"Tip Jar?" Topic

Would it be appropriate for an umpire/GM at a game convention to have a jar for receiving tips?

Of course not.

Tips? In terms of advice, sure

In terms of cash, nope

No

A charity collecting tin is acceptable (I have a friend who puts on games at shows and collects for the Royal British Legion), otherwise no.

On the flip side…RPG Game Masters sometimes charge to run campaigns. I'd say about 10% of games on Roll20 are "pay". I doubt anyone can make a living from it but it recoups time.

Of course. The same way a judge in a courtroom should have a box for contributions--and consider it carefully before he gives a ruling.

The same way a judge in a courtroom should have a box for contributions

A GM bribe jar! Brilliant Robert! I could pay for my hotel room!

Duncan

Well he certainly though didn't know, had my gratitude, did a great job.

Not in my opinion; if after the gaming sessions a player who enjoyed my scenario wants to buy me a drink in the venue's bar (where my friends & I will end up eventually) it will be much appreciated.

No

Why not? It can pay for paint and damage after you manhandled their figures, ya animals.

You'll be declaring it to the IR won't you?

Well, I have one …

I'd get him/her a Coke and a slice of pizza.

Bribery ?

If such a jar were present and I played in the game I would tip generously. I know the costs can be enormous. I think a lot of wives would be… surprised. I would not expect the tips to cover even 10% of costs. I don't know the whole story, so I'm not going to judge.

If I were GMing a game and a tip jar were suggested I would reject it absolutely. If the con requires it I'd put up a sign saying the tips are going to a program for special needs kids.

The word "sully" comes to mind. Whose idea is this anyway?

+1 Andrew Walters buy him/her a drink.

I hate that everything has to be turned into a commercial transaction. We're there to play games and have fun with one another. If you don't want to GM or find it too expensive, then don't.

Hmmmm, bribery eh? now why didn't I think of that?

Maybe a suggestion box.

No.

if someone were at my game were to offer me a tip, i would probably end up taking it. I mean i have no problem when someone offers me food or a soda/beer for instance.
But i wouldn't put a Tip Jar. and probably had never even thought of the idea before this post

larry

Maybe a suggestion box.

Joking about free booze aside, that on I kind of have. When I run games, I have a stack of business cards that allow people to email me and a stack of index cards that they can write on and either give back to me or drop off at the front desk for me to pick up.

As a long time GM I wouldnt participate at a con that had them.

And, as far as I am concerned, no tip can compete with a player/s coming up after the game thanking me and wanting to chat more about the game.

The first suggestion I always put in an Suggestion Box is to suggest to get rid of it!

The Bibliophile and yet there are so many that don't get that.

I'll take a nice coffee!

No tips, please. I have enjoyed the drinks players have bought my brother and I over the years as a sign of appreciation. Cheers!

And, as far as I am concerned, no tip can compete with a player/s coming up after the game thanking me and wanting to chat more about the game.

What Marc33594 said. +1 Or chat about the rules. Or chat about the historical period represented. (All of which could be included in "chat more about the game".)

Bribery? Harrumph! Not sporting at all.
However it is an act of charity and mercy to help your poor Game Master by providing a spot of liquid refreshment, to, um, cut the phlegm, lubricate the throat, so to speak.
Not in any way trying to influence any rolls or decisions they might make afterwards, of course.

However it is an act of charity and mercy to help your poor Game Master by providing a spot of liquid refreshment, to, um, cut the phlegm, lubricate the throat, so to speak.

Maybe some kind player will bring me throat lozenges and a megaphone for the games I plan to run at Cold Wars.

Is she good looking?

No. would have never thought of that. However libations are always welcome.

As there is always someone ticked off by the games management, I certainly wouldn't want to be sticking my hand in the tip jar.

Just the opposite for me, I give out a prize or two for every game that I run to players. I have them vote on most outstanding general of the game and I give that person a small gift (usually a gift card to one of the vendors present at the show). I get free admission to the show for running a game and that is compensation enough. I appreciate that players are willing to give me a few hours of the limited convention time available and I feel a responsibility to provide a good gaming experience for them. Maybe I take it a little too serious, but I feel a little pressure to do it right. I love running games by the way.

Like rampantlion, I appreciate that people play the games I run. Reward enough! Used to be that I'd give out gift certificates from the companies whose rules I used, having each side vote for the best commander on the opposing side.

However, lately they have not had a booth of their own at the cons, so I have had to quit doing that. Sometimes, though, they give me a scenario booklet or something similar as a prize to award.

What would Mr. Pink say? ;^)