I’ve been roleplaying for two years now, text-based roleplay only. I started at fanfiction, in a twilight roleplay, which is now sadly closed, but was led by two mods that ruled with iron fist; then, I joined a Percy Jackson one, where everything was kind of an organized chaos. I popped in and out in Goodreads, and then I’ve finalled settled for the RPRepository. Each site has had its higlights and lowlights, but each has taught me a lot.
One important thing to remember when thinking about roleplaying is that somethings may work in a fanfiction forum that just won’t do in Goodreads, which won’t do in Gaia, or tumblr, or a special forum for roleplay. However, there are some things you should really, really refrain from doing.
*Don’t Be Pushy
02/03/14 14:20
Hey, you there?
02/03/14 14:25
I already replied
02/03/14 14:30
Don’t ignore me.
02/03/14 14:40
I just saw you replying to someone else! If you don’t want to roleplay just say so!
*sigh* Sometimes, people are so excited with a story, that they forget their partner must be busy, could be sick, or even dead. Who knows? Sometimes your partner may be feeling up for roleplaying his other slow, dramatic rp, rather than the action-packed one at that moment. Maybe he really is ignoring you. But this is not the right way to adress that situation. A single reminder will do, and make sure it isn’t just two minutes after the last post!
*Do Communicate
The only thing standing between OOC (out of character) drama, and a smooth roleplay is communication. If there’s something you’re not confortable with, or is simply nagging at you, don’t hesitate to politely approach your partner about it.
*Don’t be Unobservant
Topic: The Cat and his friends (1×1 CLOSED)
Anna Prettypaw: Hi, I’m Anna.
Jack Stripes: Hi, I’m Jack.
Tim Tails: Hey guys!
Anna, Jack: -_-
This is just not cool, guys. Sometimes, rps will be open to whoever wishes to join in, but sometimes, people will have found what they were looking for and if you really want to partake in the story, then your safest bet is to ask, instead of just barging in.
*Do Respect Others
It’s easy to get carried away in the internet, when we’re not sure exactly of what the other person thinks, since we can’t hear their intonation, nor see their body language. Which is why respect is of the utmost importance. Even when you’ve been roleplaying with someone since forever, watch out for jokes and remarks that may be taken the wrong way. One misstep, and there might be no turning back.
*Don’t Try to make it All about You
This is especially essencial because roleplay is a kind of writing in which at least two had to keep the ball rolling. And how is the other person supposed to do his/her part when you are not letting anyone but you be in the spotlight? If you want it to be just about your character, then maybe the best thing to do is to go write a book.
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