[MUD-Dev] attracting players

[David Bennett]

On Wed, 10 May 2000, Mordengaard wrote:

> -> personal drum beating starts here, feel free to skip <-
> I have three kinds of help files on Yhared.  The standard "help <command>"
> which works as you'd expect.  I also have an extended help system (xhelp)
> which contains more detailed information.  Finally, I have a series of
> "how-to"s.  The "help" command gives you a summary of the command/feature,
> syntax, and application.  None of my "help" files are more than five lines
> long (not including title and formatting).  The xhelp system goes into
> detail on the command/feature, providing background where necessary, and
> recommending other help files.  These files are normally 10 lines or more,
> although never more than 20 lines.  The how-to's are literally step-by-step
> guides on common (and not-so-common) actions that can be taken in my world.
> For example, I have a how-to entitled "setting up a shop", which covers the
> basics of getting a property and opening a store in it.  The how-to's are
> mostly IC, where appropriate.  All of the files are spell checked, grammar
> checked, and proof-read.  They're also tested out on the few test players we
> have atm.
> -> personal drum beating ended.  Rant continues. <-

On help file...

Help files are amazingly important, I even wrote an article on this :)
http://imaginaryrealities.imaginary.com/volume1/issue1/game_design.html

However, I think better looking and longer than 5 line help files are more
useful in the end.  It is kind of like the debate between using white
spaces in C code though I guess.  Making the help longer and with useful
examples is much more handy than a quick description of the command.

On discworld we also have vague pattern matching, so if you go 'help
fluffy' and there is help on fluff, it will ask if you wish to see the
help on fluff instead...

Having detailed help on items and rooms is also important (for those that
do not have a global command system).  You should be able to go 'help' in
any room and get some sort of context sensative help on the room (or
object if it is a complicated object).

Most muds fail totaly in their help files, I often log onto a mud and
cannot find help on even the most basic commands.  Even if they are
actually mentioned in the newbie login information...

Good luck!
David.




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