So with 2.0 fast approaching and the current client undergoing some massive changes to the mechanics and the way we, as roleplayers, play the game, there are some interesting points that are brought up as we proceed forward. I suppose the best way for me to explain them is in outline format, sooooo here we go~
Linkshells: Too many, too much?
As of 4/16, there are a total of 13 registered linkshells on the RPC. On average, there are roughly 10-15 members per shell, with the more filled shells balancing out the lighter ones. Taking into account that players have multiple shells, we're still looking at a rough estimate of about 150 roleplayers left on the server. My numbers are likely off, but one can look at that and easily see what type issues and problems such a high number of micro communities pose in such a scattered and lightly populated world. Competition is likely when linkshells are scouting for full time members, and even then, the more established shells will already have a much more solid foothold and established presence. The lighter shells would either be forced to disband or simply accept the fact that growth has become stagnant for them because the resources are in limited quantities.
The "simple" solution is to cut down on the number of shells present and reduce the number from 10 or so sporadic and semi-active shells into 4 or 5 heavily active shells. But who are we, or anyone for that matter, to suggest that a linkshell can't exist simply because it isn't recieving enough attention/taking part in enough events/ or because it doesn't have enough members? Last I checked, RP wasn't about the ego or size of a shell or guild, but rather the fun and immersion the RP presents. I'm willing to sacrifice the former in order to ensure that the future of the community isn't being hindered. However, I feel that we have other means to approach this before we suggest shells devouring one another for the sake of the community.
A better solution, in my opinion, is to create stronger bonds between shells, both in-character and out-of-character. This involves communication, forum usage, more presence on the RPC, etc. The only way I can see the current number of shells to continue to co-exist and function is to create and build the communication between them. Let's call this idea sister linkshells or something for now. We could have shells with similar themes work more closely together to develop more intricate and detailed content for members of both parties, therefore increeasing the activity within the shells and increasing the awareness of active, engaging RP. If we were to have all the current linkshells work together in a manner such as this, we would already be killing two birds with one stone: those being RP awareness and RP activity.
So to this end and to sum up this part of my wall of text, I propose that we establish some sort of weekly, or bi-weekly, or monthly gathering of linkshell leaders OOCly (and perhaps even ICly) to discuss the current and ongoing direction of the community and settle any disputes there may be for the greater good of the RP. This would be a great place for ideas to be brought to the table and linkshell leaders to brainstorm with one another for cross shell activity.
Free Companies: The Future of the RP Community
The next point of interest revolves around the upcoming Free Company status which will be made available to us come 2.0. For those that don't know, Free Companies are basically player-run Grand Companies, where the players are able to have a company building, custom company rankings, the ability to summon primals, etc. From what I understand and what I've read (spare me as I'm too lazy to cite my sources), players will be limited to one Free Company. From a player perspective, this is great. From a role-player perspective, it forces the community to work against each other in the grand scheme of things. The last thing I want to see is the RP community driving a sharp nail down the middle, further dividing us than we already are.
My suggestion to this is to establish some sort of IC Free Company for RPers headed by the various linkshell leaders. It ties directly back with my last point in that we can use it to further unite the community and ensure we strive and grow while showing to the rest of the server that we are indeed active and engaged in what we do.
I can go into further detail on this if need be, but I'm just tossing the idea up on the table for now.
External Sites/ Official Forums
While I know that the RPC isn't some sort of governing body, perhaps we need to get RPC representatives in place to help promote the RP on our server. I know Kylin, Oskar, Endricane, and several others have already been doing what they can, but perhaps it's high time the rest of the community stand up and help them in this regards? I for one have been a shade for too long even though I have been present in the community here and there as a leader and member. Perhaps we should have some sort of promotional team? A group of players to represent us on forums such as ZAM and FFXIVCore, while another group is in charge of Q&A with the dev reps on the official forums? We could even have a whole group dedicated to putting our creative talents to use through our art outlets and vocal forums.
None of the things I've proposed are original by any means, but I've yet to see them discussed in-depth or at much length. Having the ideas aren't enough however. Talk is still cheap when it all boils down, and what needs to happen is that we as a community need to take a stand and represent ourselves more to further encourage the growth and future of this diverse and immersive side of the game.
Linkshells: Too many, too much?
As of 4/16, there are a total of 13 registered linkshells on the RPC. On average, there are roughly 10-15 members per shell, with the more filled shells balancing out the lighter ones. Taking into account that players have multiple shells, we're still looking at a rough estimate of about 150 roleplayers left on the server. My numbers are likely off, but one can look at that and easily see what type issues and problems such a high number of micro communities pose in such a scattered and lightly populated world. Competition is likely when linkshells are scouting for full time members, and even then, the more established shells will already have a much more solid foothold and established presence. The lighter shells would either be forced to disband or simply accept the fact that growth has become stagnant for them because the resources are in limited quantities.
The "simple" solution is to cut down on the number of shells present and reduce the number from 10 or so sporadic and semi-active shells into 4 or 5 heavily active shells. But who are we, or anyone for that matter, to suggest that a linkshell can't exist simply because it isn't recieving enough attention/taking part in enough events/ or because it doesn't have enough members? Last I checked, RP wasn't about the ego or size of a shell or guild, but rather the fun and immersion the RP presents. I'm willing to sacrifice the former in order to ensure that the future of the community isn't being hindered. However, I feel that we have other means to approach this before we suggest shells devouring one another for the sake of the community.
A better solution, in my opinion, is to create stronger bonds between shells, both in-character and out-of-character. This involves communication, forum usage, more presence on the RPC, etc. The only way I can see the current number of shells to continue to co-exist and function is to create and build the communication between them. Let's call this idea sister linkshells or something for now. We could have shells with similar themes work more closely together to develop more intricate and detailed content for members of both parties, therefore increeasing the activity within the shells and increasing the awareness of active, engaging RP. If we were to have all the current linkshells work together in a manner such as this, we would already be killing two birds with one stone: those being RP awareness and RP activity.
So to this end and to sum up this part of my wall of text, I propose that we establish some sort of weekly, or bi-weekly, or monthly gathering of linkshell leaders OOCly (and perhaps even ICly) to discuss the current and ongoing direction of the community and settle any disputes there may be for the greater good of the RP. This would be a great place for ideas to be brought to the table and linkshell leaders to brainstorm with one another for cross shell activity.
Free Companies: The Future of the RP Community
The next point of interest revolves around the upcoming Free Company status which will be made available to us come 2.0. For those that don't know, Free Companies are basically player-run Grand Companies, where the players are able to have a company building, custom company rankings, the ability to summon primals, etc. From what I understand and what I've read (spare me as I'm too lazy to cite my sources), players will be limited to one Free Company. From a player perspective, this is great. From a role-player perspective, it forces the community to work against each other in the grand scheme of things. The last thing I want to see is the RP community driving a sharp nail down the middle, further dividing us than we already are.
My suggestion to this is to establish some sort of IC Free Company for RPers headed by the various linkshell leaders. It ties directly back with my last point in that we can use it to further unite the community and ensure we strive and grow while showing to the rest of the server that we are indeed active and engaged in what we do.
I can go into further detail on this if need be, but I'm just tossing the idea up on the table for now.
External Sites/ Official Forums
While I know that the RPC isn't some sort of governing body, perhaps we need to get RPC representatives in place to help promote the RP on our server. I know Kylin, Oskar, Endricane, and several others have already been doing what they can, but perhaps it's high time the rest of the community stand up and help them in this regards? I for one have been a shade for too long even though I have been present in the community here and there as a leader and member. Perhaps we should have some sort of promotional team? A group of players to represent us on forums such as ZAM and FFXIVCore, while another group is in charge of Q&A with the dev reps on the official forums? We could even have a whole group dedicated to putting our creative talents to use through our art outlets and vocal forums.
None of the things I've proposed are original by any means, but I've yet to see them discussed in-depth or at much length. Having the ideas aren't enough however. Talk is still cheap when it all boils down, and what needs to happen is that we as a community need to take a stand and represent ourselves more to further encourage the growth and future of this diverse and immersive side of the game.
![[Image: tumblr_mi0y507q1p1s5o9uno1_500.gif]](https://24.media.tumblr.com/d1a6eb2e938912f11f429b824c03a0ec/tumblr_mi0y507q1p1s5o9uno1_500.gif)
Take some bacon and I put it in a pancake.
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