Jim's DMing Style: The brief version:
-Main rule, have fun!
-Adventurers are a balance between improvisation and planning. It all depends on the amount of time I have. I usually have a mix of "theater of the mind" and maps. Combat is mainly done on a map though.
-I try to make sure that everyone gets a chance to shine and thus groups are typically limited to 3-4 people.
-Rules are important, but sometimes they can bog things down and thus I encourage looking up rules after the game rather than in the middle of the game.
-I try not to say no, I try to say roll for it. (With that said, I do operate in the realm of what I believe to be realistic given a D&D world.)
-I like balanced games. Meaning that if everyone is min/maxed excellent or if everyone takes a more story approach that all is good. Hybrid groups tend to be a little more challenging for me.
-I am always trying to become a better DM and thus I not only read about how to be a better DM, but I also appreciate criticism in regards to how I DM.
What I expect from players:
-Have fun
-Be respectful
-Know the your character: spells, conditions your character can inflict, and any sort of creature that it can summon.
Things I am working on:
-Bringing skills to life. Example: Dexterity checks require people to dodge out of the way meaning they end up moving on the board.
-Transitions in combat to make things a little more smooth.