[Muirdach]

What I mean is more in terms of the promotion of it, for example writing in the MUD's profile on TMS or another site something like "This MUD is designed for the experienced mudder. If you are learning how to MUD or unconfident with your ability to adapt fast, do not expect a helping hand."

Not people going out of their way to be mean, but just a rugged, difficult world where people don't really care whether you succeed or not. Kind of like a "survival of the fittest" form of elitism, a MUD that's actually hard to play and survive in, both in terms of the code and roleplay. No quarter given, no toleration of whining, etc etc.