[Lasher]

If there is a real demand for this I could do it here, but would want to be personally "hands off" on it other than setting it up - would we end up with the same control issues over time?

Would probably use Twiki as that is the one I have the most personal experience with, unless others feel strongly there's a better option?

Incidentally, I own the domain 'mudwiki.com' which was redirected to mu.wikia.com but the domain itself was never used, so reassigning it to something else would do no harm.

We've never had a code repository here and twiki has good handling of attachments so that's another benefit - being able to attach the code to the article covering it.

In terms of data backup, for what it's worth TMS is backed up and ftped off-site nightly.

[Aeran]

Originally Posted by Lasher In terms of data backup, for what it's worth TMS is backed up and ftped off-site nightly.

What would happen with the wiki if TMS for some unfortunate reason was closed?

[Lasher]

I can't imagine a reason why TMS would close period. I can imagine scenarios in which I personally no longer want to run it, mostly related to the fact that I just haven't had the time to make TMS what it could be, but to just shut it down and not let someone else run with it would seem like an awful waste. I never understand MudMagic closing that way, but Kyndig must have had his reasons.

When I picked up TMS it was on a domain forum (namepros.com) implying that there was probably more value in farming the URL for traffic than there was in actually running the site. That implication is probably true, the domain has enough "authority" and backlinks that even if the actual MUDs removed their links to it, all those mentions on more general sites would provide traffic for a long time which could be valuable to many other sites. Think of it in the context of what they pay per click on adsense for similar traffic. That was the reason I picked it up at all, to make sure it pretty much stayed as it is - true to MUDs.

Redoing the forums and rewriting the voting was fun but way too time consuming. I like the way the forums turned out, but just never got to doing the same for the reviews and articles, adding graphs for voting history (I have it by day since the rewrite), etc.

I've considered selling it, but not a week goes by that I don't turn down ads from non-MUD sites, usually growing MMOs, gold/power leveling "services" (we actually ran ads for a couple of those for a brief while but I cancelled/refunded them) and arcade sites. It would not seem reasonable to try to sell it with any kind of restriction on that because that's where the money is and presumably anyone buying it would do so as a business opportunity, so options are limited. I've also considered going in the other direction - trying to make it more relevant to MMO players so they also get exposure to MUDs while here. Have also considered taking on a "partner" to develop it out further, but it's not a big money maker and never will be while it is MUDs only, so anyone talented enough to make it work can already either (a) start their own site or (b) focus on a more lucrative subject.

Not to make out that I'm being some kind of martyr in all this, it has been a good source of traffic for many MUDs, mine included. So, while people have an (understandable) concern about conflict of interest, hopefully there's also a little comfort from the flip side of that - vested interest in keeping it about MUDs.

Hmm, I just spent a whole lot of time answering a question you didn't ask As for a wiki itself, haven't really thought about it. Wikis tend to get mirrored all over the place by content scrapers whether you like it or not anyway. I haven't thought this through, but don't see a big problem with making the wiki part of the site available as a download, either as a public download or just to a few key members/editors. How do other wikis handle this?

[scandum]

I recall seeing those WoW gold farming adds on TMS a while ago, I personally think you made the right choice by removing them because adds like that make a site look cheap.

Originally Posted by Lasher If there is a real demand for this I could do it here, but would want to be personally "hands off" on it other than setting it up - would we end up with the same control issues over time?

Once you have enough responsible editors with a vested interest and administrative powers a Wiki pretty much runs itself. It could grow out to become a valuable resource and bring in some revenue, and I doubt anyone will mind if it's 1 banner per page like on this forum. There might still be room for growth if MUDs manage to advertise themselves on text-based MMORPGs like Utopia.

[Milawe]

I have no problems supporting any or all of the Wikis proposed. I've already started working heavily on Threshold's MU*Wiki entry (simply out of respect for Brody who's been advertising it for some time), and I had planned to copy it over to Mud Wiki (out of respect for Fred).

In the end, it'd be best if we could decide (or vote) on which one to support fully. That way, once I'm done with Threshold's I can slowly begin working through other muds, and I suspect others will help as well.

To be honest, I prefer an independent Media Wiki wiki. That is, someone hosts it, downloads a copy of Media Wiki, and it runs excactly like Wikipedia (no ads) except for the lack of all templates. Threshold and I had thought to volunteer to set this up for the community, but we wanted to make sure that we didn't step on any toes.

Our plan had been to create it, recruit experienced Wiki people to "police" it, and be the arbitrators. That way if someone sees something wrong (or inaccurate) about a mud listing, it could be investigated. I'll volunteer to set up the Wiki if we decide to go with any kind of Media Wiki type of software. (You can take a look at the Wiki I set up for our unreleased game at Main Page - Wikimalia.)

Anyway, I guess this was kind of rambly, but we should kind of decide where we want this set up and which one we can support as a community. Hope that makes sense.

[Aeran]

Somewhat off topic, but I found Haslage Net Electronics: Game & MudWorld Networks & Codebases that might be interesting to find pieces of MUD history. It mirrors for example The Mud Journal.

[Jazuela]

Originally Posted by Threshold I recently got an article published with all the nitty gritty details from beginning to end. Wikipedia's War on Gaming History and Threshold RPG Later tonight I am going to add an update to the article with some recent news. The enormous media attention this story has received finally got some objective editors and administrators to look into the matter. Now that some objective people are involved, the question of Threshold's notability is no longer a problem. If nothing else, this specific incident (and the ultimate survival of the Threshold entry and complete agreement it IS NOTABLE) should help other MUDs if they face the same situation. Moving forward, as many people (including myself) have said, we really need to gather sources and references from our own history. Nobody is going to do it for us.

The enormous media attention? What enormous media attention? I haven't seen a thing in my local paper, or in the NY Times, or on the Wall Street Journal, or USA Today, People, The Post, Time, Newsweek, or the New Yorker. I see no mention at all on CBS, ABC, NBC, or HBO. If it ain't in at least ONE of those, then it ain't "enormous media attention." Sorry. You are blowing this WAY out of proportion.

[RaphKoster]

The Wikia WikiMU* wiki appears to have a huge huge amount of roleplay logs and the like, which isn't really the area that I was picturing this Wiki focusing on. Given that another community seems to have adopted WikiMU*, it seems rude to take away their stuff for this purpose, hence the new WikiMUD.

Speaking just for myself, I DO want an encyclopedia-like resource, with facts and even analysis. There's other sites for mud ads and the like.

As far as moving it... it's there now. I wouldn't overthink it, personally. An advantage to Wikia is that articles from Wikipedia can be trivially copied over, they have a built in command for it.

Scandum, I am not editing Wikipedia, only WikiMUD. Frankly, I don't see any way for me to participate in editing Wikipedia on anything related to muds, virtual worlds, or even games in general, without a conflict of interest given my writings, profession, and presence on industry boards/etc.

So I can only help Wikipedia entries indrectly. I am, however, providing sources to people editing Wikipedia, if I happen to find them.

[RaphKoster]

Originally Posted by Aeran Somewhat off topic, but I found Haslage Net Electronics: Game & MudWorld Networks & Codebases that might be interesting to find pieces of MUD history. It mirrors for example The Mud Journal.

Wow, that is quite a find. It mirrors Imaginary Realities too.

[Threshold]

Originally Posted by Jazuela The enormous media attention? What enormous media attention? I haven't seen a thing in my local paper, or in the NY Times, or on the Wall Street Journal, or USA Today, People, The Post, Time, Newsweek, or the New Yorker. I see no mention at all on CBS, ABC, NBC, or HBO. If it ain't in at least ONE of those, then it ain't "enormous media attention." Sorry. You are blowing this WAY out of proportion.

Really? I don't watch or read any of those any more. They are a joke when it comes to news - only concerning themselves with sound bites and the next sex scandal. They chase each others' tails following the same sensational news stories I don't care about. There's a reason their news departments are either failing or in danger of failing financially.

When I speak about the media attention, I am talking about the attention for the general issue of Wikiepdia's "deletionism" - not just people talking about Threshold. Threshold got the story started, but the "main issue" is about gaming history in general, preservation of obscure topics, and Wikipedia's role in preserving non-mainstream information. 20+ gaming blogs. Multiple gaming news sties including Massively.com. I was interviewed by a radio station Monday. I have been contacted by a couple of print sources, but until they actually run a story I don't want to jinx it. That's massive media attention in my opinion.

Even the Wikipedia editors/admins noted the way they are deleting things like mad is getting a lot of negative media attention, and that they should be aware of it.

But hey, be a negative Nancy if you want. I'm just happy that a story starting out about a MUD can still generate interest and concern from news sources that usually wouldn't show us any interest. It means our shared hobby still matters to a lot of people out there. It also means if we work together as a community, we can still attract some positive media attention. Those are all good things.

[Threshold]

Originally Posted by Aeran Somewhat off topic, but I found Haslage Net Electronics: Game & MudWorld Networks & Codebases that might be interesting to find pieces of MUD history. It mirrors for example The Mud Journal.

That is great! Thank you for finding that. And whoever is responsible for that site: massive thanks!

Hopefully some other folks around here can take this opportunity to archive that information as well for an additional backup (should that site every go down).

[Milawe]

Originally Posted by RaphKoster The Wikia WikiMU* wiki appears to have a huge huge amount of roleplay logs and the like, which isn't really the area that I was picturing this Wiki focusing on. Given that another community seems to have adopted WikiMU*, it seems rude to take away their stuff for this purpose, hence the new WikiMUD.

Okay. That makes sense. I'll take a look at WikiMUD again, and maybe we should have some sort of statement/goals up.

Originally Posted by RaphKoster Speaking just for myself, I DO want an encyclopedia-like resource, with facts and even analysis. There's other sites for mud ads and the like.

Maybe very early on, then, we should have a system for fact checking. Just in case there's ever any contention. That would make it a bit different than just being a listing site that allows admins to pretty much put in anything they want. Or is that the goal? Do we allow admins to put in anything they want? Just something to think about.

Originally Posted by RaphKoster Scandum, I am not editing Wikipedia, only WikiMUD. Frankly, I don't see any way for me to participate in editing Wikipedia on anything related to muds, virtual worlds, or even games in general, without a conflict of interest given my writings, profession, and presence on industry boards/etc. So I can only help Wikipedia entries indrectly. I am, however, providing sources to people editing Wikipedia, if I happen to find them.

Thanks for the help you HAVE given already.

[ShadowsDawn]

Originally Posted by Threshold That is great! Thank you for finding that. And whoever is responsible for that site: massive thanks! Hopefully some other folks around here can take this opportunity to archive that information as well for an additional backup (should that site every go down).

That would be the work of Ntanel Stormblade. He used to run MudWorld and such. He's actually among the first people I met when I started learning to build for MUDs and such. Very nice guy. Sadly, I don't think he is active in the commuity much anymore.

[MudMann]

I am pleased to see Threshold is now official, and someone managed to actually find the old article quoted as a resource. I was also amazed at how the Proffessional / Impartial editors who joined in dealt with this. The comparison between those who clearly had a vendetta and those who were just doing a job was so painfully apparent.

However, has anyone still got the link to the deletion discussion . final summary as I would love to read it.

and good grief, Mendaliv.. or whever he was called changed from Delete to Neutral so well done.

[Threshold]

Originally Posted by MudMann I am pleased to see Threshold is now official, and someone managed to actually find the old article quoted as a resource. I was also amazed at how the Proffessional / Impartial editors who joined in dealt with this. The comparison between those who clearly had a vendetta and those who were just doing a job was so painfully apparent.

Yes, the difference was absolutely stunning. It just goes to show that Wikipedia has the POTENTIAL to be a great resource. It is the few self-serving jerks (Mendaliv, Crossmr, Cameron Scott and others) bucking for adminhood that screw it up.

Originally Posted by MudMann However, has anyone still got the link to the deletion discussion . final summary as I would love to read it.

The closed, 2nd AfD.

Originally Posted by MudMann and good grief, Mendaliv.. or whever he was called changed from Delete to Neutral so well done.

I think his motives there are pretty transparent. He saw the writing on the wall and did everything he could to try and re-position himself as something other than a revenge seeking, deletionist, abusive editor.

Hopefully, if things stay like this, other MUDs can point to this 2nd AfD as a reference if they ever have to deal with the same problem. Things were also moving in a positive direction for the acceptance of TMC and TMS as reliable sources. So good news all around.

[scandum]

Originally Posted by RaphKoster Speaking just for myself, I DO want an encyclopedia-like resource, with facts and even analysis. There's other sites for mud ads and the like.

I personally don't care about editing a wiki that throws distasteful banner ads like the one below at me.



I could be the only one, but I'd much prefer Lasher setting up a media wiki. The mud.wikia thing is a great initiative, but with all the adds I doubt it'll ever turn into a major site everyone is willing to link / contribute to.

[Lasher]

I was going to comment on this last night, but figured I'm too close to the subject. When I checked the page last night, there were 7 banners in total, 2 for a weight loss program, 2 for online brokers and the closest to anything MUD related was for WoW.

I'm not overly motivated to put work into content that will be financed by placing ads for WoW on MUD related pages. I do realize this is somewhat hypocritical too. After all, having a banner ad on a forum is just another way of making money from user generated content, but it's still how I feel.

[prof1515]

Just as an unofficial announcement, the Operating Committee of The RPMUD Network has voted to eliminate the clicky-voting traffic device when we debut our revamped site. We'll be concentrating on providing articles, critical reviews, and an array of resources including a search engine, building school, and hosting a series of events with the intention of both recognizing games via methods other than popularity (bye-bye clicky votes) as well as providing outlets for informational discussion and education regarding a variety of topics relevant to and beyond the MU* community (hopefully we'll receive interest in assisting and participating in this).

In short, we'll be aiming at creating a third-party, critical resource regarding RPE(nforced) MU*s that is hopefully of citation-worthy quality. Questions regarding the site can be directed to staff (-at-) rpmud.net though feel free to email me personally at falco (-at-) rpmud.net or drop me a PM here as well. I've been a little distracted these past couple of days between the weather (my ankles get more and more sore with every degreethat the temperature drops; fortunately the arthritis I developed in my hip and knee as a result of my auto accident hasn't been too bad) and the issues with my server but I promise to get back to you as soon as I possibly can!

Jason

[Threshold]

Originally Posted by Lasher I was going to comment on this last night, but figured I'm too close to the subject. When I checked the page last night, there were 7 banners in total, 2 for a weight loss program, 2 for online brokers and the closest to anything MUD related was for WoW. I'm not overly motivated to put work into content that will be financed by placing ads for WoW on MUD related pages.

Yeah, wow. That's pretty horrible. I definitely don't think a MUD Wiki should be spewing WoW ads at people. And some of the other ads were pretty scummy as well. Is there any way to reduce the number of ads, or somehow focus the ads so they are of a different type? I know some ad-supported networks have alternate options, like if people donated via paypal or something. I don't know what the answer is there, but I can't see people getting excited about working on a site with so many ads - particularly ads of that type.

[prof1515]

Originally Posted by Milawe I don't disagree with your first statement here, Prof. The difficulty comes in because some MUDs ARE run as a hobby in that the mud exists for the entertainment of the admin as much as the players. And in the end, almost everyone in the mudding community is playing a mud, working on promoting a niche section of the community, or making a mud. It's difficult for anyone person to go and establish a professional mud site (though TMS, TMC, Mudbyte, Mud Portal, RPMUD, etc. seem to be trying their best) that has something more beyond what administrators and players can contribute in their spare time. It's been a long, tough battle, but if you read the initial AfD, the mentality used to delete the Threshold article needed to fail and fail badly because it could be applied to nearly every hobby or sub-set of a hobby out there. And seriously, do you really think those same admins wouldn't have found something exactly like Threshold to target next? People like them had already taken out Aardwolf, which has a much larger playerbase than Threshold AND have had mentions by the same experts. They'd already taken out LegendMud and a ton of online comic strips that face the same problems as muds. You may think that Wikipedia is trying to become some sort of reliable, source-able site. That will never happen with its current structure. Wikipedia isn't unreliable because there's a ton of random stuff on there. It's unreliable because anyone in the world can go edit most of the articles out there regardless of whether or not they know anything about it. It's also unreliable because you do not need ANY credentials to speak authoritatively on any given subject. Until the core operation of the site is changed, it's going to be unreliable. Getting rid of muds or amigurumi or rubber stamping isn't going to fix any of that. On the bright side, deletionists will have to operate more carefully now. I'd given up since the most current AfD, but I went back to look tonight. I feel that it was worth the fight because what better way to get some legitimacy than for individual games to be listed on Wikipedia, the current best source for all things obscure. Now, I understand that you might not believe it's worth the fight, but do you really think it's fair to claim that it's a waste of time and resources for the people who decided to get involved? Maybe people just saw something there that you didn't. You have to keep in mind that MOST people who got involved didn't do it for Threshold. I initially got involved because of Threshold (and no, none of the administrators wrote the original article that got deleted or the new one though I've tried my best to help), but like I said before, Wikipedia does absolutely nothing for the mud. It doesn't bring in traffic. It doesn't affect our gameplay. It doesn't affect our customers. If it was purely for what benefited Threshold, I would have just given up after the first AfD simply because it's ultimately not worth my time from a business perspective.

I mean that the efforts of the community are best spent giving themselves a more respectable, professional approach to the field than spent complaining about Wikipedia. There was some merit to Wikipedia's objections, regardless of how they went about it, and the MU* community has been terribly delinquent in holding itself to any standards. I can't speak for everyone besides myself but I have been appalled at just how little the community attempts to demonstrate responsibility. True, many MU*s are operating as hobbies but that's no excuse. Hobbyists of all types around the world find ways to hold themselves and their participants to some semblance of responsible, critical standards. That has not happened in the MU* community for whatever reason be it immaturity, self-interest, insecurity, irresponsibility or anything else. Sure, some games are run as hobbies and some as commercial ventures. That doesn't relinquish the community of any responsibility in regard to honesty, appreciation for quality, and peer-recognition to say nothing of critical review and accountability. There have been a few measures taken in this regard but even those have been half-hearted. That's just not acceptable and the lack of outrage from the community over such failure needs to stop. We need to hold ourselves and one another to a higher standard across the board.

I'll be posting some suggestions in the upcoming days on ways to recast the community not only in a more responsible but also a more dignified light (want to run more of them by the RPMUD Operating Committee to determine the degree of assistance we can provide as a group so I can append the degree of involvement that more than just I can contribute to this effort).

Jason

[Aeran]

Originally Posted by prof1515 I'll be posting some suggestions in the upcoming days on ways to recast the community not only in a more responsible but also a more dignified light (want to run more of them by the RPMUD Operating Committee to determine the degree of assistance we can provide as a group so I can append the degree of involvement that more than just I can contribute to this effort).

Keep in mind that there are people who do not like to RP. MUDs are about more than that.

About the wiki thing. I use Adblock Plus so I do not really get the ads, and if people feel disturbed by flashing ads and annoying sounds they might be playing then I really recommend to use advertisement block software. When things are moving around in those ads you are very tempted to look at them. It can definitely make it difficult to read articles. It is a shame people have been allowed to spam the Internet like this. I started use it when ads began to fill entire pages. It just got too far.

[Kleothera]

Originally Posted by Aeran Keep in mind that there are people who do not like to RP. MUDs are about more than that.

There are also MUDs that try to combine RP and what may be described as hack and slash and where one can go from one mode into the other. These are the category of MUDs that are deliberately RP Encouraged, not Enforced. These are MUDs where people RP, but also spend a lot of time talking OOCly (getting to know people from across the world) or killing stuff for exp. It is possible to go from one mode into the other in game, and being able to stand out of character at times without having someone breathe down your neck has its advantages. I am sure RP purists would say its "inferior" to a deeply immersive IC situation, but its an option a lot of people actually LIKE. Pushing for a regulation of the MUD community by RP purists, would be exclusionary both for non RP MUDs and mixed content MUDs like ours.

[prof1515]

Originally Posted by Kleothera Pushing for a regulation of the MUD community by RP purists, would be exclusionary both for non RP MUDs and mixed content MUDs like ours.

Where did I say anything about "regulation of the MUD community by RP purists" anywhere in my post? Hmmm? I didn't. I said I would hold off making some suggestions I had until I could try to involve The RPMUD Network in the effort to "recast the community not only in a more responsible but also a more dignified light". Now, if you're suggesting that H&S games aren't capable or willing to try and work together with the community in a responsible or dignified manner, I think you'll find that's not the case because that's not very fair of a statement to make in regard to the H&S (or any other) members of the MU* community. If you want to say that you're incapable of such an effort, that's fine. If that's not what you're suggesting, I suggest you read posts more carefully next time.

[scandum]

How ultimately divided the community is became clear to me a few days ago when I created the Multi-User Dungeons category on Wikipedia as an umbrella category for all mud related articles. I promptly got reverted when I tried to include the MU* games category - being told that MUSHes in no way wish to be identified with MUDs (which is rather odd given most articles in the category were muds) - so I ended up creating a MUD games category and moving most of the MU* games content to it.

Apparently a long coming divorce in cyberspace.

[Aeran]

Originally Posted by prof1515 I said I would hold off making some suggestions I had until I could try to involve The RPMUD Network in the effort to "recast the community not only in a more responsible but also a more dignified light".

I think I might have added to the confusion a bit. Both your posts above appeared to me as pushing RPMUD and how to get RPE(enforced) MUDs seen as citation worthy.

The reason I got confused was that to me it felt like yet another TMS/TMC website, and to tell the truth I had never heard of "RPMUD Network" before. Neither did a search on Google reveal it. Searching TMS I got a clue that RPIMUD Network @ RPIMUD.com might be its website?

Edit: Also who/what is the "RPMUD Committee"?

[prof1515]

Originally Posted by scandum How ultimately divided the community is became clear to me a few days ago when I created the Multi-User Dungeons category on Wikipedia as an umbrella category for all mud related articles. I promptly got reverted when I tried to include the MU* games category - being told that MUSHes in no way wish to be identified with MUDs (which is rather odd given most articles in the category were muds) - so I ended up creating a MUD games category and moving most of the MU* games content to it. Apparently a long coming divorce in cyberspace.

The unwillingness of some in the community to work together is one of those things that might just need to be ignored. Partial participation will continually cripple the community but if the community simply concedes to that, it's even worse. The real solution is not to give into those who would choose to exclude themselves from comparison, no matter what their reasons, especially when they fit the criteria shared by their peers.

Case in point, the RPMUD Operating Committee decided that critical reviews conducted by the site would not be subject to exemptions. Likewise, recognition would not be limited merely to those games who chose to participate in the community. In order to ascertain an informed comparison we can not exclude, whether by request or by absence of participation in the community, games which possess the similarities to their peers regardless of whether they might be above or below the average mark of the field. We realize this might upset some games, especially those who fail to measure up in comparison to their peers, but the basis of fairness is not to favor, either positively or negatively, any group either through its inclusion or exclusion from the whole. It is impossible to gain a comprehensive understanding of anything without examining every possible bit of available data.

[Kleothera]

I resent the unwarranted personal attack inherent in your statement. I think it may be better to listen to the person making a point before going on the offensive.

Originally Posted by prof1515 If you want to say that you're incapable of such an effort, that's fine. If that's not what you're suggesting, I suggest you read posts more carefully next time.

Now, my point was not about the the willingness of H&S MUDs to be mature (I have absolutely NO idea where the implication that they, and specially ours, arent). Lets go back to what you actually said initially, namely

...to recast the community not only in a more responsible but also a more dignified light (want to run more of them by the RPMUD Operating Committee to determine the degree of assistance we can provide as a group so I can append the degree of involvement that more than just I can contribute to this effort).

Now there is no problem with the mission of making the MUD community dignified. However, you say you want more MUDs to be run by the RPMUD Operating Committee. It appears to be a group of RPI MUDS. According to RPIMUD Network @ RPIMUD.com you need to be a RPI MUD to join. What are the characteristics of such a MUD- they are listed on the same page- and rule out the participation of games that attempt to straddle both RP and normal game mechanics.

My argument was that while its GREAT to make MUDs more serious entities, it doesnt have to be an exercise lead by purely RPI MUDS alone.I was actually replying to Aeran and his comment about how there are other things to MUDs besides RP.

Yes, you may have meant that you want to do your bit with the resources available with you and maybe I didn't make my point clear enough from the start. It can be a badly worded post, without being a post based on not reading things or one written with bad intent. Next time, however, please assume good faith on forum entries as much as the Wikipedia and ASK what I meant instead of launching an attack.

I hope we go back to the original topic- without getting sidetracked into another RPI-RP-non RP MUD discussion. We have had another thread on this already.

[prof1515]

Originally Posted by Aeran I think I might have added to the confusion a bit. Both your posts above appeared to me as pushing RPMUD and how to get RPE(enforced) MUDs seen as citation worthy.

The goal isn't to make them be seen as citation worthy. Our goal is to provide a verified, independent third-party site, not affiliated with nor dependant upon any game in particular, which will offer critical review of games and a professional-style approach.

The reason I got confused was that to me it felt like yet another TMS/TMC website, and to tell the truth I had never heard of "RPMUD Network" before. Neither did a search on Google reveal it. Searching TMS I got a clue that RPIMUD Network @ RPIMUD.com might be its website?

The RPMUD Network was formerly known as the RPIMUD Network but we changed the name and focus of the site. While the existing webpage is outdated, we're working on a new one that will reflect the new approach we have taken to the goals and mission of the site (mentioned above in this post).

My point with my post earlier was that some of the groundwork we've already gone over in terms of defining the substance and goals of our site might prove useful to other niches of the community, be it pure H&S, PvP, or whatever in organizing for themselves critical review and resource sites providing more substantial content and functionality for their particular sub-genre of MU*s. If the Operating Committee approves, I'll elaborate more as to the discussions, concepts and conclusions we've reached in redesigning our site.

Jason

[prof1515]

Originally Posted by Kleothera However, you say you want more MUDs to be run by the RPMUD Operating Committee.

I did not say that. Let us break down what I said.

Originally Posted by prof1515 I'll be posting some suggestions...

Please note the word "suggestions". Suggestions are not commands nor does that imply in any way that I or anyone else would "want more MUDs to be run by the RPMUD Operating Committee" or anyone else. The RPMUD Network will not be running games. It will be providing the community and not the games with verified, independent third-party data and critical review.

Originally Posted by prof1515 ...in the upcoming days on ways to recast the community not only in a more responsible but also a more dignified light (want to run more of them by the RPMUD Operating Committee to determine the degree of assistance we can provide as a group so I can append the degree of involvement that more than just I can contribute to this effort).

"Run by" means to present to, in this case for a decision from the Operating Committee regarding my suggestions and what degree of support the RPMUD Network may wish to offer as a group in helping the general MU* community in regard to those suggestions. I do not want to presuppose to know what the Operating Committee as a whole will decide. Until I speak with them and we approve as a group what degree, if any, of effort we would want to contribute to helping others beyond the scope of our focus, I will not post the suggestions.

Originally Posted by Kleothera ...it doesnt have to be an exercise lead by purely RPI MUDS alone.I was actually replying to Aeran and his comment about how there are other things to MUDs besides RP

I never said it had to be lead by "purely RPI MUDs alone". I said I will post some suggestions for making the community a more useful one, de-emphasizing the present failings which prevent it from attaining respectability. When I've cleared it with the rest of the Operating Committee, I may be able to suggest some ways in which we can help through participation in the overall MU* community (despite our emphasis being only on RP-Enforced MU*S).

Jason

[ShadowsDawn]

Originally Posted by Kleothera Now, my point was not about the the willingness of H&S MUDs to be mature (I have absolutely NO idea where the implication that they, and specially ours, arent). Lets go back to what you actually said initially, namely ...to recast the community not only in a more responsible but also a more dignified light (want to run more of them by the RPMUD Operating Committee to determine the degree of assistance we can provide as a group so I can append the degree of involvement that more than just I can contribute to this effort). Now there is no problem with the mission of making the MUD community dignified. However, you say you want more MUDs to be run by the RPMUD Operating Committee. It appears to be a group of RPI MUDS. According to RPIMUD Network @ RPIMUD.com you need to be a RPI MUD to join. What are the characteristics of such a MUD- they are listed on the same page- and rule out the participation of games that attempt to straddle both RP and normal game mechanics.

Actually.. let's go back to exactly what he said instead of taking part of it out of context.

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I'll be posting some suggestions in the upcoming days on ways to recast the community not only in a more responsible but also a more dignified light (want to run more of them by the RPMUD Operating Committee to determine the degree of assistance we can provide as a group so I can append the degree of involvement that more than just I can contribute to this effort).
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He will be posting suggestions after running his suggestions by the RPMUD Network Committee. It's really not that hard to understand what was said, and that is a far cry from saying he wants the MUDs to be ran by the RPMud Committee. That'd just be plain dumb.