I think this is the kind of thing that you don't really ask about ahead of time, you just do it and see where it goes. What other answer is there other than, "Why not?" =)

The worst thing that could happen is you never hear from anyone.

No, the worst thing that could happen is you get eaten by a grue.

EDIT:

SEE!?

Well, the main reason for asking was to find out whether people would rather something silly or serious (the latter of which I actually have to do some thinking for - gasp!).

Everyone is the player (rather than everyone is a player).

It's as if I'm playing the text adventure on my computer, and you're watching over my shoulder, shouting suggestions. I'll pick a subset of them and type them in, and then you get to see what happens as a result. I'm not going to maintain individual progress through the adventure for everyone who posts - that way lies madness. (Although I have done games with 6 or so players, where I communicate with them individually to get "commands", and then write up their progress as a story when everyone has taken their turn. But that's a lot of work, less fun (only a few can play, everyone else has to spectate), and prone to failure (a couple of people will inevitably end up dropping out).)

I lean towards slightly nonsensical and surreal. Not only will it fit better with the nonsensical and surreal commands people are likely to type, it'll save on your sanity because you won't have to worry as much about continuity, consistency, and long-term story. Or a semi-serious setting where weird and out-of-the-ordinary things can happen. (A wizard did it!)

I think it's a good idea, I think it'll work with this crowd. However, I think you need to lay down a couple of ground rules when you do it. Like, really ridiculous or convoluted commands will get a "I don't understand" response, and you should only reply to one command at a time (like how the "Name that movie" thread generally only has 1 unanswered movie image at a time).

Replying to only one command at a time makes things move really slowly (especially since I'm in a different timezone to most of you). So I'm happy for people to issue multiple commands on the understanding that I'll pick whatever seems most appropriate (e.g. I won't pick two that conflict).

If people type convoluted, ridiculous commands then they'll either just not get picked or they'll get an equally ridiculous response

Item added to inventory: HER TITS

She is bleeding heavily from the chest area.

> Catch bullet in teeth

I vote for either "GROPE SELF" or the perhaps more practical "LOOK ROOM"

> drink no tea

He writes like Friend Computer.

HAPPINESS IS MANDATORY.

If the game didn't want you to try it, then it wouldn't be in the strategy guide.

> take note: "Get bonus points later by implementing an actual game version of this thread in Inform 7."

>light torch