[Brody]

<span style='font-size:25pt;line-height:100%'>LOOK, AN ACTUAL UNDERDOG MUD OF THE DAY*</span>

Midnight Sun
Website: http://midnight-sun.ludd.luth.se:3328/
Telnet: midnight-sun.ludd.luth.se:3000

At this writing, Midnight Sun is No. 85 on Top MUD Sites. It's a fantasy game with quite a few possible activities - and even has a daily "newspaper" on the website to keep track of current events.

Worth checking out!

* - Done to separate the actual Underdog MUD of the Day from the rest of the spam.

[Alajha]

That's rather insulting, Brody.
The 'little guys,' as you termed them, are always ten times better than the 'big cheaters,' nee top twenty five.
I'm sure that if they want to advertise, they'll do it themselves.

[Brody]

Or, maybe they'll appreciate the effort. Either way, it's really no skin off *your* nose, is it?

The NEXT Underdog MUD of the Day will be posted shortly after midnight Eastern

[Ogma]

Originally Posted by (Alajha @ Feb. 15 2003,23:31) The 'little guys,' as you termed them, are always ten times better than the 'big cheaters,' nee top twenty five.

This is a rather broad and unsubstantiated generalization. For the record, Dartmud has never offered any incentives for voting, and has been in the top 20 for some time.

[Brody]

<span style='font-size:25pt;line-height:100%'>LOOK, AN ACTUAL UNDERDOG MUD OF THE DAY*</span>

Cat's Haven MUCK
Website: http://pages.sbcglobal.net/catshavensabbath/CatsHaven/
Telnet: zor.zor.com:10972

Currently No. 100 on the list, it's not just about being a cat. Appears to be a friendly hangout for RPers, and not too stringent about how you perform (as long as you *try* to work within the parameters of the Middle Ages theme).

Worth checking out!

* - Done to separate the actual Underdog MUD of the Day from the rest of the spam.

[Alajha]

As I am very, very close friends with the woman who owns Cat's Haven, it is indeed my business.
As I said before, I'm sure that if they want to be advertised, they shall advertise themselves. And Cat's Haven is hardly a 'little guy.'

[Alajha]

Originally Posted by The NEXT Underdog MUD of the Day

I'm starting to believe that you cannot see how tasteless you are.

[Brody]

These games are "underdogs" in the sense that they aren't in the Top 20 and don't show much sign of getting there against the likes of Achaea.

If I take *my* time to pick out some from the lower ranks and give them some front page exposure - free advertising - on a daily basis, I *hardly* think that can be considered tasteless.

It's not meant to be insulting. If you take it that way, I'm sorry, but you've got some issues that need working out.

I wish you the best.

[Alajha]

Originally Posted by These games are "underdogs" in the sense that they aren't in the Top 20 and don't show much sign of getting there against the likes of Achaea.

I don't know a single MU* that, to ANY capacity, wants to be like Achaea. If they want advertising, than they will advertise for themselves. And I doubt many people are going to trust the word of someone who hasn't even played on these MU*'s.
Clearly, Brody, I do have problems: my sense of morals and my respect for other's privacy amongst them.

[OnyxFlame]

I rather like this idea and if my mud was low on the rankings I sure as heck wouldn't complain about someone who has better things to do advertising it. I think it's great that someone (especially someone who has as much stuff going on as Brody hehe) actually takes time to log onto random muds and see what they're all about in order to tell the rest of us what we may be missing.

It's not like he's saying "hey guys this mud sucks, let's all play it because we feel sorry for the poor little thing." You know as well as I do that being higher on the list doesn't make it better and being lower doesn't make it worse. It's just a popularity thing. There's probably a lot of really great muds on here that most people haven't bothered to check out because it takes longer to get to them. If Brody wants to spend his time searching so we don't have to, I don't see what the big deal is.

(Note: Just because I play a mud that's usually in the top 20 doesn't mean I knew anything about TMS or that it was even listed here when I started playing. I really have no clue. )

[Burke]

No offense Alajha, but you don't see the folks who run these MUDs posting in heartbroken-tear-jerking sentences because Brody picked someone not in the Top Twenty and said something nice about them.

He didn't even review them and offer some down sides to their MUD. He gave them free positive exposure. You just come off as someone with an axe to grind not somone protecting the dignity of these other muds. If you are going to have a cause to promote at least promote it when it makes sense.

[Brody]

Originally Posted by Clearly, Brody, I do have problems: my sense of morals and my respect for other's privacy amongst them.

...privacy? Good heavens, I'm not posting anyone's RL information. If a game doesn't *want* to be known, and doesn't *want* to be on the list, there's an easy way to keep it quiet: Don't get listed.

As OnyxFlame said, I'm just helping out as I can. If *you* don't appreciate it, I'm sorry. You're welcome to your opinion. But it's as much my right to post about these intriguing games as it is your right to gripe about my doing so.

Again, sorry if you're having such a negative kneejerk reaction to it, and I wish you the best, but I'll continue doing it.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by (Alajha @ Feb. 16 2003,11:53) I don't know a single MU* that, to ANY capacity, wants to be like Achaea. If they want advertising, than they will advertise for themselves. And I doubt many people are going to trust the word of someone who hasn't even played on these MU*'s. Clearly, Brody, I do have problems: my sense of morals and my respect for other's privacy amongst them.

Why do you lump the alleged practices of Achaea in with MU*s being able to advertise for themselves?
I know for a fact that many muds (including the one I build for) can only afford their hosting fees.  ANY advertising, mention, objective review, or even a pat on the back the way Brody is doing in pointing out the people who deserve a second look is much appreciated by those of us who may never again see the Top 20.  I also applaud Brody.  He makes no judgment on the MU*s he lists, he simply points out a couple interesting features.  Any who are interested can go and form their own opinions.  
And any mud which places a link here and expects privacy is seriously in need of common sense.  If someone gives them a fair, and objective, critical review, would that be offencive as well?

--QS

[the_logos]

Originally Posted by (Alajha @ Feb. 16 2003,11:53) Originally Posted by These games are "underdogs" in the sense that they aren't in the Top 20 and don't show much sign of getting there against the likes of Achaea. I don't know a single MU* that, to ANY capacity, wants to be like Achaea. If they want advertising, than they will advertise for themselves. And I doubt many people are going to trust the word of someone who hasn't even played on these MU*'s. Clearly, Brody, I do have problems: my sense of morals and my respect for other's privacy amongst them.

*pat pat* Awwh, are the grapes just a little too far out of reach for you?

--matt

[Klered]

Sorry Folks,

I just hated the way this came out the first time.

->edit here->
I just went and looked again at TMS 100 and didn't realize how little votes you need to get into the voting. There seems to be good competition in the 80-100 range!


Your doing good service for Mudding by speaking of lower ranking MUDS IMHO. Keep it Up!

Thanks again,

Klered
implementor
telnet://perishedlands.com:4000

[CSmith_Fan]

Obviously some people need to understand the American version of the English language a bit better...
..an "underdog" is usally someone or something that isnt expected to be the best, but turns out to be the best. What Brody in his kindness (because he could be pasting tons of reviews of Other Space instead..which btw is a nice MU*) is doing is roughly saying "Hey! These dont have the Ubernewbies, dont have 2000+ players on at anytime, dont have 1000000000 orginl rooms BUT do have that something special that the so called "Top 20" dont have..like bettere attitudes towards players, different classes, whatever..".

  Yes, it's free advertising for the MU*s in the lower 30 in the list and it's a good idea. Better than the reviews that say the excat same thing the listings say or were written by an Imp (or disgruntled twink).

 I say kudos to Brody for doing something someone else could've done but didnt for whatever reason...

...now as for the "privacy" issues...umm..if you have it listed anywhere in the internet, then you cant scream violation of privacy..you list it here or at TMC, you invite people to come into your MU*. It's not an invasion of privacy..an invasion of privacy would be Brody (or anyone else) posting your irl stats like where you live (street address, etc) CC #s, port #s, phone #s..which side of the bed you sleep on, when you go to the bathroom, how much tp you use and who you called 3 minutes ago and what the conversation was. THAT is an invasion of privacy. Please note the differences, makes life a bit easier to live and enjoy.

[KaVir]

Originally Posted by Obviously some people need to understand the American version of the English language a bit better... ..an "underdog" is usally someone or something that isnt expected to be the best, but turns out to be the best.

Actually the word "underdog" has two meanings:

1) A loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest.

2) A victim of injustice or persecution.

It has nothing to do with being the "best".

So basically, Brody is posting his "Loser of the Day award". Indeed rather insulting, but he's perfectly entitled to his opinion. Of course if he doesn't want to cause offense, he might try changing the name to "Overlooked mud of the day", or "Random mud of the day".

[Brody]

Originally Posted by So basically, Brody is posting his "Loser of the Day award".

KaVir, I like or at least respect just about everything you've *ever* said. Not that. Your inference (and anyone else's) that this is meant to be a slam on the MUDs I spotlight is your own. Here's the definition I get from my trusty pal, dictionary.com:<ul>1) One that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, as in sports or politics.
2) One that is at a disadvantage.[/list]Myself, I follow Definition No. 2. The games I spotlight are disadvantaged from the standpoint of visibility on the list. In an effort to give them some advantage, I post about one each day.

I think some folks can get a little too carried away with politically correct wording. My hometown team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, were underdogs going into the Super Bowl. Yet they came out on top. Underdogs are those you may not expect to succeed, but really can, if given the opportunity to shine.

Sorry if anyone has wildly differing/demeaning definitions, but those are *your* issues. Not mine.

[Cayn]

I for one think it's a great idea. The more exposure the better.

[Brody]

<span style='font-size:25pt;line-height:100%'>LOOK, AN ACTUAL UNDERDOG MUD OF THE DAY*</span>

The Turning Point MUD
Website: http://mud.tp.org
Telnet: tp.org 9999

A fantasy MUD with a focus on roleplaying in the realm of Tarn, it's got a website that provides a concise rundown of what players can expect and what's expected of players in the give-and-take interactions of RP.

Worth checking out!

* - Done to separate the actual Underdog MUD of the Day from the rest of the spam!

[smadronia]

As an admin of an underdog mud that as this point isn't on the top 100 (it was a while ago), I have to say I like the idea. I do promotions for my mud, but I can only do so much, someone singling out my mud to point out one good feature gives me a leg up as far as I'm concerned.

[KaVir]

Originally Posted by Your inference (and anyone else's) that this is meant to be a slam on the MUDs I spotlight is your own.

I didn't say you were intending to slam the muds, I just said that that's how some people will interpret it. I also pointed out that you are free to make your posts regardless of how those people feel - although (as you are presumably trying to help these people) you need to realise that you're quite possibly going to cause offense.

Originally Posted by Here's the definition I get from my trusty pal, dictionary.com: 1) One that is expected to lose a contest or struggle, as in sports or politics. 2) One that is at a disadvantage. Myself, I follow Definition No. 2. The games I spotlight are disadvantaged from the standpoint of visibility on the list. In an effort to give them some advantage, I post about one each day.

The definition I took came from the Merrian Webster online dictionary (www.m-w.com), but the two are close enough. You could just as easily use the definition of "loser":

1 : one that loses especially consistently
2 : one who is incompetent or unable to succeed; also : something doomed to fail or disappoint

Then just claim that you're following the first definition - which is almost invariable true in the context of these boards.

However you should remember that many people don't particularly care about the voting. They don't consider their mud to be a "loser" or an "underdog" just because they didn't get their votes up. Realms of Despair is rank 67, yet it has currently has around 400 players online, and I doubt it considers itself an "underdog".

[Burke]

I have decided some of you people do not mud enough. You spend time instead nit picking over word definitions instead of honest judgement of situations. Brody did not by any written tone of voice or statement insult any of the MUDs he picked.

I assume people who play word games like this would be the same people who, if I made a post praising to the heavens certain things about the black community, would come down on me because I said black and not african-american or whatever the latest politically correct term is supposed to be.

Do certain words blind your judgement to the positive impact of such messages? If I say "Underdog", can you not stop yourself from finding some insult in it, even if I said your MUD was the greatest thing since sliced bread?

Use your reason and your heart. Someone who sacrifices his own time to promote lesser known muds is not insulting them.

And I still have yet to hear the creators from these MUDs say a thing about it. Looks like they aren't insulted by free advertising on Top Mud Sites either.

[Kitsune]

I thought this was a pretty nice idea of Brode's when I first read it and didn't think it could possibly bring up negative conotations. Wow.

Usually, when I think 'underdog' I do think the one not expected to win - but the one folks usually cheer the hardest for when they do (except if you're the home team). Least, those make for entertaining movie plots. If that makes sense.

*thumbs up*

[John]

3-->

Originally Posted by (Kitsune @ Feb. 16 2003,22[img http://www.topmudsites.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif[/img]3)]but the one folks usually cheer the hardest for when they do (except if you're the home team).  Least, those make for entertaining movie plots.

Us aussies always go for the underdog from the word go, if we're not involved in it. We also HOPE the underdog wins, so when I see the word underdog I think (the one that might not be the most popular, but it has the best features/skills(when about sport)).

Keep up the great work Brody! If I wasn't so busy I'd even be willing to hop in and just see a little bit about (but I've been spoiled by the mud I play so I could never stay ).

I'm DOUBLY amazed that you run one of the more successful muds here as well (well, at least popular ).

[Jehanelin]

*SNIP* I had some excess baggage to say to the owner of the mush I used to play. But decided eh it didn't matter.

***

You know every now and then I've read mention of folks requesting that someone official do mud reviews especially right after they've been stung by a review from a disgruntled player. Seems that's where Brody is headed with this. Since Brody is a moderator(His name is still listed as a moderator in roleplaying I believe even though I know I read somewhere that he had resigned from all mod duties) here on tms. I guess that makes him a good candidate. Now if his short bits on the muds he's visited were expanded upon into a full blown review. But then there's no way it would be a daily thing. Brody's Underdog Mud of the Week? And would he have the time for this? Advertisement or Review? Would there be objections to an Official TMS Reviewer? What better advertisement or seal of approval than being an officially TMS reviewed and approved mud to visit?

[Terloch]

Having official TMS reviews is something I've discussed with Synozeer, when the site goes through a redesign process it's something he's considering doing...

[Bastien]

Weird how people can turn a high-five into a kick in the nuts, eh?

Go Brody. I think it's a good idea, and applaud you for taking the time to do it. Cheers.

I think we all got what he meant by underdog as well, eh? Some people just gotta pick at things...

Once more, Brody, Rock on brotha.

[Molly]

You go, Brody, I too applaud you!

It's a great idea, and what you are doing must be good for the community.

A suggestion, since some people must be nit-picking:

Howabout changing your title to
'Brody's Dark Horse of the Day'.
I think that would have no negative ring to anybody. and the 'Dark Horse' occasionally wins the race, giving super odds to the players that backed it. 'Brody's Outsider of the Day' could work too, but I like the ring of the other better.

Another thing, changing the title would enable you to start a new thread, untainted by all these unnecessary flames. If you do, make sure you enclose the muds you already mentioned too.

[KaVir]

Informative (proper) reviews are great, and are frequently useful to prospective players. Something along these lines would be a very nice feature to have on TMS.

But such a review should actually give some information about the mud, not just say "this is a fantasy mud" and then try to get players to play it out of some sense of pity for this "poor unpopular mud". If I wanted to read posts like that, I'd go to the "rants & raves" section of TMS.

"Excuse me, Sir - do you think you could you spare a player? Our coder is sick, and our frail old builder is worn out from long hours in front of a screen, and we are only just able to cover the cost of our hosting provider with these food tokens, but we try to scrape by as best we can. Show some pity on a poor little mud?"

If stock muds have had to resort to begging to gather attention, then I can't help but shake my head in bemusement. But please, leave me and my muds out of it - I don't need sympathy or pity to attract players. If they're not interested in playing based on the quality of the game itself, then fair enough.