Editing Play-by-mail game (section)

===Diplomacy===
According to ''Paper Mayhem'' assistant editor Jim Townsend, "The most important aspect of PBM games is the diplomacy. If you don't communicate with the other players you will be labeled a 'loner', 'mute', or just plain 'dead meat'. You must talk with the others to survive".<ref>[[#Tow87|Townsend 1987]]. p. 29.</ref> The editors of ''Paper Mayhem'' add that "The interaction with other players is what makes PBM enjoyable."<ref>[[#Pap90e|Paper Mayhem 1990]]. p. 3.</ref>

Commentator Rob Chapman in a 1983 ''Flagship'' article echoed this advice, recommending that players get to know their opponents.<ref name=chapman83>[[#Cha83|Chapman 1983]]. p. 12.</ref> He also recommended asking direct questions of opponents on their future intentions, as their responses, true or false, provide useful information.<ref name=chapman83/> However, he advises players to be truthful in PBM diplomacy, as a reputation for honesty is useful in the long-term.<ref name=chapman83/> Chapman notes that "everything is negotiable" and advises players to "Keep your plans flexible, your options open – don't commit yourself, or your forces, to any long term strategy".<ref name=chapman83/>

Eric Stehle, owner and operator of Empire Games in 1997, stated that some games cannot be won alone and require diplomacy.<ref name=Stehle97>[[#Ste97|Stehle 1997]]. p. 7.</ref> He suggested considering the following diplomatic points during gameplay: (1) "Know Your Neighbors", (2) "Make Sure Potential Allies Share Your Goals", (3) "Be A Good Ally", (4) "Coordinate Carefully With Your Allies", (5) "Be A Vicious Enemy", and (6) "Fight One Enemy At A Time".<ref name=Stehle97/>