Well MWAN'ers it is time for another issue and another rant from yours truly. My topic this month is gamer etiquette. Why as such an educated and civilized group do some us have the worst ettiquette out there? This seems to be magnified when some of us attend conventions. I have been to shows all over the country an din Canada and I am always amazed by some people blunt lack of respect and etiquette to there fellow gamer. I am going to give us some friendly advice on how to be a better gamer at conventions in particular. 1. Arrive at the game on time. Nothing aggravates a GM more than late players which then cause him or her to have to repeat themselves. If you arrive in one of my games late I would not hesitate to give your spot away to some one who was hoping to be fit into the game. If you are going to be a few minutes late let the GM know ahead of time if possible or surrender your spot. 2. Pay attention! If you really do not to pay attention then you really do not want to play the game. Why waste you time and the GM. Go find something else to amuse you and let an interested person play the game. Basically shut up unless you have a question that pertains to the game. 3. Do not manhandle the figures or terrain. Do be like an ape grabbing a bunch of bananas off the tree when you move figures in a game. Many people take pride in their figures and the paint jobs on them. By abusing the figures you are costing the GM additional money in having to replace them. I myself do not paint figures but have a professional do my figures. I do not like having to lay out additional money repairing figures because some neanderthal thought he could grab them like a handful of potato chips. 4. Ask the GM before placing food or drinks on the table. You should really ask the GM if it is ok to ev en eat or drink near the game but for certain do not just assume to place things on the table without asking. Does your wife let you just place glasses on wood tables without coaster? If you cannot do it at home then it is safe to assume you cannot do it at the show. 5. Do not move another players figures. Hey we have all been the least experienced player at one time or another. That does not give you the right to move a player troops for him or her without permission. Do not even tell them where to move. We only get better by making mistakes. If you take a player out of the game you ruin their experience at the game. I am not saying if someone asks you for do not give just don't take over. 6. Do not argue rules with the judge. If the judge makes a ruling roll with it. If you know it to be against the rules then ask for a word in private with the GM. Nobody likes to have the authority challenged in public. If the ruling upsets you that badly then vote with your feet and leave. 7. Do not argue with other players. I know we have all come across those players that have the extra inch or bend the rules. Don't get into a confrontation with them. Alert the GM to what is going on. A huge argument will end the game for everyone. Remember if it gets that bad vote with your feet. 8. Do not wander away from the game. If you are not interested then tell the GM you wish to leave.. Do not make people look for you when it is your turn to move or react. This slows the game down for everyone. If you feel the game is too slow for you then leave but be polite about it. 9. Help reorganize the table when the game is over. Some GM's like myself have a certain system in tearing down and what to do it themselves. You should ask the GM if he needs some help. If they say no then you are free to go. Don't just run from the table like the factory whistle sounded and it is time to go home. 10. Personal Hygiene. It is simple get some. Brush your teeth, take a shower with soap. And for God sake wear deodorant and change your clothes every day of the convention. A convention T-shirt is for one day not all three or four. Let us try to rid our conventions of the gamer funk. A little cologne goes a long way. If you follow these 10 simple tips we can all have a great convention and gaming experience. Now if you want to go one step further, read a book on etiquette. This will go along way in your gaming experience and your personal life. With Spring on the horizon we have a busy convention season ahead. What I feel is the best show in the country is in early March: Little Wars outside of Chicago. Combine that with one of the most fun shows I have been to, CanGames in Ottawa in May, and you've got a great start t the gaming season! I hope to see you at a show soon. I just don't want to smell you. Back to MWAN # 133 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2005 by Legio X This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com