I think it’s super interesting re the need to nail down exactly where the bright line between work (fun or not) and play (fun or not) lies. Like, why is that even important?

I’ve put fun work into not-fun play: Rogue Trader, baby!

I’ve put not-fun work into fun play: Belief workshopping before every Burning Wheel game.

…where “fun” definitely means “entertaining” (to me) and might also include “rewarding” but not necessarily so.

I think my sweet spot is rewarding work resulting in entertaining play. But boy oh boy folks seem to get offended at using the word “work.”

For the facilitator in particular, setting up at the table most definitely falls in the “emotional labor” category, and saying otherwise devalues that service when it’s done well.