Traveller's Café: Discussion, brainstorming & advice

[Sentinel XV]

I've been meaning to update the Book of the Multiverse thread for a while. Haven't gotten around to it, though.

Well, I'm working on a small guide myself.

@Night: Indeed, and that kind of 'clique-forming' is somewhat of a problem, imo. Not significant, but it kind of makes a less receptive environment for newcomers.

Everyone was a newcomer, once.

Mind showing me what you got? If you want, we can merge your guide and the Book of the Multiverse.

[Esternial]

Well, I'm working on a small guide myself.

@Night: Indeed, and that kind of 'clique-forming' is somewhat of a problem, imo. Not significant, but it kind of makes a less receptive environment for newcomers.

Everyone was a newcomer, once.

Mind showing me what you got? If you want, we can merge your guide and the Book of the Multiverse.

Well, I had something but I didn't draft it.

I managed to recreate some of it, but I don't like it as much as the previous version.

These days, everything revolves around practicality and mobility, whether you're travelling to an unfamiliar country or trying to fix your computer. Pocket guides are invaluable, with distilled topics that avoid the roundabout most larger books tend to be. Below are some tips to improve your P2MV experience, for yourself and people that RP with you.

I. Grammar & Spelling

Oh how predictable, right? Gestapo Officer Esternial reporting in for duty.
The most important part of one's post is the grammar, as it's the first people will look at as soon as they stumble upon your post, before deciding to delve deeper. Fantastic as your post maybe be content-wise, if the frame supposed to keep it up fails the post itself won't have a leg to stand on from the get-go. Try finding a spell-checker, as it may definitely help.

II. Expand your vocabulary

The pen is mightier than the sword, and any good author had an arsenal of lethal words at its disposal. The verbose verbiage of the vox scriptoris is an essential part to make your post as colorful and diverse as possible. Avoid adverbs and adjectives ending with 'ly' and instead opt for different words with their own unique tone. Each synonym has its own deviations that suit it better for a particular situation, so try and educate yourself when to use which word. The word 'said' is often used in dialogue, and substituting it with other verbs like 'claim' or 'declare' can add a different tone to your entire sentence and make it less bland and sterile.

Don't go to the extreme either, because words that are unfamiliar might confuse the reader. The trick it to find the balance between simple and complex. If you feel like you're using a potentially complex word, try and explain it with some textual context.

III. Long versus short

Short posts tend to be a usual sight in this forum, yet it sometimes increases the pace of an RP to an unmanageable level. Like the previous topic, one has to find balance between both ends of the spectrum. When trying to depict a fast-paced and energetic scene, one can use short sentences; while long sentences make a scene appear longer, often combined with the internal reflection of characters, and helps create a detailed image of the surroundings. Passive sentences also lengthen your sentence, but should generally be avoided. Having the noun acted on results in a less powerful image in lieu of the noun itself doing the acting. Use active sentence as much as possible.

IV. Characterization

People are flesh and blood, so if you're writing as one you should convince everyone - including yourself - that its a creature of flesh and blood. While a rough outline may be good enough for the average RP, adding tiny details and quirks may provide more opportunities for yourself during the RP. Most people complain that they don't know what to post, but this can be avoided by giving your character his personal motivations, emotions, opinions and behavior. Maybe your character is an idealist, striving for peace despite being stuck as a soldier in a corrupt military, constantly facing inner struggle as he tries to seek salvation in women and alcohol. Put yourself in their place, try to see what they see and think what they're thinking.

Know that you can base your character on pre-existing ones, but don't be afraid to draw onto your own creativity for this. Copying characters whole should be avoided at all times.

Here's a link that might prove useful. Thanks to Euroslavia.

I'll TG you more once I get it done.

[Esternial]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

[Tiltjuice]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

Probably creativity. I suck at coming up with ideas for RPs themselves, but strangely enough, I have no trouble making characters.

[Esternial]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

Probably creativity. I suck at coming up with ideas for RPs themselves, but strangely enough, I have no trouble making characters.

If you can find a way to tilt that in your favor, you'll be set. If you flesh out your character, you might be able to use his characteristics when you post. Some weird habits or stuff like that?

If you're good with characters, try thinking about a very character-oriented RP.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

I sometimes feel I'm not good at building up to something, if that makes any sense to you. You've been at it longer than me, so have any tips?

[Esternial]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

I sometimes feel I'm not good at building up to something, if that makes any sense to you. You've been at it longer than me, so have any tips?

Like creation suspense? I'd probably try and be vague and withhold information, perhaps even use some means to add an ominous tone (like a data log or note explaining the situation). Distant sounds at the end of the hall, muffled footsteps, etc.

Bringing a sword of Damocles in the RP might help as well, something or someone close on everyone's heels, like the treat of being exposed or an assassin.

Do you have an example?

[Zarkenis Ultima]

I sometimes feel I'm not good at building up to something, if that makes any sense to you. You've been at it longer than me, so have any tips?

Like creation suspense? I'd probably try and be vague and withhold information, perhaps even use some means to add an ominous tone (like a data log or note explaining the situation). Distant sounds at the end of the hall, muffled footsteps, etc.

Bringing a sword of Damocles in the RP might help as well, something or someone close on everyone's heels, like the treat of being exposed or an assassin.

Do you have an example?

Err, nope. My stories always die before the pay off, .

And suspense isn't the problem (Well, it might be, but it's not what I'm identifying as the problem at the moment), rather, it's that I don't think I can make a good enough balance between the "Now" (What's happening to the story in the present, which has to entertain the people in it) and the build-up to the pay-off. Does it make more sense?

[Esternial]

Like creation suspense? I'd probably try and be vague and withhold information, perhaps even use some means to add an ominous tone (like a data log or note explaining the situation). Distant sounds at the end of the hall, muffled footsteps, etc.

Bringing a sword of Damocles in the RP might help as well, something or someone close on everyone's heels, like the treat of being exposed or an assassin.

Do you have an example?

Err, nope. My stories always die before the pay off, .

And suspense isn't the problem (Well, it might be, but it's not what I'm identifying as the problem at the moment), rather, it's that I don't think I can make a good enough balance between the "Now" (What's happening to the story in the present, which has to entertain the people in it) and the build-up to the pay-off. Does it make more sense?

Hmmm...well, do you have a brief example?

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Err, nope. My stories always die before the pay off, .

And suspense isn't the problem (Well, it might be, but it's not what I'm identifying as the problem at the moment), rather, it's that I don't think I can make a good enough balance between the "Now" (What's happening to the story in the present, which has to entertain the people in it) and the build-up to the pay-off. Does it make more sense?

Hmmm...well, do you have a brief example?

Let's say I was building up to this huge revelation, dropping in little clues and stuff. But my clues were apparently not adequate or such things, because the revelation didn't make sense to some people, and the lead-up to said revelation was somewhat dull. That work for your example?

[Esternial]

Hmmm...well, do you have a brief example?

Let's say I was building up to this huge revelation, dropping in little clues and stuff. But my clues were apparently not adequate or such things, because the revelation didn't make sense to some people, and the lead-up to said revelation was somewhat dull. That work for your example?

Depending on what kind of revelation, you can adjust your vocabulary to add some drama. Consider adding some metaphors to the scene, like a movie. Find inspiration from books or series you like or listen to dramatic music while writing your posts. I often do so.

[Zarkenis Ultima]

Let's say I was building up to this huge revelation, dropping in little clues and stuff. But my clues were apparently not adequate or such things, because the revelation didn't make sense to some people, and the lead-up to said revelation was somewhat dull. That work for your example?

Depending on what kind of revelation, you can adjust your vocabulary to add some drama. Consider adding some metaphors to the scene, like a movie. Find inspiration from books or series you like or listen to dramatic music while writing your posts. I often do so.

Funny enough is that I listen to dramatic music when I'm not writing. >.>.

But thanks for the tips.

[Nightkill the Emperor]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

Descriptive, without a doubt. Creative as well, but none of you know Hindu folklore so that's good.

[Boriem]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

Trying to drag out my writing, because I started out in high speed RPs where short-ish posts were generally preferred.

Other than that, I sometimes have issues with punctuation and actual development of characters.

[Sentinel XV]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

Descriptive, without a doubt. Creative as well, but none of you know Hindu folklore so that's good.

I honestly have no problem with being creative or descriptive. For me, it's more about long-term goals. I can't seem to get a knack towards leading an RP towards a desired outcome no matter how hard I try.

[Nightkill the Emperor]

Descriptive, without a doubt. Creative as well, but none of you know Hindu folklore so that's good.

I honestly have no problem with being creative or descriptive. For me, it's more about long-term goals. I can't seem to get a knack towards leading an RP towards a desired outcome no matter how hard I try.

That's why I never plan. I just go with the flow and make shit up as I go along.

Don't tell my players.

[Tiltjuice]

Descriptive, without a doubt. Creative as well, but none of you know Hindu folklore so that's good.

I honestly have no problem with being creative or descriptive. For me, it's more about long-term goals. I can't seem to get a knack towards leading an RP towards a desired outcome no matter how hard I try.

Survivor Stories seemed to go well.

[Esternial]

Descriptive, without a doubt. Creative as well, but none of you know Hindu folklore so that's good.

I honestly have no problem with being creative or descriptive. For me, it's more about long-term goals. I can't seem to get a knack towards leading an RP towards a desired outcome no matter how hard I try.

But maybe that's not the point. In an RP, it's not the goal that matters, but the RP itself. As an OP (or RP'er in general) you have to be prepared to relinquish your own personal plans for your RP/characters and let others influence it. Being adaptive to your fellow RP'ers actions and altering your responses if they react differently than you'd like. You need to be able to predict an outcome for every situation that might arise. OP's especially have to be versatile creatures, and that's where Nightkill tends to excel, because he rarely plans to far ahead. You're writing a story with other people, not by yourself

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

Descriptive, without a doubt. Creative as well, but none of you know Hindu folklore so that's good.

I have some problems with being descriptive at time, too. Each time I do I have to make a significant effort (eg. Thesaurus, dictionaries, etc.), although over time that effort has diminished as I'm getting more used to it. Creativity doesn't per-se have to involving making something out of thin air, but instead making existing pieces fit that don't have anything to do with eachother in the first place.

As for descriptive writing; the problem is that most RP's here are fast-paced and people have to post fast to keep up; which leaves little time for people who need to 'work' on their post. It's probably the reason why I can't keep up with most, because I don't really want to make any more short posts; it's also the reason why I made my own slow-paced RP. Once the action steps up I'm going to increase the pace a bit, but not to the extent of three pages an hour. I don't know about you, but each RP I participate in is projected into my mind as a movie. When I read your posts I see a movie, and with little descriptions I sometimes add my own content. When it's my turn to post, I just imagine what my character is doing, try to envision his surroundings and minor details and work those into my post.

I've been told I'm a graphic thinker, though, so I'm not sure everyone else works like this.

[Esternial]

I have a question: What aspect of RP'ing do you have the most trouble with?

Descriptive writing, spelling, creativity, etc?

Trying to drag out my writing, because I started out in high speed RPs where short-ish posts were generally preferred.

Other than that, I sometimes have issues with punctuation and actual development of characters.

Don't drag out your post if you're feeling uncomfortable with it. It's like stretching out a picture: It'll just look bad; or like a piece of modern artwork.

Just imagine your character in his location and slow down time matrix-style. Do a 360-turn around the room/location and fit in tiny details in it. A patron coughing and accidentally dropping his wallet, a bartender making googly eyes at a woman sitting nearby, an old bottle of whisky nearly down to its last serving, etc.

For your punctuation, I can only advise re-reading before you post. I also posted a link about character development that might help.

[Esternial]

I added a new thread that's somewhat in correlation with this one, by registering yourself there people can invite you for RP's you have an interest in; as well as add RP samples and soforth.
http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=202245
Basically an on-site CV.

[Boriem]

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=202326

Voila! RP Index for the people!

[Euroslavia]

Just wanted to make a quick post while I have the time. I stickied another topic mostly just to keep important threads for when I am able to shuffle around this forum to better organize it. I just moved to another city and my computer decided, at the worst possible time, to stop loading Windows altogether. I'm waiting for the recovery disks to come in the mail either tomorrow or Wednesday. The RP of the Week idea hasn't been scrapped, my apologies. That will be the first thing I get in order.

[Boriem]

Hmm... Since my attempt to index RPs failed. I got a better idea.

We should create a thread with the explicit purpose of being an advertising space for RPs.

[Esternial]

Hmm... Since my attempt to index RPs failed. I got a better idea.

We should create a thread with the explicit purpose of being an advertising space for RPs.

Well, RP Index seemed like a doomed idea from the start. RPs rise and fall so frequently that you'd never have another free moment in your life, removing and adding new RPs.

I've thought about the advertising thread too, but I think we should let the OPs themselves contact the people individually rather than make a noticeboard where you can just plaster your RP; because it might end up like one of those election boards where one party keeps gluing their poster on top of the previous.

Let the OPs work for their posters

Just wanted to make a quick post while I have the time. I stickied another topic mostly just to keep important threads for when I am able to shuffle around this forum to better organize it. I just moved to another city and my computer decided, at the worst possible time, to stop loading Windows altogether. I'm waiting for the recovery disks to come in the mail either tomorrow or Wednesday. The RP of the Week idea hasn't been scrapped, my apologies. That will be the first thing I get in order.

No problem, we all have our schedules and NS probably isn't on top of anyone's list. We can wait another week or more, no rush.

[Boriem]

Hmm... Since my attempt to index RPs failed. I got a better idea.

We should create a thread with the explicit purpose of being an advertising space for RPs.

Well, RP Index seemed like a doomed idea from the start. RPs rise and fall so frequently that you'd never have another free moment in your life, removing and adding new RPs.

I've thought about the advertising thread too, but I think we should let the OPs themselves contact the people individually rather than make a noticeboard where you can just plaster your RP; because it might end up like one of those election boards where one party keeps gluing their poster on top of the previous.

Of course, you could make a rule where one RP only gets one post...

I for one like the idea of having an advertisement thread, since, in my experience RPing, OPs rarely ever advertise well enough. Primarily, their friends join anyways and they're the people the OP usually invites.

Just my two-cents.