[SFD] An Experimental Idea

While listening to podcasts at work I came across a totally intriguing concept, having nonactive players stepping into crowd npcs and roleplaying them. I call them "crowd npcs" as these are npcs whose sole existence is to be scenery, players familiar with older Crpgs will know them as the "Sigh, times are tough" bar patrons. The whole idea of being a DM who DOESN'T have to roleplay the minor scenery npcs when the party, of course, splits up to try and pursue two goals or more at once. This is a wonderful idea for me as it allows some additional player control of the plot as they can dictate additional elements of the world, as I have no problem rolling with the changes. However there are a few rules to this idea;

• Dont be a dick - just like Phil Plait says, this should always be a golden rule
• Pick an unimportant npcs - dont pick the king, pick a servant or bodyguard
• you're playing an npc to add flavor, not to try and add to the plot
• dont do anything to harm another PC (causing trouble for your own PC is fair game)

Im quite willing to allow this with any player ive run for before, and others are welcome after they have gamed with me and gotten a taste of my style.