I spend enough time writing backstory, possible scenarios, and making maps on top of actually DMing the game that it could almost be considered a part time job. A player of mine wants to buy a property, so I allow him to buy a local bar and start what would a several hour undertaking of writing out a custom property system.
I send him a draft of a portion and his only replies are negativity based on not liking the bottom line numbers. He also obviously did not read the document entirely as the next portion addressed his concerns.
He doubles down after realizing this and literally calls it sh*t.
I enjoy DMing because it gives my players enjoyment. All the time(and money) spent is basically a gift just because they're my friends. But honestly I'm pretty bummed at this point and don't really feel like continuing.
Am I just being a big ol' baby for wanting constructive criticism? Do you have players who lack empathy for the work you do? How do you handle that?
If you want constructive criticism, get it from more than one source. The varying viewpoints will help you get a more rounded picture of what may need to be adjusted and what is appreciated.
Your buddy is being a pretty poor sport about all of this. Their negative feedback is from embarrassment and probably because they simply wanted their bar and be done with it. That said, not every system a DM incorporates is really worth all the complexity. Is it really necessary to go into the exacting details of overhead, inventory, staffing, wages, and all that? Could you simply toss out a slightly complex: "It costs 125gp a week to keep the bar open and running smoothly, you'll make back that plus a percentile roll at the end of the month." If they're still of a mind that they don't want to worry about upkeep, you can simply tell them they'll earn 2d12 x10 gold a month from the bar. Either one works just fine and before you set them off to be a barkeep you let them know that there's an initial investment of some amount, 500g, 10000g payable in installments, or something like that.
There will always be players who don't understand and/or appreciate the effort DM's put into running a game. We have to learn to accept this. The silver lining though, there are those players who will eat up every bit of lore, story hook, and crumb of narrative like they're starving piranhas. Let them balance each other out, don't take it too personally.
First thing - if they react that way, then the next answer is "OK, that's fine, then we're just not bothering with running a business because it's not supported in the game rules."
Second, pick up the Acquitions Inc. book - they actually have a fairly well thought-out "running a franchise" system that includes monthly operating expenses, staff costs, etc. Tell your guy "this is WoTC's official business-running mechanic. Like it or lump it."
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I spend enough time writing backstory, possible scenarios, and making maps on top of actually DMing the game that it could almost be considered a part time job.
A player of mine wants to buy a property, so I allow him to buy a local bar and start what would a several hour undertaking of writing out a custom property system.
I send him a draft of a portion and his only replies are negativity based on not liking the bottom line numbers. He also obviously did not read the document entirely as the next portion addressed his concerns.
He doubles down after realizing this and literally calls it sh*t.
I enjoy DMing because it gives my players enjoyment. All the time(and money) spent is basically a gift just because they're my friends.
But honestly I'm pretty bummed at this point and don't really feel like continuing.
Am I just being a big ol' baby for wanting constructive criticism?
Do you have players who lack empathy for the work you do?
How do you handle that?
If you want constructive criticism, get it from more than one source. The varying viewpoints will help you get a more rounded picture of what may need to be adjusted and what is appreciated.
Your buddy is being a pretty poor sport about all of this. Their negative feedback is from embarrassment and probably because they simply wanted their bar and be done with it. That said, not every system a DM incorporates is really worth all the complexity. Is it really necessary to go into the exacting details of overhead, inventory, staffing, wages, and all that? Could you simply toss out a slightly complex: "It costs 125gp a week to keep the bar open and running smoothly, you'll make back that plus a percentile roll at the end of the month." If they're still of a mind that they don't want to worry about upkeep, you can simply tell them they'll earn 2d12 x10 gold a month from the bar. Either one works just fine and before you set them off to be a barkeep you let them know that there's an initial investment of some amount, 500g, 10000g payable in installments, or something like that.
There will always be players who don't understand and/or appreciate the effort DM's put into running a game. We have to learn to accept this. The silver lining though, there are those players who will eat up every bit of lore, story hook, and crumb of narrative like they're starving piranhas. Let them balance each other out, don't take it too personally.
First thing - if they react that way, then the next answer is "OK, that's fine, then we're just not bothering with running a business because it's not supported in the game rules."
Second, pick up the Acquitions Inc. book - they actually have a fairly well thought-out "running a franchise" system that includes monthly operating expenses, staff costs, etc. Tell your guy "this is WoTC's official business-running mechanic. Like it or lump it."