To everyone who's weighed in so far with advice: I really appreciate it! My thoughts are actually pretty similar to what's been tossed out so far: we have OOC meetings periodically in an effort to address issues and give people a chance to toss out ideas and opinions but it ends up mostly being me talking at people and others giving me radio static (outside of my officers).
But I'll definitely try sitting them down and having "The Talk" in text form and I'll definitely look toward cutting the fluff, though doing that will probably be difficult without a completely reliable way to gauge activity beyond manually keeping track of who all seems to be doing things with the group (which with an officer team of four including me to a total population of about 70, poses its own problems... But at the same time, no one seems active or reliable enough for me to expand the officer team, so I kinda have to work with what I have). Especially because I'd like to gauge activity more by participation with the group and less by "when did they log in last."
This is a really good idea that I'll definitely look toward trying to do, since the idea of punishing people (an alternative I've considered because that's the style I've seen in some other places) for not doing something-or-another doesn't jive with me that much. How I'll reward them is a matter I'll have to consider with my officer team, but providing incentives outside of bribes would probably help breathe a little bit of... Actual Life into the LS.
Given the fact that I'll be a second-time(!) GM if I manage to get this plot off the ground, I definitely do feel like smaller groups are better and the absolute limit to the number of people directly involved in what's going on at any given time is probably going to be capped at 7, but there are multiple parts even within parts of the event planned because of how it's structured in order to give anyone who wants in a chance to get in and stuff.
I'd be definitely willing to dedicate more time to run big things though... but unfortunately, the problem lies in people simply not seeming interested in doing any big things. u_u;; This story is my first attempt at a plot so I'm kinda sticking to what I know and what's worked with a group I was much closer with. I would welcome it if people wanted to lend me a hand with running it too... But if people give me radio static when I ask who wants to participate, then it'd probably be like dead silence if I asked anyone to help out with GMing.
I guess I should clarify that in my case it is actually an LS. I don't lead the FC I'm a member of (though I guess some of this advice would be helpful to me in that regard too because I'm an officer there). Actually, the LS I lead is probably the one you're referring to here... Trust me, as a leader, I'm really frustrated with the general atmosphere here because... Yeah.
I intend to hand off social-planning responsibilities to people who actually like doing those things (not that I hate them; I just want something different for the group overall), but getting people to step up to the plate and do that is a whole 'nother can of worms. Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough...
But yes this helps! I'll probably start trying to toss some more IC hooks into the LS soon,and get my officers to do the same; the hooks that set up the combat test minievent were pretty good and seemed to stir up some interest in addition to introducing what could easily become an arc for the LS in general, so I'll see if I can get more of that in particular going...
I'll do my best! o7 And yeah, that realization is more or less why I made the thread; I feel like I spend so much time leading the group around but then they don't really... Do a whole lot. I have a lot of fun playing still, so I guess that's a sign I haven't burnt myself out yet (I think actually enjoying the gears and cogs of making things run semi-smoothly helps with that) with all this.
But I'll definitely try sitting them down and having "The Talk" in text form and I'll definitely look toward cutting the fluff, though doing that will probably be difficult without a completely reliable way to gauge activity beyond manually keeping track of who all seems to be doing things with the group (which with an officer team of four including me to a total population of about 70, poses its own problems... But at the same time, no one seems active or reliable enough for me to expand the officer team, so I kinda have to work with what I have). Especially because I'd like to gauge activity more by participation with the group and less by "when did they log in last."
(01-02-2017, 03:26 PM)Maia Wrote: - Nurture the most strongest babby birds. If you notice a member of your guild acting in an ideal way, reward them a little! It doesn't have to be a bribe or anything tangible. It can even be offering them an interesting role in the plot you're managing, or a public comment like "Hey, that was cool, man!" Then again, it could be a bribe, if you put it to good effect. For example, part of my guild's concept is that people can write "Dreams" that other characters can ICly experience. If a person leaves a positive comment on one of these writings, they're entered into a monthly raffle that offers some really boss character art should they win. (One of my officers runs this amenity, and she's lovely for it.)
This is a really good idea that I'll definitely look toward trying to do, since the idea of punishing people (an alternative I've considered because that's the style I've seen in some other places) for not doing something-or-another doesn't jive with me that much. How I'll reward them is a matter I'll have to consider with my officer team, but providing incentives outside of bribes would probably help breathe a little bit of... Actual Life into the LS.
(01-02-2017, 03:37 PM)Virella Wrote: While I don't struggle with the issue you have, as I have a very other view on this all. I find plots and the like only really work with a small group of people.
In other RP community? Sure, bigger crowds could work, but the chat eating text, the chat in general being terrible to navigate, limited slots in party, the fact we're incapable of making alliances and all basically leaves a lot to be desired in regards of DMing stuff for people.
Personally? If you enjoy those social nights yourself, whether it is attending them or just running them for other people? Continue to do it! But do try to pick out people who are up for plot things. But keep it small you know? Unless you want to run bigger plots, you have to sacrifice more time and/or find more DMs to help you out, but I'm not sure if you want to do that either. Also just because this is what I prefer and works better for me on a smaller scale so far doesn't mean it will work for you, or if it's even the advice you're looking for.
Given the fact that I'll be a second-time(!) GM if I manage to get this plot off the ground, I definitely do feel like smaller groups are better and the absolute limit to the number of people directly involved in what's going on at any given time is probably going to be capped at 7, but there are multiple parts even within parts of the event planned because of how it's structured in order to give anyone who wants in a chance to get in and stuff.
I'd be definitely willing to dedicate more time to run big things though... but unfortunately, the problem lies in people simply not seeming interested in doing any big things. u_u;; This story is my first attempt at a plot so I'm kinda sticking to what I know and what's worked with a group I was much closer with. I would welcome it if people wanted to lend me a hand with running it too... But if people give me radio static when I ask who wants to participate, then it'd probably be like dead silence if I asked anyone to help out with GMing.
(01-02-2017, 03:46 PM)ExAtomos Wrote: Then that may be, in fact, all they want to do.
I've actually run into the wall of 'social' crime based rp myself recently with a new LS I've joined. My dude isn't just gonna go to a tavern and declare "teehee, I'm a bad guy" just to see who reaches out to me. That... makes zero sense. lol. In my opinion, this type of rp doesn't lend itself to large scale, social events. One on one or small group? Sure! But we both better have a good reason for speaking to each other about Nefarious Stuff tm.
I can't speak for you and your FC members specifically, but I like tossing out RP hooks either oocly (which sadly, usually don't get responses) or over an IC LS with something along the lines of... *Jo's voice sounds pained as she whispers frantically over the linkshell.* Is... is anyone there? I need help... please, gods... send help." /drama Often you'll get people springing from the woodwork for this.
If some folks in your FC just never interact with the rest and it's like a rock in your shoe, speak with them privately. See what they want from the FC and, if there is just a great wall of a mismatch, suggest they seek another group that may fit their rp style better.
Hope this helps! ^^
I guess I should clarify that in my case it is actually an LS. I don't lead the FC I'm a member of (though I guess some of this advice would be helpful to me in that regard too because I'm an officer there). Actually, the LS I lead is probably the one you're referring to here... Trust me, as a leader, I'm really frustrated with the general atmosphere here because... Yeah.
I intend to hand off social-planning responsibilities to people who actually like doing those things (not that I hate them; I just want something different for the group overall), but getting people to step up to the plate and do that is a whole 'nother can of worms. Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough...But yes this helps! I'll probably start trying to toss some more IC hooks into the LS soon,and get my officers to do the same; the hooks that set up the combat test minievent were pretty good and seemed to stir up some interest in addition to introducing what could easily become an arc for the LS in general, so I'll see if I can get more of that in particular going...
(01-02-2017, 03:59 PM)Syranelle Ironleaf Wrote: Leading and hosting can be a struggle at times, because you'll always feel like you put forth more effort than most. Â The major advice I can give for that is: Â don't let it bother you and don't let it discourage you. Have fun, enjoy it, and make the most of the people who DO engage with you.Â
As the old saying goes: Â "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink it." Â The same is true for roleplayers; you can create opportunities all day long, but you can't make them partake. Â So, just enjoy the time you spend in game, invest in the people who reciprocate that investment and let the rest move on as they will. Â You'll be much happier for it, I promise you. Â A game should, first and foremost, be fun to log in and play. Â Once it starts feeling like a struggle or a job, it stops being fun and starts being obligation. Â That includes roleplay as much as anything else.
I'll do my best! o7 And yeah, that realization is more or less why I made the thread; I feel like I spend so much time leading the group around but then they don't really... Do a whole lot. I have a lot of fun playing still, so I guess that's a sign I haven't burnt myself out yet (I think actually enjoying the gears and cogs of making things run semi-smoothly helps with that) with all this.
