A Measure of Success

[Nogrod]

Originally Posted by Durelin

I don't know. Maybe the issue really is that things are more "plot-driven" than "character driven." And I think fan-fiction is more the former, while roleplaying is more the latter.

Now, as I said: I love the idea of writing group fan-fiction...but I want to roleplay in roleplaying forums.

Originally Posted by Pio

Couldn’t agree with you more.....as a player, that is. On the other hand, as a moderator, there seem to be a number of game proposers/leaders as well as players that really like the idea of plot driven writing.

So what could we do about that? Perhaps a disclaimer of sorts at the start of a discussion thread on how the game’s proposer feels he/she wants the game to be played? That way gamers who don’t relish this sort of writing/playing can opt out of considering the game. Don’t know how this would work. And of course, those proposers who are wanting more character driven games can make their own intentions known.

This difference is a tough one. When I started writing here I had a lots of concerns about the storyline (and I still do, at least somewhat) - and thence I think was more like a fan-fiction writer. But I think I have learned a thing or two on the way. Hopefully.

I was told that the RPG's are about interaction and playing the roles, yes I was. I don't deny that. But I must also say, that I was never introduced to this difference properly and the whole concept was a bit vague so that I had to learn to grasp it by trial and error by judging from how different people reacted to what I did. And I'm afraid I had certain people a bit frustrated with me on those early days of mine...

Now, reading what Dury says, is kind of opening my eyes to the problem the first time in an enlightening way. It seems so much clearer as it's formulated thus.

This is no reclamation. Far from it. The work the mods do here is just absolutely fantastic. I just think that if we wish to stress the playing of the roles -part of writing here we should make this difference more clear to anyone coming into these games - and cling to it ourselves as well.

And if people wish to make more plot-oriented stuff, let them do it and make that clear in the beginning of the game that is about to start. I think both ways of writing are interesting ones and can be highly gratifying, but a conflict easily ensues if people thrive for different goals within a same game.

Thanks Dury for this opening!