I'M SORRY! (Full Version)

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Isis -> I'M SORRY! (4/19/2013 9:25:40)

Greetings all, and welcome to this year's first edition of "Isis gets random with herself", with your host - Isis!

*flinches before the sonic boom forming off the boo'ing crowd, and blows kisses to them all[:)]*

Let's be honest, whether you're on the receiving end or happen to be the unfortunate delivery boy/girl of such a seemingly quixotic gesture, it is always a hard statement to encounter. I say 'Statement' because approximately 85.562% of authors disappear before the aftermath takes form.

From the deliverer's perspective, the reasons accountable are usually as vast and complicated as they are personal, and are mostly a prelude to one's departure.

As a GM/Host, you are tasked with numerous dilemmas, ranging from possible storyline instabilities, to disgruntled personnel, to suddenly wishing you could reach through that computer screen and strangle this harbinger of inconvenience.

A naughty Rp'er myself, I am curious as to how GM's cope, and especially Co-GM's if their fellow pilot abandons ship. What would be the fairer course of action, if one were to suddenly dessert their adventuring party? Could you continue without your wingman? Can Maverick survive without his Goose? What steps should one take before jumping out of the plane with the last parachute? If - like most ultimately do - the GM assumes responsibility, should they be obliged to place the abandonned characters in plot-limbo, or is it completely understandable to proffer them as fodder for the Vox's and Alexandria Serthes of their Rp realm? Personally, I believe that such Rpers forfeit their rights upon departure.

BUT what if this individual decides to be fabulously original and stand-out'ish by failing to communicate his or her status, thereby creating mass confusion and head-scratching amongst their peers? Sometimes it is excusable, but there have been instances of laziness and loss of interest (STOP STARING AT ME).

In the gaming world, this is called 'D.C'ing', but here in almost-real life, it is rude, inconsiderate and, in rare cases, deliberate. Personally, I find that when you become part of a forum, you are not merely a User but a new component in a splendorific, dream-making machine, and if you stick around long enough, you become a vital part of that machine. No longer tertiary, but very much primary. A machine I like to call 'family'.

*Gives ample time for audience to barf*

I apologise if this isn't worthy of a discussion, but it's an Rp-related issue I wonder about because, sadly, it's something I've experienced from both perspectives. And it is quite common. What floats your boat when it is your thumb that decides a gladiator's fate?

NB: And I've noticed that even though a year has passed, I still cannot concisely express my thoughts for the life of me. Ain't it great?! :D





Arthur -> RE: I'M SORRY! (4/19/2013 9:30:07)

I...I....I..... ISIS...!!!

It's been so long. Too long. Do you remember me, Arthur Dragonlord?

And so it was that the Legendary Quad of RPers was remade.

*brushes a tear from his eye*

Are you here to stay this time?




Legendium -> RE: I'M SORRY! (4/20/2013 4:46:53)

Wha.... o.O Say what? I'm confused. What's this discussion supposed to be about? There are many topics to discuss in your text......

By the way, welcome back Isis! I came here when you were gone, but I've heard your name thrown around a bit. Mainly when we were discussing the "Golden Age of RPs."




Kooroo -> RE: I'M SORRY! (4/20/2013 5:33:27)

The norm seems to be waiting for as long as possible before either a)leaving that character wherever they were, or b)randomly ending them (which I'm cool with).

This is along the presumption that said AFK'er/DC'er/Ditchy hasn't given any explanations or instructions for their lack of activity. If there's some explanation or reason, then generally, people try to leave that poor character alone.

With regards to coping, I'm not going to say much on the matter, having never hosted anything here, but it's situational.

Also, as a side note, if someone DC's, they generally need either need to get better internet or keep their goddamn cat away from their computer's power button.
Also, 'AFK'er, please report thx'.


Also-also, despite the fact that I'm typing in this thread that you made, Star is still a liar. And nothing can change that.
Except me. Because I'm special.





Starstruck -> RE: I'M SORRY! (4/21/2013 13:09:24)

I am a liar who cannot tell the truth.

BTW, Nightlark has taken an indefinite leave of absence to be with her purple kumquats. She's very special like that. Though, she insists oranges are weaker than avacados, which is clearly false.

OH RIGHT RELEVANT STUFF

If it becomes crippling, I wait it out for a few months. Once, I issued an ultimatum in which people had to post X times during a week or I'd close it. They made it. But it then died because nobody was really active.




demonhunter -> RE: I'M SORRY! (4/23/2013 8:51:53)

I must admit, I've been guilty of dropping out a couple times myself. My muse frequently deserts me, and I have trouble translating ideas into text from time to time. Heck, I haven't really been here since EC 2012. Any wonder I stepped down as a Tutor?




jerenda -> RE: I'M SORRY! (4/23/2013 13:29:13)

Generally, if they haven't posted in a month and I haven't heard from them, the plot moves on without them. As a host, I try to arrange a special little hole for them to fall into, one that could conceivably be their death but one they could also escape from reasonably speaking should they ever return ever and want to keep playing.

This generally involved dropping mountains, castles, or Kooroo on them. :D

(Also, Isis, it took me three rereads to discover what your question was. :P I kinda feel bad that I'm not really the "hang out and chat" type because this is fun. ^_^)

(Star is only sometimes a liar. Usually he thinks he's telling the truth, he's just so divorced from reality he doesn't know what it is.)




Starstruck -> RE: I'M SORRY! (4/23/2013 15:24:54)

Reality is my psycho ex?!?!

I just tend to underthink things, actually. I just come up with an idea, like, "Going the speed of sound is a great idea to attract someone's attention" or "if I throw my sword, it will probably hit the enemy," when in fact what is really going to happen is "Star, going the speed of sound just isn't the same as tapping someone on the shoulder" or "SWORDS =/= FOR THROWING." As (iirc) jars said, I need to slow down and make absolutely certain that what I am writing makes sense.

And who knows, perhaps if my character is capable of easily compensating for the myriad things that could happen when a sword is thrown (catching, dodging, weakness taken advantage of), throwing the sword might be the action best in character and most logical. Maybe going very fast would be a useful tactic in hailing a speedy potential ally.

(I've been slowly getting better, though, jer, partly as I age and grow less insane and more responsible. So I think you probably should be a liiiiittle bit more picky with your words from here on out :P Currently studying the effects of labels on the perceptions of people and let me tell you it is not a pretty thing)

I heartily approve of dropping Kooroo on inactive players, if only because his replacement when he is unavailable, a laser cougar, is infinitely entertaining.




jerenda -> RE: I'M SORRY! (4/23/2013 18:04:41)

Of course, Star. I apologize. :) Fresh start. I actually like most of your ideas, they just don't always work out as well as you might hope. :)

And yes, dropping Kooroo on random people inactive players is actually one of my favorite tactics. :D




Vanir -> RE: I'M SORRY! (5/1/2013 21:08:49)

Well, now I feel outright (but entirely deserved) guilt. I'll try not to dissapear again, sorry guys. My criminal acts will not be repeated, I am a good noodle




Isis -> RE: I'M SORRY! (5/5/2013 23:16:45)

It gladdens me that a few forumites could decipher my quadruple-barrelled question, hehe.

@Arthur - Hello again, Sir Dragonlord! Yes, it was a real pleasure typing out your full name back then and still is now. Cannot recall which RP we participated in (*points to title of this thread, big smile*)... I think you were the only forumite (who isn't an AK or Mod') spared from my nicknaming'ing. Hmm... 'Stay' is a very subjective word when thrown around in here, but I can promise to Drift around from time to time :) You are too too kind!

@Legendium - Yes, at the core, they are three or four different versions of the same question, JUST IN CASE things weren't already crazy in here, lol. Basically, I'm asking what policies you follow, either as a fellow participant or a Rp Host, in a situation where a roleplayer has vanished from the space of cyber-Lore, and how you would deal with the complications thereafter. What are your methods, as a Host, in dealing with sudden departures? What is the next best thing to do if your Host becomes a Ghost? (HIDE THE PUNS FROM KELL, ALL OF THEM. YES, HIDE THEM BEHIND THESE ALL-CAPS)

@Kookoo - First of all, *beartackle*. Second, please forgive my blatant utterance of thine nickname. It's great to see your fear-inducing ways are still inducing fear. Star' mentioned Skype and that a Drakel such as yourself enjoys flying through the Skype when time permits. As an AFK'er time-hermit, I appreciate your input. If all Rps ran by Paxian Law - referring to the OOC co-realm (yes, they exist... now) - player disappearances would not be so much of a problem for those who remain. Actually, it would be quite rewarding, lol. Yes, they do need to give some form of warning or an explanation at a later time if Immediately is not feasible. I quite like writing inactive into another plotline, leaving it open to speculation, and in the case that Absent Abby might return (Optimism!). As someone who likes character 'dynasties' and recycling, it's a favour I ask if I cannot make a leaving post myself.

In so many years, only once has death befallen one of my creations, and that occured in Master Kazuko's RP: 'The Society 9'. Though I can't kill off characters because I'm a softy, this was a product of phenomenal timing and circumstance, beckoning the creative psycho inside me to put the straitjacket on and play along. Nyxella's death triggered Forever's deification. It was too abrupt for me, needing more backstory and 'substance' to satisfy, but MoonrayDrake carried it off beautifully. He continued her presence through subtle references in actions and speech, and that kind of thing is really special to me. Oh my glob, I've blabbing again, lol.

@Starzy - Have we reached our quota of beartackes? Because I'm giving you one *Now*. It is the WaWiaPoW Roleplay you're speaking of, right? I know this because I was one of those fiends who sunk it with her Inactiveness[X(] I am sorry, and mean it when I say it was a most excellent concept. You would have guided the story well, having also the attentiveness required for effective Hostmanship. Yes, I just invented a word. Imagine how that would've gone down in the Rp? Hahaha! Vacuum the jet-propelled bear (iirc) would have had a field day with it. Fascinating, it was. Your Rp pushed me to create something equally unique and peculiar (in a good way), and it was such a shame for me not to use it. Capricious was certainly named after her creator's habits.

Including a post:week ratio to indicate how active you want and need your players is a pretty neat way to communicate such expectations without risk of coming off a little demanding. While good-natured in meaning, I understand that some are put off simply because time is a comodity you can't always guarantee despite committing it with utter surety. Others abhor any type of restriction on top of our Golden rules, so that's another reason it may grate some nerves. Presently, I'll do well to read along with Rps that have a 5:1 posting ratio. Lol, ok that makes it look mathy and boring by you get my drift. I wouldn't recommend mandating one either, just a little something to gauge the pace of a Rp.

Your psycho-ex' is also my landlord.

@demonhunter - Hello! I cannot remember if we've met before. I'm Isis and, if I delved correctly, I also happen to be your neighbour.... which isn't creepy at all! I can understand that, it never gets any easier upon each return, and that's IF you have the guts to/are inclined to. It's heartening to see a lot of familiar names and avvies returning to partake in this new process, like answering an innate summoning (or prodding from certain people). If it isn't a whimsical muse, it's a kick in the pants from RL that drags us away kicking and/or screaming. And it is never a pleasant thing to have to drop responsibilities, so what you did was an admirable act for that reason. Thanks for stopping by :)

@jerenda - It is a pleasure to see your name pop up! I am not surprised to learn that you've attained Hostmanship status (-womanship?), as you a remarkable Host. The methods you undertake, most notably your hand at mediation and advising, are nothing short of exemplary. Unfortunately, not every RP has a Kooroo at their disposal, but if there's a jerenda in the cabin, all is well. Thank you for your input :)

Discussions (yes, we're lying about what we really do, now) were always based around shop talk, formed from need, and with bits of chat on the side. Eventually, Chat overcame and overrode said discussions, until it became detrimental to whatever project we initially set out to discuss. Nowadays, I am unable to enjoy such down time, also. To wherever we have such meets, you are always welcome.

(Edited)@Van' - Hey you! Welcome back! :D One of the outstanding memories from when we Rp'd together, was of you as a tree. A big, meaty, Samaritan of a tree. Looking forward to seeing you around these parts again.

-------[ I know this is hefty as it is but... ]-------

I am now wondering about the lengths one is willing to go to in order to keep a thread going. I know that inactivity looms ever closer with each player drop-out or departure - if not in reality, then in mind - so how do you go about retaining players and player interest? Do you reach out and advertise on the RP discussion board or in other OOC threads? Do you keep quietly to your corner and keep on keeping on? Do you mine for ideas from your cast, and if so, did it completely transform the main components of your Rp, or only a few secondary ones to liven up the lull? What do you do?




demonhunter -> RE: I'M SORRY! (5/7/2013 6:11:39)

@Isis - Neighbour? What? *Is confused*

My only attempt to run a regular RP, Quest For Vengeance, died a few times. I resurrected it in a new thread once, maybe twice, before giving up entirely. My Combat Training Arena, however, went through ten iterations as each one grew too long to be manageable when searching through posts. Those were the days...




Drakyloid -> RE: I'M SORRY! (5/7/2013 17:09:33)

Poke

Blink

It's been a while since I visited this part of the forums. I see quite a few familiar names (and "faces" for those who have changed names), and I must say this to make up for my... let's say, dropping out of various RPs:

I'M SORRY!

With that out of the way, my interest in RPing has been revived, though I do still have to go through the new evaluation process. I'll try not to go disapoof again; no promises though! I'm a tad forgetful at times.




Starstruck -> RE: I'M SORRY! (5/8/2013 15:33:26)

DRAKYLOID *aggressiveglomping*

Where you been, man? You were AWOL for an eternity! D:




Alexandria Serthes -> RE: I'M SORRY! (5/26/2013 22:46:34)

....
ISIS!!!! I missed you.

quote:

If - like most ultimately do - the GM assumes responsibility, should they be obliged to place the abandoned characters in plot-limbo, or is it completely understandable to proffer them as fodder for the Vox's and Alexandria Serthes of their Rp realm?


Hehe...[;)] While I do like getting more cannon fodder (as well as other types of fodder), I think that if an RPer is leaving for a temporary and set amount of time (e.i. a two week vacation), then they should either set their character into a situation which makes it easy for them to be in character-limbo, or else give control of their character to someone else for that amount of time. If a person magically disapoofs without giving anyone any knowledge of when they're planning to come back, I think that after a certain period of time (three months, maybe, but making sure to message the RPer every couple of weeks) someone currently active (preferably the host or someone who's been RPing with the involved characters a lot) should mildly bunny the character out into plot limbo. After another three months, usually I'd frantically message the character's owner, and if they didn't respond, or if they said they no longer wished to be a part of the RP, then I'd either let people kill off the character, do it myself, or have them mysteriously disappear in the night, never to be seen again.

Also, I'm terribly sorry to anyone and everyone who participated in WttC in its last days. If it does come back here, I'll do my best to make Jamil actually do something properly. I'll also try very hard not to disappear for a ridiculously long time.




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