@Kestrel said in Cultural differences between MUDs and MUSHes:
It's pretty asinine, from an outsider's perspective, because it's totally unnecessary by the admission of everyone on this thread who's explained why it's necessary.
I don't think anyone said it is necessary. I think people are saying that it is polite.
It's also practical. About 40% of the time, people in public with no RP partners are idling. Even if they don't appear idle, they may just be checking @mail and Board posts, and are in no mood or place to RP. And, yes, I know that maybe you shouldn't idle on the Public Grid, but there are some pretty stupid people in the world. Frankly, I can't be bothered to deal with them.
So, I page to ask if they want to RP. Kind of like how you ask people at the bar if they would like a drink, so you can figure if they want to talk to you.