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

SicketySix · **04-23-2015, 10:49 AM**

(04-23-2015, 10:41 AM)Black Hat Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:32 AM)Casden Reeves Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:15 AM)Black Hat Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:13 AM)Black Hat Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:05 AM)Casden Reeves Wrote: *looks at your post count*

Yes, yes it was

I actually do believe popularity is being based on post count, and who many people reply to your posts/topics.
Â I have 205, been a member since.....good god. Is that accurate?? -_- And my rep is right around Casden's.....I feel like that argument is invalid. If you break it down mathematically, 205 divided by 18 months is roughly 11 1/2 posts per month. Roughly 3 posts per week as an average. You have 420 since February. That's 140 a month at an average rate of 35 posts per week or 5 posts a day ( DID MATH WRONG ). So you must be more popular than me, even though I've been a member longer?
I wouldn't, and have such stated before, that I do not think I'm popular at all, (though I may be recognized in game) So I wouldn't think I'm more popular than anyone. But I will say this, it would stand to reason that the one with the higher post count in the shorter amount of time would be a bit more recognizable than someone with less post in a longer time, but that'd dimply due to maintaining a heavier presence.

But I digress, I was simply echoing what the general rule of thumb of new forums goers seem to be implying. I did not know I was invoking a popularity contest

Perhaps it would be better if one did not echo the sentiments of others, but let them speak for themselves. After all, the point is that they wish to be heard and recognized.

Sorry, maybe you missed the whole topic about everyone crying about not being popular, it was brought up that post count should be hidden to make everyone feel equal. So my response, was actually stating what they themselves was discussing Cool

Gegenji · **04-23-2015, 10:56 AM**

Just because post count doesn't mean more popular, that doesn't keep people from thinking it does.

Then again, I'm not entirely sure what quantifies as popular in MMO RP and what it entails. I mean, a couple folks have said I'm rather popular (which I still find hard to believe)? And, oddly enough, I was told this because I was talking about having trouble finding RP! Apparently, I'm popular/famous enough that people are afraid to RP with me? Sad

No Longer Exists · **04-23-2015, 11:00 AM**

(04-23-2015, 10:49 AM)Casden Reeves Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:41 AM)Black Hat Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:32 AM)Casden Reeves Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:15 AM)Black Hat Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:13 AM)Black Hat Wrote: Â I have 205, been a member since.....good god. Is that accurate?? -_- And my rep is right around Casden's.....I feel like that argument is invalid. If you break it down mathematically, 205 divided by 18 months is roughly 11 1/2 posts per month. Roughly 3 posts per week as an average. You have 420 since February. That's 140 a month at an average rate of 35 posts per week or 5 posts a day ( DID MATH WRONG ). So you must be more popular than me, even though I've been a member longer?
I wouldn't, and have such stated before, that I do not think I'm popular at all, (though I may be recognized in game) So I wouldn't think I'm more popular than anyone. But I will say this, it would stand to reason that the one with the higher post count in the shorter amount of time would be a bit more recognizable than someone with less post in a longer time, but that'd dimply due to maintaining a heavier presence.

But I digress, I was simply echoing what the general rule of thumb of new forums goers seem to be implying. I did not know I was invoking a popularity contest

Perhaps it would be better if one did not echo the sentiments of others, but let them speak for themselves. After all, the point is that they wish to be heard and recognized.
Sorry, maybe you missed the whole topic about everyone crying about not being popular, it was brought up that post count should be hidden to make everyone feel equal. So my response, was actually stating what they themselves was discussing

Twas not missed. Unfortunately, you've begun to contradict yourself and it might be time to step away from these topics awhile. As plainly written in black and white above, you first are echoing what new forum goers seem to be implying and now are "actually stating what they themselves was discussing." which is it?

In this specific thread, YOU brought up post count. Presumably echoing for a nebulous unheard mass that you may or may not be championing because WE were discussing popularity, cliques, and positivity not post counts and reputations until you and I began this sequence of posts.Â

If you would like to discuss this further away from a thread that isn't about you and your post count theory, I will gladly do so. I am still requesting that you stop being someone else's loudspeaker though. At this point, it is becoming inappropriate and detrimental to multiple threads now. I am not a mod, nor do I have any sort of power to stop you but as a concerned citizen. Kindly shut up and let these newcomers speak for themselves for awhile. I don't even know who has a problem at this point, because all I see is you, Casden, typing "PEOPLE SAY THIS IS THE PROBLEM." over and over again.

Iex · **04-23-2015, 11:04 AM**

Sorry, I just burst into a bit a laugh when my drive by huggingÂ was referenced.

As a lot of people have noted, it was far from IC. A lot of times I use FFXIV as a 'pacing' simulated while I am thinking. I am one of those people that PACE A LOT while thinking, and since my significant other is one of those folks who rightly might get bothered by someone pacing, FFXIV serves as a good substitute. That is why a lot of folks will end up seeing me literally doÂ many circles running through the Quicksand, down the markets, up the main 'drive' of Ul'dah to the Aetheryte and back to the Quicksand. I end up doing that many times before I sit down with an idea of what I want to RP. When I see someone I know or at least recognize at the moment while pacing a lot of times I will just /hug and keep going. Weird little habit.

My /hug of someone rarely is IC. (I think only one of my characters regularly hugged people, and he would actually liftÂ highlanders off the ground with those hugs. Go go Seawolf.) Most of the time the hug is a version of me saying "HI! Hope you are doing well." but I seriously have nothing else to say because my brain isn't working well so it doesn't become that odd "Hi" "Hi" How are you doing?" "Good you?" "Doing well." and then just stopping. It really just is me acknowledging I saw you but at the same time apologizing for lack of conversation due to me... just not having any at the time.

**Unnamed Mercenary** · **04-23-2015, 11:06 AM**

(04-23-2015, 10:34 AM)Eleni Wrote: I don't know. Does popularity and post counts and rep and all that really matter? Why can't we all just be normal?Â

Isn't it easier for everyone that way?

This becomes difficult, because we have to consider who actually cares about the post count, rep, stars, color of text in a username. Anyone can say they're "popular". But it only carries meaning if other people recognize it, which is why it can become so dangerous.

People who've interacted with me know I'm not particularly good at reaching out. And my scheduling abilities are pretty terrible. (Trying to fix this). But whether or not I think I'm popular, someone else may think I am. And to that person, I would then have some "popular" status that influences how that person would interpret my words or react to me.

I was literally dragged into the community by some friends. First they lured me into an out of game chat. Then some RL friends in the chat lured me out with food. I talked to people out of game, and then we worked out plotting and stories in-game.

But that was only how I met -some- of my contacts. Remember our first couple meetings, Eleni? Spontaneous and completely unplanned! (And I'd say we had a pretty good time). The RPC simply alerted us that the other existed. I don't think post count, rep, or other statistics on the forums made that decision. But for someone else, it might.

FreelanceWizard · **04-23-2015, 11:08 AM**

Everyone, let's please take a moment to cool off a bit and get back on topic. People seem to be getting a bit hot under the collar over the whole post count/reputation thing.

For what it's worth, there will be no change to the display of reputation, join date, or post count at this time.

#magicAdminHat

Kage · **04-23-2015, 11:15 AM**

T_T I only brought it up because it's an example of what Faye was saying in how people become popular. You could get rid of the post count but it won't change the notion? idea? indication? that the reason why someone's name is "out there" and hence, popular, is because well... people saw their name a lot!

Word of mouth, whatever. Their name was seen because they posted. Or their presence was constant or consistent in areas that have high populations of RPers.

The major thing is... people don't even know they're popular until they see it. Like Faye and Chachanji mentioned when they had people tell them "I'm a little intimidated to RP with you..." Or when i had someone randomly go "Oh, you're that Kage from Balmung aren't you? Stay after this boss fight so I can take a screencap with you!"

Nebbs · **04-23-2015, 11:19 AM**

Have we (or is there) a breakdown of what we think these cliques are?

Show Content

Kage · **04-23-2015, 11:20 AM**

To be honest, most of the "cliques" I can think of are more... FC centered?

Perhaps maybe even plot-centered?

I really don't know what the cliques are in this game ><;

No Longer Exists · **04-23-2015, 11:27 AM**

(04-23-2015, 11:20 AM)Kage Wrote: To be honest, most of the "cliques" I can think of are more... FC centered?

Perhaps maybe even plot-centered?

I really don't know what the cliques are in this game ><;

That is because there is a perception, not a reality, of elitism and cliques forming from it. Certain individuals feel that there are, which has nothing to do with anyone but those particular individuals who should (in my opinion) enjoy themselves without accusing others who are enjoying themselves. As evidenced from these last two days of posts, we are by and large a happy community.Â

Also, you mentioned posting a lot, not post count specifically. Which is why I stated that Casden brought post count into the equation with his chosen form of parroted answer to your question. It's all good, Kage.

SicketySix · **04-23-2015, 11:28 AM**

(04-23-2015, 11:00 AM)Black Hat Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:49 AM)Casden Reeves Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:41 AM)Black Hat Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:32 AM)Casden Reeves Wrote:
(04-23-2015, 10:15 AM)Black Hat Wrote:
I wouldn't, and have such stated before, that I do not think I'm popular at all, (though I may be recognized in game) So I wouldn't think I'm more popular than anyone. But I will say this, it would stand to reason that the one with the higher post count in the shorter amount of time would be a bit more recognizable than someone with less post in a longer time, but that'd dimply due to maintaining a heavier presence.

But I digress, I was simply echoing what the general rule of thumb of new forums goers seem to be implying. I did not know I was invoking a popularity contest

Perhaps it would be better if one did not echo the sentiments of others, but let them speak for themselves. After all, the point is that they wish to be heard and recognized.
Sorry, maybe you missed the whole topic about everyone crying about not being popular, it was brought up that post count should be hidden to make everyone feel equal. So my response, was actually stating what they themselves was discussing
Twas not missed. Unfortunately, you've begun to contradict yourself and it might be time to step away from these topics awhile. As plainly written in black and white above, you first are echoing what new forum goers seem to be implying and now are "actually stating what they themselves was discussing." which is it?

In this specific thread, YOU brought up post count. Presumably echoing for a nebulous unheard mass that you may or may not be championing because WE were discussing popularity, cliques, and positivity not post counts and reputations until you and I began this sequence of posts.Â

If you would like to discuss this further away from a thread that isn't about you and your post count theory, I will gladly do so. I am still requesting that you stop being someone else's loudspeaker though. At this point, it is becoming inappropriate and detrimental to multiple threads now. I am not a mod, nor do I have any sort of power to stop you but as a concerned citizen. Kindly shut up and let these newcomers speak for themselves for awhile. I don't even know who has a problem at this point, because all I see is you, Casden, typing "PEOPLE SAY THIS IS THE PROBLEM." over and over again.

As cooly and calmly as I can reply to this without anyone getting hostile, I used the word imply, as in they are implying that post count matter. I do not agree that post count SHOULD matter, hence why I use the phrase "they imply" I did not mean that I THINK they are implying it. It was clearly already discussed.

As far as this post count subject being brought up, someone brought it up, before I even did. I simply replied. If there is some sort of problem that cause with you, well sorry I guess. Other than that, I don't know what else can be said between us.

Maybe I wrote something out improper, maybe you misread, I don't care.
No hard feelings, no grudges, just difference in opinions and am willing to drop it.

I do however, respectfully decline on being told to shut up.

SicketySix · **04-23-2015, 11:29 AM**

(04-23-2015, 11:20 AM)Kage Wrote: To be honest, most of the "cliques" I can think of are more... FC centered?

Perhaps maybe even plot-centered?

I really don't know what the cliques are in this game ><;

That's because I don't think there is much of one. At least not on the level that people keep stating. I view at more as a collection of friends. Much like real life, you center towards your friends. Nothing wrong with that.

ArmachiA · **04-23-2015, 11:30 AM**

Okay, to start:

I understand the annoyance with being seen as popular. While I'm not here on the RPC, I am seem by some people in my guild and the outside guilds we rp with as the "Center" of it. I've had people state behind my back they were jealous and HATED me simply because I was popular and talkative. I've had some state they were going to take my position as "Center" away from me because I was undeserving. To be frank, I was - and still am - uncomfortable with the label. About a year ago I even pulled my character out of rp for two months because I didn't like the insinuation, but it persisted and still persists regardless of what I do. I am extremely talkative, I like to help people accomplish things in FFXIV and tend to try to rally people together, and the fact that demonized me somehow never sat well with me. It still doesn't.

BUT
I don't think stating someone is popular automatically demonizes them. The idea of being labeled as "Popular" and it being taken as an insult it really strange to me. It reminds me a lot of when I ended up meeting a few rich people in my life, if you pointed out they were rich - they actually got insulted. Don't point it out, don't talk about the fact they have money. Just saying it demonized the fact they were rich in their eyes - even though it was just true. It was just a thing that was. People with status are uncomfortable admitting that status, sure, but it doesn't make it less true (Also most people who have money will immediately argue that they in fact don't have money and/or use the argument of "I worked hard for this!" which rings strikingly familiar).

I don't think there is anything wrong with the label. Let me repeat that: There is nothing wrong with being labeled popular. Nothing. Popular people are going to exist in ANY community. Youtube? Pewdiepie. Imgur? Kylecorn. Something Awful? Lowtax. Little Old Jplop forums I've mentioned before? Starra.

It happens. It's not exclusive to FFXIV RP. Communities form and faces stand out in the crowd from them. This is not bad. If you get labeled as a popular - own it. The community has deemed you one, fighting against it isn't going to change anything. But, also understand what it means.

On the "Popular" side:
I think if someone comes in and says "I'm having trouble finding RP, here's what I've tried." and someone they know has no trouble with it NOW comes in and says, "Just try harder." - even with it being good advice - can be demoralizing. In their mind it's like: They are trying harder! How dare someone who has no trouble finding rp tell them they aren't trying hard.

Is this fair? Not really, but that is what's going to happen. They are going to get frustrated at you for holding your 100 dollar bills in your hand while you proclaim they just need to work harder to pay their bills. It's going to be frustrating. For both sides. To them you aren't giving meaningful advice, to you, you're giving advice that you tried - working hard. In their mind, they probably are working hard and your making a snap judgement about their work ethic. Popular people, as deemed by the community, are speaking from a place that other people strive to be at. They are looking AT YOU and seeing where YOU ARE as they're end goal. Because of that, you are perceived differently.

The best thing I got here is just to be understanding of that privilege. There are so many people so want to be in your shoes. Being understanding of that - that you are in a place others strive to be - can go a long way.

To the "Unpopulars":
Look, same thing as above: Snap Judgements are bad. Don't make them. If you are running around saying all popular people do is rp with the other popular people and you can't seem to squeeze into that because they all wear pink on Wednesdays, you're doing EXACTLY what you hate them doing: Making judgements about the state of someone's RP ethic.

The fact of the matter is, you don't know who RPs with whom unless you ask them directly. And, this is very important, while they may be popular on this forum, this forum is NOT the game. Things work a little different on the game. For example: I don't think I've ran into like 95% of the RPC. Ever. Most of the names I know and like I've never seen in game since launch. Most of the people I'd like to rp with on this forum I have NEVER caught online.

Do I assume that when I'm offline they are rping with each other and not inviting me to the barbie party? Nah. Shockingly, schedules vary wildly around here and there's a BETTER chance they AREN'T rping with each other then that they ARE. However, if your kind of insecure about it (Which is okay, don't think it's not okay to find people intimidating. It's natural to do so, but also try to take a step back from that emotion and realize while - yes some are gonna be dicks - most are going to be pleasant - there is a reason why they are popular and it's probably not because they are asshats) you can ask people what LS's they are in. Linkshells are a good way to gauge people's RP circles, or at the very least wannabe RP circles, and you can ask to see if their LS is open to the public. An easy, noninvasive way to try to get in with a group of your choosing.

Do I believe some people are going to be dicks about their so-called status? Yes. And if this has happened to you, there are avenues you can go (Tumblr) to tell your story. Do I believe this is always happening? No. And you shouldn't either.

Now that I've said all this, I'm pretty sure everyone is just going to see this as me demonizing popular people, but really I can see both sides. I can see flaws in both sides' argument.

Kage · **04-23-2015, 11:40 AM**

I think what has happened is something I want to make a (bad) analogy of.

When the "populars" or people who do have the RPs tell newer/other RPers that perhaps they aren't putting themselves out there as much, it's because that's what they did do. In a case of 'what did you do to get yourself there?' it's because these characters and their players were working it. Many of them did fail but they worked it. So that's all they can say, because that is what their experience -is-.

So my bad analogy is that... perhaps it's become a case of old-timers telling people "when i wanted to go to a good college I didn't go into debt! I worked my butt off during summer to get my diploma!" Unfortunately now, it's not that way anymore.

Cato · **04-23-2015, 11:50 AM**

I'm just going to go ahead and say something that I feel is very relevant but is pretty much echoing what has been said already. Whilst there is nothing wrong with being in a 'clique' or being 'popular' there is a genuine risk of that leading to some people becoming very out of touch with how a situation is for other people.

I led two guilds back when I role-played in WoW and played on a rather close knit server for years so I'm comfortable suggesting that popularity is a double edged sword and very much a case of being both a blessing and a curse.

Not everybody knew me but more than one individual came forward and claimed they were surprised how nice I was because they'd heard nasty rumours about me or they thought I was more intimidating than I actually am.

I was also called out more than once for being out of touch and I took steps to remedy that by being more open and friendly.

Just like in the real world an online community can change rather abruptly. What worked for some people in the 'early days' might not work for other people in the present day. Sharing advice is great but in some cases it can come across as demeaning.

If somebody makes a genuine effort to find role-play or get involved with stuff and they're repeatedly told to 'try harder' then it shouldn't be difficult to work out why they risk becoming frustrated.

I do think certain recent threads have helped get the ball rolling in terms of making people take a step back and reconsider their stance on such matters so I'm very pleased with that. I've already had an increase in the amount of people contacting me over PM's so I'm happy to consider it something other than a coincidence.

As an aside, as someone who threw the 'clique' and 'popular' tags around in the past I didn't mean it as something that's always negative. So I'll happily apologise if people saw it that way!

After all, role-play is just a hobby that I enjoy. It's not something I lose any sleep over. I just enjoy solving problems and having a solid debate. Forum posting is therapeutically satisfying for me.

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Cliques, Popularity, and Positivity

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