[Malex]

Jokes are fine, so long as they don't completely derail the game by looking up on the 'net where the jokes source is.

[Dead Monky]

OH I know that feeling all too well. Worst thing is when no one is paying attention to the game and is instead reading, on a laptop, or using a GameBoy. I end up wanting to pass out meds to quell their ADHD tendencies.

I had a player in a D&D group that would wander off to check her email or lolCats or text or some bullshit whenever it wasn't a fight and her character's turn.  The other players and I eventually got so fed up with her and her shit that I killed her character with a random runaway cart, gave her character's stuff to the other PCs, and told her to piss off and go home.

EDIT
Fixed things.

[LonePaladin]

I pointed out to my players that, for this game, I'm trying to break a lot of my habits from running D&D games -- especially when it comes to moving the story along.

I explained to them that this game has a lot of misdirection, incomplete information, or even outright lies. If the group takes the clues they've gathered and drawn the wrong conclusion, I have to actively resist the urge to correct them. It doesn't help that my last group was the sort who could be handed a dozen clues and four hints, and get absolutely nowhere with it. This time, I've got a crowd that's a lot quicker on the uptake.

I have to leave it up to them to tell me where they're going and what they do when they get there, rather than just feeding them the next step in the plotline. (Yes, the old group was that slow.)

I think that, once they get the hang of data-searches and contacts and legwork in general, it'll work out.

[Fortinbras]

Good GM rule: No internet. No phones.
Unless you've got a baby on the way or you're on call, whoever it is can wait until Ares has their paydata.
Expect this to be enforced at Texicon

Also, everyone in the DFW area sign up for my Texicon game. Shameless plug: because free publicity is something you just can't buy.

[LonePaladin]

I can think of one exception to the "no phones" rule. If everyone at the table has phones with a data connection -- I specify this 'cause my wife and I are the only ones without -- I'll allow the players to use their phones to text each other. It's potentially more efficient than passing notes, and it emulates something the runners themselves can do.

[James McMurray]

Good GM rule: No internet. No phones.
Unless you've got a baby on the way or you're on call, whoever it is can wait until Ares has their paydata.
Expect this to be enforced at Texicon

Also, everyone in the DFW area sign up for my Texicon game. Shameless plug: because free publicity is something you just can't buy.

You may want to change your link. Adding quotes to the url tag on these forums messes things up. I've found it's best to just say www.texicon.net. Anything else is likely to get the link garbled like this one was.

On a second note. Nice! I didn't realize there were any cons left in DFW. I'll have to check it out and send my group a link.

[Mystic]

I try not to be too hard on players, especially when the jokes start flying. Then again, when I'm not GMing, I tend to be the one slinging the jokes. My old-jewish-Glasswalker werewolf impression from WoD has become legendary. Heck, some of my best gamining memories are some of the jokes. I do eventually settle down, especially when there is "work" to be done, but hey; when you have an opening you HAVE to take it!

[LonePaladin]

The best part is when someone gets the laughter rolling while in character.

This past Tuesday, we brought in a new player with a hacker. At one point, he told the rigger to get him some Taco Bell before he did a Matrix run, claiming "Can't hack without my taco farts!"

You can imagine the reactions.

[Dead Monky]

I think the character we've had the most jokes revolve around was an elven Swordmaster my gf's sister ran in EarthDawn.  The character would pretty much sleep with anything with two legs and a hole.  Eventually it got to the point where we had to a keep a list of the various towns and villages we couldn't return to without running into one of his bastard children or angry ex-lovers.  A couple times, the group resorted to dressing him up and "disguising" him with a bag over his head while pretending he was someone else that is hideously scarred and disfigured and very sensitive about it.  Much hilarity ensued.

[CanRay]

I think the character we've had the most jokes revolve around was an elven Swordmaster my gf's sister ran in EarthDawn.  The character would pretty much sleep with anything with two legs and a hole.  Eventually it got to the point where we had to a keep a list of the various towns and villages we couldn't return to without running into one of his bastard children or angry ex-lovers.  A couple times, the group resorted to dressing him up and "disguising" him with a bag over his head while pretending he was someone else that is hideously scarred and disfigured and very sensitive about it.  Much hilarity ensued.

"The scary part is that, apparently, he considers the hole 'Optional'."   

[Dead Monky]

"The scary part is that, apparently, he considers the hole 'Optional'."   

Pretty much.

[Blond Goth Girl]

I run a very roleplay, mystery heavy game - think or sink.  I have roleplay awards (about 25 of them - like most embarrassing moment inspired by Ugly Betty, A Clockwork Orange - Best revenge), the Cards of Doom (used when the team unbeknown to them were transporting a hair follicle from Satan)  and weird stuff. 

http://www.penandpapergames.com/forums/blog.php/2735-Blond-Gamer-Girl

[Mystic]

Friend of mine used to use what he called "wit points" in his games. One gets them by making the GM laugh so hard or say something so profound that you stop the game...in a positive way. Doing it out of character would often garner 1-3, IN character, double it. He used to run Marvel Superheros and WoD and for every 5 wit points, you could cash in for a experience point.

I was the only one to earn 15 in one shot with my ancient jewish glass-walker werewolf impression during a Werewolf: the Apocalypse game. Had EVERYONE rolling. I've used wit points in my games for a while, before people kept trying too hard to earn them.

[mortonstromgal]

After I have a general idea of the movers and shakers and who is trying to do what I tend to jot down the mission and 3 things that will make it interesting. Everything else is off the cuff. My relationship maps have been known to get super complicated though potentially hitting triple digit npc numbers by the end of a year of playing. (so 40 or so sessions) 

[Charybdis]

Friend of mine used to use what he called "wit points" in his games. One gets them by making the GM laugh so hard or say something so profound that you stop the game...in a positive way. Doing it out of character would often garner 1-3, IN character, double it. He used to run Marvel Superheros and WoD and for every 5 wit points, you could cash in for a experience point.

I was the only one to earn 15 in one shot with my ancient jewish glass-walker werewolf impression during a Werewolf: the Apocalypse game. Had EVERYONE rolling. I've used wit points in my games for a while, before people kept trying too hard to earn them.

I like this concept. It's similar to the old 'Paralyse the GM with Lauighter' schtick, but more flexible. +1 to you sir.

...and, Oy-Vey!  ancient jewish glass-walker werewolf?  I can imagine that actually:
'Vy, ven I vas younger, ve vent 40-days and nights with no food nor water. But did ve complain? NO! So you schmucks jus' SHADDAP or I'll bite you in half so qvick your head will roll one way while your legs run a mile in the other! Now get me my damn bagel!!'