MUDs and Money
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Contents |
[edit] What this article is
This article is an attempt to establish a community standard regarding the payment status of muds.
This article is based on the opinions, experiences, and general consensus of individuals and does not represent any lawmaking, or deciding entity.
This article is meant to be easily understood by all who wish a starting point on this topic.
[edit] What this article is not
This article is not legally binding in any way or anywhere.
This article is not legal advice.
[edit] What is "Free?"
"Free" is a term used in marketing to make products appear more attractive by indicating they can be used without payment. Unfortunately, in the context of muds this causes some confusion.
The reason for the confusion is that while a mud may seem "free" to one person, to another person it may not. The disagreement is most often not about the word "free," as much as about the word "use."
For example, there is debate about whether a mud that does not require a subscription, but requires payment to use the "Sword of a Thousand Truths" is free. This debate has caused the use of terms such as "pay-to-play" or "pay-for-perks" which again generate disagreement because of differing opinions of the words "play" and "perks."
[edit] Mud Listing Categories Proposal
Veteran mudders can have a tough time determining in which vague category a mud falls. Newcomers to mudding can hardly be expected to do better.
For that reason, the following categorization is proposed:
- Payment Impossible
- Type A: Payment and donations rejected.
- Payment Optional
- Type B: Donations accepted but unrewarded with advantage.
- Type C: Donations rewarded with in-game advantage that can also be earned in-game.
- Payment Required
- Type D: Payment required for in-game advantage that can't be earned in-game.
- Type F: Payment required to access most of the game's entertainment.
