Community Discussion #2: January 20th 2013
Part 3 of 3
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3
Kim: Just doing my job, guvnah!
Earendill: You can see the Matrix, can't you? Probably due to all the programming you do.
Tailbone: That sounds like all kinds of fun, Pen! Also Kim hit the nail on the head - although I think there is a fine balancing act we can write between those things and situations may call for more of one or the other.
Kim: Star: That's a very good idea!
PenGryphon2007: I will admit, the novel for my blind character, since it is written from his perspective, does cut out all visual surroundings and descriptions. But for an RP, I don't expect that at all. And in fact, it would be super hard to roleplay because two people need to know what the scene is to use it to its fullest potential.
Loki: I've done that before Star, when describing clothes and whatnot
Copper_Dragon: @StarArmy: I've done that too, actually! It's a good way not to clog up a post with repetitive descriptions, too!
Sadrain: I agree with Tailbone. And as for linking, sometimes I do that, too, in OOC though, usually.
StarArmy: Is there an archive of these chats? I would love to look at past ones.
Sadrain: There are, actually.
Tailbone: Yes Pen, that's what makes this such a unique form of writing!
Copper_Dragon: I'll find it for ya!
Loki: Yes there is one from last week Star in the news section I believe
Boo: yes there is
StarArmy: Awesome. And thank you.
Kim: Star: This is our second official one, but the summary and log of the first one is available here http://www.rprepository.com/community/newspost.php?post=175
Copper_Dragon: ... Dang it, Kim! I was just about to post. You ninja!
Kim: We've got RP craft discussions planned for every Saturday until the end of February, to kick off the year right.
Earendill: And these talks are awesome! They really enlighten me about other people and their RP.
Loki: Kim is lightening quick!
Sadrain: As Kim linked. xD And as Copped_Dragon just said!
Aw, only until then? Are they going reoccur in the future?
Mellute: Once I describe something I usually don't repeat myself.
PenGryphon2007: These are going to be so helpful!
Earendill: She does have Server as a sidekick.
Loki: The talks are awesome! I even made a new friend last week
Loki: That is true Eran
Sadrain: Talking about that, has anyone found a new role player partner from these conversations? Just curious.
StarArmy: Kim: I follow you on Twitter and will try to join in whenever I can. Great conversation tonight.
Kim: Mellute and others: Do you think there are situations where repetition is warranted? Can it also be a valid literary device, used carefully?
Tailbone: Yes! These are really getting me to think about the way I do things and how that might affect others.
Earendill: I have!
Boo: I didn't, probably because I jsut arrived haha
Sadrain: Aw, Boo, there is always the next time!
PenGryphon2007: Yep, I'm mostly buried in Rps at the moment, but I have a few I would love to RP with sometime.
Kim: I'm going to give you a little time to answer my above question, and then I need to introduce a few other topics in the time we have remaining!
StarArmy: Mentioning the blue gloves in a Firefly RP might be a good repetition opportunity.
Earendill: How much time is that, Kim?
Sadrain: Sometimes, it can be used as in books for story telling. Like underlining what your character senses about something, in dreadful manner, or hinting at tiny changes.
Kim: Star: Let's be friends pronto.
Boo: arrived too late though, good thing I actually didn't miss it
Tailbone: I'm inspired to try new things. Also, hmm. The repetition one is a great question, I'm not sure I can think of an example of how to use it effectively off the top of my head. I'm not going to say it can't! I'm sure it can be used to intensify an effect if repeated, but in a deeper sort of context.
Earendill: I SMELL FIREFLY TALK
Kim: We have about 35 minutes left. Time just fliiiiies when we have these talks!
Loki: Star you're awesome
garoul17: Again, I think it depends, Kim. Some repetition to draw interest to something else if the scene is slowing down can help, but if the thing being reiterated holds no future prospect and the one mentioning it KNOWS this, there's no reason to repeat something about it.
Sadrain: Well, there are more things to discuss, as you see, Boo!
PenGryphon2007: I think repetition is important (for me) so I don't forget the detail. So much information comes across in a post that you can lose track of what you're doing unless it comes up time and again. At least, if you're doing a long-term RP.
Tailbone: I'm not sure if that should be considered repetition or elaboration, though.
Kim: Drums, drums, drums in the deep anyone?
StarArmy: Star Wars: "I've got a bad feeling about this."
Earendill: Anything can be used to a good effect, when given the right situation.
Copper_Dragon: ... I'm sorry, what was the last quesstion, Kim? I seem to have missed it!
Earendill: OHGOD NO, THEY HAVE A CAVE TROLL
PenGryphon2007:
Sadrain: Hahaha, that got me, Kim. xD And I will agree with Earendill.
I have a personal question: do you ever feel like you have met a player with good, developed style, but you just can't accept it? Or can you always adjust?
Loki:
Kim: Copper: The question was "Many people are against repetitive "fluff" information clogging a RP, but are there situations where repetition is actually a valid literary device in RP?"
StarArmy: Repetition works well if you reference something from the beginning of the story. You know the classic gun on the wall that gets used a few acts later.
Earendill: Not really Sadrain. Though I'm generally really accepting of a lot of things.
PenGryphon2007: Good question, Sadrain!
Loki: I don't know who your question is directed to Sadrain, but yes, I have before, I can't always adjust
Copper_Dragon: Oh, thank you!
Kim: Sadrain actually asks a great question too!
Loki: It doesn't mean they are bad rp'er by any means, but they just have different ideas/styles/desires for their plots/characters that just don't interest me in the same way
Earendill: Though I can imagine something like that happening. Not every RPer and character is compatible for RP. Sometimes it just won't work.
Kim: Star: In RP, do you always know where the story is going enough to know it will be important later? Or does it not matter if it's important to one of the characters in the scene regardless of use?
Rubix: Sadrain, I honestly believe that just like it comes to working with people in real life. You can mesh so many ways, but you may just not "click" together. I have a lot of friends on here that I love to pieces, and adore their styles and together we mesh really well in game. But there are some people I've come across over the years that we just don't mesh without the two of us both sacrificing a lot to do so. Neither is fair, but we're still good friends and chat buddies!
Rynh: What Loki said. Not everyone will like your style of roleplay, but it doesn't mean they're bad
Copper_Dragon: @Sadrain - Might try to adjust or become accustomed to the style at first, but if it doesn't work out... well, it just doesn't work out. It's impossible to get everyone to play and like everyone else's style. It's like trying to get everyone to like the same kind of pie.
Tailbone: This rolls around to the clashing of writing styles - I think perhaps story telling styles can not always work well together, although I seldom come across that problem.
StarArmy: I'm usually the game master, so I have a vague idea (but never certainly) of where the story is going. In most cases, although you can't control how fast it'll get where you want it to how, or how curvy the road will be, you can usually get those key scenes fit into the story somehow.
Sadrain: It was direct at everyone and thank you. Well, I personally have problems adjusting sometimes, but I generally try to, especially if I am fascinated by character and don't want to let the role play go (and it feels a bit like a defeat if I do, too).
I am glad, in a way, to see I am not only with such a problem.
StarArmy: never certainty^
Loki: Sadly, I need to miss the end of the discussion because I've got to go run an errand for my Dad It was a great discussion though and I'm looking forward to the summary!
StarArmy: Sorry, that sentence came out a little discombobulated.
PenGryphon2007: In that case, if you're struggling, I see no harm in sending a PM just saying that you're finding it difficult to adapt to the style...chances are the other person may be too. But that goes back to the first discussion I think.
Lorvilran: I have to fix food.
Earendill: Amen to that Star. As a fellow DM, I've had my players run off anywhere than where I expected on times
Kim: Star: The interesting thing around here is that the majority of our games have no "GM". Plots are frequently entirely collaborative. Although we do have some GMed games as well! Which makes these discussions extra fascinating, because there's such a range of styles, not just or writing but of games.
Sadrain: Another question: do you feel like role playing is something intimate? Not in a sense of romance, but like revealing something private to others? More private than just working together you would do in some office?
Lorvilran: of writing^^
Mellute: Repetition is a tool that is best used in small amounts. I have used it to foreshadow upcoming events. I'll usually describe something thoroughly and show that my character has interest in this thought. It'll stand out from the rest of my writing. Then when I repeat information again it will stand out as important and thus create varying levels of interest in the RP. I use fluff to round out the post, make it fun to read and flaunt my personal style of writing.
PenGryphon2007: In that case, games that have a GM are probably more accepting of stylistic differences than those that don't...? *ignore me if I'm going down a rabbit trail*
Earendill: Sometimes I do indeed, Sadrain. Mostly when characters in which I've put a lot of thought and effort and honestly, a part of myself.
Copper_Dragon: Yeah, I do feel like it's kind of intimate in that sense. You're revealing your character--your creation-- to another person. How much you reveal, of course, is up to you.
Kim: Okay, I love love love this discussion, but I have to push us forward. There's at least two more things I want to cover, so I'm gonna motor!
If spelling errors are less important than having meaty posts that give you a lot to respond to, either physically or emotionally, what about deliberate "errors" such as writing in text speak?
PenGryphon2007: No Text Speak. Ever.
garoul17: ^
Rubix: Oh it's definitely intimate, a player tends to put small amounts of themselves into their characters. By opening up their characters to other people they open up themselves as well. I think that's why you can build great lasting friendships with long time rp partners. You're already sharing and caring!
StarArmy: Sadrain: Here's the thing, a player's character is going to have to fit within the mind of the player, so in way RP is personal in that it reveals the ideas (sometimes disturbing ones) and characters that live within all of us under the surface.
Earendill: KIM! Are you saying we're doing too much fluff and the story isn't progressing enough?
Kim: Pen: Why?
PenGryphon2007: Unless the character is texting. And the other character is responding in text speak.
Lorvilran: Text speak is the most horrid of styles!
Copper_Dragon: I can only see one instance where that works:
A modern or sci-fi setting where characters communicate via text messages.
Kim: Earendill: No, I'm saying there'
PenGryphon2007: Personally I can't stand text-speak. It's imprecise and gives a hint of laziness and ... unprofessionalism.
Sadrain: I think, unless it portrays text speak in a text message, then no such thing, please, it shows... Well, being rather illiterate and not interested.
Kim: s far too much meat in this discussion!
Boo: Text speak? Ew. That wouldn't even make sense to me anyway in an actual RP, unless the characters happen to be on a computer and write like that or something.
Tailbone: I personally have a hard time writing without someone as at least the designated scene setter. I don't like to feel as if everyone has full discretion over the world around their characters, it makes the clarity distorted and it harder for me to figure out how my characters would behave. I'd use "GM" in a loose fashion to mean the 'lead writer', which is something that seems to often happen naturally.
Rubix: Oh god, I hate text speak. However if someone in game receives a text, and it's important for the other player to know it I may "type" text speak.
Lorvilran: I can't undderstand a lot off text speak.
Copper_Dragon: Otherwise why on Exodus would I say "Quickfoot yells, "hey d00ds wuld u liek 2 go 2 the drgn den 2 steal $$$$"?
Lorvilran: of*
Rubix: Copper.
Lorvilran: What? o.o
PenGryphon2007: *twitches*
Sadrain: I am glad that some other find role playing something a bit private, not just general work where we barely pass each other.
Tailbone: That's also not a matter of being a better or more quality writer, simply who opens up the scene and keeps it maintained on top of worrying about their own characters.
Earendill: Tailbone: A bit like there being a designated 'server', even in a peer2peer network?
StarArmy: hay gurl wat u doin in this rp. my character raps 2 u.
Copper_Dragon: (That was meant to be mildly humorous, btw. )
StarArmy: RAP BATTLE.
Kim: HAHA your examples are killing me.
Earendill: (It was more than just mildly so)
Mellute: Text speak should not ever be used. Text speak is lazy and meant to shortcut on communication time. In an RP I'd by like "Am I keeping you from something more important? "
Words create stories, not a mass of abbreviations and symbols.
Sadrain: eyyy gurl... wat r u doing. gurl. pls stahp.
Copper_Dragon: Oh my god, Star, that's amazing.
omg my chara raps back @ u.
PenGryphon2007: Like I said...only if said character is texting. Heck, I don't even text like that anyway,I type everything out.
Kim: Okay, so I got a mountain of NO, NOT EVER, but almost nothing about why you think it's problematic-- Nevermind, Mellute just answered what I was going to ask.
Copper_Dragon: (I am dying of laughter now. Thank you, Star. )
Earendill: I do that too, Pen. Probably something I do thanks to RP
Mellute: *Grins*
Kim: I'm highlighting this because I think it's an important point:
Mellute wrote:
Text speak should not ever be used. Text speak is lazy and meant to shortcut on communication time. In an RP I'd by like "Am I keeping you from something more important? "
Words create stories, not a mass of abbreviations and symbols.
Tailbone: Yes, the server allegory so works, haha.
Copper_Dragon: Ahem, but yeah, Mellute put the "why" perfectly. *thumbs up*
StarArmy: Not only that Mellute, but showing you care enough to write well is RESPECT to the other players and respect between members is VITAL to a healthy RP community.
Lorvilran: It's aa horrid form of writing that not all people understand.
Rubix: *highfive* Good job Mellute.
Earendill: As discussed last week! So amen to that, Star.
PenGryphon2007: Definitely.
Mellute: *Accepts high five* Thanks
Kim: And back we go again to last week's discussion about a player's responsibility to others.
Earendill: *adds in another high-five*
Sadrain: Mellute just explained deeper what I said, so, I definitely agree.
Tailbone: Well, we already discussed why writing skills are important and using text speak is not considered proper or quality. However, I will agree it should be used if it is in context and characters are crap typists or writers themselves.
Mellute: Well those are the basics for a reason right?
PenGryphon2007: I have a feeling that's going to be a common theme: Player's Responsibility to Others.
Earendill: Yes! If your character is an idiot, by all means RP them like an idiot
Mellute: Be right back!
PenGryphon2007: But be prepared to have them treated like an idiot.
Earendill: Indeed
Tailbone: Why would we want it any other way?
Lorvilran: If they can't figure out how to spell a simple word such as people or you then they shouldn't be rping.
Sadrain: Hahaha, also a point, Earendill. I know someone with a character who hates to message and if messages, always does it like that to save time, so there it also would make sense.
Earendill: In which case my Ulrin will have to resort to booting them in the butt in the direction of the door.
StarArmy: No, no, it's funnier to describe the idiocy in the most astute way possible. Try sometime.
Kim: If you'll allow me to do some data-mining with my core community members, to see how we can do better 'round here...
Are you aware that the RPR has the rule "Make an Effort" that forbids use of text speak on the forums, among other things?
Sadrain: Still, I see quite a lot of people slipping up an 'u' in pretty decent role plays.
Copper_Dragon: ... well, I'm a moderator. I should already be aware of that rule, shouldn't I? *shot*
Earendill: I was aware of the rule, but totally forgot it actually forbids text speak.
Tailbone: I was aware! It fills my heart with joy.
PenGryphon2007: I did know that! I think I forgot it was listed though.
Sadrain: Hm, I remember reading that, but since it does not point at me (I don't even know chatspeak very well), so I sort of forgot about it. ._.;
Rubix: I wasn't really aware of that rule actually!
Lorvilran: I never shift to u or r I always use you and are as u and r are not words but letters.
Tailbone: An effort filter for quality is a part of maintaining this site and I think it's doing an excellent job.
Sadrain: I don't think anyone present here does, but I think I might know a few who do.
PenGryphon2007: I agree with Tailbone. it weeds out those who don't care as much and keeps the level higher, thus creating better RPers all around.
Earendill: Oh yes, I do love the quality we find here on RPR. Makes me proud to be part of the community.
Kim: The moderators have a list of clarifications about where and when they should enforce this rule, and how to go about it. So far it's been working okay, but I wanted to bring it up today because I was curious what YOU guys thought about how a rule like that should be enforced?
Sadrain: If they bother to read it and don't assume the general rules.
StarArmy: RPR is not GaiaOnline. People join because they see a level of quality they want to enjoy and because they want to be peers with you.
StarArmy: Same with Star Army.
Sadrain: Why did you agree to your self?
PenGryphon2007:
Tailbone: I think enforcement should come in the form of putting emphasis on that fact this is a community geared towards getting the most out of the craft.
Sadrain: Because obviously you should. P= Or maybe I am misunderstanding? ;
Kim: Sadrain: He's referring to another website by the same name.
Earendill: I think he's meaning the RP environment that shares his name
PenGryphon2007: Yep, what Tailbone said.
Earendill: And what Tailbone said. We do want to uphold some standard in RPR, to be a beacon of awesome on the internet!
Sadrain: xD Ah, thank you, I felt like I was misunderstanding something. Well, that was obviously embarrassing for me. ;
Lorvilran: Zane says it's okay Sadrain.
Mellute: I knew it was forbidden! I looked at all the rules before posting actually
Sadrain: Phew, good then.
Kim: You guys make me so happy. Readin' the rules like responsible adults. *sniff*
PenGryphon2007: Yep, I did the same, Mellute when I first got here--mostly cuz I was waaaay intimidated by how to post.
Kim: Should a rule like this be enforced only by the moderators, or are there ways to build the expectation of effort into a community? How can we help new players to learn the minimum expectations that we have of them, regardless of our ultimate play style?
Mellute: *Hands Kim a tissue.*
Kim: *blows*
StarArmy: Kim: The best practice is to set a great example for them.
Lorvilran: I just inform those who rp with me of my expectations.
Boo: By having some kind of "intro level"?
Rubix: I think it's a community effort, Kim. And as for helping new users learn I think that comes from building relationships and honestly that's where OOC comes in.
Kim: How do you do that, Lor?
Lorvilran: With words! The best way.
Tailbone: Yeah, it's a community effort for sure.
Sadrain: We can show them to the rules and explain the simple expectations, but most such people don't even reach our attention and are weeded out by their own lack of interest. Maybe they are intimidated when looking at other posters?
Kim: Boo: Can you elaborate on that idea?
PenGryphon2007: If you're playing with someone and it comes up, the other RPer (back to responsibilities) should tell them that chat speak isn't allowed, that way a mod doesn't have to get involved unless the other RPer refuses to correct their mistake.
Earendill: And yes, the best way is by example! This site is blessed with a core of active users who actively try to keep the community awesome, aided by a team of moderators when there's a need to lay down so authority.
Boo: As in, something similar to a tutorial in a game. The first time one registers, he'll have to go through a small tutorial or something to show rules and all you want to show to newbies so they don't make mistakes.
Mellute: Honestly, because I am not so kind sometimes I ignore people who blatantly do not meet the expectations of the community. But I am trying to help people more.
Sanne: I think we set the example by following the rules ourselves. Monkey see, monkey do!
SeraphicStar: I'm not a monkey! >:C
Copper_Dragon: Yes we are, Seraph.
Sanne: *throws a banana into his face*
XinonHyena: You are and you will like it!
Mellute: I am!
Earendill: No, you're obviously a hatrat.
SeraphicStar: *grabs, flees, climbs up a tree*
Sadrain: Tutorial could be nice, Boo.
And yes, I am a caracal. D8 I only replicate if I want. But you all are pretty awesome, so I decided to play along.
StarArmy: Rather than telling people what's not allowed, it's best to phrase it positively, saying "We want you to develop into an even better roleplayer. Here's our expectations and examples. Can you help us enhance our RP by taking your posts to the next level?"
Sanne: I like that, Star.
Kim: Personally, I'm a dinosaur. As we all know.
Star, I love that kind of attitude.
Solar: And I'm back o3o
Earendill: That's an interesting take on it, Star.
PenGryphon2007: I dunno, sometimes if you get inundated with tutorials it could be a turnoff. It's easier to read the rules first, and then, if you need guidance--resort to a tutorial.
Kim: Welcome back Solar!
Solar: Kim is a dinosaur? What? o-o
SeraphicStar: Welcome back, you!
Earendill: Thank you for helping us help you help each other!
Kim: I'll tell you later, Solar.
Solar: Thank you!
Sadrain: That's also a nice way, something that I actually sort of instantly feel coming from RPR community.
Rubix: I wouldn't even go that far Star, I'd say something like: "Hey, I notice you use a lot of text speak. It's kind of hard for me to read sometimes, can you use the full word?" I try not to "slap their hands", sometimes they just don't know and you want to be positive and nurturing with newer people.
Lorvilran: I'm straightforward, I tell you if something you do will get a bad result.
Earendill: Or as GLaDOS stated so nicely: "Thank you for helping us help you help us all."
Kim: Rubix: I think, after this discussion, I would go further than saying it was hard for me to read.. I might link them to the summary post of this chat, when it goes up!
Solar: And then she tried to bake us into cake.
Tailbone: What Rubix said! Plus, there's no tutorial like experience.
PenGryphon2007: Thank goodness Server is not like GLaDOS.
Rubix: Well totally Kim.
Earendill: That's because it has the Kim personality core aiding it.
Kim: What would a tutorial look like for text RP? Are there substitutes from just playing with good examples?
Boo: Hm
Solar: So if we throw Kim in the Aperture Science Emergency Intelligence Incinerator, the Server will start trying to kill us?
PenGryphon2007: Samples of good RPs and experience, really, are the two main things to improve a writer.
Rubix: I think the most important thing to remember with new rpers (since more than likely that's where this problem will be) is that you want to nurture their creativity while at the same time help them to become better at the craft they're obviously interested in.
Rynh: It'd probably mention how important "action-reaction" is
Boo: How about something directly taken for a normal RP? Like a general situation one would often fall in?
Kim: Wait what? This just took a dark turn.
Earendill: I'm not sure if there can be an actual RP tutorial. After all, it's something you can only really get good at by doing it.
Lorvilran: o.o No Bad Solar!
Rubix: Hmm Kim, that's tough. I could see it as a 2-3 minute video actually.
Solar:
Earendill: The only RP "tutorial" is just diving into it and RPing.
Tailbone: Well, I gotta say that learning to roleplay starts with learning to write.
Kim: Good thought, Rubix.
Kim: From what we're talking about here, it seems like we've come to the same conclusion we came to last week: To keep the community growing and vital, experienced players have to chip in to train up new players, and make them feel welcomed through the difficult transition and learning curve.
Lorvilran: No throwing Kim into the Incinerator.
Rubix: I guess what I'd envision is something like: One part "text speak" vs. a simple but small post. Don't overwhelm, you want them to realize that expanding just a bit, fully putting out their words etc. can help expand their craft. That kind of thing.
Rubix: Yup Kim! It's all about the community.
PenGryphon2007: And you never stop learning to write.
Earendill: It does seem so, Kim!
Rubix: Too true Pen, you've taught me some lessons you punny thing you!
Sadrain: I agree with PenGryphon on that one.
EBG: Tutorial: Nominate an example of an awesome RP to be posted in its entirety, once a month or once a quarter? Would help lurkers and rank newbies (like myself).
Solar: That seems to be true for every kind of community.
Rynh: I agree with Pen. You never stop learning
Mellute: Oooh
Rubix: That's hard EBG.
Solar: If you scare of the newbies, the community can't grow and will eventually turn stale or die. :c
PenGryphon2007: Speaking of cliche...
Earendill: A bit like how we used to nominate featured chars? But featured RPs?
Sadrain: But who would judge them? And what about private and group ones? It would bring a lot of "but I want to get featured, too, am I not good enough?".
Lorvilran: EBG that seems more contestical and could hurt feelings. o.o
Rubix: Because when you start doing that, you start to create a feeling of "elitist" and that is not what RPR needs.
StarArmy: In my RP, there are various occupations in the Star Army that characters can choose from. One thing I have trouble with is getting players to take their character "job knowledge" and passing it to future RPers of that job. What I want to do is compile a "how to" guide based on the combined experience of many players and characters that will show new players the ropes using advice and examples. But it's hard to get people to actually contribute.
Tailbone: Yes, examples are wonderful things to learn from! A suggestion for new roleplayers is obviously to check out the forum first to see how the process works in action from the sidelines.
Sadrain: I am with Lorvilran.
Kim: EBG: A very interesting proposition! How do you guard against hurt feelings and popularity contests, when singling people out?
Sadrain: And Rubix.
Rubix: I've seen far too many amazing roleplay communities get destroyed by doing things like that. I'd be extremely cautious of opening up that can of worms.
EBG: Huh... how is that different from kudos? Sorry to throw a wrench at last second. <retires again to lurk in corner.)
Earendill: I don't think that'd work, Kim. Though maybe we could introduce a system like kudos, but for RPs.
Kim: Friends, we have five minutes left in our scheduled time together. You are more than welcome to stay and discuss among yourselves long after, but let me use that time to ask:
What did you learn from this talk today? What was the most interesting point that you saw?
Rynh: Earen just blew my mind
Rubix: EBG, Kudos are meant to encourage people who may not have played with an rper to rp with them based off of others' interactions.
Sadrain: A kudo is a bit different than featuring just one, because there are many kudos a day, a week. Not just one per month.
Earendill: Because kudos generally don't get seen as a contest, but more as awards for being awesome. A sign of affection of the people whose lives you've improved in some way by interacting with them.
Sadrain: So, I would prefer kudos over actual feature of a role play and please, do not retreat! It was very interesting idea!
Kim: EBG: Kudos are infinite. You can earn a kudos at any time from everyone. If one person doesn't like your style, another might. With one slot a month, it becomes more competitive and forces the moderators to decide which style is "correct".
StarArmy: Rubix: On my side of things, I find that when we have votes for player awards, the larger factions seem to dominate them. And this is because a lot of players don't really read other RPs that they're not in.
Sanne: Kudos are plentiful and everyone can get them just by being nice to others. Singling out single roleplays to be labeled as 'a good example' out of the thousands of RPs on the site is not something everyone can have.
Lorvilran: EBG it is different in that if you feature one you are saying basically thaat this is the ideal not thaat it's aa good form, ass sadrain said many kudos are given per day not just the one per x amount of time.
Sanne: Thanks slow internet. *punches it*
Mellute: I learned that I need to reevaluate my own writing. Is what I am posting good for the RP or is it my own Selfishness? But Selfish and fluffy writing can by fun so long as it doesn't get too out of hand.
Lorvilran: as*
Earendill: And Kim: The most important thing I've learned today is that everything we did today always came back to last week's chat. Or in other words, once again it's proven how tightly knit IC and OOC really are.
Kim: We're almost ganging up on EBG now, guys. Can I redirect you back to telling me what was valuable today? What else would be helpful for us to talk about?
Tailbone: I did a lot of thinking on what it takes to have quality scenes focusing largely on dialogue. I also considered how I might be able to better myself in that field as well as what I can do to further eliminate potential 'fluff' and make my writing more dynamic and streamlined in that way. I learned that communication between players goes much deeper than I think most tend to give it credit for.
Rubix: Hmm I haven't really been in a community that had successful player awards without somehow becoming clicky or ostracizing community members. I'd love to hear how it has worked out though.
PenGryphon2007: Things I learned/Most interesting: I'd have to say that it was all about "Content" and not about "Post size". I'm with Mellute...I need to keep working on my writing skills and learning that writing is a process that gets better over time.
StarArmy: Kim: I think the point about how beneficial it is for players and GMs to discuss what is and is not put into the RP (show vs tell) so there's a common understanding.
Sadrain: I have learned that lot of people take a lot of things in different ways, but there is always some common base, or nearly always so. And you can have a decent conversation even if you don't agree. That lot of people have in a way similar opinions and that I am not only one to appreciate books as learning material and role playing as a craft and art.
I am actually with EBG idea of kudos! Or how Earendill formulated it!
Tailbone: I think we could talk plenty more on how to welcome and help new players learn!
Rubix: I missed a lot of this Kim, but I'd say that I definitely learned a rule I hadn't realized!
Rubix: Totally Tailbone.
Sadrain: And, yes, of course, I was once more reminded that I am still learning.
Kim: Would any of you be interested in organizing "style" days, where everyone tries to play in a certain style that day? Just to try on different ideas and expand our horizons?
PenGryphon2007: Oh man...I would love that!
Earendill: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED KIM
Mellute: Oh yes that would be fun!
Sadrain: It sounds interesting, but with my hectic time and things, I am not sure if I would be able to take part in it.
Rubix: Ho-ly-co-ow. That'd be fun Kim! Put this little cubey down.
Nuclear_Dingoz: that sounds interesting to me..
StarArmy: Yo is thre gonna b a txtspk styl day?
SeraphicStar: That'd be pretty darn cool!
Rubix: LOL Star.
PenGryphon2007: *twiiiiiiitches*
Earendill: Or rap battle style day
Sadrain: How about character design and profile discussion day sometime? Because I was thinking of making one my self, but just so.
StarArmy: Sorry, I couldn't help it. Great discussion today! I'm going to give a Twitter shoutout about it too.
PenGryphon2007: Character design/profile discussion would be great!
Rubix: YES SADRAIN!
Rubix: I'd so love that.
Earendill: Hmm, yes. A conversation about what goes into designing a character might prove interesting
SeraphicStar: That'd be pretty cool!
Rynh: Agreed! I could learn a lot from that!
Solar: Oh yes, I think I could benefit from such a discussion! o:
Lorvilran: I wouldn't as I'm too iffy on my own posts/feel deficient.
Earendill: And we can even take it a step further: Discuss what goes into making an immersive storyline, or even continuity!
Kim: StarArmy, if you want, wait until tomorrow and you can link to the summary and logs of this whole thing.
PenGryphon2007: yesssss
Rynh: If there's one thing I'm horrible at it's not making a mess of my profiles
Solar: Please do!
I will take notes!
Tailbone: Ohboy, ohboy, a discussion on character construction and profiles?
Rubix: YESSSSSSS EAREN
Tailbone: That sounds absolutely delightful.
Kim: Character design discussions are already on the docket for our planned saturday topics. We have several days of looking at it from different angles, even.
Rubix: *explodes into hearts*
Earendill: I bet you'd just eat tha tup, Tail.
PenGryphon2007: awesome!
Tailbone: Yaaaay. Also you know I would.
Mellute: I am so excited!
Rynh: Woo!
Mellute: It was awesome that I could be here with you guys afterall!!
StarArmy: Kim: Already posted, but I can RT your tweet
Tailbone: I've been having concerns lately, actually, about the line between too much and too little plus how to organize a lot into a good format. It's tricky! I can't wait to talk about it.
Kim: Thank you all for attending today! I know these chats are thoroughly chaotic, but having so many voices makes them all the more valuable. I learn enormous amounts from all of you, and am emboldened to try new things!
Earendill: I agree with that sentiment, Mellute. These chats make me feel more connected to the community.
Rubix: Thanks for doing these Kim!
Mellute: By the way, Rynh. Your Avatar makes me smile.
Rynh: The Internetshark did it again!
Earendill: Can't wait til next saturday! These chats really give me something to look forward to during the exams.
Sadrain: Thank you for today, everyone! Have a great day/night and all next week! Good luck and have fun playing!
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3