[P2TM Chat] The Restaurant at the End of the Multiverse III

[Grenartia]

I read the lore for Solis, and, frankly, I didn't see much originality.

Whilst it is nigh impossible to avoid tropes, the ones present in Solis are easily textbook and somewhat cartoonish.

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GoodRepublicEvilEmpire

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheEmpire
Trope Talk: Evil Empire
EVIL EMPIRES - Terrible Writing Advice

"classify "powerful" cultures as inscrutable, slender (tall and/or diminutive) beings who were here before us, have better tools and are not to be messed with,"
Make an elf race for your needs as joked about in FANTASY RACES - Terrible Writing Advice

An evil space-elf empire doesn't come across as too original, and when everyone is using democratic humans as dictated by the rules they're going to go with what they know.
The evil empire also spreads through worlds thoroughly crippling them if not genociding them. Vague tidbits about lazy administration and territorial over-reach aside, it sounds like every conquered planet was probably sent back to the medieval ages by what the space elves did, so I can't imagine any resistance lasting longer than a genocidal orbital bombardment, which sounds entirely within the realm of what the evil empire would probably do according to Solis' lore. I wouldn't be surprised if there is scarce a conquered system that isn't back in the stone age.

Resisting an empire is an interesting concept, that's been done many times, but the key is to put one's own interesting twist on it to make it special and unique.

On that note, nothing is truly original. Hell, what’s the point of even RP’ing then.
Hmmm?

You say that like its some kind of "Gotcha! Checkmate, atheists!"

I hate to burst your bubble, but it isn't. People can and do have fun RPing with unoriginal concepts all the time (look at all the superhero RPs, all the Fallout RPs, the Halo RPs, the Star Wars RPs, etc.).

[Zanera]

I read the lore for Solis, and, frankly, I didn't see much originality.

Whilst it is nigh impossible to avoid tropes, the ones present in Solis are easily textbook and somewhat cartoonish.

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GoodRepublicEvilEmpire

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheEmpire
Trope Talk: Evil Empire
EVIL EMPIRES - Terrible Writing Advice

"classify "powerful" cultures as inscrutable, slender (tall and/or diminutive) beings who were here before us, have better tools and are not to be messed with,"
Make an elf race for your needs as joked about in FANTASY RACES - Terrible Writing Advice

An evil space-elf empire doesn't come across as too original, and when everyone is using democratic humans as dictated by the rules they're going to go with what they know.
The evil empire also spreads through worlds thoroughly crippling them if not genociding them. Vague tidbits about lazy administration and territorial over-reach aside, it sounds like every conquered planet was probably sent back to the medieval ages by what the space elves did, so I can't imagine any resistance lasting longer than a genocidal orbital bombardment, which sounds entirely within the realm of what the evil empire would probably do according to Solis' lore. I wouldn't be surprised if there is scarce a conquered system that isn't back in the stone age.

Resisting an empire is an interesting concept, that's been done many times, but the key is to put one's own interesting twist on it to make it special and unique.

On that note, nothing is truly original. Hell, what’s the point of even RP’ing then.
Hmmm?

I agree, one would be hard-pressed these days to come up with something truly original these days with the amount of material being put out and distributed.
The point of RPing, to me, is to construct your own unique story in concordance with many other people, either in a world of one's own design or one that is already established. The more work you put into something before you release it in RP form, the more you might get out of it. Make something special and ready for rich storytelling, and there may be a flock of prolonged interest. While there should always be restraints, an RP should also allow room for excellent storytelling to grow.

[Grenartia]

That's just part of being an op, dont like it dont do it. You gotta guide people to an acceptable conclusion. If they resist just tell them to leave. You're the "God" of you're thread and hold ultimate power there.

My biggest problem is that I see other RP’s with great player chemistry, everyone is on par with the plot line, and everything flows smoothly.

You have a dedicated OP and players who are committed, easy to work with, and accepting of regulations and setting.

Then you have me; I write and boot up an RP with s positive outgoing attitude. Instead of the people like I described above, the OP is swarmed by a cluster of know-it-all egotist assholes that basically want to rewrite my whole idea and hammer me with all the flaws my RP has.

When I put my foot down, they all leave with snide remarks and leave my RP deserted.

One time I would like to attract desirable players, not a clique of dickheads who want to hijack and whitewash my whole idea.

A wise man once said: "If everywhere you step smells like shit, check your own shoes before blaming others."

[Ace Lone]

My biggest problem is that I see other RP’s with great player chemistry, everyone is on par with the plot line, and everything flows smoothly.

You have a dedicated OP and players who are committed, easy to work with, and accepting of regulations and setting.

Then you have me; I write and boot up an RP with s positive outgoing attitude. Instead of the people like I described above, the OP is swarmed by a cluster of know-it-all egotist assholes that basically want to rewrite my whole idea and hammer me with all the flaws my RP has.

When I put my foot down, they all leave with snide remarks and leave my RP deserted.

One time I would like to attract desirable players, not a clique of dickheads who want to hijack and whitewash my whole idea.

A wise man once said: "If everywhere you step smells like shit, check your own shoes before blaming others."

That statement is invalid.

What, I have no control on who applies to my RP’s. What? Certain ideas attract shit-feet?
How....valid.

[Zanera]

A wise man once said: "If everywhere you step smells like shit, check your own shoes before blaming others."

That statement is invalid.

What, I have no control on who applies to my RP’s. What? Certain ideas attract shit-feet?
How....valid.

I think he's trying to say that your ideas may be the problem, not necessarily those that your RP attracts.

[Ithalian Empire]

At this point I don't think anyone would have any interest in this RP just based on what how you've been acting here, towards people who are trying to help you and/or steer you in a path that could lead to success.

[Insaeldor]

That's just part of being an op, dont like it dont do it. You gotta guide people to an acceptable conclusion. If they resist just tell them to leave. You're the "God" of you're thread and hold ultimate power there.

My biggest problem is that I see other RP’s with great player chemistry, everyone is on par with the plot line, and everything flows smoothly.

You have a dedicated OP and players who are committed, easy to work with, and accepting of regulations and setting.

Then you have me; I write and boot up an RP with s positive outgoing attitude. Instead of the people like I described above, the OP is swarmed by a cluster of know-it-all egotist assholes that basically want to rewrite my whole idea and hammer me with all the flaws my RP has.

When I put my foot down, they all leave with snide remarks and leave my RP deserted.

One time I would like to attract desirable players, not a clique of dickheads who want to hijack and whitewash my whole idea.

That's why you have to deny people, you think that the people with these RPs with thousands of replies and hu dras of pages did this over night? They got to this point because they have clout in the community and attract other players. That's something you just need to work on. Sure, a good idea can stand on its own and be great, but if you can curate a group than why even bother and if your going to get this upset over simple struggles every op faces maybe being an op isnt for you.

[Grenartia]

A wise man once said: "If everywhere you step smells like shit, check your own shoes before blaming others."

That statement is invalid.

What, I have no control on who applies to my RP’s. What? Certain ideas attract shit-feet?
How....valid.

You have control over how your OP is worded, including the expectations you have. You have control over how you react when people don't meet those expectations (through no fault of their own). You have control over how you react when the rest of the playerbase here tries to give you advice.

Instead of throwing a temper tantrum because we're not automatically taking your side, try actually taking our advice. Instead of ragequitting a potentially amazing RP because people aren't meeting your invisible expectation, change your OP accordingly. You're creating a reputation for yourself as somebody who isn't desireable to RP with. Take this as a warning, from one player to another, to change your course, or else NOBODY will want to join an RP with you.

[Ace Lone]

That statement is invalid.

What, I have no control on who applies to my RP’s. What? Certain ideas attract shit-feet?
How....valid.

I think he's trying to say that your ideas may be the problem, not necessarily those that your RP attracts.

So what? Every idea I have is idiocy.

No, no it’s not. I admit I have my mental dung balls as well as anyone. But no, I do have good ideas. If everyone though collectively thinks that then I’ll just quit on RP’ing. Legitimately.

[Grenartia]

That statement is invalid.

What, I have no control on who applies to my RP’s. What? Certain ideas attract shit-feet?
How....valid.

I think he's they're trying to say that your ideas may be the problem, not necessarily those that your RP attracts.

I'm not saying that. I'm saying their attitude is the problem.

[Corsaiir]

I think he's trying to say that your ideas may be the problem, not necessarily those that your RP attracts.

So what? Every idea I have is idiocy.

No, no it’s not. I admit I have my mental dung balls as well as anyone. But no, I do have good ideas. If everyone though collectively thinks that then I’ll just quit on RP’ing. Legitimately.

Yes

[Grenartia]

I think he's trying to say that your ideas may be the problem, not necessarily those that your RP attracts.

So what? Every idea I have is idiocy.

No, no it’s not. I admit I have my mental dung balls as well as anyone. But no, I do have good ideas. If everyone though collectively thinks that then I’ll just quit on RP’ing. Legitimately.

Look, your idea wasn't bad. You just need to better present your expectations, and learn to better handle things when they don't go exactly how you want them to.

If your RP was a character RP, I'd have totally joined.

[Grenartia]

So what? Every idea I have is idiocy.

No, no it’s not. I admit I have my mental dung balls as well as anyone. But no, I do have good ideas. If everyone though collectively thinks that then I’ll just quit on RP’ing. Legitimately.

Yes

You're not helping.

[Dayganistan]

That's why you have to deny people, you think that the people with these RPs with thousands of replies and hu dras of pages did this over night? They got to this point because they have clout in the community and attract other players. That's something you just need to work on. Sure, a good idea can stand on its own and be great, but if you can curate a group than why even bother and if your going to get this upset over simple struggles every op faces maybe being an op isnt for you.

As someone else who recently had an RP fail this is probably the most important thing to attracting quality players as shitty as it is. Even people I've RPed with in the past probably don't recognize me because I'm not particularly active although that's my own problem with rarely finding anything that catches my interest.

[Insaeldor]

I think he's trying to say that your ideas may be the problem, not necessarily those that your RP attracts.

So what? Every idea I have is idiocy.

No, no it’s not. I admit I have my mental dung balls as well as anyone. But no, I do have good ideas. If everyone though collectively thinks that then I’ll just quit on RP’ing. Legitimately.

Or you know, you could just do something else.

But let's clarify. He wasnt saying you shouldn't RP simply because your idea is unoriginal. Rather hes saying you shouldnt be so high strung for originality in an rp that is arguably not that unique.

Not original=/=not interesting

Some of the most popular RPs out here are takes on other media like TES and Fallout. Lots of original ideas that follow in the footsteps of Tolkien and the fat guy that does game of thrones.

[Anowa]

I think he's trying to say that your ideas may be the problem, not necessarily those that your RP attracts.

So what? Every idea I have is idiocy.

No, no it’s not. I admit I have my mental dung balls as well as anyone. But no, I do have good ideas. If everyone though collectively thinks that then I’ll just quit on RP’ing. Legitimately.

As someone who's generally known through P2TM as a needlessly unwavering as both an OP and as an RPer. Success on this site is 75% attitude and 25%writing ability.

At the moment your attitude towards criticism and attempts at advice (no matter if it's constructive or not), as well as a seemingly unwavering attitude towards leeway in applications is going to tank people's interest in participating in your threads. The first impression means a lot especially in forum communities. While this idea is unlikely to find success due to this stink, I strongly advise that in your future threads you find a more leeway in your approach. Otherwise you end up like me, getting no more than 10 regulars in each of your threads that you talk to offsite most of the time.

[Harbertia]

I can understand why he's upset but feel he is overreacting. I too have felt the sting; I create an upbeat light RP with a positive mood written into it- and only get the darkest of player character applications. It's disheartening but you can't choose who applies. But you can't let everyone in either- your suppose to have fun too.

It's difficult to find people my age wanting a light positive RP and even harder at my age to play in such an RP. I've become dark, judgmental, and even if I'm outwardly light the cynical thoughts still nag upon me. My cute characters tend to be little monsters behind the facade they hide behind- at my age I'm finding a mid-point between dark and light hard to latch on to. Either another player or myself will break the setting somehow even when we didn't set out to do so.

I had so many Rps that I just- terminated for the reason you seem to want to do so. idk... it's hard. Players have things they want to unload- personal things. Even in my first RP it was self hate I let out and I got helped- by the other players- they helped me not to hate myself. RP is a form a therapy for many- I guess one has to be ready to receive such characters.

[Charmera]

A wise man once said: "If everywhere you step smells like shit, check your own shoes before blaming others."

That statement is invalid.

What, I have no control on who applies to my RP’s. What? Certain ideas attract shit-feet?
How....valid.

I mean. You have control over who gets accepted as the OP. You're the one who is the final word on everything. The buck stops with you mate.

As the OP, the RPs fate is on your shoulders and no one elses. Whether it lives or dies it does so by your OPship. If something is not working in your rp, or if theres something you don't like then fix it.

A good OP is like a movie director. The director that either creates a synthesis of ideas or make sure that everyone is playing to his tune is doing his job. Either aproach is valid, just like strict control is as valid an OP strategy as anything goes. The director who throws the camera out a window and storms off set because one of his actors has an incongruous idea is not doing his job. That's simply unprofessional.

And I don't say that to get on your case. I make no judgement on your character or the fairness of your reasoning, I just know that this level of unprofessionalism (That feels like the wrong word, but it will do) will turn people off your rps. The people you want, who want to write collaboratively don't respond well to this sort of behavior.

I know from experience that OPing can be frustrating and hard, and you often feel incapable of communicating with your players, but please do. Find any way you can to do so. Even if you argue it's better than giving up.

[Afrique Occidentale]

Good evening people

[G-Tech Corporation]

That's why you have to deny people, you think that the people with these RPs with thousands of replies and hu dras of pages did this over night? They got to this point because they have clout in the community and attract other players. That's something you just need to work on. Sure, a good idea can stand on its own and be great, but if you can curate a group than why even bother and if your going to get this upset over simple struggles every op faces maybe being an op isnt for you.

As someone else who recently had an RP fail this is probably the most important thing to attracting quality players as shitty as it is. Even people I've RPed with in the past probably don't recognize me because I'm not particularly active although that's my own problem with rarely finding anything that catches my interest.

I actually quite like your RP concepts, as a rule of thumb- I just don’t do military RP

[Ravio]

I have never done anything with roleplay but it seems interesting i was wondering if someone that has made role plays could help me get one started my ideas for possible role plays are: Minecraft airship pirates, or a story set in the Clone wars, https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1052676 or maybe an idea involving herobrine but i beleave thats already been done i am personaly leaning to the star wars story, however there has not been an airship pirates role play that i know of, so is anyone interested?

[Talchyon]

I have never done anything with roleplay but it seems interesting i was wondering if someone that has made role plays could help me get one started my ideas for possible role plays are: Minecraft airship pirates, or a story set in the Clone wars, https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1052676 or maybe an idea involving herobrine but i beleave thats already been done i am personaly leaning to the star wars story, however there has not been an airship pirates role play that i know of, so is anyone interested?

HI Ravio.

You are right. Role play is interesting! And fun!

A suggestion though. If you haven't been involved in RPs here, it might be a good idea to be a player first before you run an RP of your own. Nothing against your idea. Star Wars tends to be a popular setting. But a lot more goes into being the OP (that is like the GM) of a role play.

For example, coding. Do you know how to create a character app box? Or add pics or link to previous posts in the OOC page? Those are all really helpful for me when I run RPs.

Another thing is how your OOC page looks. Better quality tends to help attract more potential players.

Plus, there does tend to be some RP jargon that is good to know before you jump in.

So my advice is, you can start working on your concept and OOC page, and save it instead of posting it until you are all ready to start. But also join an RP to get a feel for it and maybe learn some of the jargon.

Hope that helps. (And if you want a funny RP to try out, check out my signature below and check out mine, the longest running active comedy RP on NS, the Infinites).

[Ravio]

I have never done anything with roleplay but it seems interesting i was wondering if someone that has made role plays could help me get one started my ideas for possible role plays are: Minecraft airship pirates, or a story set in the Clone wars, https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1052676 or maybe an idea involving herobrine but i beleave thats already been done i am personaly leaning to the star wars story, however there has not been an airship pirates role play that i know of, so is anyone interested?

HI Ravio.

You are right. Role play is interesting! And fun!

A suggestion though. If you haven't been involved in RPs here, it might be a good idea to be a player first before you run an RP of your own. Nothing against your idea. Star Wars tends to be a popular setting. But a lot more goes into being the OP (that is like the GM) of a role play.

For example, coding. Do you know how to create a character app box? Or add pics or link to previous posts in the OOC page? Those are all really helpful for me when I run RPs.

Another thing is how your OOC page looks. Better quality tends to help attract more potential players.

Plus, there does tend to be some RP jargon that is good to know before you jump in.

So my advice is, you can start working on your concept and OOC page, and save it instead of posting it until you are all ready to start. But also join an RP to get a feel for it and maybe learn some of the jargon.

Hope that helps. (And if you want a funny RP to try out, check out my signature below and check out mine, the longest running active comedy RP on NS, the Infinites).

Thats the thing i have no clue how to do all that technical stuff and most of it just goes over my head when someone tells me anything, as much as i am thankful for the help i do not think i will be able to do anything you tolled me simply because i do not understand it and probably will not know it when it would be helpful (i fear that me being kicked from nationstates is inevitable) thank you anyway.

[Zanera]

HI Ravio.

You are right. Role play is interesting! And fun!

A suggestion though. If you haven't been involved in RPs here, it might be a good idea to be a player first before you run an RP of your own. Nothing against your idea. Star Wars tends to be a popular setting. But a lot more goes into being the OP (that is like the GM) of a role play.

For example, coding. Do you know how to create a character app box? Or add pics or link to previous posts in the OOC page? Those are all really helpful for me when I run RPs.

Another thing is how your OOC page looks. Better quality tends to help attract more potential players.

Plus, there does tend to be some RP jargon that is good to know before you jump in.

So my advice is, you can start working on your concept and OOC page, and save it instead of posting it until you are all ready to start. But also join an RP to get a feel for it and maybe learn some of the jargon.

Hope that helps. (And if you want a funny RP to try out, check out my signature below and check out mine, the longest running active comedy RP on NS, the Infinites).

Thats the thing i have no clue how to do all that technical stuff and most of it just goes over my head when someone tells me anything, as much as i am thankful for the help i do not think i will be able to do anything you tolled me simply because i do not understand it and probably will not know it when it would be helpful (i fear that me being kicked from nationstates is inevitable) thank you anyway.

BBCode FAQ guide
Extended BBCode quide
You can take a look at both those links and you can test the BBCode out for yourself in a Factbook or something. Nail the principles of BBCode, and then I recommend doing what Talchyon suggested, which is joining an RP as a regular player and getting a feel for the RPing experience before trying to OP an RP, which can be intensive and challenging, but it can also be fun and sometimes very rewarding, though I have never done it myself. I'm sure you can do it.

[Talchyon]

HI Ravio.

You are right. Role play is interesting! And fun!

A suggestion though. If you haven't been involved in RPs here, it might be a good idea to be a player first before you run an RP of your own. Nothing against your idea. Star Wars tends to be a popular setting. But a lot more goes into being the OP (that is like the GM) of a role play.

For example, coding. Do you know how to create a character app box? Or add pics or link to previous posts in the OOC page? Those are all really helpful for me when I run RPs.

Another thing is how your OOC page looks. Better quality tends to help attract more potential players.

Plus, there does tend to be some RP jargon that is good to know before you jump in.

So my advice is, you can start working on your concept and OOC page, and save it instead of posting it until you are all ready to start. But also join an RP to get a feel for it and maybe learn some of the jargon.

Hope that helps. (And if you want a funny RP to try out, check out my signature below and check out mine, the longest running active comedy RP on NS, the Infinites).

Thats the thing i have no clue how to do all that technical stuff and most of it just goes over my head when someone tells me anything, as much as i am thankful for the help i do not think i will be able to do anything you tolled me simply because i do not understand it and probably will not know it when it would be helpful (i fear that me being kicked from nationstates is inevitable) thank you anyway.

I really don't think you would be kicked from NS for that. That kind of treatment goes for people who have grossly violated site rules persistently, after several warnings and other disciplinary actions. I'd think you're ok.

When I started doing OP work, I didn't know anything either. I really had to learn on the fly. But after doing it for a little while, I've gotten more of a hang of it. To some degree. There's always more I could learn, and some of the things I just have gotten into a niche for things I like doing OOC page wise.

Don't give up on being an OP. And also, don't give up on your idea. It does sound fun. Just, by all means, take part as a player first. I did before I OP'ed, and I'm glad I did. Helped me a lot. I'm sure it will help you too.

(Also, in addition to some of the code links Zanera listed - { cough the same Zanera who should come back to Infinites cough cough,} you can also get advice from others you see as to how to do the coding, where to advertise, and all that.)