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That's right, I'm fixing to run myself a game of Diplomacy by mail! (well, by forum)

As per the usual rules of courtesy, I won't be playing, only refereeing. I've invited my friends and acquaintances to play.

What I'm looking for is
A) some feedback on my method of running it, and suggestions, and
B) possibly an experienced ringer or two should I be unable to fill up all 7 spots.

On to the method!

What I've done is send individual messages to everyone who might be interested in playing with a brief rundown of what's going on. This is to keep my players from knowing who's in the game. I've also created a forum where I will be hosting the game. I chose the forum format because it allows both private messages and public posts. I have a registered forum where I will be posting the maps and summaries after each turn.

Each player will have a pre-created account on the site, named after their country and with their avatar as that nation's flag. The hope is that each player will remain anonymous to facilitate both the diplomacy and the backstabbing elements of the game. This way, say, Bosma won't ally with Lane, just because it's Bosma and Lane. This will force players to look past their pre-existing relationships. It's also a lot easier to backstab someone anonymous than it is to backstab someone you know. This should up the ruthlessness level of the gaming. I will also create a number of sub-forums (10) with passwords on them, to be used to larger groups of players. The players can both send me a PM with all of the players who need access to the forums names, and those players will receive a password to one of the numbered sub forums. This will facilitate larger alliances. Should the alliance break apart, the players will notify me and I will cleanse the forum and change the password. This way players can conspire in confidence, knowing they aren't being spied upon.

So, thoughts about my method? Anyoneexperienced interested in being a potential ringer? I'm especially looking for a strong player who's willing to be (shudder) Italy .

Thanks in advance!