Forums » RP Discussion » None IC posting.

So there's topics for IC posting. In character. No personal personal posts towards each other.

There's topics for OOC. Out of character. Technically this can cover personal posting but it really doesn't.

Often when people say "Roleplay" they mean "IC only". Which is why I make it clear when I'm making a post towards someone from myself (personal posting) or when I'm being IC only.

The more I think about it the more a lack of a middle ground bothers me. Not just on this site but in general. People make personal posts towards each other all the time. Sometimes in public and sometimes not. Sometimes with IC as well and sometimes without. So why does every RP site lump it into "IC" when it's not actually IC? In my experience the lack of being clear on the matter leads to miscommunication which in turn can lead to assumptions which can in turn lead to drama. While people that are "better known" tend to be the ones that personal posts are made with it makes me wonder if sites in general would have more of this if it was more clearly spelled out and had a place for it.

I used to roleplay somewhere that had a term for this, we just called these "omit" posts. People liked to post as their characters commenting on what was going on in the RP, I thought it was a fun way of interacting with people without breaking character or immersion. Omit posts were still considered OOC because they didn't influence the RP at all so I wouldn't say they were a middle ground.

I'm not sure I follow, this is my first time hearing about any kind of grey area. Can you help me out with some examples?

How does OOC not fully cover personal posting when it is used properly? As I see it, any post that is not direct communication as yourself is RP/IC.

What would be an IC-but-personal post? Do you mean where people RP in first person as a way to chat? ("I wave to you."/-waves- as opposed to "Hello.")

@MinetteDuMal - it sounds like using the collapsible OOC posts option might be useful for those kinds of comments?

I forgot myself actually. The penny dropped.

Persona. That's it. "Persona" posting. When you post with the person. Either as much as the character or because it's their "online identity".

So if someone made a thread in OOC about wanting to "talk and express themselves with their actions with others and get to know each other which is good practice for IC roleplay" that would be fine in OOC?

Just makes me think there isn't much of a focus on persona in general. I been around the block a lot. Furcadia, F-chat, Second Life. People do "happen to get to know each other" and it's great when that happens in public areas. But how many people would be interested in that here if they got used to the habit of using OOC for talking only? If there was a sub-section for "persona" people would think to themselves "Alright, I know what this is about. I got myself in the right mindset for this".

Being used to IC only can cause struggles for IC only people too. If there's no "middle ground" that is a focus for both (in general) it can make it more difficult to get to know "the other side of the fence". So persona is like a compromise of sorts. IC only people have IC places. OOC has talking. Persona has, well, persona with maybe a bit of talking. I've just never seen a "place" for it.

Try suggesting a place for it in "Suggestions and Development"?

As far as I know, there's no such location within the general populace where that is accepted via any of the OOC outlets. I completely get the manner of behavior and speech you're referring to. I just don't think its ever taken here, and if I'm being honest, I suspect it won't any time soon. Keep your fruit baskets ready.

Maybe a place in chat would be better. Easier when it's "in the moment" I suppose.

I just keep thinking of chat rooms I been in where it's a mix of talking and random posting. Pretty chill places too.

Again... perhaps voice that issue in "Suggestions and Development". *Shrugs* Maybe PM a mod? Dunno. Good idea, I suspect. Hope it works out.