Now, before I proceed I'd like to preface this by saying that the below is my opinion and that this thread is as much a thread for discussion on the subject as it is me speaking to the roleplaying community. If you have an opinion on the matter too, I'd love to hear it.
With the advent of FFXIV 3.4, we have attained the glorious ability to put an "Rp" icon next to our characters in game, similar in effect to an afk or busy status. This is great for a number of reasons, all of which I'm quite sure the community is aware of. However, I do believe that a large number of people are using it incorrectly.
Prior to 3.4 roleplayers had to rely on their search info to indicate they roleplay, as well as information on their character if they chose to include it. Finding out if someone roleplayed, if they preferred tells, etc, required looking up their search info. While the 3.4 Rp icon allows us to eliminate a portion of this, we will still inevitably need to use search info to display character information.
Day 2 into 3.4's existence and I'm already seeing a habit of players that I don't think utilizes the new Rp icon effectively. In many cases, roleplayers will set their status to roleplay even if they are not currently engaging in roleplay, or are not (visibly) ready for roleplay. I am of the strong opinion that this is improper use of the status icon and does nothing to help fellow roleplayers glean any information on when they can roleplay with you, or if you are roleplaying. I believe that the Rp status is best used to indicate one is currently roleplaying (or is prepared to do so and waiting) and that walks ups are permissible.
Consider the following situations:
Situation A) Two roleplayers currently have their roleplay status turned on and are seeking roleplay. Should player 1 wish to engage in rp with player 2, and is unsure if they allow walk-ups, they need only look at their status symbol. Since it is on, they already understand the agreement. There is nothing questionable about the player's assumptions.
Situation B) One roleplayer has their roleplay status on but is not ready or wanting of rp at the current moment. Another roleplayer sees this status and may assume they are ready for roleplay. If they are not, then awkwardness ensues. If the second player doesn't make the assumptions and looks at their search info, then the purpose of the rp status symbol has been completely defeated.
Situation C) A group of roleplayers are currently engaged in some sort of private event. They are not ready or wanting of walk ups, so they leave rp status off. Another player in the area will notice this lack of rp status, and understand they are not wanted in the event.
It is for this reason that I plead with the Rp community to USE THIS NEW GIFT WISELY. Use it only when you are:
1) At your keyboard
2) Prepared and awaiting roleplay
3) Are accepting of potential walk ups
Any other use helps no one or otherwise defeats the purpose of having the status symbol in the first place. Much like the afk symbol is meant to indicate you are in a current state, so to is the rp symbol meant to indicate your current state, not your being a roleplayer.
Any opinions, discussion are most welcome.
With the advent of FFXIV 3.4, we have attained the glorious ability to put an "Rp" icon next to our characters in game, similar in effect to an afk or busy status. This is great for a number of reasons, all of which I'm quite sure the community is aware of. However, I do believe that a large number of people are using it incorrectly.
Prior to 3.4 roleplayers had to rely on their search info to indicate they roleplay, as well as information on their character if they chose to include it. Finding out if someone roleplayed, if they preferred tells, etc, required looking up their search info. While the 3.4 Rp icon allows us to eliminate a portion of this, we will still inevitably need to use search info to display character information.
Day 2 into 3.4's existence and I'm already seeing a habit of players that I don't think utilizes the new Rp icon effectively. In many cases, roleplayers will set their status to roleplay even if they are not currently engaging in roleplay, or are not (visibly) ready for roleplay. I am of the strong opinion that this is improper use of the status icon and does nothing to help fellow roleplayers glean any information on when they can roleplay with you, or if you are roleplaying. I believe that the Rp status is best used to indicate one is currently roleplaying (or is prepared to do so and waiting) and that walks ups are permissible.
Consider the following situations:
Situation A) Two roleplayers currently have their roleplay status turned on and are seeking roleplay. Should player 1 wish to engage in rp with player 2, and is unsure if they allow walk-ups, they need only look at their status symbol. Since it is on, they already understand the agreement. There is nothing questionable about the player's assumptions.
Situation B) One roleplayer has their roleplay status on but is not ready or wanting of rp at the current moment. Another roleplayer sees this status and may assume they are ready for roleplay. If they are not, then awkwardness ensues. If the second player doesn't make the assumptions and looks at their search info, then the purpose of the rp status symbol has been completely defeated.
Situation C) A group of roleplayers are currently engaged in some sort of private event. They are not ready or wanting of walk ups, so they leave rp status off. Another player in the area will notice this lack of rp status, and understand they are not wanted in the event.
It is for this reason that I plead with the Rp community to USE THIS NEW GIFT WISELY. Use it only when you are:
1) At your keyboard
2) Prepared and awaiting roleplay
3) Are accepting of potential walk ups
Any other use helps no one or otherwise defeats the purpose of having the status symbol in the first place. Much like the afk symbol is meant to indicate you are in a current state, so to is the rp symbol meant to indicate your current state, not your being a roleplayer.
Any opinions, discussion are most welcome.
![[Image: DUcxaJM.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/DUcxaJM.jpg)
