A Measure of Success - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

littlemanpoet · 02-09-2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durelin

Yes, new gamers are much fewer...and I guess I was trying to figure out a reason "why," if there is one.

Not sure but I have a hunch that this plays into it: did RPs begin to lose the number of new players roughly about the same time that 'werewolf' started at the Downs?

Firefoot · 02-10-2007, 05:54 AM

I think you also have to take into account the fact that the Downs itself has not gaining as many new members.

Himaran · 03-18-2007, 05:13 PM

I'm not sure if anyone brought this up already, but the sudden surge of new members and players (including myself) directly coincided with the systematic release of the Lord of the Rings movies. That was a huge publicity boost and suddenly everyone was interested in LOTR again. I think now we are seeing a gradual shift back to a balance, where fans of the books remain and fans of the movies will disappear.

Bêthberry · 10-06-2009, 12:18 PM

I do think Werewolf bit into the rpg urge and redirected it. However, it might be possible to inspire some action at The Seventh Star, even if only to provide a bit of documentary nostalgia about Oxonmoot.

Hmm. . . .

Mnemosyne · 10-06-2009, 01:59 PM

(Am I even allowed to post my thoughts here?...)

For me a large part of the issues with the RPGs is that the ones that we do have going take up so much time and energy from the players that they last far longer than the original "expected time commitment."

For me the difference between WW and RPGs is that WW is like a very long sprint, whereas the RPGs are more like marathons. And since you must rely on other people to remain just as committed it's hard to even make that first step when you see so much else (even in inns!) flag as people's personal circumstances change. I do have a couple of characters and even an idea for a game or two, but I don't see enough other people who have the time to help create a game right now--especially if they are involved in other games that are ongoing and flagging...

It's a downright shame to me, because (as I've mentioned on the WW threads) Werewolf is often far too exhausting for me, whereas I think I could manage something "slow and steady" for an RPG. But you know that a Werewolf game will only last for x amount of time, so if you have that time you can commit to that.

I love the verbal talents of the 'Downers--their writing styles and their takes on Tolkien's world are much more consonant with mine than with the more regular community of writers I'm involved with, and since even before I've joined I've longed to create something together with them.

At any rate it seems paltry for me to even post on a thread like this one, in a forum that is reserved only for the most ancient and venerable of 'Downers. But that's my two cents on what's happened to the Roleplaying community here.

Bêthberry · 10-06-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mnemosyne

(Am I even allowed to post my thoughts here?...)

Of course you are! See the comment on Rimbaud's first post here.

If I recall correctly, all members can post in the Inns at any of the rpg forums (or fora if you please) or even a discussion thread such as this one.

mark12_30 · 10-07-2009, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mnemosyne

For me a large part of the issues with the RPGs is that the ones that we do have going take up so much time and energy from the players that they last far longer than the original "expected time commitment."

Me too. And I'm the one CAUSING the protracted play... can't bring myself to end it. Love the characters too much.... That said, I doubt I'd start another one. Or even play in another one, these days; even a three-monther in the Shire. Crazy busy with family & work.

But oh, how I miss the better games. They were more than games. It's like writing a fanfic, and finally ending it and essentially going into mourning or grieving. (Who, me???) And it's also the characters (as well as the team writers) that I miss.

Durelin · 10-14-2009, 03:11 PM

I do miss the days when there were several RPGs moving along at the same time - certainly not always as quickly as people would like and often going beyond the set time-span, but not lasting for a year...or two...or three as they are now.

But that being said, I was always slow with RPGs, and didn't do well with the pressure of others depending on me for the story to keep moving. And I must say that the reason the Downs is the only place I RP anymore (and is the only place I've 'consistently' RPed), is because I am one of those people who can work at that pace because, really, I can't fully commit to a project even for a few weeks (partially because I do have to fully commit to projects like schoolwork), even though I try.

The 'lack' of writers is probably in part because there aren't the same number of games being started up to be a part of. Because games aren't good at ending. But...do you force a game along, or do you let it become whatever the writers make it into? Really, if you look at some of the finished games, some of them were forced along to meet (or at least somewhat meet) their deadlines. Did that make them bad? No, but they certainly could have turned out differently, even if they never finished. If you know what I mean.

I've plotted many a new game. I love starting them (keeping up with them is another matter entirely, of course...). I'm thinking of doing a game over January that I will (hahaha) force myself to keep short. Riiiiight.

10-06-2009, 12:18 PM	#4
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Burying spammers and other positive community acts I do think Werewolf bit into the rpg urge and redirected it. However, it might be possible to inspire some action at The Seventh Star, even if only to provide a bit of documentary nostalgia about Oxonmoot. Hmm. . . . __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

10-06-2009, 01:59 PM	#5
Mnemosyne Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Between the past and the future Posts: 1,159	(Am I even allowed to post my thoughts here?...) For me a large part of the issues with the RPGs is that the ones that we do have going take up so much time and energy from the players that they last far longer than the original "expected time commitment." For me the difference between WW and RPGs is that WW is like a very long sprint, whereas the RPGs are more like marathons. And since you must rely on other people to remain just as committed it's hard to even make that first step when you see so much else (even in inns!) flag as people's personal circumstances change. I do have a couple of characters and even an idea for a game or two, but I don't see enough other people who have the time to help create a game right now--especially if they are involved in other games that are ongoing and flagging... It's a downright shame to me, because (as I've mentioned on the WW threads) Werewolf is often far too exhausting for me, whereas I think I could manage something "slow and steady" for an RPG. But you know that a Werewolf game will only last for x amount of time, so if you have that time you can commit to that. I love the verbal talents of the 'Downers--their writing styles and their takes on Tolkien's world are much more consonant with mine than with the more regular community of writers I'm involved with, and since even before I've joined I've longed to create something together with them. At any rate it seems paltry for me to even post on a thread like this one, in a forum that is reserved only for the most ancient and venerable of 'Downers. But that's my two cents on what's happened to the Roleplaying community here. __________________ Got corsets?

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02-10-2007, 05:54 AM	#2
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	I think you also have to take into account the fact that the Downs itself has not gaining as many new members.

03-18-2007, 05:13 PM	#3
Himaran Ash of Orodruin Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Thangorodrim Posts: 777	I'm not sure if anyone brought this up already, but the sudden surge of new members and players (including myself) directly coincided with the systematic release of the Lord of the Rings movies. That was a huge publicity boost and suddenly everyone was interested in LOTR again. I think now we are seeing a gradual shift back to a balance, where fans of the books remain and fans of the movies will disappear.

10-14-2009, 03:11 PM	#8
Durelin Estelo dagnir, Melo ring Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,063	I do miss the days when there were several RPGs moving along at the same time - certainly not always as quickly as people would like and often going beyond the set time-span, but not lasting for a year...or two...or three as they are now. But that being said, I was always slow with RPGs, and didn't do well with the pressure of others depending on me for the story to keep moving. And I must say that the reason the Downs is the only place I RP anymore (and is the only place I've 'consistently' RPed), is because I am one of those people who can work at that pace because, really, I can't fully commit to a project even for a few weeks (partially because I do have to fully commit to projects like schoolwork), even though I try. The 'lack' of writers is probably in part because there aren't the same number of games being started up to be a part of. Because games aren't good at ending. But...do you force a game along, or do you let it become whatever the writers make it into? Really, if you look at some of the finished games, some of them were forced along to meet (or at least somewhat meet) their deadlines. Did that make them bad? No, but they certainly could have turned out differently, even if they never finished. If you know what I mean. I've plotted many a new game. I love starting them (keeping up with them is another matter entirely, of course...). I'm thinking of doing a game over January that I will (hahaha) force myself to keep short. Riiiiight.