Using the OP's example, I think it's just polite to request OOC if it's ok that your character overhears the conversation and intervenes. I think it's less about public RP and more about common courtesy. Sometimes people are using a place in game as a stand in, or they are writing something from a few days past and postdating it. There are plenty of situations that may call for no intervening - or they may completely be down for it and hoping to have someone overhear!
So I wouldn't judge these people too harshly if they want their privacy or not to be held accountable for what they're talking about in /s or /em. You never know their reasoning for it, and they don't really need to give one either when all is said and done.
So I wouldn't judge these people too harshly if they want their privacy or not to be held accountable for what they're talking about in /s or /em. You never know their reasoning for it, and they don't really need to give one either when all is said and done.
