About forum activities nowadays...

sadisticnerd · #1

I don't know if it was because of the skype convenience, that sends you a warning,even if you're not on the tab, or out of habit, but Swix on the chatbox brought out a good point:
We're utilizing the forums less and less by some reason.
How do we plan to expand Pax if all our threads are replied to once per month or so?I say that the skype being down is sorta a blessing in disguise.Only now we've noticed the problem, after all.
So, anybody has any idea on how we,skype addicts, make sure that the forum is constantly used?

#2

I think trying to make sure we post at least once a day each would likely help, even in the non-rp threads. Emphasis on trying of course, sometimes it just doesn't work out, but hey.

EDIT: Also not vanishing for long periods of time, SAM! *stares at himself in a mirror, accusatorially* So meta. Or something.

Jent · #3

Pretty much, Skype overshadowed most of the interactions given its general availability to all of us. When dealing with a headache I'll see what other posts I can do

#4

For one, not having things randomly die would help. They do that a lot.

For two, I often run on a lot of threads at once. Videos, reading, stuff like that. Not having ways to know the Instant is being used makes that a bit harder. I like the ability to open multiple tabs and keep it all rolling, but I do sometimes lose track of when it's updated.

For three, It's a matter of ease of RPing, for me. I prefer things quick and constant. Taking 3-5 days to handle a full fight, and I've seen it happen, can kill my ability to stay invested and in touch with the character.

sadisticnerd · #5

Hmm...Bolt raises some good points, actually.I think the chatbox would be a lot more used if we like, put a little sound every time a message is sent?Or at least make that tab flash a bit like how skype does.

Jent · #6

@Bolt
Of course, those issues regarding threads in general needs to be iron out so it doesn't come to that. I'm revamping my Char-Roster (again -_-) with something that feels easier to explain what I need of the character without going over too much fluff.

@Sadi
Not sure how easy it would be, and if it is possible, will cost extra per month to utilize.

sadisticnerd · #7

@Jent
Hmm...true, true.Maybe just posting more often would still be enough to work out with.

#8

Fights are very tricky, you want them to feel exciting and interesting, but at the same time they DO take a lot of time to play out. Unfortunately I think that's just the nature of forum RPing, if a fight breaks out then all involved may need to agree to post a minimum number of times per day or agree to defuse the fight somehow.

That or possibly have a small "system" for fights; run them in rounds. Per "round", everyone sends the person running the thread their actions, the thread runner compiles them together in a single coherent post, then after everyone sees the result of that a new "round" begins and the whole process starts anew. That might make fights quicker, maybe? It would be letting someone write what the character was doing, abet under their instruction, and thus the fight is out of your hands, but I personally would prefer that.

Just an idea.

EDIT: I realise it's more gamey as well, which I know some members really wanted to avoid, and I totally understand that. It's forum RP, not D&D.

#9

It's something I've mentioned before, but I also really liked something Blackstar did, and what I've seen many other RP sites do, have sub-forums for different locations around the world so it was easier to tell where a thread was taking place. If nothing else one for Ana and one for Kata would be handy, but then I can see one for the Encampment (So Main Forum > Ana > Encampment as an example) being really handy too.

Jent · #10

The 'round' system might have some use, but not the standard practice for fights for the reasons you said. Also, the sub-forum idea would make it more organized.

sadisticnerd · #11

True, true.But yeah, we should do a minimum amount of posts per day, or at least, a time limit of how long a thread can be inactive before it is rendered obsolete.I say that we should do around 4-5 total posts per week on a thread, or at least aim for that amount at the very least.As for the fights....I don't know, really.I think that if fights happen, it should be as active as this thread.Maybe make a thread on its own for the fight.

Jent · #12

Hmm... Definitely should come to a consensus on minimum posting or long a thread can be inactive without a major issue. In regards to separate threads for fights, I say it depends on the situation.

#13

I have always liked instant RPs better, and honestly don't think trying to enforce a daily post requirement is a good idea. With skype and Instant, we can do a whole RP in an hour, or if I only HAVE a free hour, I can do a lot of talking with you.

Now I'm not bashing the forums. They are super great for profiles and supplimentary data. Just personally, I don't really have the time to write big long forum Posts now that i'm in uni.

Jent · #14

Understandable, though the need for at least certain RPs to be done should be aware enough. The more heavy-plot ones would benefit from having a bit more organization than the Instant or Skype method, largely due to RL interference and such.

Smaller RPs involving 2-4 people shouldn't be an issue on the quicker options, given there is less room for misunderstanding compared to 5+

#15

Oh! I may have totally mis read what was going on here.

Yeah, if someone chooses to join in a forum RP, they should be able to ensure they will be active. That's cool.