I may not be the first person others have paid to train them how to use technology to allow them to play RPGs online, but it is a new concept and experience for me. [Listen to the companion Podcast here.]
The other day, I got an email out of the blue asking if I’d be interested in training someone how to use Roll20, and he was willing to pay me for it.
I was a bit shocked. I tried googling the name to see if it was a prank or something to be taken seriously. I couldn’t find any obvious prank or troll, so I replied asking all kinds of questions. Why me? What exactly do you want to know? Do you know how to play D&D already? and so forth. We had an exchange of questions, I proposed a fee, he agreed and we scheduled some time.
He had seen my YT series, Roll20 For the Absolute Beginner, and he wanted someone to get him started running a game for his group, as they are all interested, but none of them have experience in using Roll20. He thought, “Why not see if I can find someone and pay for training.”
He said I was the first person he asked. I found that very flattering.
Friday night we had our first two hour session. Creating a sample game and going over settings and the basics. There are a lot of little things that are hard to recall wihtout using them. So I suggested he just play around with what I’ve showed him so far, and that will help him become familiar with it.
We’ll do another session in a couple days, and maybe a follow up session later, if needed.
I’ve known about professional GMs for a few yeas, but this seems like something that might pan out for players who are not tech savvy who want to use technology to play D&D and other RPGs. There’s lots of different programs for different things, and some people want the answers of how to get started in a format they can absorb and put to use without having to wade through manuals, etc.
As someone who currently plays mostly online, excpet for cons, I love RPGs and if I can help people get over the hump of using a program to help them enjoy their favorite RPG with their friends, I’m glad to help. My YT series, Roll20 For the Absolute Beginner, is very popular and gets hundreds of views a month. I can go much more in-depth one on one than I can in a video that is best kept to 15 or at most 20 minutes.
Peronally, I don’t think it’s hard, but I love technology and have been using internet technology for over 20 years and using Roll20 for 6 years. I’m a dig in a figure it out kind of person. It’s why I’m so good at my day job. As with anything, once you know the answer, it’s easy.
Our first session went well, and he asked for another session, so I think I did well. I was up front about the features I’m not familiar with, like some brand new features, but mostly the paid features, as I still have a free account. So I’ve got some homework to do to help explain some paid features. I’ll probably get a paid account so I can use them and not just rely on the online documentation.
If this ends well, then I may make myself available on a regular basis for paid training. That’s not the way I thought I’d get fame and fortune in RPGs, but teaching how to use the tools is analogous to the merchants in the gold rush. There are lots of people of all ages who are not tech savvy or with the patience to figure it out, or want to start playing right away. Not everyone can luck into a group with a knowledgeable and helpful person to show them the ropes with Roll20.
