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The former is a very reasonable speculation, but still a speculation. The latter is an observation of fact. All it takes is one instance of X happening without Y happening to factually prove that X can happen without leading to Y. We have an instance of an MMO being virtually unnoticeable, let alone disruptive. Therefore, it is proven that MMOs are not...
I don't think this is really an apt comparison. I know it's one that's easy to pull from the forums, but there are a few nits that I might pick.
1) The knitting player asked ahead of time. That's far more considerate than just pulling out your distraction of choice and going to town.
2) Knitting isn't nearly as attention demanding as an MMO (if you're practiced at it). My girlfriend can regularly knit at a table and take part in the entire game without slowing things down one whit.
3) Knitting isn't participating in a separate story while sitting at the table. I think this is more akin to pulling out a novel or pulling up an episode on Netflix.
Jiggy, if a player was found to be reading a novel at a table you were running, how would you react?
What if a player showed up and said something akin to "Hey, I'm here to kill goblins and stuff. I'm going to read these comics... Let me know when it's my turn."?
For myself, I think I'd be far more insulted by someone being upfront and saying they don't care about this cooperative story than by someone breaking out a pair of knitting needles without warning.
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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Jiggy, if a player was found to be reading a novel at a table you were running, how would you react?
What if a player showed up and said something akin to "Hey, I'm here to kill goblins and stuff. I'm going to read these comics... Let me know when it's my turn."?
How is this any different than someone who's there to kill goblins and stuff so they just sit quietly until it's their turn?
This game is big enough for everyone, including people who just want to stay out of the way until it's time to kill stuff. That's not my way of doing things, but it's a valid way—every bit as valid as how you or I have fun.
As long as it doesn't become a problem (and maybe MMOs do), I see no issue and wouldn't mind a player reading or whatever until they're called on to do something, as long as they can make it work.
RPG Superstar 2013 Top 16
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I run my character on Herolab, and occasionally FB while I'm gaming, because I like to post pictures of the table to my Lodge's FB group and humblebrag about how much fun we're having. So to all the "no electronics" GMs, I could never play at your table. And there's a big crowd of PFS players like me.
I would be pretty ticked off to have a player's attention focused on an MMO while I was GMing. I'd feel pretty insulted, as if the player had said to me, "your game is so dull I must do something else to entertain myself." It's like getting invited to somebody's house to hang out, then sitting in a corner and playing games on your phone.
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I don't mind electronics, and I'm usually using my phone for all different things (at least if I'm playing a caster).
I play and run a lot on line. If people are obviously distracted I delay them. If people are obviously doing something else (I have one player whose always playing another game at the same time) I skip them. If I've skipped or delayed them already I give them a 5 second shot clock when their turn comes back up. We've already waited on them before, not going to waste everyones time at the table waiting for them again. As long as its not distracting the rest of the table I generally let them stay, and I don't think I've booted anyone for that yet.
Live play I may treat a little differently, though I've never had someone play an MMO, at least to my knowledge, though I do have one guy at FLGS who reads his kindle at the Table. If it wasn't delaying their actions at all (and I mean at all) I would probably let it slide. If it was delaying their actions, I would ask them to stop as it was disrupting the game flow. If they failed to stop I'd just kick them from my table.
I've only had to kick players 2 or 3 times ever and it hasn't been for MMO playing, but always for disruptive or rude behavior. If the gaming, or any other activity, falls into one of those two categories, and they won't stop it, I'd have no choice than to boot them.
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Basic rule I have the table: NO ELECTRONICS - PHONES, iPODS, TABLETS, LAPTOPS, AND SO ON. If you feel the need to have it at the table, I politely but firmly kick you out.Do you realise you've stumbled into the Pathfinder Society section of the boards? PDFs on electronic devices are specifically called out as an acceptable rules source for players or GMs.
It's a habitual thing. He sees something he doesn't like in the title and blind-posts.
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I think that if players start playing MMO's while at the table it is time to start playing Pathfinder Online!
But I am in the "it's disrespectful" camp. Electronics are fine, I use my phone and tablet all the time. Even if you can multitask the GM has taken the time to prepare a fun evening for you. He at least deserves your full attention during that time.
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If it is making any kind of sound, then it really frustrates me.
I want to hear those involved in the game, not sound effects and game music.
I say this, as a player, who has had to deal with similar things.
If I turn to a fellow player, in the midst of RP, and the player is too busy with some game to respond, I am frustrated, and my immersion fades.
Worse, is when the player tries to retcon actions, or events, because they were too busy to interact at the time.
I prefer well timed breaks, that allow people to screw around, play games, or whatever, then to have it happen in the midst of play.
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How do you play an MMO at a table without being noticed? That's impossible!
If a player suddenly opened their laptop to and alt-tabbed to a game at a table I was - GMing or playing - it would be an extremely wtf moment. It just doesn't happen! Locally, at least.
It's akin to someone suddenly taking their clothes off in the middle of a game.
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Honestly if you want to play another game during my session I am fine with that.
But do not expect us to make special expections for you by slowing the game down, repeating myself, or distract other players.
If you want to do the bare mimimum, roll dice and kill monsters while doing the same on video game great! Just do not make us pay for your distraction.