RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes

Berrod Armstrong · **09-14-2015, 10:00 AM**

(09-14-2015, 09:47 AM)LadyRochester Wrote:
(09-11-2015, 02:33 PM)Verad Wrote: This thread exists because RPers are spiteful, contrarian little shits who don't like being told what to do - but only if they're told to view a character positively.

There is no quibbling over "ugly." There is no quibbling over other vague descriptors that imply other informed traits like "sickly" or "plain." It is only when a player dares suggest a character is viewed in a positive fashion that players get their hackles up and start fleeing to the warm, inviting confines of subjectivity.

This is the wit thread, redux.

Except that it's not. Mental faculties are far less open to subjectivity than beauty. However, I am not going to argue about intelligence again, this is not the thread for it.

And yes, I do mean "ugly" characters as well. I saw a roleplayer once say their character was "ugly"without giving much context as to why, in fact, in game, they looked better looking than average. When I sent them a /tell asking why they considered their character "ugly", they basically responded "he has tiny eyes and a biggish nose."

Features that to me, and to people in general, are not enough to make a character "ugly". I am not treating a character as if they were unattractive when they are hardly described as such, and all you get is an "He's ugly" description.

Claiming subjectivity regarding positive traits is the only one that is truly problematic is frankly idiotic. Not every roleplayer that points this out is a bitter little shit.

Same thing goes for "good" and "evil" characters. I had roleplayers tell me their characters are incredibly evil when their actions are considered mildly questionable at best. Then get annoyed if my character doesn't act terrorized/intimidated by them. Is "evil" a positive trait now?

I speak of lazy description when people force their views upon others without truly baking up their claims. When they expect special treatment because their characters are "ugly" orÂ "beautiful" without backing it up. If something is subjective, regardless of it being positive or negative, a roelplayer should not expect others to bend backwards to cater to their beliefs. It's stupidly inconsiderate and lazy.

That's like me saying "Sasha Rochester is the ugliest, bitchiest, stupidest person in Eorzea! She also smells!" I can say it all I want, but if I gent angry when other roleplyers don't agree, I'm probably a bloody idiot. After all, roleplay is more about "show, don't tell." and being so vague with description makes your roleplay seem flat and boring.

I won't go into much input on -- well, the meat of what is being argued between the two posts above, but I feel the need to make a sincere plea for more...constructive language when it comes to discussing roleplay. This isn't just targeted at the posters I've quoted in particular, but it's a general outreach. I'm quoting this particular thread of posts because it was the one that actually made me lean back in my seat and say -whoa-.

I read what was said above and I see merit in it on both sides of the argument. However, I can't help but feel a little odd about the way things are put across. There are...a lot of new roleplayers who read these threads. A lot of shy roleplayers. A lot of roleplayers who want to learn, but struggle with issues of self confidence, or simply some who need a little bit of positive encouragement -- or to read a simple discussion on things.Â

Calling something 'stupidly inconsiderate and lazy', 'idiotic', or flat out saying someone's roleplay is 'flat and boring' can very well turn off a novice roleplayer (or shy roleplayer, or a struggling roleplayer) from going forward and learning. I understand that people may hold this view and I respect that they are entitled to their opinions. It is though, a shared space among many and in the end we just want to be excellent to each other and promote a healthy environment where everyone can grow.Â

So much of what is discussed here is extremely helpful, but it all goes down the drain if it's put across poorly. Please, I beg of you, all of you, let us consider how our points are presented, and have consideration for those who may be reading them to learn from them.Â

My apologies if this post is not in tune with the thread's discussion, but I really think that it needed to be said. Thank you.

If beauty is subjective, who defines the beauty of your character?

RPC has moved! These pages have been kept for historical purposes