RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Beginners

19:22, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Newbie With a Question.

Posted by Squee
Squee
member, 1 post
Thu 18 Sep 2014
at 20:43
  • msg #1

Newbie With a Question

Hello, I am an experienced RPer new to the site. I have been looking around to see how things work here—read many of the FAQ and browsed several games to get a feel for how things are set up. There is one thing that I have seen consistently in all of the games that I have been able to read the IC posts for and that is very short posts, alot of one-liners.

I am looking for RPers who share my enjoyment of decently written, descriptive posts of at least 2-3 paragraphs and I'm wondering if this maybe isn't the right place for that crowd?
Merevel
member, 780 posts
Gaming :-)
Very unlucky
Thu 18 Sep 2014
at 22:03
  • msg #2

Re: Newbie With a Question

That honestly depends on the RP, and the players. I have seen one game where it looked normal for 4-5 paragraph posts. Free form and FATE tend to have more narrative type posts then some rp systems.

Another factor is how strict the GM's are about maintaining post quality.
pfarland
member, 237 posts
Thu 18 Sep 2014
at 22:24
  • msg #3

Re: Newbie With a Question

In defense of short posts, sometimes especially if the game is fast paced with multiple posts per day, one liners are better.  It more accurately describes an ongoing conversation.  Where a slower paced game needs to have long posts just to make sure a single conversation doesn't play out over months.
This message was last edited by the user at 22:24, Thu 18 Sept 2014.
kouk
member, 476 posts
Thu 18 Sep 2014
at 22:54
  • msg #4

Re: Newbie With a Question

It does depend on the game and what the GM wants when they set it up.

If posting length isn't explicitly stated (I find it usually isn't, I'm mostly a D&D gamer) then you would look to what the GM presents as "standard" by their own posts, and how they describe the game.

Most of the time the playerbase, however much they write in the beginning, will eventually align to the GM's posts.

Not in literal length, but proportionally. If the GM posts one paragraph routinely, then the players will do a couple sentences to a paragraph. One-liner for one-liner. There is sort of a give-and-take relationship that develops, a desire to at least put in a good amount of effort to match what others are putting in.

If it wasn't established intentionally that a game would be OK with short posts, then the conclusion tends to be that the GM is not giving the players enough of interest to work with (or they don't see it that way), and interest is waning in a game. That, or the GM was not evaluating the applicants to see about their writing abilities.

(P.S. Making firm posting restrictions as to 'words per post' is in my opinion not a good idea. You can have posting guidelines, but don't prescribe X words per post -- sometimes a short post is adequate or superior than a full page of text. EDIT: And you have to make allowances for restricted amount of time to post some days for some players.)
This message was last edited by the user at 22:56, Thu 18 Sept 2014.
Squee
member, 2 posts
Fri 19 Sep 2014
at 01:45
  • msg #5

Re: Newbie With a Question

Thank you all for your feedback. I have been putting a RP together and am heavily considering hosting it here to see how it does. This site seems to have some very nice features.
icosahedron152
member, 357 posts
Fri 19 Sep 2014
at 02:52
  • msg #6

Re: Newbie With a Question

This site does have some very nice features - it's why we're all here. :)

Fear not, there are some players here who share your standards.

As others have said, there are several factors that influence the post length. Type of game is very important: if you're playing a game of 'kick the goblins' heads in' you'll find more one-liners. If you're playing a game of intrigue in the court of Machiavelli, you'll find longer and more intricate posts.

The GM style is also important, as players will tend to emulate the GM and each other. Unfortunately that means that post length sometimes has a tendency to deteriorate during a game. You may all start out with the best intentions of writing multi-paragraph atmospheric posts, but a couple of short lunch breaks, a post or two from your mobile, and a few surreptitious posts while the boss isn't watching, and hey presto, your game is down to a couple of lines per post.

Posts will tend to shorten. Only constant effort on your part and on the part of the players will keep them long and atmospheric. And for that you need the right players. You may not find the right group in your first game, or your third, but over time you will find a bunch of players who like your style and post the way you do.

Keep at it and have fun. Welcome to the site. :)
kouk
member, 478 posts
Fri 19 Sep 2014
at 09:50
  • msg #7

Re: Newbie With a Question

As a newbie though, I will warn you not to get discouraged by player attrition rates. When a game is first getting off the ground in the first few weeks, you tend to lose a few people and need to replace them -- just account for that in the early stages.
bobbofeet
member, 183 posts
Fri 19 Sep 2014
at 15:17
  • msg #8

Re: Newbie With a Question

icosahedron152:
This site does have some very nice features - it's why we're all here. :)
...
The GM style is also important, as players will tend to emulate the GM and each other.

This.  I have a couple of games that I am in where I can write a five-six paragraph response and then read some of the others' posts, and feel like I'm not keeping my end.  There are some natural writers in some of the games I'm in that can say more effectively in two paragraphs then I could in a three page typed essay.

As kouk said there is always player attrition, but eventually you find a group that you mesh well with and then you are off to the races (and it's a lot of fun!).
Squee
member, 3 posts
Fri 19 Sep 2014
at 16:15
  • msg #9

Re: Newbie With a Question

Thank you!

As I said, I am an experienced player, just new to this particular site. I am aware of how RPs fluctuate in players and activity, and I certainly would abide by the standards I set for my players. I also know that sometimes RPs just flop despite a good start and an attentive GM.

All a GM can do is try his/her best, and keep in mind that the whole point is to have fun. I hope I do find some players who share my enjoyment of posts with some substance. RPers could argue until they are blue in the face over which posting style is 'better', but I really don't see it that way. Posting style is a personal preference based off of enjoyment, and since we're all here to have fun, people should pursue what they enjoy. At least, that's how I've come to feel about it.
Totyana
member, 1 post
Sun 21 Sep 2014
at 01:15
  • msg #10

Re: Newbie With a Question

I would like to roleplay but I dont really understand how this site works.
Merevel
member, 782 posts
Gaming :-)
Very unlucky
Sun 21 Sep 2014
at 01:38
  • msg #11

Re: Newbie With a Question

Which part is giving you problems? We can help with any of it.
Mad Mick
member, 804 posts
Ain't sayin nothin
Got nothin to say
Sun 21 Sep 2014
at 13:18
  • msg #12

Re: Newbie With a Question

Hi, Totyana.

Games here have their own forums.  First, you need to find a game to join, or, if you'd like to run a game, you'll need to create a game and advertise for players.

To find games, go to Wanted - Players to find games that are currently recruiting.  When a game fills up, the GM will mark the game as not  requesting new players.

If you can't find a game you like, you can post in the Wanted - GMs forum, describImg the kind of game you're looking.

The best resources for you as a new player are the FAQ and Help files up in the top right.  They explain much more in depth how games work on RPOL.
Sithraider
member, 70 posts
The dead, they walk!
16 in the clip...
Tue 23 Sep 2014
at 01:24
  • msg #13

Re: Newbie With a Question

In reply to Squee (msg # 5):

My suggestion; do it.

There is a great variance of writing skill here, which is what your actually talking about. Any player that posts, at all, is trying his or her best to keep pace. I've had all kinds. Some that could write Dickens under the fence and some that could make a Sunday comic. What I'm sure you already know is that some of them at making the afore mentioned lunch post, or , posting while the wife/husband isn't looking. Just be glad they are.

Many people enjoy making characters and think they want to play a part in a story, only to bail out when it isn't what they thought. So, rejoice in consistent posts, no matter the length. You will have to adjust some from the table game.

:)
Sign In