to email or not to email

[gravey101]

I was wondering if it were considered bad form to use regular email to discuss tactics/treaties/whatever for a PBW game as opposed to using the in-game communication method which is difficult to use at best becuase of the 2 turn lag. What's the consensus (if there is one)? I never see any game admins mention it one way or another in their descriptions.

[Aristoi]

I've used it in various ways in games. Usually it is to coordinate with allies, but I've never heard it considered poor form or anything.

[Deathstalker]

I've never really done this myself, just done the whole comm-thing in game. But most of what I read has admins allowing e-mail between races who have made treaties with each other. Then again some people really frown upon it as it allows really 'tight' strategy sessions. When in doubt, e-mail your admin of the game and ask him/her.

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"We are all...the sum of our scars"....(paraphrased) Matt. R. Stover-'Blade of Tyshalle'.

"Human existance is all imagination...Reality is no more than a simple agreement among its participants that this is where we shall meet, and these are the rules that we shall abide by."- Kevin McCarthy/David Silva "The Family:Special Effects"..

"Long Live the Legion!!"-Comic book fandom...

[geoschmo]

D is right on here. There really is no standard policy on this. It varies from game to game, and even from person to person within a game.

Personally I don't like it until I have at least met the other race in game, although I have even done that in one game IIRC. After meeting them though I usually don't mind at all. I try to keep my emails in character when possible though.

The worst thing that can happen is for you to do it thinking it's no big deal because you did it in another game, and then have someomne accuse you of playing unfairly because of it. It's best to talk to the game owner, and get him to set a policy one way or another and make it known for each game you are in. That way no one is suprised.

Geoschmo

[gravey101]

think I'll just make a practice of asking the host of any game I'm in to say whether it's ok or not. The in-game comms can be almost impossible to do anything other than make basic treaties.

[Dracus]

if you use e-mail rather then the in-game Messages, then the comm taps for an intell project are useless. either way, I don't think you should contact a player until you have met them in the game.