[MUD-Dev] Introductions and

[Marian Griffith]

On Wed 19 Nov, Adam Wiggins wrote:
> > A good example is making a statement like '.. and you find her very
> > attractive.'.

> I find using the word 'you' or 'your' or otherwise making statements about
> the person who is viewing the desc to be abhorent.  Even when I was
> writing areas for other muds, I made it a rule to avoid this.   It was
> difficult at first, but now that I'm in the habbit of it it's quite easy,
> and I think the overall quality of the descriptions in improved 100% by
> using this style.

The problem in the example is not the use of 'you' but in the use of the
words 'find attractive'.  There is nothing particularly wrong with using
a phrase like 'You see a castle in the distance',  as long as you do not
make assumptions about how the player is to interpret it.  And even then
at times it is justified to qualify an appearance of something. E.g. "It
is ominously quiet."  tells how the player interprets  her surroundings.
This is justified however  if it is a warning for a dangerous area  that
lies ahead,  without totally dropping out of character.

Marian
--
Yes - at last - You. I Choose you. Out of all the world,
out of all the seeking, I have found you, young sister of
my heart! You are mine and I am yours - and never again
will there be loneliness ...

Rolan Choosing Talia,
Arrows of the Queen, by Mercedes Lackey