[X] My Assistant

[nezumi]

I was in that place. Unfortunately, the person involved was a close friend who had taught me everything I know about RPGs, but had never actually been a PLAYER in one himself. He also had a lot of weird stuff going on in his life at the time.

The first thing I'd say is never try to fight him directly in front of other people. He likely has something to prove (and for good reason!) Simply tell him you'll consider what he said and, if appropriate, reimburse him next game, but we need to continue now, so just make do.

When you get him alone, sit down and talk with him. Explain that yes, he probably is the better GM (or not), but that you're learning the ropes and ultimately, you need to be in charge now. He wouldn't like it if you called him on each thing during game time, so he should show you the same courtesy. However, you would love to hear his suggestions and comments (and in truth, how many GMs really feel they get enough input from their players? Finally you have one who will tell it to you straight and in depth!) If you'd like, run little things by him before hand and ask him lots of questions (of course, if you're not going to implement something, mention it to him beforehand so he doesn't flip out). Consider making him a co-GM even.

If he continues to cause problems, tell him he'll either need to cool it or leave. Then enforce it.

In general I'd approach this like you'd approach any other 'power user' (to borrow a term from the computer world). He wants to be involved in guiding the game. More power to him, use his strength to take some of the work off your lap. Just make sure he knows who makes the final decision.

[TBRMInsanity]

As a GM you should have full control over your game. If a player starts to but in and tell you how to run your game you should turn to them and say "do you want to GM?" and if the answer is no, then tell them to shut up. Each GM has their own style that is unique to that GM and as a PM you shouldn't mess with it. That being said if you don't like the style you have the option of not playing.

[Shrike30]

I think the problem here is that the player does want to GM, but he's not the GM at the moment.

If he can't relax and enjoy you running a game, he should probably take a break for a while. Insisting that he's going to be the guy to run the next session, despite you having a campaign arc planned out, is just rude.

[fistandantilus4....]

Sounds like the guy does have a few issues of his own besides just wanting to GM. I mean , come one, pouting!? And yeah, insisting that he run the game next time is a step to far.

I did used to have a problem getting on the other side of the screen. I started running games for a group of people that had never played before, and basically taught them everything. I was thrilled when they started volunteering to run games. I was less than enthused though when they were doing it "wrong".

In the end, my wife, who also plays, and GM's , was the one that pulled me aside and told me straight out that I was being a dick. If she'd done that in front of everyone else, I probably would have flipped out. But the reality smack made me realize that yes, I was being a dick.

It took some adjusting and some shutting up on my part a few times, but Ieventually got it through my head that this wasn't my game and it wasn't going to be done my way. It;s a bit difficult at times because I'm still the GM, and sometimes other players ask me what to roll instead of the GM. And I do still need the occassional "my game, remember?" But hey, the occassional tongue lashing and I was doing ok again. And really, who doesn't enjoy the occassional tongue lashing? Has there ever been another term that was supposed to be bad, but sounded so good, as this? :D

[Grinder]

[fistandantilus4....]

[mfb]

haha, she finally listened?

[fistandantilus4....]

damn right ;)

[SL James]

So the black eyes got her attention?

[fistandantilus4....]

something had to. It was rough, but it had to be done.

So yeah, I had some guys beat me up for money and made her feel real bad for me until she promised to do things my way. Guilt can be as powerful a motivator as fear. And it lasts once your out of the room! See your average bitch slap do that!

[mfb]

that's showing her!

[blakkie]

The more you suffer
The more it shows you really care
Right? Yeah-ah-ah-ah!