Path of the Vampire forum

Aaron Hunter wrote:I think that the time constraints may well be playing a part, so an extension would be handy.

Charlie wrote:Personally, it's the many constraints that have put me off.

Not everyone has the time or dedication or ability to toss up 500 word posts with that much regularity, especially when they have to involve a plot that's not their creation into it. I find that shorter posts don't necessarily lessen the quality or impact of a thread, and that the current limitations with min word count and min page count only serves as a deterrent. I'm writing threads in docs that have decent sized posts that average a 350-400. We managed 50 pages in under a week (with effort and pure sleep deprivation), yet were the thread for The Culling storyline, it wouldn't have counted towards the prizes. What motivation is there then?

While I think it is great that there be a time extension, I would highly suggest making the rules a little more inclusive of players in future. It can be a real nightmare having a decent post and then needing to pad it to make sure there min requirement is met. Feels like essay writing in college. Plus, with the expectation of there being only open threads, it can be a struggle to come up with that much content when you have little to no writing chemistry with your writing partner(s). All the participating characters in this chapter... well, it's like... the same 6-7 people who roleplay with one another all the time on different alts. Yet, we have how many active players on this forum?

I get needing a standard so everyone is judged on a fair scale, but if roleplay and participation is what is sought from members, then perhaps a little more canon structure and laxer ooc policing would be a good way to entice them. I read the Administrator's post and was psyched, then I read the expectations and that excitement plummeted. Personally, I find Plot Machine type events to have a lot more potential in getting people out of their niches, and maybe it is a system that could be used in tandem with chapters, along with a lessening of expectations (and not as many grand prizes to reflect that) in order to get more players involved. Sure, set a minimum number of posts and a minimum number of words, but make that a challenge people can reach with certain regularity without getting burnt out.

None of this is intended as a dig to anyone part of the creation and moderating process, or of the participants. I've been harbouring this opinion for a while and had no idea how to start a discussion. I don't want to throw **** at a moving fan, but I do feel the need to point out why I don't participate, in spite of being an active roleplayer with multiple characters and who had initial interest in this storyline. Sorry for derailing your thread, Becca. And again, Josh, this isn't meant to serve as an attack to you, David, or anyone who has risen up to the challenge.[/justify]