"Thanking the Umpire/GM" Topic

When should you thank the umpire/GM?

* always
* if he did a good job with the event
* never, it's not needed
etc.

Always.

Even if you hated the game and intend to never play again – a thank you is common courtesy.

I agree – I've played in two completely horrible games at cons and still thanked the GMs. They put a lot of effort into the games, which recognized. It was the rules that sucked, not them. I was playing with friends in both games so it wasn't as bad as if I was playing two horrible games with complete strangers.

Always thank them for their time and effort, if nothing else.

Always…

Even if you don't like the rules, or the scenario, or the players, you thank the GM for putting on a game. Remember, he/she is taking the time to entertain you and provide an opportunity to game. He/she could have spent that time gaming, shopping, eating, resting, etc. Instead, they chose to provide you with entertainment so the appropriate gesture at the conclusion of the game is to thank the GM, even if it wasn't as entertaining as you had hoped it to be.
If it was all you had hoped it to be, then you can express further gratitude by putting in a good word with the event staff as there are usually prizes awarded for the best in show.

Yep, always.

It's a lot of work to prepare for, set up, and run games.

Always

There's no excuse not to be civil

Always, not everyone is willing to put time and effort into things and you should thank anyone willing to do so.

Always.

Always thank them and if you had problems with the game you can always discuss them with the GM. I'm sure they would appreciate any CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.

If all you want to do kvetch about it just thank them and move on.

Always

Always.

Be there to help set up and pack up if at all possible.

If the GM wants you to play the game a particular way (ie following the historical moves), then that's the way you play it.

Always

Always.

Always – be kind to the figures and terrain and help out where one can

This shouldn't be a question!

Always, even when it was so bad we left early.

Would be nice, wouldn't it!

Always. I appreciate all the effort it goes into putting on a game.

Always.

It would be very impolite not to.

always!

Always. I agree with AussieAndy's and DisasterWargamer's additional comments.

Tom

Always; its extremely unselfish for the GM to bring out their toys for others to play with. GMs make the hobby go.

ALWAYS!!! and of course, help in breaking down and putting away terrain and troops.

Of course you always the thank the GM. He or she took the time to prepare a scenario for the purpose of entertaining you, and did so only for love of the game and your companionship. You didn't even get to see a lot of that time, while the GM was designing, writing, painting, and building.

The GM could, theoretically, be such a jerk that you wouldn't offer thanks, because he or she went out of his or her way to make you and other players miserable (and I don't mean making your characters or troops miserable). Jerks like that are usually too selfish to run a game, and of course no one plays in their game a second time, so it's self-correcting.

Always

Always.

I've umpired plenty of games where all I have got are complaints from players intent on winning and not 'playing the scenario'. You know the types… 'take my strongest units charge them down the board and complain when they don't slaughter everything on front of them despite the fact this is a story driven scenario with victory points that are only partially based on body count'.

Biggest complaint seemed to be "don't give me half a page of crap to read I just want to roll dice and kill stuff"

Happened so often I gave up.

I've always had very good luck with the folks that have played in my games. They always thank me and help me to clean up. Heck, one or two of my regular players even buy me a beer during the game. Therefore, I always try to do the same for other GMs when I play I someone else's game. Civility should be a matter of course.

Before and after the game.

Jerks like that are usually too selfish to run a game, and of course no one plays in their game a second time, so it's self-correcting.

I have had that happen and hope I have never done it. You still say thanks and express your real feelings with your return rate.

Exactly – I've had the occasional "off" experience, avoided the people in future and/or didn't buy their product. Still said thanks when I left.

Always.

How is this even a question?