If everyone used “it’s not for me” or explained what they liked, rather than just saying the other thing is bad or explaining why they think it’s bad, the entire world would benefit.
Thank you Mike for continuing your be a voice of positivity in the TTRPG community. From promoting other creators to having your own phenomenal quality of work, you are truly a breath of fresh air.
Secrets of the Weird Wizard is out now, in a prerelease form without layout, no images etc., text is also still being proofed, but at least you can read through it and get all the monsters and DM advice ;)
Full Kickstarter fulfillment target is August 2024 and there have already been delays, getting the PDFs of books as they are completed is a nice perk. Anyone looking for a review (or looking to do a review) should understand SotWW is still a work in progress.
Yes. The game is playable, although some might to want for Secrets to be fully formatted before committing. Great game though. I wish Sly had mentioned his previous experience with Kickstarters from Rob Schwalb. When he spoke during the WW Kickstarter he had nothing but praise for the volume and especially the quality of product. As some who’d had both books I can say they are great. I look forward very much to the full review is a few months.
My mom taught my kids that when they don't like something (usually in the context of trying new food), they should just say "it's not to my taste." Great change, and very funny to hear these two young children walking around saying something that sounds so mature.
When my youngest cousin was a wee one he was told to say basically the same thing, but came up with his own version: "it's not my favourite" which was so much cuter. We still quote it all the time!
One of the best things about this TTRPG era is that the sheer number of systems helps people see how even like-minded people would prefer a different system.
Woo!! Looking forward to the SotWW spotlight! As much as I love Shadowdark's bite sized lore and monsters, it's been a tough sell to my players due to how deadly it is. Weird Wizard is a lot beefier and with its familiar mechanics, I'm hoping to run it soon.
Have been waiting for your observations on how GMs can facilitate lasting character (and player) engagement in Shadowdark over a longer campaign, given the higher degree of mortality. Given that my SD Midderlands campaign is starting in a few weeks, you answered and offered quite timely to my benefit, cheers!
Ginny's ADHDnd video was really good but I in particular am glad that Aphantasia in particular is starting to become more well known in rpg spaces. There's a broad social awareness of ADHD, which is a start -- but people have straight up not believed me when I said that I'm a level 5 Aphantasic. Neurodivergence isn't just autism and ADHD! This wildly changes everything about how I GM and play in an rpg. Accommodations to aphantasia like handout art, like per-npc tokens, like fully gridded rpg combat, et c. are so incredibly helpful and should be taken seriously as disability aids. A lazy tip is that, anything you can do to differentiate an NPC or scene that isn't a visual description lets you be both lazy AND aphasic-accommodating -- npc mannerisms, describing the function of rooms rather than how they appear, et c. are all great options. Aphantastic-adhd in particular means that long visual descriptions of characters powering up will make your player tune out.
I totally agree with you! I feel like ADHD in the TTRPG space is being better fathomed and taken into consideration! But as I am a total aphantasic as well, I totally get what you're saying and I'd love for people to take such initiatives and to have someone make a video like Ginny's (or not) for people to think about it. Nowadays, I am more on the GM side of things so my descriptions lean more on the side of functions or things that I find tangible like mannerisms, voice and so on. I also use a whiteboard for my players to map the game and place their characters (with dice of color).
Having grown up on the internet, I've developed a survival mechanism where I add "I think" in front of anything anyone says online. The internet is full of opinions which try to pass themselves off as facts. The quicker you realize they're opinions, the less time you're wasting trying to get to "the truth". (it's also a really useful filter to use when interpreting feedback as a game designer :p)
I think we conflate game design elements with the game as a whole and forget that a game doesn't need to have what we consider to be good design to be fun.
A very long time ago, while in the military, I would respond to questions about why I wouldn't do this or that by simply saying, "It's not my way." Say and never waiver from it, and those around you come to respect that boundary. Hasn't failed me yet.
This puts into practice the tools and skills that i use to regulate my emotions . This helps me calm down and inarguably speak truths about who i am and what i want . Its ok to feel however you want at anytime and want things because you want something. Three times a day and whenever i catch myself getting overwhelmed. I use an acronym S.E.W Sensations, Emotions and Wants. Helps create an inarguably truth. By sticking with core emotions like mad, sad, scared and glad. Once i close my eyes and take three deep and slow breaths . I think about how my body feels physically and where . I attach that Sensation to an emotion . Then i try to identify what i want from these two things until I find the root narrative. It helps when my eyes are closed; I first, Notice: my bodies sensations, i then Focus: on the details of the pain by describing it. I then Accept: the pain and acknowledge its there. Expand: by blowing it up physically and mentally by thinking of a sore throat is actually a rope tightening more and more. I Label: my pain, my anger , i give it a name and make him real. I then Ask: this inner demon to leave. I move: this imagined boulder away from me while starting off tense and then releasing it. Now i Celebrate: and tell myself "kevin you took a step forward today, I'm proud of you" When focusing on my wants i create what I'm calling a six-pack narrative putting face value opinions of a situation and pair with an emotion in getting a narrative that's helpful to me. "The Relationship Skills Workbook" by; Julia B. Colwell, PHD and a youtube channel "Therapy in a Nutshell" by Emma Mcadam
On factions: Different players being tied to different factions, with competing goals, isn't a problem- it's a wonderful driver of shenanigans and narrative tension.
My problem is that my players say everything except for DnD is not for them. It is really hard to convince them to play something different. If good ideas like the flashback mechanic presented by blades in the dark pop up it is somehow expected to integrate it in DnD. Since your DnD game is your homebrew and you are encouraged to modify it it does not mean that you shouldn't test a new system designed with different visions in mind... It is a shame. That is one of the reason why I hate actively on DnD even if I am a DnD Dungeon Master ^^
Players see shiny new game mechanics from BG3 or other systems and immediately say, "Let's add this to our 5e games!" But they don't realize it's incompatible with 5e as written. But when you try to test a new system, players immediately get fixated on small differences and assume it's wrong. To me, 5e is like a crappy car. Does it run? Yes, but don't go too fast or it will break down on you. I guess it's... not for me.
I look forward to your full Weird Wizard review in the future. As a backer I’m sure you know the volume of products coming just out of the Kickstarter alone. As someone who loves the WW system I would love to see some of your adventure prep videos, but with a Weird Wizard focus. Thank you.
To add to your Four New Words - use "could" not "should" when you think about it - or forewarn people that you have a tendency to use "should" (out of habit/training) but you actually mean "could" as in "oh! you should/could do this, and then you could/should do that"
The "its not for me" is really good thing for a lot of things. i tell new players to my dnd games if you dont like how i run a game, thats fine. let me know so i dont spend weeks figuring out if you really are "busy" or just dont want to play. If i know right away your not coming back i can fill the seat a lot faster. Its funny that even in an online environment people cant be honest about simple things.
I think this is a deeper discussion of what “it’s not for me” actually portends. There would be much more constructive discussion and empathy in the world if we switched to the approach of “that’s not my preference” and allowed that to supercede“I hate that”.
My "bar" for whether I use AI is if its for public consumption or not. If I put something on the internet for people to consume, paid or not, I won't use AI - because they could have just used AI too. But if it's for a personal game, I have no problem, because I'm the DM and I'm trying to entertain my players, not save someone else's time and effort.
On the topic of "It's not for me." Critical Roll once parodied people correcting their games by imitating them saying "Your fun is wrong" If you notice someone saying words to that effect you can quietly find it as amusing as it should be. Another useful phrase that you can use as a comeback is "Don't yuck my yum."
I learned in my job as a teacher that many of us respond to new ideas, different opinions, and in this case, different games in a judgemental way when we should be curious. To be curious and ask someone, "why do you like this game so much?"
Thanks for answering my question! Had I known you'd read the whole thing out I'd have been more concise XD It's just crazy to me that WotC's maps are not tailored for people to actually print out and play with at a tabletop.
@@SlyFlourish Yeah, VTT really does have a lot of advantages and makes the TTRPG experience that much more accessible. It's a pity that in-person play is almost a privilege these days, we spend so much time in front of screens I put such a premium on sitting around a real world tabletop with folks. I'd love to see more efforts by WotC and other large studios to make tactile in-person play around tabletops more accessible.
The philosophy of "It's not for me" is very wise, but I find it very hard to live up to sometimes. Why is it so infuriating when someone likes something we don't? It is because deep down, we're afraid that if they are right, we must be wrong?
As a habitual notetaker (and it's a bit of a curse really), I'm not sure what else to do. I'm either taking written notes or intensely focused on the speaker (while thinking how I'm going to document it). Hell, in H.S. I used to write Bio notes with both hands, since spiral notebooks get the way. So left hand draws the organism sketch, and right hand the description of the parts. It's all learned muscle memory at that point. Yes, you too can write forwards and backwards at the same time (on a whiteboard), and win the stupid tricks award anywhere you go.
If you say "5e isn't for me" then people will absolutely start telling you why it is, actually. 😂 I don't get that with other systems, because usually if I say "horror's not for me" then everyone goes "yeah, you right, don't play CoC then"
Clearly you just haven't tried the right horror yet. As a horror aficionado (I'm not), I perceive a great wealth of differences in horror media, from "psychological horror" to "existential horror" all the way to "religious horror." These distinctions are definitely gonna make the difference for you.
Yeah I've always said that, specially on the 5e vs PF discourse. I played a lot of PF 1e until 5e arrived. I looked at PF2e and its just not for me. I see its merits, I'd play it every now and then but I still prefer 5e. But a lot of Pathvangelist will try to convince you that you're wrong snd it is for you xD
I have found a few of the DCC community are the same. 😂 But, they are as excited for their preference as I am for mine. I am all about low/dark fantasy and Shadowdark is my new go to because it allows for me to alter as needed to make it flow for my vibe. So, of course the crazy gonzo elements of DCC are not for me. I still bought the book to pull from ;-)
people can get really upset when you diminish things which bring them joy. and i have really noticed that people seem personally insulted when you voice an opinion that doesn't align with their own. many years ago my manager was talking about peanut butter. and i said: oh i love pb, but i really can't stand jif; it's too oily for me. my goodness, you'd have thought i insulted their family. how was i supposed to know jif was their kids' fav?? and why does it matter that i don't like that brand? how about we focus on the fact that we both like peanut butter!
How did you use AI to take a markdown file and convert it to a pdf? You have a video of that? I would like to create pdf's but I do not have adobe, nor the money to buy it. But creating pdf's is something AI can help you do? Are you a coder? I thought you were an author and creator of great TTRPG information.
As an old-timer, I find creating motivation from character backgrounds or factions deeply weird. The motivation for my players has always been wealth, fame, and survival.
You're kidding me, right? Playing D&D with ADHD? Maybe I'm a grognard but, talking about playing D&D with ADHD is the is just talking about playing D&D. I don't think I know anybody who doesn't have ADHD that plays D&D. If you get distracted during your games because you have ADHD then you need to play some 4D games and watch that problem completely disappear.
If everyone used “it’s not for me” or explained what they liked, rather than just saying the other thing is bad or explaining why they think it’s bad, the entire world would benefit.
well said Bob!
Saying things are bad isn't for me.
Aye Bob. ❤
Aye Bob. ❤
Bob, this comment isn't for me. ;-)
Thank you Mike for continuing your be a voice of positivity in the TTRPG community. From promoting other creators to having your own phenomenal quality of work, you are truly a breath of fresh air.
Thank you!
I've had to teach my kids to say "It's not my taste" instead of "that's disgusting" in terms of food.
Secrets of the Weird Wizard is out now, in a prerelease form without layout, no images etc., text is also still being proofed, but at least you can read through it and get all the monsters and DM advice ;)
Full Kickstarter fulfillment target is August 2024 and there have already been delays, getting the PDFs of books as they are completed is a nice perk. Anyone looking for a review (or looking to do a review) should understand SotWW is still a work in progress.
Yes. The game is playable, although some might to want for Secrets to be fully formatted before committing. Great game though. I wish Sly had mentioned his previous experience with Kickstarters from Rob Schwalb. When he spoke during the WW Kickstarter he had nothing but praise for the volume and especially the quality of product. As some who’d had both books I can say they are great. I look forward very much to the full review is a few months.
My mom taught my kids that when they don't like something (usually in the context of trying new food), they should just say "it's not to my taste." Great change, and very funny to hear these two young children walking around saying something that sounds so mature.
p.s. I think this is one of the most important videos you've ever posted, for this exact section.
When my youngest cousin was a wee one he was told to say basically the same thing, but came up with his own version: "it's not my favourite" which was so much cuter. We still quote it all the time!
mike, your approach to game mastering has made me such a better GM. So much less prep, far more about what the players want and more fun for everyone.
❤️
One of the best things about this TTRPG era is that the sheer number of systems helps people see how even like-minded people would prefer a different system.
Woo!! Looking forward to the SotWW spotlight! As much as I love Shadowdark's bite sized lore and monsters, it's been a tough sell to my players due to how deadly it is. Weird Wizard is a lot beefier and with its familiar mechanics, I'm hoping to run it soon.
Me too. I’m really glad they release the Secrets of the Weird Wizard (GM Guide) all be it unformatted so games can be played now.
This is a good video! "It's not for me" is a better way of putting it than trashing someone else's preference.
Have been waiting for your observations on how GMs can facilitate lasting character (and player) engagement in Shadowdark over a longer campaign, given the higher degree of mortality. Given that my SD Midderlands campaign is starting in a few weeks, you answered and offered quite timely to my benefit, cheers!
Ginny's ADHDnd video was really good but I in particular am glad that Aphantasia in particular is starting to become more well known in rpg spaces. There's a broad social awareness of ADHD, which is a start -- but people have straight up not believed me when I said that I'm a level 5 Aphantasic. Neurodivergence isn't just autism and ADHD! This wildly changes everything about how I GM and play in an rpg.
Accommodations to aphantasia like handout art, like per-npc tokens, like fully gridded rpg combat, et c. are so incredibly helpful and should be taken seriously as disability aids. A lazy tip is that, anything you can do to differentiate an NPC or scene that isn't a visual description lets you be both lazy AND aphasic-accommodating -- npc mannerisms, describing the function of rooms rather than how they appear, et c. are all great options. Aphantastic-adhd in particular means that long visual descriptions of characters powering up will make your player tune out.
I totally agree with you!
I feel like ADHD in the TTRPG space is being better fathomed and taken into consideration!
But as I am a total aphantasic as well, I totally get what you're saying and I'd love for people to take such initiatives and to have someone make a video like Ginny's (or not) for people to think about it.
Nowadays, I am more on the GM side of things so my descriptions lean more on the side of functions or things that I find tangible like mannerisms, voice and so on. I also use a whiteboard for my players to map the game and place their characters (with dice of color).
Having grown up on the internet, I've developed a survival mechanism where I add "I think" in front of anything anyone says online. The internet is full of opinions which try to pass themselves off as facts. The quicker you realize they're opinions, the less time you're wasting trying to get to "the truth".
(it's also a really useful filter to use when interpreting feedback as a game designer :p)
A curiosity response would be good to. "Tell me what you love about it" would work really well too
0:51 your intro today is a nice smooth intro into Monday. I like this tone
I'm trying to yell less.
I think we conflate game design elements with the game as a whole and forget that a game doesn't need to have what we consider to be good design to be fun.
A very long time ago, while in the military, I would respond to questions about why I wouldn't do this or that by simply saying, "It's not my way." Say and never waiver from it, and those around you come to respect that boundary. Hasn't failed me yet.
Good on you for incorporating math. We need more of this in everyday conversation.
This puts into practice the tools and skills that i use to regulate my emotions . This helps me calm down and inarguably speak truths about who i am and what i want . Its ok to feel however you want at anytime and want things because you want something. Three times a day and whenever i catch myself getting overwhelmed. I use an acronym S.E.W Sensations, Emotions and Wants. Helps create an inarguably truth. By sticking with core emotions like mad, sad, scared and glad. Once i close my eyes and take three deep and slow breaths . I think about how my body feels physically and where . I attach that Sensation to an emotion . Then i try to identify what i want from these two things until I find the root narrative. It helps when my eyes are closed; I first, Notice: my bodies sensations, i then Focus: on the details of the pain by describing it. I then Accept: the pain and acknowledge its there. Expand: by blowing it up physically and mentally by thinking of a sore throat is actually a rope tightening more and more. I Label: my pain, my anger , i give it a name and make him real. I then Ask: this inner demon to leave. I move: this imagined boulder away from me while starting off tense and then releasing it. Now i Celebrate: and tell myself "kevin you took a step forward today, I'm proud of you"
When focusing on my wants i create what I'm calling a six-pack narrative putting face value opinions of a situation and pair with an emotion in getting a narrative that's helpful to me.
"The Relationship Skills Workbook" by; Julia B. Colwell, PHD and a youtube channel "Therapy in a Nutshell" by Emma Mcadam
Good advice for TTRPGs & life!
I love this answer. True Neutral. I’ve subscribed to lovers and haters of 5E, and this is the video I needed
On factions: Different players being tied to different factions, with competing goals, isn't a problem- it's a wonderful driver of shenanigans and narrative tension.
My problem is that my players say everything except for DnD is not for them. It is really hard to convince them to play something different. If good ideas like the flashback mechanic presented by blades in the dark pop up it is somehow expected to integrate it in DnD. Since your DnD game is your homebrew and you are encouraged to modify it it does not mean that you shouldn't test a new system designed with different visions in mind... It is a shame. That is one of the reason why I hate actively on DnD even if I am a DnD Dungeon Master ^^
Players see shiny new game mechanics from BG3 or other systems and immediately say, "Let's add this to our 5e games!" But they don't realize it's incompatible with 5e as written. But when you try to test a new system, players immediately get fixated on small differences and assume it's wrong. To me, 5e is like a crappy car. Does it run? Yes, but don't go too fast or it will break down on you. I guess it's... not for me.
You taught me stats btr than my stats prof. The argument over the best TTRPG reminds me of the arguments over religion.
Secrets of the Weird Wizard was sent to backers last night. The game is now playable.
Yeah! I just downloaded my copy and it looks cool. Can't wait for the final version!
Hello , is that a setting or a RPG system?
@@zombielandiii2711 Both.
I look forward to your full Weird Wizard review in the future. As a backer I’m sure you know the volume of products coming just out of the Kickstarter alone. As someone who loves the WW system I would love to see some of your adventure prep videos, but with a Weird Wizard focus. Thank you.
To add to your Four New Words - use "could" not "should" when you think about it - or forewarn people that you have a tendency to use "should" (out of habit/training) but you actually mean "could" as in "oh! you should/could do this, and then you could/should do that"
The "its not for me" is really good thing for a lot of things. i tell new players to my dnd games if you dont like how i run a game, thats fine. let me know so i dont spend weeks figuring out if you really are "busy" or just dont want to play. If i know right away your not coming back i can fill the seat a lot faster. Its funny that even in an online environment people cant be honest about simple things.
I think this is a deeper discussion of what “it’s not for me” actually portends. There would be much more constructive discussion and empathy in the world if we switched to the approach of “that’s not my preference” and allowed that to supercede“I hate that”.
My "bar" for whether I use AI is if its for public consumption or not. If I put something on the internet for people to consume, paid or not, I won't use AI - because they could have just used AI too. But if it's for a personal game, I have no problem, because I'm the DM and I'm trying to entertain my players, not save someone else's time and effort.
Character Factions: Mike Shea accidentally reinvents Blades in the Dark. No shame, just a good idea.
Not defending it, but it seems like "objectively" is the new "literally."
People need to use words correctly or other people won't know what you mean. This starts arguments that go in circles. It's poor communication.
It's wrong that you're right, but right you are.
On the topic of "It's not for me."
Critical Roll once parodied people correcting their games by imitating them saying "Your fun is wrong"
If you notice someone saying words to that effect you can quietly find it as amusing as it should be.
Another useful phrase that you can use as a comeback is "Don't yuck my yum."
How did I miss the SOTWW kickstarter... ugh. Maybe I can be added to a pre-order list.
I learned in my job as a teacher that many of us respond to new ideas, different opinions, and in this case, different games in a judgemental way when we should be curious.
To be curious and ask someone, "why do you like this game so much?"
Thanks for the video! I really enjoyed it.
Thanks for answering my question! Had I known you'd read the whole thing out I'd have been more concise XD
It's just crazy to me that WotC's maps are not tailored for people to actually print out and play with at a tabletop.
It is. And it's been that way for a long time. Dealing with maps is one of those areas where online play has a huge leg up over in-person play.
@@SlyFlourish Yeah, VTT really does have a lot of advantages and makes the TTRPG experience that much more accessible. It's a pity that in-person play is almost a privilege these days, we spend so much time in front of screens I put such a premium on sitting around a real world tabletop with folks. I'd love to see more efforts by WotC and other large studios to make tactile in-person play around tabletops more accessible.
Oh my god, this markdown tool sounds incredibly useful. Have you shared it anywhere I could find it?
The philosophy of "It's not for me" is very wise, but I find it very hard to live up to sometimes. Why is it so infuriating when someone likes something we don't? It is because deep down, we're afraid that if they are right, we must be wrong?
As a habitual notetaker (and it's a bit of a curse really), I'm not sure what else to do. I'm either taking written notes or intensely focused on the speaker (while thinking how I'm going to document it). Hell, in H.S. I used to write Bio notes with both hands, since spiral notebooks get the way. So left hand draws the organism sketch, and right hand the description of the parts. It's all learned muscle memory at that point. Yes, you too can write forwards and backwards at the same time (on a whiteboard), and win the stupid tricks award anywhere you go.
Not all yums are yucks. Not all yucks are yums. Some yucks can never be yums. And some yums can never be yuks.
Why would anyone pay to see rpg news that's going to be widely discussed in a weeks time?
32:25. , "it's not for me, 3 super powerful words", is it 3? 😊, technically it could be five.
Two pieces of advice for trying new things: try everything and it's only kinky once.
If you say "5e isn't for me" then people will absolutely start telling you why it is, actually. 😂 I don't get that with other systems, because usually if I say "horror's not for me" then everyone goes "yeah, you right, don't play CoC then"
Clearly you just haven't tried the right horror yet. As a horror aficionado (I'm not), I perceive a great wealth of differences in horror media, from "psychological horror" to "existential horror" all the way to "religious horror." These distinctions are definitely gonna make the difference for you.
Yeah I've always said that, specially on the 5e vs PF discourse.
I played a lot of PF 1e until 5e arrived. I looked at PF2e and its just not for me. I see its merits, I'd play it every now and then but I still prefer 5e.
But a lot of Pathvangelist will try to convince you that you're wrong snd it is for you xD
I have found a few of the DCC community are the same. 😂 But, they are as excited for their preference as I am for mine.
I am all about low/dark fantasy and Shadowdark is my new go to because it allows for me to alter as needed to make it flow for my vibe.
So, of course the crazy gonzo elements of DCC are not for me. I still bought the book to pull from ;-)
people can get really upset when you diminish things which bring them joy. and i have really noticed that people seem personally insulted when you voice an opinion that doesn't align with their own. many years ago my manager was talking about peanut butter. and i said: oh i love pb, but i really can't stand jif; it's too oily for me. my goodness, you'd have thought i insulted their family. how was i supposed to know jif was their kids' fav?? and why does it matter that i don't like that brand? how about we focus on the fact that we both like peanut butter!
You should mistrust statistics: they state that, in average, all persons have 1 testicle.
You've clearly never tried telling pf2 fans that their system "isn't for me" XD. They, in fact, will often argue that you're wrong.
60% of the time, 5e works every time.
How did you use AI to take a markdown file and convert it to a pdf? You have a video of that? I would like to create pdf's but I do not have adobe, nor the money to buy it. But creating pdf's is something AI can help you do?
Are you a coder? I thought you were an author and creator of great TTRPG information.
I have an Automator script and use of the application “pandoc”
POCKETMARKER
As an old-timer, I find creating motivation from character backgrounds or factions deeply weird. The motivation for my players has always been wealth, fame, and survival.
But they are wrong and they must be told 😡😡😡😡😜😜😜😜😜😜😜
You're kidding me, right? Playing D&D with ADHD? Maybe I'm a grognard but, talking about playing D&D with ADHD is the is just talking about playing D&D. I don't think I know anybody who doesn't have ADHD that plays D&D. If you get distracted during your games because you have ADHD then you need to play some 4D games and watch that problem completely disappear.