Re: PBEM
Using a server is nicer, but email is not so bad. It just means that people need to know how to locate their Dominions game folder and email the right file to the host, etc. With the right shortcuts, it is quite easy.
Using a specific email subject line would help the host to keep track of emails by having them routed to a specific folder by using rules in Outlook.
Creating a mailing list would allow the host to mail out the turn files to players easily, too.
Dragonfire11 is currently hosting an email game with 4 players. He emails the other players' turn files to all players (in other words, I get the other players' turn files, too, as attachments to the email). That way, Dragonfire needs to send only ONE email per turn opposed to special emails to each player. I assume that passwords would prevent players from peeking into other players' turn files. (I have not tested this theory, because I am a lawyer and, therefore, I am physically unable to cheat or lie. I am sure Brother Dragonfire11 would back me up on this fact.)
Playing by email, however, requires players to be very careful to look at the date and time of emails and game files to make sure they are dealing with the most recent game files. It is easy to accidentally email or save an old game file and screw things up. I see this as the biggest risk of players getting upset.
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