Computer Moderation: The Bane of the Play By Mail Industry

[JonO]

Sorry, Grim, but I have to disagree with your basic premise, too. Now Rimworlds was never just hand moderated, but we encouraged special actions had a pretty descent ability to make changes to status based on orders given in special actions, and would offer up detailed responses that weren't just boiler-plate. In addition we strongly encouraged role-playing and human interaction - but understood that much of that would come not because of, or with, dah ref, but without his help or knowledge. Had we not had our computer providing the cake, we could never have spent the time and effort providing the icing of interaction both with the GM and with other players.

I also argue that PBM isn't dead unless you insist on getting your turns delivered by the increasingly unreliable snail mail. PBM is an attitude towards gaming by both players and GMs that can be (and is) provided by both PBeM and PBWeb.