I wanted to make this thread after reviewing numerous posts made in multiple threads where roleplayers have drawn negative assumptions and judgments about other roleplayers. Â We are all guilty of doing this from time to time. Â
It is common for role-players to draw assumptions and judge each other for a variety of reasons. Â Common examples include assessing role-players based on their: (1) post length, grammatical structure, or word-choice; (2) decisions regarding character aesthetics; (3) common themes in RP, including comedy, drama, and horror; (4) disposition towards violent or erotic content in RP; and (5) beliefs regarding the stringency of lore-compliance. Â These are only a few examples. Â
I am of the belief that role-players should strive to keep open minds and find as much value in as many forms of role-play as possible. Â It is amazing how some of the best role-players I know exhibit completely different RP styles, content preferences, and beliefs on lore-compliance. Â The sign of a good role-player is not adherence to any particular value, but instead the ability to create dynamic, interesting content in real-time. Â Most people who role-play possess this skill and utilize it to create their own unique form of RP, which brings them personal enjoyment. Â There is value to be found any genuine style of role-play, as it is the product of creativity and imagination.
We should always keep in mind that other role-players are spending scarce, valuable time from their busy lives to engage in what amounts to a collaborative creative writing exercise.  We should always appreciate the efforts and interests others show in role-playing for this reason.  With this in mind, it is not our place to judge or assume things about other role-players based on their valid preferences or styles.  The only exception to this is when a person roleplays intentionally to harass or annoy other roleplayers (which is very rare).  We should look to learn from and adapt to different RP preferences and styles in the vast majority of settings. Â
The next time you find yourself drawing a negative assumption or judgment about a roleplayer or their preferences consider keeping an open mind. Â The role-player posting snippy one-to-two line dialogue might spout off some of the wittiest lines you've heard in weeks. Â A character purporting to be a voidsent might serve as a horrifying, wonderful antagonist. Â A scantily-clad Miqo'te flirting in the Quicksand might have an incredibly well-written backstory. Â The possibilities are endless, so keep the door open.
It is common for role-players to draw assumptions and judge each other for a variety of reasons. Â Common examples include assessing role-players based on their: (1) post length, grammatical structure, or word-choice; (2) decisions regarding character aesthetics; (3) common themes in RP, including comedy, drama, and horror; (4) disposition towards violent or erotic content in RP; and (5) beliefs regarding the stringency of lore-compliance. Â These are only a few examples. Â
I am of the belief that role-players should strive to keep open minds and find as much value in as many forms of role-play as possible. Â It is amazing how some of the best role-players I know exhibit completely different RP styles, content preferences, and beliefs on lore-compliance. Â The sign of a good role-player is not adherence to any particular value, but instead the ability to create dynamic, interesting content in real-time. Â Most people who role-play possess this skill and utilize it to create their own unique form of RP, which brings them personal enjoyment. Â There is value to be found any genuine style of role-play, as it is the product of creativity and imagination.
We should always keep in mind that other role-players are spending scarce, valuable time from their busy lives to engage in what amounts to a collaborative creative writing exercise.  We should always appreciate the efforts and interests others show in role-playing for this reason.  With this in mind, it is not our place to judge or assume things about other role-players based on their valid preferences or styles.  The only exception to this is when a person roleplays intentionally to harass or annoy other roleplayers (which is very rare).  We should look to learn from and adapt to different RP preferences and styles in the vast majority of settings. Â
The next time you find yourself drawing a negative assumption or judgment about a roleplayer or their preferences consider keeping an open mind. Â The role-player posting snippy one-to-two line dialogue might spout off some of the wittiest lines you've heard in weeks. Â A character purporting to be a voidsent might serve as a horrifying, wonderful antagonist. Â A scantily-clad Miqo'te flirting in the Quicksand might have an incredibly well-written backstory. Â The possibilities are endless, so keep the door open.
