[Threshold]

Considering the fact that merchandise is a very common business model for many forms of online entertainment, I don't think you can say that whatsoever. A MUD that sells merchandise may use all manner of enticements and encouragements to pressure or "suggest" that people buy merchandise.

Once money changes hands between player and admin, it changes the relationship significantly. It becomes a business relationship, whether you want to acknowledge it or not.

Furthermore, the issue of "rewarded in game" has *STILL* not been resolved. There are still a zillion different interpretations for "rewarded in game", and having that in the options is just begging for flame wars in the future. Doing something on purpose, in advance, that we KNOW will cause flame wars is not wise.

There is only one distinction that can be made clearly and accurately: does money ever change hands between players and admins.

The more I read this thread, the less it sounds like trying to educate players with valuable information and the more it sounds like specific MUDS with specific payment models jockeying for changes that will show THEIR MUD in the best light. That is definitely not a good reason to make a change to the search options.

We are better off with no changes, and just letting MUDs describe themselves in their own words than adding inaccurate, vague search options that were designed in a biased manner to benefit 5-10 people who yelled the loudest.

But if there MUST be options added, then only add options that are factual, accurate, and verifiable and do not have vague, subjective terms.