Maril

1.) Are there generally understood pros and cons when compared to one another? They are used for widely different things; but Tumblr is known to have quite a lot of bugs, glitches and the likes, and the editor for themes is more wonky to work with. So if you are planning to costumize a theme you might be in for a small headache. The wiki on the other hand has a risk of sabotage/harrassment since anyone (with an account) can edit, however this happens super rarely; previous editions are always stored (so nothing will be lost) and the moderation team takes it very seriously when it happens. 2.) Do you personally prefer one over the other, if so, why? Personally I prefer Tumblr slightly more over the Wiki, but that is because of how I use it; I am very active there, versus me never having had a habit to check the wiki frequently outside of moderator duties. It's easier for me to maintain my character information pages on tumblr because of that habitual activity- but in reference to #1, I have had so many headaches in the process to make things look nice. 3.) Do you find that Tumblr helps to creates new opportunities? Tumblr can definitely help you gain exposure for your characters, for example via screenshots and Looking For Roleplay posts- but only if you know how to use it right. You need to follow people, get some to follow you back (Following anyone you RP with has been my strategy + art blogs because I love art), and for things like LFRP posts, you should also tag blogs that specifically help boost those posts. You can 100% gain the same kind of exposure by taking your wiki and linking it on discord communities that you're in which focus on RP, and if you aren't in any, that's another area you can consider in addition to/instead of tumblr. I can't say that it's going to for sure land you new opportunities. I've recently had 2x LFRP posts out for 2 alts, and in average 3-5 people responded, but the posts got more than 100 "likes" or notes as they're called on tumblr. With RP and opprtunities, the more proactive you are = more opportunities, only focusing on the other way around probably will never be super effective. Tumblr lends itself a little easier to sending direct messages. 4.) Do you find that more people use the Wiki or Tumblr? Most people I know have both. I think it does not hurt to have both, if you're interested in the social media aspect of Tumblr as well. Less is not always more when it comes to exposure for your character. If you're not hunting for exposure, but want to use the blog for IC posts (Like journals) and such then you could just as well have that on your wiki with a theme that for example has tabs and such. 5.) Anything else I'm missing or should know? Tumblr is an unmoderated bubble-community. As a result, there's a lot more drama (or discourse, as it's mostly tagged as), from gaslighting to callout posts, nasty rumor blogs and what have you not- You need to be aware that you may see a nastier side of the community, unless you use extensions (X-kit, for example) to filter out certain words so you don't see those posts. By bubble-community, I also mean that you'll only see the content you subscribe to, e.g what the people you follow posts- it doesn't hurt to be aware of that, simply because you may end up getting over-exposed to certain ideals. The Wiki is moderated so whilst we can't guarantee you might be the one to discover something, at least here things that are not in accordance with our guidelines for the site, will get removed. And you don't have the social media aspect of things to worry about. I think that's about it. TL;DR is that they're two very different things and if anything I'd say use both if you have the energy to maintain both.

Updated with correct link to the sign up form!

It doesn't sound like something worth being bummed out over, it's certainly normal to be disappointed, but don't let it linger. You could try to clarify with them if they have an unstable internet connection, but then again I'd think it be on them to reach out and try to clarify if it was a mishap. The best you can do is to let people know you're still fresh to the world of RP and then get the best RP out of whatever situations comes your way. People who act like that with malintent though, are never worth wasting time on, imo ^^

As a new initivative within the club-feature, we now allow for listings to be made for Groups that are not strictly speaking a Free Company or Linkshell. You now have a space to support your group initiatives. However, all Group listings must be Roleplay/FFXIV or RPC Related. Examples of Group listings that are allowed: - Roleplay-related Discord groups - Forum Roleplay Groups - Wiki Template Designer groups - Etc. Examples of Group listings that are not allowed: - FictiveName's good weather appreciation club (Not roleplay related) - FictiveName's Callout group (Cause it goes against the guidelines, which you should read.) Please note that these listings do not require the Server or RP Intensity options as these are only relevant for FC/LS listings. Find the Groups here! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a moderator!

I can't recognize this problem. I play a straight midlander, and her relationship has happened organically without me even putting thought as to specifically looking for romance for her. She has had multiple people, even women, advance on her over time - and of course, because she's a healer, she gets a lot of the "Ohi sexy nurse rawrrrrr " comments. I have to assume that the people making them are either straight or bisexual/other sexuality that makes them consider a straight woman as a potential. As others have suggested, I think there's more to it and uh, I don't know, maybe don't focus on it too much? Just like with popularity, the illuminati and "Oh my god EVERYONE has my hairstyle all of a sudden???", you will see a lot more of the things you are focusing on. I know some like to have romance as a central focus-point for their characters but yeah, I just don't think that's entirely healthy. If anything I've noticed that people turn on their heels and run as soon as someone mentions they're specifically looking for romance for their character, because it can be a bit of a red flag that warns of potential IC/OOC bleeding down the line, or at least it would be much more risky than in other areas of roleplay. Two gil in a box.

Bumping this because the event continues tonight o/

The next clinic opening is on June 18th from 4PM EDT to 8 PM EDT Come by!

Presenting the contestants: Vath Adventurer Jidan Skyborn A'zrael Viloh The Duke Beldrem Cando Fjolnir Drakensbane Noah'a Aznable Roscoe Rackham Zaoka Aloka Tola Balrahn Asher Tadmhe Wesley Turner Mikh'a Mewrilah Klair Gawain Rufus Wightman

Mr. Eorzea returns on the 7th of July! Another cycle has just about gone by, and it is time to find the next Mister Eorzea. Last years winner, The Emerald Eorzean, joins the judging panel with sharp eyes ready to pick out his potential successor. Don’t have stuff to show? Don’t worry - The final decision is made by the crowd, show up and vote for the most beautiful talent according to you! The showdown begins at 6:30 PM EDT/11:30 PM BST/ 3:30 PM PDT. The Winner takes home a prize of 500.000 gil, and a sketch done by the very talented Aegir! And who knows, maybe more sponsors will show up and add to the pool! Watch this space! How do I sign up? This Thread!!, Tumblr Direct Message to Meandering Mind, or filling out the form found here: https://goo.gl/forms/z3NWGttDHYyJSMlt2 Template: Character Name: Introduction piece: (Example: This is Maril, who likes sunshine and puppies. Her cause is World Peace) Optional screenshot:

Invite for the pop up server: https://discord.gg/XAN8pC7 Guests and contestants alike are welcome!

Prize update! See the OP for details! Sign up's close an hour before the event!

What a bunch of beautiful girls we have so far! But there's still room for more. Do you have what it takes to become Miss Eorzea 2018?

This is a reminder that all aspects of 4.3 content are considered spoilers and will be considered such until we reach a three-month marker past the general release on May 22nd, 2018. Do Not Post Spoilers in Thread Titles Tag Your Thread Titles with [spoilers] At The Beginning If They Contain Spoilers Make Use of Spoiler Tags in Your Posts Where Appropriate Moderators Reserve the Right to Strictly Enforce the Above The Only Exception to the Above is the Town Square (IC) Board. The above rules do not apply to FFXIV News threads where patch notes and the like are under discussion. As of this message, all content from Patch 4.2 is now free of the spoiler rule.

Name: Balmung Event Organizers Links: https://discord.gg/U5dPRMd Brief description: Discord server meant for communication between event organizers, event support and those who cheer us on. Balmung-centric! Name: Balmung Roleplay Network Links: https://discord.gg/D9TxP8C Brief description: Discord server made for making roleplay connections. Very large server with 600+ members, actively moderated 24/7. Great place for advertising yourself, your ls and your FC. Balmung-centric!

I just don't think it's reasonable to whip up an atmosphere that there is a "trend" on the go, for the whole server, based on one own's individual experiences. You mention you're not good at finding new groups, so that must be what plays in more-so than a big server with 800+ roleplayers clamming themselves up in cliques and refusing to be open and welcoming of new players? I'm not saying that your experiences aren't what they are, but I just don't think it's a trend, or in any way a sign that Balmung is keeling over. If I were you I'd; - Browse the available listings in the FC/LS halls here on the site, tumblr and also in-game by inspecting any FC that ends in -RP. The Quicksand, even though it's questionable for RP at times, is a great place to find RP FC's because people just stand around like silent advertising beams. - Take contact to any/all that you find interesting, invite yourself to some RP and see what you think. You wont get anywhere if you're not proactive, and this process takes time. People can't invite you into plots that go beyond slice-and-life if they don't know who you are, and there's plenty of that to be found. Actually, on that note right now, there's a big open plotline/storyarch called "The Faceless" going on which seems to be something people can readily jump into. I've already assisted in getting people involved just by facilitating a place for players to meet each other. - Consider creating a "Looking For Connections" post, both here and on tumblr if you have that - Participate/show up to public events, if you don't like tavern events then wait for the one-off-events or consider the fighting tournaments (even as a spectator). There are also some initiatives that pop up now and again which deliberately tries to pair people off for roleplay. But don't sit down and wait for things to come to you. I have never seen a roleplay community, in ffxiv or other games, where waiting for things to happen is a strategy that pays off. I can understand feeling reluctant, but making all of these assumptions is only going to make it all the more difficult for you to find what you want to find.

Contestants: Leei Awan Yisunalun Dhoro E'rin Rae Zeraia Reynard Kitsuno Ishida Bryte Darklyt Dex Skyfire Defiant Bride Aedwen Tyrer Shining Feather Rosaline Thorne Sahar Qadir T'ahlia Chelewae Nevivi Nevi Kogoeru Naosiene Nobi Ohndyn

(Reserved for updates)

Miss Eorzea Returns on the 2nd of June, 2018! Another cycle has just about gone by, and it is time to find the next Miss Eorzea. Last years winner, Kiera Hawkeye, joins the judging panel with sharp eyes ready to pick out her potential successor. Don't have stuff to show? Don't worry - The final decision is made by the crowd, show up and vote for the most beautiful talent according to you! The showdown begins at 6:30 PM EDT/11:30 PM BST/ 3:30 PM PDT. The How To: Two rounds of the competition will be held. Contestants must sign up in advance to secure their spot, and should they appear late to the show - well, then the show is over for them! On the day of the event, contestants will first be paraded off in the Bikini round, where they will also be presented with their name and chosen cause. Following that, the talent round will begin. In the talent round each beauty has 3 minutes to execute something that shows off their best ability. We do politely request that real harmful magic and real weapons not be used on stage. Harmless replica variations of both are allowed. The Winner takes home a prize of 500.000, a painted sketch by Liriell and a pin-up sketch by Aegir! The second runner up will receive a prize of 200.000 gil. - The Miss Eorzea contest, and the following Mr Eorzea contest, are accepting sponsors! Get your character's business, guild or other promotable promotion promoted during the event! Contact MeanderingMind#8375 for details. Please also mention if you want to contribute to the main prize or for the runner up(s)! Our current sponsors: Don Coconero's Honeybee Inn Wark! Magazine OOC: Aoi Fukiku How do I sign up? Sign up by submitting your name in this thread, via PM, tumblr-ask or in-game tell/message. Your event organizers are: Maril Hawker (Meandering-Mind.tumblr.com) Template: Character Name: Introduction piece: (Example: This is Maril, who likes sunshine and puppies. Her cause is World Peace) Optional screenshot: Not a fan of the ladies? No problem! Mr. Eorzea is slated to happen on the 7th of July!

I feel like I was summoned. Balmung is not dying, by any stretch - At least not from an event standpoint. And I have the data to back up this claim with. Initial post from November 2017: https://curious-balmung.tumblr.com/post/172081222485/meandering-mind-a-word-about-events-please Trimester update: https://curious-balmung.tumblr.com/post/172705727655/balcal-analysis-trimester-update-previous And here's the most beautiful graph I ever did saw: I like to call the summer of '17, "The summer of heck this I don't wanna do events anymore." You can find links to the spreadsheet where all of this data is gathered up in, in the links I posted above. The data is based on the Balmung Event Calendar, which has been run for a couple of years if not three, and has been the go-to source for event information for many people. As I always say, it's very dangerous to base claims like that on what you feel like you see. The very reason why I decided to get on this project was because I myself was doubting, I thought Balmung had suffered from being closed - which is not the case if you look at events. What you see in the quicksand can be more like a snapshot of what people who like to go to the quicksand/pearl lane like to be up to, and as much as that is "the" hub, I know just as many people who never ever go there as I know people who do. It has always been like this. It doesn't speak for the rest of the server. Another way that you can get a finger-on-the-pulse kind of feeling, and this is boring but I find it works - Is by standing in peak time, in the quicksand/big event, and counting how many individual RP FC's (Who for example end in -RP or have it mentioned in their description.) you see in the span of an hour. I have also done this (I was bored and just standing there anyways), and I think the maximum I ever "recorded" if you would, was about 120. Which is a lot of FC's in my view, if you assume all have at least ten unique members, that's a lot of nerds. What you might be feeling or picking up on, is the patch lulls, because those do happen. They don't always seem to have any affect on how many events are happening, but there's less hype going about - some people may not log in as much, and things can feel really stagnant if square doesn't give us anything shiny to play with that lasts. The Eureka patch bellyflopped really fast, but the good news is that there is less than a month till the next one. I should also note that the events you're mentioning, whilst they may be big, are also recurring and somewhat niche. And late, they start late, even for a saturday for some people - 10pm isn't doable, or maybe they can't stay for more than an hour or two. Recurring events are more likely to be hit by this whole Balmung-why-are-you-closed thing, because people are inevitably driven to what's new. The rest becomes a staple, something to fall back on if all else fails. The backup plan for your RP plans. Anyways, I hope this helps bringing a little nuance into play. Of course I could be super wrong, I mean, I am not a statistics professional and my methods are definitely not perfect - I am but a nerd who likes to do these somewhat insane things. But I like to think I might be on to something. I plan on keeping on doing tri-monthly updates to the spreadsheet for the next foreseeable future.

The next clinic opening is on May 6th, from 3PM EDT until 7PM EDT! EU friendly hours for our EU patients, but all are encouraged to swing by

I think it's difficult to find an average-eorzean and go by that, especially since most roleplayers don't roleplay an average-eorzean. There's definitely a base of not knowing that every eorzean character would have to lift themselves from, through exposure to the race. If you have a book-wise character, chances are by now there might be some books one could pick up in Kugane and read a bit about what the Au Ra, maybe descriptions of their culture/society/history - Maybe even written by a Raen. I think it would be very likely for an eorzean to, once talking with an Au Ra & being able to ask questions, be told of some of the big-seeming tribes like the Dotharl and the Qestir. They're very distinct tribes and it would provide a good conversation piece - compared to the Khatayin which is just "We herd goats in the mountains.." I don't think any Eorzean hearing a Xaela speak would have any clue, from what I gather, the concept of language between tribes is still at a point where different tribes have such big differences in dialects that it can be hard to understand each other. Said Eorzean would have had to really get into learning the language which I would say at that point they've probably already picked up on stigma elsewhere first and, maybe even overcome it. I suppose if a character has The EchoTM, you could be dealing with someone who understands all languages because of it, but then again I'd say you'd have to ask that character if it's the case and they wouldn't be a member of the average joe fleet at any rate. Has enough time passed for it to be common that Xaela roam about, speaking common eorzean, to make a big impact that means your average joe could tell the tribes apart? I don't really think so? I mean, when I am on my Xaela, I never assume even he can tell the tribes apart or even knows of them all. It makes more sense for some tribes to know a lot about all of the tribes, and less sense for others because they might be reclusive or very insular. But then at the end of the day, most roleplayers don't tend to or seem to roleplay as anything that could be called an average, regular eorzean joe, so you're always going to be dealing with people whose characters may know a whole lot, or may know a whole lot of misinformation, or may know nothing at all for whichever unique reason.