Print Page - Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)

Game & Forum Discussion => Forum Discussion => Forum Suggestions & Ideas => Topic started by: SoaringAway on January 20, 2013, 03:20:29 am

Title: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoaringAway on January 20, 2013, 03:20:29 am

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoulRevenge on January 20, 2013, 06:16:41 am

An update to the Off-Topic Roleplay section should of been put in order and into action quite some time ago.
It's kind of just been ignored, no real order was ever placed here from what I can see-- as you have stated, many users that are not use to what goes on in here tend to think of it as a 'free for all roleplay'. Basicly, make a roleplay, be happy, nothing else to it.

I most defiantly agree with you when it comes to this-- of course, as you know, I basicly live my life in the Off-topic roleplay section, and it's kind of annoying when threads sit there, collect dust, and are necro'd several times- pushing active threads towards the bottom another space.

Now, regarding the Off-topic media: Literature.

Can't help but agree with you there too. Users rarely ever check that out, as there isn't really much of an 'advertisement' for that. Honestly, off-topic roleplaying and any type of literate in perticuliar should be taken into notice a lot more. Roleplaying is basicly what this game revolves around, but it seems as if this forum mainly does things that benefit users that basicly just play the game, roleplay occasionaly; the end.

I think another Writing Contest would be a good thing to put into order once more. There was one several months ago, but there really wasn't much at all after that-- it would most defiantly give literature of any type in perticuliar a good spotlight.

Hope all of this will be put into consideration at one point in time.

Blackiout.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SilverTW on January 20, 2013, 11:22:55 am

^ True 'dat! And yes, I do think another contest should be done.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: Verinian on January 20, 2013, 09:29:49 pm

No matter how cliche this might sounds. But the RP sections tend to become a comunity within a community. Somewhat separate from much of the rest of the comunity. But only slightly spreading those roots. When new players join. Yeah... Don't often know quite what they are doing...

But the section is an internal community no less. Heck. On the last forum. We ended up having like a sort of internal government thing going on. Since the site owner completely ignored the section. We had to take things into our own hands... The simplest thing to do was to make an RP as two threads. One the OOC. out of character. Where all questions and non character chat between friends can be said. And the IC. In character. All story only in this thread. We warned and taught new RPers things. And if they proved themselves an unpleasant individual they were spurned

But with not a bit of structure to start with. There is no rock upon which to build!

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoaringAway on January 20, 2013, 09:55:59 pm

The matter of the Offtopic RP Section in this forum has been taken into the matters of the regulars' hands at most times but the majority of the regulars are youths who wouldn't build their own "City Upon a Hill" and govern over others and actually seclude certain new members (as not much action is taken any ways for the necromancers.) The internal government that you have in the last forum worked due to a selected group of others that were (presumably) older and more straightforward on how to lead the area but the members here are fresher than the fruit on a spring morning.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: Verinian on January 21, 2013, 04:37:58 am

Thus far as I have actually seen the ratio is about the same in the off topic RP as the other forum. Only difference is larger number overall. But I also understand what you say. I spoke about it in passing.

Title: (Update) Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoaringAway on January 22, 2013, 09:08:47 pm

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: RavenShai on January 23, 2013, 03:11:39 pm

I would very much like it if something could be done about the Off Topic section for roleplaying that's much more organized. I've been around the forums for about... a year and a half, two years now? The Off Topic section was where I visited constantly, in fact it was where I was most active (though in the recent months I've been a little less active but I visit it at least once a day). It used to be the same with General Roleplay, but I soon grew apart from that. Anyway, in my beginning month(s), I also had trouble of what went in the Off Topic section and what was to be expected. With nothing to go on, in the end I just stood back and read what others have said and posted along with being corrected of my own mistakes, and I learned that way which took some time. Not only would it be helpful for newer members, but for the older ones as well. My own roleplay gets pushed down constantly when older threads are being necro'd, and I would have to bump it even though someone made a post only yesterday so it wouldn't get lost and pushed back to the second page. I've had to tell Rpers that the thread they're trying to join had died well over a year ago, and right after another one would try applying even though my post telling the first what had happened was just above, and then even a third. It's gotten to a point I just start not bothering saying anything, as it didn't seem apparent anyone was listening at all.

I would definitely like to encourage more Writing Contests as well! As far as I know, they're yearly which is why they're not commonly seen. As you can see, I was the winner of last year's and I know there was another a year before that (who won, though, I'm not sure). Perhaps it'd be better if this was every month or so instead, I very much enjoy reading and writing and like my work to be more well known, even if it's just for the writing section instead of through a contest. I've entered a few stories into the writing section but had soon stopped because I didn't think people wanted to bother with them, or I just wasn't popular enough. I've written more but stuck with dA instead, but if the Off Topic literature section were to be more well known I certainly wouldn't mind placing more of my work there.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: WarriorMoo on January 23, 2013, 08:20:29 pm

Quote

So, these days I turn to the Off-Topic Roleplay section, where, while there are still some repetitive roleplays out there, have much more variety. Either that, or a private Roleplay with my friends ingame. When it comes to Off-Topic Roleplays, it's either loss of interest, or others lagging behind.

^
Quoting myself from a previous topic on Off-topic roleplays...
Anyways, I totally agree with this idea.
As others have said before, the Off-Topic Roleplay section is just as active as the FeralHeart-related Roleplay section.
And sadly, it's very disorganized, and new threads are constantly pushing down more active threads and old threads are being stirred up after sitting under the dust for two years.

That's what happened to a Roleplay I opened in 2011.
...
Just a few days ago. o_o
Anyhoo, I'd say that The Off-Topic Literature and Art section could use a little more love, too,
Because FH is full of Writers and Artists who wrote or draw great works that aren't just wolves and lions. (I myself am one)
And they deserve a little more light from the community.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoaringAway on March 03, 2013, 07:24:13 pm

Bump!

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: ZombieKitteh on March 05, 2013, 05:00:40 pm

I smiled at your signature c': Anyways on topic.. right.

I can honestly say I don't poke the forums as much as most people. Unless I map make, edit a thread or advertise a roleplay. As someone who enjoys writing though I do agree with what you've said. I never really bothered posting any written works on the forums for that exact reason. I know if another writing contest were in order; I'd join it. c:

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoaringAway on April 07, 2013, 07:05:42 pm

For the general public or audience of which this thread pertains to:

It has come to my attention that one of the "regulars," GavelSwingingBlacki? (or Blacki), has brought up another thread in which relates to the internal improvements towards the Off-Topic Roleplay section. In the sight of the benevolent news, ROTLARS (Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section) and OTRSM (Off-Topic Roleplay Section Moderators) are now affiliated!

The community of regulars and FH members alike can bring forth for change. For one to stand alone is courageous but to hold upon a community onto their shoulders in noble.

Off-Topic Roleplay Section Moderators can be located here:
http://www.feral-heart.com/index.php?option=com_jfusion&Itemid=2&jfile=index.php&topic=34183.0 (http://www.feral-heart.com/index.php?option=com_jfusion&Itemid=2&jfile=index.php&topic=34183.0)
Have a nice day,

-SoaringAway

Title: ROTLARS: Update/ Informal Talking
Post by: SoaringAway on April 25, 2013, 07:16:23 pm

I just came to swing by to check up on the forums for a short bit and noticed there was a change done to the Off-Topic section.

..Why was it decided to add a human and animal subtopic? Most of the roleplays in action couldn't possibly pertain to one category and this shouldn't be the initial step taken. The role plays are fine where they are but additions are needed to be made that aren't just categorizing them.

The area needs sub-topics AS accessories. Like a OOC Planning, OOC Chat, and an "Extinct" (rps that aren't in the works and thus people won't necro them.) subtopics.

EDIT:

The human and animals categories should come later. Better yet, why not ask the regulars? They can give out better sugggestions as to how the match-making of the sort would commence.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoulRevenge on April 25, 2013, 08:49:49 pm

Ah, yup. I've taken notice of the 'Human-Roleplays' and the 'Animal Roleplay' sections added too; too simple of an addition for my taste, though I'm glad that some kind of action was taken rather than the section continuing to be ignored. There is, however, like you said; a LOT more action neccesary to take than simply categorising them between 'Animal' and 'Human'.

Though, kind as you said; there should also be an 'extinct', OOC-chat, and Roleplay Planning sort of thread. This would prevent the over-all section from being spammed by these sort of things- speaking of which, a 'Roleplay Poll' section would be useful, too! Since I've taken notice that a lot of people will bring such things up with other members of the community in hope of getting good reviews on their ideas- and they usually just choose the one that is most popular among people.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoaringAway on April 26, 2013, 01:08:57 am

Important

Title: ROTLAS: HEY! Stop doing that!
Post by: SoaringAway on April 26, 2013, 01:29:06 am

Moderators! Hey, guys! Do not start organizing the place just yet!

This utter practice of submitting very vague and large roleplays into only two mere categories is absurd! The first move that you've done is place "Mermaids" under Human. That makes no absolute sense for the roleplayer that wants to find a human-only roleplay! The system is far more complicated than one should expect it to be! Be understand that you shouldn't jump into it. Please!

Look, your efforts are noticed but they aren't exactly going to place the Off-Topic Role Play section into the good light and please hear me out. We have multiple rps with multiple themes besides "humans" and "animals." This isn't like the Free-For-All area in which you're allowed to do that because, you know, it involves the in-game players AND it isn't just lions, tigers, bears, or even wolves! Oh my!

Just stop what you're doing, for a second. You already moved one of the Off-Topic Roleplays off to Free-For-All without the consent of Meowerz and she was pretty upset about that. Her roleplay HAS no affiliation with the game Thrillex's "ask" topic HAS nothing to do with the animall sub-topic besides asking for mere help!

Thrillex's ask thread could fit into "OOC Planning" while Meowzers can return right back home!

Please!

Title: Moderators! PLEASE LOOK!
Post by: SoulRevenge on April 26, 2013, 01:51:22 am

Must agree with Soaring here!

But, I'm entirely aware that your trying to go out with your requests we've had out here for so long. I'm aware that your TRYING to help us out, I'm aware that your TRYING to get this more organised and that you likely are going through a LOT of trouble by fixing this up, but like Soaring said; just halt for a moment, please!

Now, both of us probably seem like majour nuisiances that just won't shut-up until they get PRECISELY what they want, but we more or less just want the best for this section, really.

There's a lot more to organising it than just categorising things between 'Human' and 'Animal'; There is a lot more than just Human and Animal roleplays out there- some in which are a combination of both, or simply neither at all. This is probably a good way to sort of start this out, but. .

It's kind of hurting us more than it's helping us.

My suggestion on this?

Don't bother categorising Roleplays in a bit more of 'clearish' way that you are; sure, the over-all idea of a Human Roleplay and Animal Roleplay divider are A-O.K, but if you really want to 'help us', your going to have to do more than that- for example.

Let Roleplay Threads stay where they are- sure, letting that Human and Animal thing up would be alright, but maybe Members should choose if they want it in there? Otherwise; leave stuff in peace in the 'Neutrual Zone'

Add more Child-Boards. Like 'Roleplay Planning' (For those who like to make polls and need help with ideas). This would prevent Roleplay threads from being bumped down by something that isn't even a roleplay.

Add an 'Extinct' board. For roleplays that are in-active and not going to be active. Unless sure of a roleplay's inactiveness, moderators/administrators would be required to check with the creator of the thread before moving here.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: Redlinelies on April 26, 2013, 03:00:13 am

I would have given a more proper explanation regarding these boards earlier but has been grabbed away and never quite gotten the time here.

I will make this as simple as possible right now as I can.

Even though you see adding lots of child boards and adding mini mods to the section, this is not the solution we need or are looking for right now.

The changes made now is something that will take place right now. There's a reason for these changes that is meant to help us take care of this matter and improve the boards. Everything is not as simple as the first sight might see.

Now I cannot say that this is something that will last forever at this time, it's all down to how it will work and changes might take place in the future, but this is a first good step on the way and in all honesty, the change is made because there has been talk about the offtopic board and main roleplay section.

At the moment though we are not out to make the most deep roleplay section out there, we are out to get things to work and show that we are trying to help, and I hope you can respect that for now.

Threads will be moved to the more suiting section so we can sort out the main board with a sticky it needs and make users actually organize their threads before they are made from now on.

More child boards is far from the solution in our case and we want to keep an as low count as possible for better indexing and overall a better forum.

Even though there's no huge deal if dead roleplays lays within the back of boards, making a board simply for the dead offtopic roleplays is not something that will benefit the forum directly.

So please don't jump at things yet and let us structure the forum that you were asking for, one thing is certain and that's there will be a better sight directly from the start with these two boards, and as said, at the current date we are not looking for offtopic roleplays to be a majority of the forum.

Suggestions is fine, but not even letting us setting up an option that could actually work for the better for everyone and halting any sort of progress due to wanting something more complex and this time will not aid.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoulRevenge on April 26, 2013, 03:28:56 am

I understand your reasoning.

Perhaps some of the Child-Board ideas were not the best (Mainly the 'Extinct' one, as you pointed out; though really, kick that one out and only TWO would be 'neccesary')- I'm aware that there is more to this forum than making a perfectly organised Roleplaying section.

So I suppose I'll sit around and give this solution a 'chance'.

Though, just in our defense; we never said that 'Adding a lot of Childboards' as neccesary. Heck, the suggestions were what might be neccesary, really.

In fact; to focus on the Off-Topic Roleplay section directly, still with the 'Extinct' Childboard- we would only have three in total. Three, seeing that we never suggested that anything else other than 'OOC Chat' and 'Roleplay Planning' would be added. Of which would be 'Roleplay Planning', 'Extinct', and 'OOC Chats'; the actual roleplays themselves could simply remain where they are now, and really; Extinct wouldn't even be neccesary, as you stated!

I'm not trying to say that 'You should immedianly go switch things around this way'; heck, even with this thread up, half the time I thought it would simply remain ignored, and I'm GLAD that this was acknowledged a bit, but I didn't really expect things to go like this at first.

But I guess I'll give what's been given to us a try- and if I don't like it? There is little use in complaining, I suppose.

For beggars can-not be choosers. But their requests can be voiced.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoaringAway on April 26, 2013, 03:50:23 am

Thank you for your time and consideration for reading the thread, Red.

Well, onto business.

All of my things here are suggestions in order to reduce the clog of the Off-Topic Roleplay section even from post #1, I even stated in ()s that it might be something we might need. Not necessarily the solution at all but suggestions. I didn't mean to trample any of your plans they you may have previously but by then, the "regulars" were already talking of the clog there was in the Off-Topic for quite some time (even before I came around.)

The category system isn't at all fair for anyone, honestly. We have threads that pertain to both humans and animals, to neither, or to one or another. I do understand that you mean to take current action but pause for a moment and talk with us "regulars." We like our voices heard even if we're wrong. We like the communication. It isn't something of "taboo" but some of the posters here on this thread are the "regulars." They want help in any other way besides just merely agreeing and wanting their input in.

I understand that Off-Topic isn't a necessarily big concern of yours or anyone's but it is for some of us out there. We only request out of most, three child boards and one doesn't necessarily have to exist (Extinct.) We don't need the rps placed around for what type they are but rather for the subject (planning, ooc chat, and the actual thing.) There has been alot of those "What Should I Do!?" threads over in Rp and it has been really troublesome. Honestly, where should they go?

This isn't simply a "you want" but rather a "we want." I am not alone for this cause, and I don't see myself as standing alone on this. I just write out from what I've heard and gained from those around me.

We just honestly want this over and done with so we can get back to just doing whatever our hearts desire. I just want to see the regulars not complaining about clutter or the lack of attention for their "hang out," and be jubilant of what has been done!

Quote

Suggestions is fine, but not even letting us setting up an option that could actually work for the better for everyone and halting any sort of progress due to wanting something more complex and this time will not aid.

..And what do you mean by not giving/setting you an option? All of this time, this was in the input box and floating around with suggestions from others and myself. How was I preventing you or any other moderator from doing their job? I get that being persistent in irritable for others but ..halting progress? I may have asked before in earlier posts to stop and just to read or listen but I wasn't trying to just place a brick wall in your path.

I am happy that you at least given this thread attention in a sort of way and thank you for the time yet again.

Have a nice day,
-SoaringAway

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: Redlinelies on April 26, 2013, 05:34:31 am

I'm really just not a big fan by how some decide to tackle any sort of effort to make it better, the input box is very well here to let people give suggestions but keep in mind that in the end it's the choice if we want to help.

So when effort, time or energy is placed to sort things for the better, whether it's smaller or big, it's not hard to show some appreciation. The instant we tried to just add a few board I had issues seeing this in the posts made, and there was lack of insight of why some certain actions were taken which I had to explain in my previous post.

The clutter we are trying to sort out, and we are not even getting a mere chance getting a solution that could work for all before it was all talk about stopping or listening to your demands. Even though I have retired my own roleplaying I do care for the whole board and if I didn't consider the offtopic roleplay as something that should be addressed, I'd just continue with never doing anything.

Even the very few words and information I try to post for you here to read it feels like you are putting up a bit of a defensive just because I popped in here. And if I should take one gear below, I never said that you said a lot of child boards would be the solution. I was just explaining the situation. I honestly believe there's other ways to word requests and suggestions, and I would be more willing and have energy to put into the place if people just tried to be a bit more considerate. Now this might not be something about you guys alone in this very thread and the things you want for the section, but the general picture can get very tiresome, maybe even irking.

Now you might not approve of certain changes, you might not even feel like it's a big deal this thread and the posts are completely normal and formal with out most respect, but just as I myself and others try to think about what could make things better for you, maybe just give a quick thought what some certain changes might mean to us, how they would work, what would be needed to go there and how long it would take of gains would come out of it.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: SoaringAway on April 26, 2013, 07:34:59 pm

I know it is your choice (along with the whole moderator class) but yet again thank you for putting in some time. As into going into appreciation, Red, you are the administrator and just putting out the Off-Topic is something a lot of us are thankful for.

Red, I am sorry to say but I am a bit confused with certain paragraphs. I don't mean to offend you but I don't want there to be anything misconceptions from either party.

Title: Re: Revolution for the Offtopic Literature (and Roleplay Section)
Post by: WhiteLightHeart on April 26, 2013, 09:45:40 pm

I understand where you're coming from, Blacki and Soaring. And, of course, the fact that you guys took the initiative to really bring up the issue of reorganization in the Off-Topic Roleplay section is appreciated, so I commend you guys for that.

As for these two boards in question, Animal/Human Roleplay, I can say that the staff is, in a way, in the same boat as to finding a place to put some of the threads. As you said, there are roleplays that aren't entirely human, or animal, some are a mix, and some are completely different. We understand that. But as Red said, we're trying to limit the number of child boards on the forum, that way it will run smoother and will take a shorter time to load the pages. But, at the same time, we still want to do at least something to help you guys, since you've been asking for some help from the staff for a while, and I think it's rightful to do so. It's a busy, active, and very diverse board.

Keeping the indexing (page loading) thing in mind, though, we can't exactly make a child board for every species or type of roleplay out there-- there would always be some sort of vague mismatch. This said, both of these issues leave us with either
a.) Keeping Off-Topic Roleplay as a single, all-species catch-all board with no organization, or
b.) Having a small amount of child boards with a very broad idea of what goes there.

Of course, option A would mean ignoring the board and the people in it altogether. Which is a No. Nu?
It is a compromise, but for the moment these two child boards are what we have to work with. This said, finding a home for the roleplays within it is basically about finding the closest match, even if it's a final decision on where a thread goes is a little open for debate.
We can't exactly PM every single thread-starter in there about where they would like to go, either, since we're trying to sort them all, and it's very likely that a large amount of them are inactive, or simply don't pay attention to their threads any more.
So, trying to go about it that way would be extremely slow, if it ever got finished.
That said, the staff is moving the threads themselves, and while some don't fit either board exactly, we try our best to put humans/humanoids/human-like creatures/mostly human-based RPs into Human Roleplay, while animal/mostly animal-based RPs/fantasy-creatures into Animal Roleplay.
If they are misinterpretted, though, and the thread starter wants their thread to be moved into the other child board (Human to Animal, or vice versa), then they can PM a staffer, and we can move it for you.

While I personally like your idea of an "OOC/Planning" child board, we still have to wrestle with the fact that an extra child board might be one too many. There's already been some slower loading/indexing on the site, and while one small board might not seem to be that big of a deal, they can add up. Not to mention, Off-Topic isn't the only reorganization project taking place in the forum. So we have to be mindful, as much as the OOC/Planning-based threads don't really fit into a 'roleplay' child board.
For now, though, the best we can do is place these types of threads in the board they're most closely related to, be it an associated roleplay group (in the case of OOC) or based on what they're planning on creating. Or course, if that changes, or they're placed into the wrong board, they can PM a staff member as stated before, and it can be moved for them.

I hope this clarified things for you, even if it's just a little bit.

Feral Heart

Game & Forum Discussion => Forum Discussion => Forum Suggestions & Ideas => Topic started by: SoaringAway on January 20, 2013, 03:20:29 am