[MUD-Dev2] The Great Mud Survey

[Mike Rozak]

Matt Chatterly wrote:
>A while ago, as part of another thread, I nattered on for a bit about the
> idea of attempting to conduct some research into what players like and
> dislike about Muds (in specific, and in general) - that seems a bit
> wishy-washy now that I repeat it back, so I'll try to nail it down a 
> little
> more.
> Snip...

I have a particularly cynical view about this: I suspect that if you ask 
players what they want...

a) Their aggregrate answer will be completely contradictory.

b) Their individual answers will be contradictory. (Political example: I 
want to stop global warming, but I don't want to give up my SUV or 
5000-sq-ft centrally-heated home.)

c) They will spew back a laundry list of pre-existing features and will (for 
the most part) deny innovation. (See 
http://www.mxac.com.au/drt/LawOfNewInventions.htm ) ... Notice that my 
response to your innovative idea is itself denying innovation. ;-)


To counteract my argument: Some designers spend a lot of time reading the 
rant boards, and obviously get something out of them. I suspect they 
accomplish this by reading between the lines, and/or identifying the 
intelligent ranters... Which is a feat that's beyond me.


Mike Rozak
http://www.mxac.com.au