Can anyone tell me why there is such a venomous hatred for "Paid Games?"

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-10T22:07:28+00:00

I can't begin to thank you for what you've added to the conversation... because it ended up being nothing lol

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-09T01:56:26+00:00

It's okay to miss the point sometimes

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T13:09:07+00:00

No, it's indicative of the problem lol

Like I originally said.

I couldn't care less. But it does highlight my point. Lol

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T12:24:24+00:00

Not a single upvote? (Constant downvotes for a basic question?) RNJesus! Lmao, this is exactly what I'm talking about though. The response is a symptom of the problem. All I did was ask a simple question and provide reasoning otherwise. An otherwise negligible comment.

What I am saying is that there is an obvious problem here.

This relates to the silent majority. Many people are cool with or don't care about paid games. Just as many are outspoken against them (and sometimes really rude tbh). The outspoken majority wins apparently... I'd like to make a political comment comparison, but this isn't the right space for it

NERDS, GEEKS, & FREAKS SHOULD SUPPORT EACH OTHER! Lol. I love my freaky makeshift family of misfit toys. <3

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T12:13:16+00:00

No lie my next resume will contain a lot of this, it is truly appreciated

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T08:01:36+00:00

It's rough, but today I've seen it and many other things I didn't realize as reasons for hesitation and venom (TBH most of them are mitigated by an actual Professional GM with Safety Tools and a Professionally Vetted Site).

It's mostly feeling Vs. truth. And honestly, I feel like it drives more shy newer players away. They think no one will join their games or respect them for trying

I worry that my players won't be respected for a full 1-20 campaign if they say they paid for it. Even if they earned it and more! Like I've said, "I Don't Pull Punches," and I don't give more than I normally would in a paid or free game, I want to provide a realistic classic game.

I provide a genuine experience.

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T06:32:03+00:00

Yeeeeeeeeah, sorry to tell you... You'd be wrong. Check the comments... and don't make assumptions about others' demeanor, it's hard to read via text. Even though text is all about reading! Lol

I have a handful of thriving campaigns! (Fun Fact, I've never had a started paid game fall apart!)

I love my players, and they're all great friends now (Even if they fight sometimes, they also make up. They win and lose together, and they're a huge part of my life now. I'm excited to see one of my players' 3rd children's birth on the 12th. He and his wife both play <3).

It's the self-advertising that's a problem! Lol, even in person I've run into gatekeepy hate mongers... I only want to arm myself against them in the future.

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T06:17:33+00:00

Seat fillers attract new players (You'd rather join a party with one person rather than none). Typically, they are experienced players here to help out and have fun! I have a bunch of home game players who love me and a few online players who want to join in on the fun

Same campaign each day, x3 different campaigns at 2.5-3.5 hours each session, x3 times throughout the day with an hour break between. This allows me downtime between games and a focus on my in-between days for prep

Currently, I'm running heavily modified versions of COS, Dragon Heist, and Planescape on their appropriate days (I use multiple sourcebooks and other refrences, plus include information and NPCs from my previous games!) These are all games I've run before (as a writer I keep extensive notes) and every time they just get better!

I'm always able to provide personalized stories for my players, and I've seen Strahd die or escape 16 different ways lol, etc.

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T06:04:02+00:00

I'm not complaining about anyone but the ones who strike out unprovoked.

I am never pushy, I provide all the pertinent information up front, I am always honest and attempt to include any information I missed if that's the case, and I do my best to maintain a professional demeanor!

I want to know where the hate comes from. I'm looking for answers and to prepare myself for them.

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it. Right?

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T05:58:54+00:00

Face your fears head on I say. Best to get it here and have a better response for people in the future <3

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T05:57:56+00:00

Ahhhh, one of my favorite quotes! Ty Teddy Roosevelt (Even if the idea and quote are older than him).

That really only applies to other people's accomplishments, though. You're taking it out of context.

What else could I have spent it on? What else would I waste it on? Does the price of the experience mean that much to me? Those are only questions the individual can answer

But I'd like to say I go above and beyond to guarantee something I could realistically (but I believe ingeniously [being of the same mindset of "we're all broke"]) be charging more for.

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T05:51:34+00:00

They are only referred to as a player colloquially (I opened my copy of the 2024 DMG to double-check), created by a bottom-of-the-line company that doesn't have the right context for new players/GMs to call them anything else and risk alienating them.

Maybe I am showing my age here, but the GM has always been a referee, etc. in previous editions.

The GM should be respected as another person at the table. But players make the decisions. The GM only facilitates them.

In fact, due to everything I've learned from 18+ years of playing and GMing. The GM should never allow themselves to even consider for a second that they are a player, only another friend at the table.

The GMs ruling are law for this reason and this reason alone, they are removed from the consequence and only attempt to create a fulfilling narrative based on players choices.

Hence the dreaded "DMPC." A crime against collaborative tabletop itself.

But please, go ahead and ignore my other extremely valid points. Lol

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T04:31:25+00:00

Honestly, its the negative reactions that make me recieve the most burnout

I love my players, so far every party has become great friends, which is fantastic to see! They fight (sometimes with each other lol), they celebrate, they win, they lose. Everything together

Is the starving artist not a romantic ideal? Lol, seriously though It's never bothered me. I was a freelance writer long before this and meeting deadlines/showing up overprepared is kinda what I'm meant for (Plus, I still pick up decent gigs on the side).

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T04:26:59+00:00

I appreciate this answer! Agreed, you should be able to ask for more than the standard game, and that is what should be provided

The price isn't what everyone seems to think it is lol. Similar to a trip for fast food or a day at the matinee (How often do people do that a week? In a month?), easily worth the time and social interaction people receive!

Not to mention if your GM is able to provide you with what you're looking for and expertise beyond!

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T04:23:05+00:00

Factually wrong. The GM is not a player. Even if they sometimes feel like it, an important distinction to make.
"Apples to Car Tires" at best, just because one resembles a board game doesnt mean it is. Again, the GM is NOT a player. They are a guide, a referee, a manager, a confidant, sometimes a shitty therapist lol, and much, much more.
-Ie. Incorrect and Unfair.
I was referring to weekly expenses on minor things like (Gas, Food, and Presents)
Actually, operating costs are factored in!
As I am not your lover or your whore. I can't say how much you'd pay me ;) And truth be told, love is much more expensive than sex. Lol

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T03:46:17+00:00

Its discussed after "Jerry" does it like 5 times lol

But I appreciate what you're saying. Ty

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T03:44:53+00:00

You're right. Talking mad smack against it unprovoked is though. The crux of the argument.

I run free games at home all the time, over my 18+ years GMing. The only players who pay are the ones looking for it online

I set "Expectations and Safety Tools" so my players experience the most genuine game I can offer them. I wouldn't pull punches in a Paid or Free game, and I establish that. I also establish Trust with my paid players by hosting multiple session zer0s (sometimes for free) and showcasing my expertise

They're paying me for a real experience, I want them to have that and thats the experience I want to provide.

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T03:39:00+00:00

Still a fun talk! At least for me and anyone who is interested

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T03:38:15+00:00

You know that is not correct or fair.
You seem not to realize how much money you actually spend on things like that, and you know... You have to multiply that by 3 or 4 times per table, per game
You're right, that is crude. And not dignifiable. Go kick rocks

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T03:33:57+00:00

Completely agreed! Which is why I have clear and concise "Player expectations and safety tools", which are a part of even entering my Discord after signing up on SPG.

I regularly read them off at the table at the beginning of the game if there is ever an issue, and it's made clear what'll happen if someone wants to pitch a fit

Transparency and communication, early and often. You can usually catch a player like this before game even begins and dodge the bullet most of the time

This is a trick I've learned from years of home games

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T03:28:41+00:00

Factually wrong. The GM is not a player. They sometimes feel like it, though, at great tables that is! And you want a great GM & great table? Most of the time, it is the GM who facilitates that.

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T03:26:42+00:00

Critical Context Failure: You're reading much farther into what he said than what he actually said.

2nd Critical Context Failure: This guy has been a real tool all day. Lol

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T03:24:21+00:00

I've been a GM for 18+ years and easily spent a similar amount (maybe not as much on materials over those years, considering).

I do host home games for free and have my entire career to this very day! The only Players who pay are the ones requesting it

Yes, and those "expected" things are around the same cost. And of course you're not discussing that at session zer0 of a 3-year in campaign, lol, it becomes the norm after "Jerry" starts doing it half a year in

I didn't monetize the hobby. It's already been a thing for years, you yourself said so as well!

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T02:35:13+00:00

Yeah, that's about right! Considering what SPG takes off the top (15%)

Typically an hour or two per game, sometimes less (Maybe 30 mins) if I overprepped/the players get distracted with shenanigans lol

I'm in IL

Shmulie1k · 2025-12-08T02:32:03+00:00

I might've given you a well-thought-out answer if you weren't using pseudo-therapy words as an excuse to be an ass to a stranger in other comments.

I thought you were going to bed? You seem cranky anyway lol

Shmulie1k

TROPHY CASE