RP ETIQUETTE
Wether you are new to roleplaying, or an old pro, there are some rules that you should always remember. These will not only help you get the most out of your RP experience, but those you RP with as well. In this article I will do my best to cover all basic aspects so there is an understanding of the dos and don'ts. It is my hope that this information will help you get the most out of your roleplaying experiences.
First off, know that each RP area is different than the next so you will need to read and follow their rules. Some areas allow HUDs where some don't, as some RP zones are combat and use HUDs where as others are all text RP and HUDs are not needed. Do your research and observe the RP zones so you can find one that will fit you best. Note that most RP areas allow the use of a Titler, this is so you can have a different character name than your AV name and also to display any traits, strengths, etc. that pertain to your character.
Speaking of your character, before you decide on anything, make sure to observe the RP area for a while, I can't stress this enough. By observing and reading over all RP info, you get a good over all feel and can better choose how to piece your character together. The best way to put a persona together is to just answer a few things such as:
Who are you? Are you good or evil? What is your general personality? How long since you arrived in the area?
If you can answer those basic questions and then create a small backstory for yourself, you can create a strong RP persona. I would suggest not to get to detailed on any part of your character so you don't limit yourself and you can evolve over time.
You will see OOC and IC very often. OOC means Out of Character and IC means In Character. When you are RPing, you are IC. OOC is generally not used in the main chat as it can disrupt the IC RP so if you need to go OOC, try to keep it to IMs as much as possible. If you do need to do it in main chat, there is a specific way to type so that others know you are OOC. To do this, type your chat with as follows:
((I must run afk for a few mins, brb))
Make sure you remember to use the (( & )) with your chat or else you may get grief. There is a simple way to get out of an RP if real life is calling and you must leave ASAP. All you need to do is type in the main chat as follows:
Fade to black...
This lets the people you are RPing with know that you have to go right away so they know to stop their story with you at that point and pick up later when you are back.
Now, I want to explain that there are two types of RPers. One is called a Para RPer, this means that the player RPs in a paragraph style, not just a few sentences. The other is, of course, the type that uses a only a few sentences or less each time they speak and/or emote. I wanted to point the differences out because there is a key thing you must know about RP. This is to simply wait your turn. There is an order to stick to and it keeps the actual RP timeline in order and lets each player have an equal turn. Due to the different styles, some players will take longer to RP than others, so you must keep that in mind and allow them more time and be patient. Feel free to IM someone OOC if you are unsure if they are Para RPing or just AFK, it's always best to ask than just assume.
Ok so those were the main basics, now it's time to cover some of the big DON'Ts in RP. First we have Snowplowing. This is walking into an active RP conversation and taking it over with your own roleplay. Not only is this rude but it will cause many people to get upset with you and in turn they may not RP with you in the future. It is not a good way to make an impression so if you want to get in on an RP, listen and observe the conversation going on. The people in the RP will notice and more than likely work you in or give you an opening to work your own way in to the RP the right way.
Next we have Metagaming. This is one of the most frustrating things that happens in RP, and far far too often. It is the use of OOC information in IC chat. You must remember that unless someone tells you IC about something, that you do not know it, rather your character doesn't know it, and it should NOT be used. For example, say you are chatting OOC with someone about your character and someone else is listening in and later uses that info in an IC chat with you or someone else. Another example is if you are sitting in a bar RPing IC and you can hear someones IC or OOC chat that is not in the bar yet you use the information you hear in an IC chat later on. That is a big no no. You have to remember, you are inside the building and though you can read the chat, your character can't "hear" their conversation through a wall, therefore it is off limits to you IC. Basically, unless someone tells you something IC, DO NOT use it.
Godmoding. This is the worst thing people do in RP. It is literally when someone wants to play god. No matter what anyone RPs against them, such as a fight, nothing affects them and then they go even further and decide what happens to the other RPer(s). NO NO NO NO AND NO! Not only is this frustrating as hell, it is the sign of BAD RP. You cannot RP as god and expect someone to want to RP with you. No one will want to RP with someone who thinks they have control of all actions, it is not fun for anyone other than the GodModer. If you do this, people will more than likely tell you they will not RP with you and then you will be ignored, not let into other RP conversations and possibly even kicked out by the RPs Administration for it is something that is not tolerated in the RP community.
This brings me to one of the most important things when roleplaying. If you want to RP with someone and have some sort of action against them, make sure you know the other persons RP limits. They can generally be found in their pics but even if you find it there, it is always good to IM that person OOC and ask if they are up for a storyline. Talk with them about what it involves and go from there, NEVER assume that it's ok to start a course of action in RP against someone unless they OK it first. General RP is one thing, but active RP involving anything physical, get it cleared first. It's not only respectful, but it keeps the quality of the RP at its best.
I hope that the information I have laid out here helps you in your RP experience(s). If you keep these basic rules in mind, then you should have no problem keeping your RP at a good quality. One way to view RP is that while it is on SL, it should be treated with the same respect and consideration as RL. You do play with real people after all, pixelated or not, and, as in RL, everything is a two way street. Respect others and they will respect you.
First off, know that each RP area is different than the next so you will need to read and follow their rules. Some areas allow HUDs where some don't, as some RP zones are combat and use HUDs where as others are all text RP and HUDs are not needed. Do your research and observe the RP zones so you can find one that will fit you best. Note that most RP areas allow the use of a Titler, this is so you can have a different character name than your AV name and also to display any traits, strengths, etc. that pertain to your character.
Speaking of your character, before you decide on anything, make sure to observe the RP area for a while, I can't stress this enough. By observing and reading over all RP info, you get a good over all feel and can better choose how to piece your character together. The best way to put a persona together is to just answer a few things such as:
Who are you? Are you good or evil? What is your general personality? How long since you arrived in the area?
If you can answer those basic questions and then create a small backstory for yourself, you can create a strong RP persona. I would suggest not to get to detailed on any part of your character so you don't limit yourself and you can evolve over time.
You will see OOC and IC very often. OOC means Out of Character and IC means In Character. When you are RPing, you are IC. OOC is generally not used in the main chat as it can disrupt the IC RP so if you need to go OOC, try to keep it to IMs as much as possible. If you do need to do it in main chat, there is a specific way to type so that others know you are OOC. To do this, type your chat with as follows:
((I must run afk for a few mins, brb))
Make sure you remember to use the (( & )) with your chat or else you may get grief. There is a simple way to get out of an RP if real life is calling and you must leave ASAP. All you need to do is type in the main chat as follows:
Fade to black...
This lets the people you are RPing with know that you have to go right away so they know to stop their story with you at that point and pick up later when you are back.
Now, I want to explain that there are two types of RPers. One is called a Para RPer, this means that the player RPs in a paragraph style, not just a few sentences. The other is, of course, the type that uses a only a few sentences or less each time they speak and/or emote. I wanted to point the differences out because there is a key thing you must know about RP. This is to simply wait your turn. There is an order to stick to and it keeps the actual RP timeline in order and lets each player have an equal turn. Due to the different styles, some players will take longer to RP than others, so you must keep that in mind and allow them more time and be patient. Feel free to IM someone OOC if you are unsure if they are Para RPing or just AFK, it's always best to ask than just assume.
Ok so those were the main basics, now it's time to cover some of the big DON'Ts in RP. First we have Snowplowing. This is walking into an active RP conversation and taking it over with your own roleplay. Not only is this rude but it will cause many people to get upset with you and in turn they may not RP with you in the future. It is not a good way to make an impression so if you want to get in on an RP, listen and observe the conversation going on. The people in the RP will notice and more than likely work you in or give you an opening to work your own way in to the RP the right way.
Next we have Metagaming. This is one of the most frustrating things that happens in RP, and far far too often. It is the use of OOC information in IC chat. You must remember that unless someone tells you IC about something, that you do not know it, rather your character doesn't know it, and it should NOT be used. For example, say you are chatting OOC with someone about your character and someone else is listening in and later uses that info in an IC chat with you or someone else. Another example is if you are sitting in a bar RPing IC and you can hear someones IC or OOC chat that is not in the bar yet you use the information you hear in an IC chat later on. That is a big no no. You have to remember, you are inside the building and though you can read the chat, your character can't "hear" their conversation through a wall, therefore it is off limits to you IC. Basically, unless someone tells you something IC, DO NOT use it.
Godmoding. This is the worst thing people do in RP. It is literally when someone wants to play god. No matter what anyone RPs against them, such as a fight, nothing affects them and then they go even further and decide what happens to the other RPer(s). NO NO NO NO AND NO! Not only is this frustrating as hell, it is the sign of BAD RP. You cannot RP as god and expect someone to want to RP with you. No one will want to RP with someone who thinks they have control of all actions, it is not fun for anyone other than the GodModer. If you do this, people will more than likely tell you they will not RP with you and then you will be ignored, not let into other RP conversations and possibly even kicked out by the RPs Administration for it is something that is not tolerated in the RP community.
This brings me to one of the most important things when roleplaying. If you want to RP with someone and have some sort of action against them, make sure you know the other persons RP limits. They can generally be found in their pics but even if you find it there, it is always good to IM that person OOC and ask if they are up for a storyline. Talk with them about what it involves and go from there, NEVER assume that it's ok to start a course of action in RP against someone unless they OK it first. General RP is one thing, but active RP involving anything physical, get it cleared first. It's not only respectful, but it keeps the quality of the RP at its best.
I hope that the information I have laid out here helps you in your RP experience(s). If you keep these basic rules in mind, then you should have no problem keeping your RP at a good quality. One way to view RP is that while it is on SL, it should be treated with the same respect and consideration as RL. You do play with real people after all, pixelated or not, and, as in RL, everything is a two way street. Respect others and they will respect you.