive you. Simple. But it's a nice try on your part. Just a year to late.

Seems a bunch of peoples custom items stopped when Aldrek got fired.

But like a keep saying. A year to late and so Shady. Amazing how I did report your items several times and nothing was done about them though. When they know the leathers was duped and the heroism was illegal. Must be nice being able to get away with all that!

edge reg

-Seanathon reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kiltrin:
Heh, to bad most of you aint into freestyle'n, would be cool to see a couple of people arguing over stupid gemstone stuff, and have it be a rap.

-Seanathon

---

That...is by far. THE most unintelligent thing I have ever read. <chuckle>

P.S. Is Seanathon ever going to learn how to hunt without dying?

------------------
Here endeth the lesson... reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Zanagodly:
There's a big world out there, yes. So exit out of plat and go see it Derek heh.

Mike

---

I do daily.
reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by edge:
<<that someone who has bought as much as you have with RL cash finds a problem with that. >>

Nice try. I never spent any of my own money on stuff.

As for the rest. I don't beleive you. Simple. But it's a nice try on your part. Just a year to late.

Seems a bunch of peoples custom items stopped when Aldrek got fired.

But like a keep saying. A year to late and so Shady. Amazing how I did report your items several times and nothing was done about them though. When they know the leathers was duped and the heroism was illegal. Must be nice being able to get away with all that!

edge

---

Thats funny. Well, I guess all thats left to say is believe what you want. There's much worse in Prime than even what you are accusing me of. I wonder how much of it you know, cause I think if you knew even a little bit more of it you'd have to seek medical help.

I'm impressed if thats true about you not spending your own money. To have that many zombies under yer wing and not sell out yer own cash is definitely a feat. I'm torn between saying "Good Job" and "Hypocrit" though.

quote:

---

Originally posted by edge:
Seems a bunch of peoples custom items stopped when Aldrek got fired.

---

Don't see how they "stopped". I had all my stuff way before Aldrek even started GM'ing and they still worked fine after he left. If Jim or any other GM did do stuff like that it wasn't with me. ::shrug::

You were wrong on all accounts as far as I was concerned, don't really know what else to tell ya to prove it. Guess yer just gonna keep runnin mouth about stuff you don't even know about anyways, so this is pointless. Have fun!

*Derek* reg

~=[ J dawg ]=~ reg

O.G. Andiago reg

What zombies? I only own Edgeleaf and it's been that way for about a year. I just solo hunt myself unless Summir is on. I did cash out except Edgeleaf. Which I will never sell. If I leave, he leaves with me. But that is just me. What you do with Kulbaen is up to you.

edge reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by edge:
<<I'm impressed if thats true about you not spending your own money. To have that many zombies under yer wing and not sell out yer own cash is definitely a feat. I'm torn between saying "Good Job" and "Hypocrit" though.>>

What zombies? I only own Edgeleaf and it's been that way for about a year. I just solo hunt myself unless Summir is on. I did cash out except Edgeleaf. Which I will never sell. If I leave, he leaves with me. But that is just me. What you do with Kulbaen is up to you.

edge

---

Umm... and your calling me a Hypocrit? Riiiight.

*Derek* who knows what he's talkin about. reg

Ryshan reg

edge reg

Also, since you had a flask that casted 350. Who did you get that from? Seems like that is a illegal item. Multiply use and refillable right?

Plus, where did those leathers come from in the first place?

Now since you are saying I am full of it. I want to know history of items now.

edge

[This message has been edited by edge (edited 04-14-2002).] reg

Andiago reg

edge reg

::laughs:: A woman scorned. I don't dislike you edge. I never have. You just don't like that I don't agree with you most of the time. That means nothing of how I feel about you. You not liking me is another story. reg

>R points to the topic.

R
reg

Is selling Gemstone items for 100,000 in cash worse? Or the potential of GMs passing on items? It's pretty common knowledge that some things are rewards...could not things have been passed on for service to the game?

As for the ACTUAL topic...

GMs leave becase of generally previously stated reasons....dealing with a lot of idiots, harassment, very little pay, the forced anonymity, the NDA, and real life concerns being more important. Nothin wrong with that, any of it. reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by edge:
Riiiggghhht ..... Crystaltear. Read the post again. He had em made. I asked him to prove they are not. I see your dislike for me blinds you to the facts. But hey... No wrath like a woman scorned, right?!?!?!

edge

---

I'm staying out of this discussion because I think it's STUPID on all sides. But I just GOTTA say something here:

If you're gonna post a famous quote, PLEASE get it right.

quote:

---

Heav'n has no rage, like love to a hatred turn'd,
Nor Hell a fury, like a woman scorn'd.

---

YOU TWO are one of the reasons GMs leave, bickering and fighting over stupid crap.

Whether anything was legit or someone is/was using zombies, who cares, open a thread "Edge vs Kulbaen" or something.

I was actually curious why some GMs have left, if it was boredom, like having the "god codes" for a game, or just lost intrest, etc.

~=[ Jael Baerd ]=~ reg

Sorry for the headache, I didn't bring any of it up, by the way. You all have fun.

*Derek*

P.S. If you want to continue with this for your own edification feel free to let me know in E-mail. reg

>Also, since you had a flask that casted 350. Who did you get that from? Seems like that is a illegal item. Multiply use and refillable right?

Um, I dunno about you, but all I gotta say is that there's some crazy ass items that have been been in the Ice Age...some that people wouldn't even believe. Too bad they're all stuffed away in old fart's lockers though. Heh, my favorite has to be Enegue's DB glasses that shoot laserbeams and overheat with too much use.

I don't know if that rule is true or not...no self-mana items being in the Ice Age, but I seem to kind of doubt that considering the items I've seen. And how would a 350 flask be an illegal item? A lot of powerful items are from back in the days. -shrugs- Would a mage-rechargable 515 (rapid fire) ring be illegal now-a-days or what all because it's not imbeddable? Heck, I know someone with that (of course it's a
GM character though, heh, but it's legit).

Sheesh, a lot of you cash cows know a lot about current items that are being sold around that come from Ciston, but if you actually become friends with a few old timers, you'll actually see some gear that makes your jaw drop...the kinda gear that Ciston tries to get ahold of when they leave. Just because the item is unique and is unbelievable as hell, it doesn't mean it's an illegal item or some GM specially created it for someone, it's just that it's been lockered away for a long, long time. You realize how old this game is, right?

While yeah, corrupt things like GMs making items for people have happened in the past (not that I care as I don't consider that corrupt, but that's my own personal opinion over the years), it seems even the smallest thing makes you guys think conspiracy theory. I'm sure all of Derek's items are legit, but even if they were made and given to him, I don't care one bit as I see no problem with it. Like he said, things happened in the past that you know nothing about but you continue to assume they were somehow made for him. Old timers have NICE items, and they also leave and pass things on. -shrugs-

Heck, and back to items being made...it's not like items given outwere cranked out like factory work and planned out ahead of time anyways. Most of the time it's a harmless item given just for fun spur of the moment. Whether it's some little altered scripted toy or some wearable guidance pin that is rechargable past 40 charges. Seems harmless from the GM since it's basically a blue crystal, but for some reason, seems powerful to other people. And yeah, sometimes they oops and screw up and fix the item, but I'm sure if the item was given to you, you'd exploit it by keeping your mouth shut about the powerful ability you found out on the GMs error. And heck, most things that happened that way were a long time ago in the past anyways. Anyone with items like that rarely play anymore...the same fact why not many people see those powerful unique Ice Age items because the person rarely plays and it's lockered away.

What would you say if all of a sudden you saw Bleeds log in and then Andraste make him a suit of masterfully padded 10x full plate and a use-your-own mana meteor staff? But the catch is, he uses it for one day and logs off never to play again and/or play one day a year. This is no different than old GMs who had their characters decked out with nice gear. I have no problem with it because they're rarely around. How can it be unbalancing when the items aren't even actively used?

Geez, I only wish GMs would still poof down and make items for people because then more fun items would be intoduced into the game. If people kept playing this game AS A GAME then we'd have no problems, but unfortunatly we have the cash crowd whining because a GM just gave away an item worth $2000 to a friend so somehow there's a conspiracy of the GM and friend making extra cash on the side. I'm sure if items in this game had no worth, there'd be no problems. Ya see, back then when this used to happen, it really was no big deal. (yeah, items were still sold for cash, but not like they are today...heck at least back then it was all mostly rich people so they didn't care one bit about trying to make cash unlike 15 year old cash sellers these days with no job who will whine over a measely item being made because it couldn't be them makin the cash)

Sheesh, I miss when I would be given a special scripted tart or some other little trinket because this was all a game and it was a harmless item. But noooo, too many damn whiners and it seems every item has value these days. As an example, the main types of items made weren't some freakin 10x falchion of doom as they know what's acceptable and whatnot, but rather some item like this... what would you do if a GM just poofed down to you and made you a button that read "I am a whiner"? Would you consider that favortism or what? I sure as heck wouldn't and I'd think it was cool as hell that they did that. They'd do it for a friend or anyone that they may have been watching for RP or whatnot. But geez, I guess they can't do fun little things anymore without the word "favortism" or "conspiracy" being thrown around. Oh well, time to end this rant as I need some sleep, heh.

- Pudgee

Edited:

Now that I think about it, I WISH those items were made for Derek, and here's why. It's the same thing why staff is rewarded with in-game items. First off, I don't care whether he sold them, kept em, threw em away, or whatever. The reason why I wish the items were made for him and the same why staff gets items is because of the hard work they do for the game. Whether it's a GM coding or a regular player who's been playing for years...they both add to the game and make it what it is. Yeah, so do the nobodies and little people, but the more noticable ones sure should deserve something for all the work they've done to make this game magical. So there, hmph. -raspberry- Thanks for all the fun and dedication you guys have given me over the years.

[This message has been edited by Pudgee (edited 04-16-2002).] reg

Hehehe

Andiago
the Poster of pointless Posts reg

When Ciston gets a powerful item. It gets tweaked by the GMs. His crystal ball. Accross realms item. They made it not able to go to Teras. His scroll combiner. Showed how many charges on scrolls. Now it just says a great amount remaining. Dhisears 8x masterfully damage weighted sword. Got tweaked down to 2x. Charging crystals, now only 2x a day. They got upset because those was selling like mad for cash.

Now why would the upper staff not do anything about this stuff? You can't punish people for doing what you do now can you?

So now you are saying breaking the rules is OK. That isn't right. No way you look at it.

edge reg

Buckwheet reg

I mean come on, what good are these items if no one ever sees them in action? I for one loved the logs Edge posted when he was playing with his necromancer rattle; those were great fun to read. Personally, I don’t care if they exist, nor do I care who owns them, but I feel that Simutronics needs to find some way to get these items back into game play.
reg

I'm glad to see you've posted a better idea. -smirks-

It seems many of your posts are of that negative nature, so if you don't have anything worthwhile to add to the discussion, then don't even bother opening your mouth. -points to the kiddie table-

- Pudgee reg

I'm not gonna post any idea's on what would be better cause i feel we shouldnt lose something if we dont use it. shit we paid for it.
I dont have any -uber- items in my locker or 10x masterfully crit weighted longswords in my locker that i dont use

*give me a REASONABLE In-character reason why we would lose our stuff after 30 days *

[This message has been edited by Fralcon (edited 04-17-2002).]

[This message has been edited by ungh (edited 04-17-2002).]

[This message has been edited by ungh (edited 04-17-2002).] reg

As far as an IC reason for powerful items to disappear, there have been countless stories written throughout the years of situation just like that happening. Excalibur is a prime example; hell, every artifact and relic in the AD&D game has that suggestion in its use.
reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dustin Brookthorn:
Want to solve non used account problems? Follow the rules you set. I don't know if anyone else read it but it does say if your account is not used after 90 days they will delete it. I don't see that happening...

---

How do you know it's not happening?

All you have to do is log in once, either in the game or on the boards, for at least an hour and the 90 day restarts. There are a lot of people that have an account and hardly if ever play but just read the boards.

If you close the account and ask that they archive it for you so that you can come back, they'll save it for a really long time.

[This message has been edited by CrystalTears (edited 04-18-2002).] reg

I quit again, came back 6 months later, and there they were, ready to play.

R
reg

My friend quit for over a year and came back to find it all intact. Someone else on the boards announced his return and I think he was gone for two. I left platinum for a good year and my characters were fine. I'm sure they still are.

I think the dispute may be more with the accounts that stay open but aren't active.

Damn, off topic again. Sorry. reg

- Pudgee reg

They have only done one purge since '96, and they gave plenty of notice. reg

Heeeeeee!

Sometimes, "RSN" is a GOOD thing! ::nodnodnod::
reg

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ellarze:
Your missing the point I was attempting to make ungh. There are countless items that could add so much to the flavor of everyday life in gemstone, rotting away in people’s lockers. My personal belief is that Simutronics needs to find a way to get these items back into game play.

---

I really really, really don't want to see that happen - ever. If you find it, it's yours to do with as you please. There's no clause on any of the rare items saying 'use me once a month or I'll disappear!' Think about it now, does it really make sense to have that happen?

quote:

---

As far as an IC reason for powerful items to disappear, there have been countless stories written throughout the years of situation just like that happening. Excalibur is a prime example; hell, every artifact and relic in the AD&D game has that suggestion in its use.

---

Most items in D&D games were lost when something bad happened to the original owner. They'd then pass through many peoples hands, most not even realizing what it was they had, until your intrepid adventurer found it. Items didn't just disappear, especially if they were stored someplace safe. They may be stolen yes, but (most) don't have a will of their own.

Now if the owner deleted/purged his account, then I could see their item being recycled. reg

If the account is cancelled, deleted or purged, though, then perhaps recycling the item would be a good idea.

I'd like to see Gemstone implement more items into the game, though, rather than just recycle old ones. I think it would help bring down the "inflation" that you have in the game--unless you have an ungodly amount of silver or some rl money to burn, chances are you don't have much of anything and your odds of obtaining anything "special" are pretty slim (and that's most of your players) The high end items seem to usually circulate through a particular group of characters--and those only. I think more items would help out in that department a great deal--but maybe there are some drawbacks to that, as well... reg