If you want cracks, not putting tape will sure get them for you. What you need to use is mesh tape, not paper tape. It is used everywhere to stop drywall cracks. But, whatever you do, you NEVER just use mud by itself.

I live in the South where every house is built on "Yazoo Clay." The expansion factor of the clay is 10 to 1! If drywall tape is used on seems then i end up with two cracks unless expensive durabond is used underneath then i have one crack. Just putting mud in is faster, cheaper, and easier to repair later (which is inevitable in the Dirty South). Any tips from drywallers out there?