Post by decidingbark on Sept 8, 2008 21:43:10 GMT -5
I just want to preface this set of suggestions by making a few things clear. First of all, I've been doing this for a long time. I probably have more experience as a part of the ROC than anyone else here. I'm not trying to brag or be a douche, it's simply fact. My point is that I do have some experience that might be worse listening to.
The second thing is that I'm not trying to be mean or attack anyone. I can understand if someone gets insulted, but believe me that I don't intend to insult anyone. I see a lot of promise in this site. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to remain active (might not have a internet connection in a few weeks) and I would love to see this site suceed and grow for years to come. The ROC is not as strong as it was back during my heyday, when Redwall was, arguably, at the height of its popularity. The fact that written RPs like this can still survive, admist the wealth of MMORPGs, with beautiful graphics and gameplay, gives me a lot of hope.
These suggestions are to help the site get more accesible for newcomers and to just plain help the organization and RP. Most of them are based on some of the best RPs I've been a part of. Namely, Admiral Yeva's Armada of Death, the Island, and Zokrodis.
1. The crazy cloning machine, double timeline stuff needs to stop. It's confusing and makes no sense. Obviously, time is very fluid in text RP, but there needs to be some coherence. If a character is in one thread/storyline, he can't be in another. It's confusing and screws up the storyline. That's why you can have multiple chars, so you can post in multiple threads.
2. You (admins and mods) need to decide what this site is. The starting storyline that opens the site is great and the multiple maps part works perfectly for a board like this. That's what hooked me and got me to join. It seems like Redwall Corsairs (RC from now on) should be mostly plot driven, but right now it just seems to aimless. Zokrodis wasn't plot driven, but the admins were good at starting small storylines. Everyone would take cues from them, but add their own touches and evil characters. One of my favourite moments was when our clearly weakest member decided to have his character kidnapped in the middle of a story, adding a great element. At AYAD, there was nobody really in charge of the RP, everyone contributed to the storylines. I think RC needs more of this.
3. The need to add this one sort of surprises me. There's already a storyline recap thread, why isn't it updated to recap the RP? It helps new members get involved as well as help older members keep up on the stories. I know that I don't always have time to read other threads. It doesn't have to be much, just a simple recap. This isn't as important if you decide RC isn't going to plot based, but it's still a good idea.
4. This one isn't very important, just a minor suggestion I think might be a good idea. A problem many sites have is in the introduction of new members. Many new members feel they have to introduce their characters as a new member. I know I've done it far too often. It's probably even harder with ships, since you're not always in port. Just tell new members to start on the ship, like they've always been there. Sounds lame, I know, but it helps people get involved as quickly as possible.
So, in conclusion, try not to get mad at me. If you do, I understand and I'm willing to talk about it like civilized adults. I just don't believe in the phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I know, from my line of work, that you can always make an experience or activity richer and better. Like the rest of you, I just want what is best for the site.
The second thing is that I'm not trying to be mean or attack anyone. I can understand if someone gets insulted, but believe me that I don't intend to insult anyone. I see a lot of promise in this site. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to remain active (might not have a internet connection in a few weeks) and I would love to see this site suceed and grow for years to come. The ROC is not as strong as it was back during my heyday, when Redwall was, arguably, at the height of its popularity. The fact that written RPs like this can still survive, admist the wealth of MMORPGs, with beautiful graphics and gameplay, gives me a lot of hope.
These suggestions are to help the site get more accesible for newcomers and to just plain help the organization and RP. Most of them are based on some of the best RPs I've been a part of. Namely, Admiral Yeva's Armada of Death, the Island, and Zokrodis.
1. The crazy cloning machine, double timeline stuff needs to stop. It's confusing and makes no sense. Obviously, time is very fluid in text RP, but there needs to be some coherence. If a character is in one thread/storyline, he can't be in another. It's confusing and screws up the storyline. That's why you can have multiple chars, so you can post in multiple threads.
2. You (admins and mods) need to decide what this site is. The starting storyline that opens the site is great and the multiple maps part works perfectly for a board like this. That's what hooked me and got me to join. It seems like Redwall Corsairs (RC from now on) should be mostly plot driven, but right now it just seems to aimless. Zokrodis wasn't plot driven, but the admins were good at starting small storylines. Everyone would take cues from them, but add their own touches and evil characters. One of my favourite moments was when our clearly weakest member decided to have his character kidnapped in the middle of a story, adding a great element. At AYAD, there was nobody really in charge of the RP, everyone contributed to the storylines. I think RC needs more of this.
3. The need to add this one sort of surprises me. There's already a storyline recap thread, why isn't it updated to recap the RP? It helps new members get involved as well as help older members keep up on the stories. I know that I don't always have time to read other threads. It doesn't have to be much, just a simple recap. This isn't as important if you decide RC isn't going to plot based, but it's still a good idea.
4. This one isn't very important, just a minor suggestion I think might be a good idea. A problem many sites have is in the introduction of new members. Many new members feel they have to introduce their characters as a new member. I know I've done it far too often. It's probably even harder with ships, since you're not always in port. Just tell new members to start on the ship, like they've always been there. Sounds lame, I know, but it helps people get involved as quickly as possible.
So, in conclusion, try not to get mad at me. If you do, I understand and I'm willing to talk about it like civilized adults. I just don't believe in the phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I know, from my line of work, that you can always make an experience or activity richer and better. Like the rest of you, I just want what is best for the site.
