Quote:From the view of just another RPer one problem with multiple linkshells in existence is most often they tend to follow the same theme. Though fine, it limits the possible options that a roleplayer has for compatible linkshells when the theme is repeated. A heavy view of this is the mercenary theme. There's plenty of these linkshells around to choose from but what if your character or play style doesn't fit this? Ultimately you're left to scour around for one that does, or make your own. That is where the influx of linkshells comes from, people trying to either create their own personalized theme, or follow a popular one. The difference however could be in the set rules. Lore between varying shells tends to differ, some will accept one thing, but another won't. The theme could be right but the rules are not. Isn't to say we all must throw our standards out the window but with a higher standard one would restrict how many potential matches are available.
Another problem is some shells prefer to remain small, strictly to encourage interaction with their members. It's a double-edged sword in this sense. Keeping it small means it's easier to make lasting bonds with one another and promote character growth. But this also means creating the traditional niche that doesn't want to interact with others outside their comfort zone. If the RP community is to thrive in 2.0 this must be somehow addressed. All of this comes down to us as players too. I've noticed in particular that very often a request is made for help, be it an in-game thing, or perhaps just a request for RP. The request can often go unanswered by anyone. Many of us are off in our own world, instanced if you will, that we ignore these requests. Is it because we don't know them? Is it because we're busy? I don't know. One thing I am pleased to notice is the community seems to be far more willing to accept certain things, even stuff beyond what might be our comfort zones. Tonight I made that decision myself too regarding something that everyone seemed to be okay with, but I was not. I'd only be hurting myself to do so, and in the end it didn't seem like it was that big of a deal either.
Forgive me if I'm rambling, very tired but hope some of this helps.
Hm, well this points out a lot of issues that you are seeing as a player, yet proposes no solutions.
Momo, I am sorry but I just don't see things the way you do, and it irks me that you speak on behalf of some 'group', or at least it sounds that way. Who is "we"? Do not attempt to unify all into one, because not everyone shares your point of view. Sorry but it's really annoying to me when people speak on behalf of the community. Not everyone agrees that the community is broken. Not everyone agrees that the community is broken in the ways you think it's broken. Not everyone wants what you want. Everyone is their own person... so speak for yourself, not the community. It may be a lot difficult to defend your views when you do not assume they are shared by everyone.
Aside from that, honestly if we want to better the community beyond just the clean up/reorganization we need to define what "better" is... what would be an ideal, and only then rally and march toward it. Otherwise even if we put in effort, we'll still be disjointed as a community since we're going 10 different ways.
As for all linkshells joining one Free Company... on what basis would this be? Simply all RP groups? So Knights and thieves in the same one? Sorry if it seems like I am trying to shoot holes through it. It's true, by the way, I am. This is a way to find if this stuff would really fly, though. Anyway, IC it doesn't make sense it seems to me... OOC it can cause tension to have people who clearly do not agree on basic RP playstyle somehow under the same roof. I would rather work from IC on. If my LS bonds closely enough with others, and if OOC'ly we have similar RP styles, then we can form a Free Company together. Makes sense to me, instead of metagaming and tossing everyone together just for the sake of what? I'd rather not be frustrated in-game. I am sure folks on all sides can agree on that.
I’m the bullies you hate, that you became.
