I have some friends that want to play DnD sometime soon. The only thing is we need a DM so I volunteered. I think I am pretty good at story telling. But what are the keys to being a good DM other than story? Also I used to have the 3.5 books but some jerk stole them from me. But my friend got me the version 3 DM book.

So my main questions are as followed:
How much preparation do you put into the story in your games?
Can I use version 3 DM guide with a 3.5 player guide and monster guide?
Is version 3 worth it compared to 3.5? Is version 4 worth playing?
Do you like more story or combat in your quest?
What bores you the most in the quest?

I would recommend you watch these guides http://tinyurl.com/6e2p6rh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvzeRQxTgYM&feature=related . I have found Repesper's guides to be very helpful. Edit Sorry about the second link for some reason I was unable to turn it into a tinyurl.

Why are you using tinyurl? Are you trying to make me go to a Pron site? Are you trying to make my computer explode or install malware on my computer young man? :stare:

Hint: http://i.imgur.com/JK3o1.png (click Share)

I was just trying to make them smaller. After all that's what a tinyurl is used for right. Or are you joking?