singing_arda: (Default)
Mods of Arda Marred ([personal profile] singing_arda) wrote2015-04-04 01:18 pm

Do's and Don'ts for RPers

You might have noticed that almost all games have a rule along the lines of "be respectful." You've probably also noticed how this doesn't seem to stop people from being disrespectful. We've all been there - thinking something unkind or complaining about another player in secret - but ideally, we should be keeping these Do's and Don'ts in mind.

Do:

✦ Remember that our fellow players (and mods) are people too, and share a lot of the same wants, don't wants, and fears that you do. We're all just here to have a good time.

✦ Communicate with each other. This means working out outcomes of of certain plots ahead of time, expressing your concerns instead of bottling them up inside, and letting people know when you're not having a good time.

✦ Be prepared to compromise. As in any relationship, there's some give and take between people you're playing with. Sometimes your ideas for a thread or a plot won't match entirely and this is okay.

✦ Be accepting of other people's opinions. We don't have to all agree with each other, but sometimes you have to agree to disagree.

✦ Understand that sometimes play styles don't match or mesh well, and that this is natural. Even close castmates might have a difference of opinion that can't be resolved. That does not always mean either player is "wrong."

✦ Be patient. People tag at different speeds based upon their circumstances outside of RP. If the outcome of a thread will affect your future plans with the character, discuss OOCly the direction the thread is going in.

✦ Take constructive criticism in stride. Yes, sometimes it's disappointing to hear that someone thinks you are being OOC with your character, but it's also an opportunity to reevaluate your grasp on a character, and make an improvement. Also understand that if you give crit, the person may disagree with it, and as long as some reflection has happened, that is okay.


Don't:

✦ Take things personally. Understand that if play styles don't mesh, someone drops a thread unexpectedly, or someone OOCly does not feel comfortable playing with one or all of your characters, it does not reflect upon you as a person. There are many reasons why someone may not want to play with someone else. Do not assume you know what they are.

✦ Be manipulative or guilt trip. This ends well for nobody. Openly communicate instead, and understand that you can't always have exactly what you want.

✦ Hold grudges. Okay, maybe someone was disrespectful to you in the past - holding grudges will only allow the negativity to snowball, and prevent you and others from having a good time. RP is all about having a good time.

✦ Take your problems with other players to anon comms instead of talking to them about your issues. If you have trouble communicating, you can ask a third party to be a moderator.

✦ Believe everything you hear about someone. Your experience with a player may not be the same as someone else's. You might get along great, even if someone you know does not.

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