Original: http://www.topmudsites.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi?s=45be4f885f02ffff;act=ST;f=12;t=465;hl=carrion+fields

"But Valg, I'm no math major, but that doesn't sound like a very good deal."

See, the thing is... Carrion Fields is run by gamers, not advertising wizards or accountants. And as gamers, we put gameplay, balance, and fairness ahead of gimmicks and bribes. So today, like every other day at Carrion Fields, we're offering 100% XP. You can earn it at 100% normal rate through warfare, commerce, exploration, observation, skill refinement, quests, roleplay, or however else you like, but you aren't going to see us toss out all that game balance stuff to throw you a freebie. You're just going to have to get off your virtual butt and earn it, mister. (Or Ms. We have a sizable number of female players and staff.)

It's also why we don't sell "perks". We want achievement to come from your brain, not your wallet. If you're the Chief Orc in the village, it's because you beat down or out-connived every last one of the competition on a level playing field, not because you wrote us a check. We're FREE, not "free", or free(*). Sign on, and you're wearing the same gear as the guy next to you started with, without any of the hassle of a long registration process. (Just give us a character name, answer a few simple questions, and you're on your way!)

As gamers, we understand that when you sign on, you're with us to play, not watch the MUD equivalent of commercials. We won't interrupt you to advertise, twist your arm to vote, or try to sell you stuff. Roleplaying is a priority, and there's nothing worse for roleplaying than some snake-oil salesman shattering your immersion. It's also why we require it from all characters. Ever try to roleplay when 80% of the room doesn't care? It's a waste of your time, and we're inviting you to a place where your effort will be appreciated and rewarded.

This sense of fairness extends to how you'll be treated by the staff as well. There's no "Super-Diamond-Level Customer Service" with a payment plan and a direct-deposit option. You operate within the same set of rules as everyone else, and you're just as important as the next guy, all without spending a dime. People who break the rules don't get 400 chances because we're hoping to milk a few more bucks out of them. They get shown the door, because we realize that getting rid of one cheater can help us keep more than one honest player.

On another thread, another mud admin asked how we consistently stay near the top of the TMS list without cheating, buying ads, or charging money. This admin asked how we did it, no doubt trying to discover some "trick" to drag back to a flock of waiting accountants in unappealing, homogenous suits. Yuck.

There is no trick. We're not magicians. We're not showmen. We're gamers. A lot of people appreciate a challenging, fair, FREE game, and are willing to click a button to just say "Thanks."

To them, I say "You're welcome! (But we're still not giving you any free XP.)"

valguarnera@carrionfields.com