From:	David Thompson <david.s.thompson@****.EDU>
Subject:	Motion
Date:	Tue, 12 May 1998 17:40:37 -0400

Frankly, I'm tired of the stifling of ideas and the incessant arguments
that arise from the use of the term munchkin.

I feel that an idea in and of itself is merely an idea. It can be an
unbalancing one, or a good one. It can violate rules, or merely exist as
an interpretation of the rules. A munchkin is a person who role-plays
poorly. They break rules solely to gain power for the character, etc etc.
Just because a person wants to explore an idea beyond the rules does not
make them a munchkin.

Further, we have for the most part never played with any of the other list
members. Some are in the same groups, and some play at cons or over IRC,
but the majority have not had any gaming experience with more than one or
two others. We frankly don't know what kind of role-players are on this
list, and therefore we can't make any statement about how any individual
poster games.

Therefore, I move that the FAQ be modified so that it includes a statement
barring attacks on members of this list, rather than their ideas. Accusing
others of being munchkinous based solely on a knowledge of their ideas for
the game, rather than how they actually play the game makes no sense.
Attacks on ideas are perfectly valid, discuss rules, discuss game balance,
say that the idea has no place in SR, but don't assume that the person
behind the idea is a poor roleplayer, even if the idea is overpowered.
Attacking people only upsets, and it obscures the discussion of the ideas,
which is why I think we are all here.

I personally would like to hear more outrageous and interesting and even
unacceptable ideas rather than simply grind through the standard
conservative boring posts. If I'm alone, then I guess I'll just leave, but
does this list have to be a bastion of conservatism and stifle creativity
with labeling?

--DT