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GM and Player Appreciation

I was reading this article today and noticed that GM's Day (March 4th) is coming up fast, and it got me thinking about GM appreciation.  The article talks about all the cool things players can do every day to help the GM -- typical things like not arguing with GM calls during the game, participating, helping to keep the game fun, and bringing snacks.  Thinking back over my most recent gaming experiences over the last year or so, I have to share that the groups I GM for have done a pretty darn good job at all these things.  We've all learned the rules together on new things and there is always good discussion and helping around the table.  All the players pretty much get in the game when its their turn.  I think everyone has had some fun.  And the snacks - well, the players shine every week at bringing way too much cool stuff to eat.  (I remember the week we had a crockpot beside the table!)

I've tried to hold up my end of the bargain too.  I have avoided railroading and tried to make the worlds a big sandbox that the players can play in.  I have added new elements to the adventures at the request of the players (like the Thornhold).  I've even pushed myself at adding better props to my games (like the Keep I built and the miniatures I am always trying to match to the creatures in play).  Mostly, I just try to make sure that there is something special for everyone to do and that everyone has a moment to shine.

Looking ahead, I have quite a few things I want to improve and expand on.  We're getting a new group together for Shadowrun and that's going to take place in a custom setting, which is quite a leap for me.  Our big Pathfinder fantasy campaign is headed towards a big climax and end over the next couple of months.  Continuing to take that campaign up a notch is going to be challenging.  Pirates is going to make it into Southern pirate waters soon, and that's going to open up lots of new avenues for exploration and adventure. I'm also trying to start recording all of our adventures (maps, stats, encounters, NPCs, stories) so I can reuse them.  I'm also hoping to finally release my initiative tracker and get my random table manager finished.  Its going to be a busy year.
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