RP plots: To know, or not to know?

[wildmaven]

Do you think admins should spell out a plot for the members so they know most of the details before it even starts? Or do you think that it is more fun to be surprised and just react to things as they happen?

I'm the "fly by the seat of your pants" type of RPer, which can be difficult for others who are used to plotting and planning out every move they make.

How do you deal with people like me? How do you deal with people who are consumate planners?

[§agi]

I RP with everyone, but I find that the more patient people who take time to wait and plan in threads are easier to RP with (based on my experiences). I hate being left behind in threads and I have found that more compulsive people that don't plan much leave me behind more

I love RPing with everyone though ;D

[ToriJ]

My plots are usually just a basic background story of what's going on and what you can do. The rest of the plot is usually role played out so many people don't know what's going to happen next, the role play decides and that's usually how I prefer it. I never had much problem running plots in that sorta way.

[ImMeSoHi]

I'm all for the 'go with the flow' type of rp.
I've even had to spell it out for members who don't quite get the idea of not knowing what's going to happen.

As for the planners, well they can plan their own individual plots and so on, but if they keep asking about what will happen with the main site plot then they'll get the same answer 'wait and see'.

[Hero]

I don't consider it roleplaying if the admin already has everything planned out and would much prefer it if the admin changes the world based on what the members do. I want the forum to react to what I do, not what the admin plans for it to. If my actions don't cause anything to happen differently then what was planned, then what's the point of roleplaying?

[booster]

I'm one of those RPers who likes to make junk up as they go along and see what happens from there. Plans are nice and all, but to carefully lay out each and every puzzle piece before going through with the RP itself is... boring.

As far as I'm concerned, if one wants or needs a plot, its best to go with a loose skeleton framework. That way, you know what you're aiming for, but if someone wants to add in extra elements, it doesn't affect the structure and force a rework of the whole system.

[Dumezil]

I am also one of those "fly by the seat of your pants" rpers. I've never actually seen a site where a plot has actually worked and run its way through before the site died or everyone got distracted.
Having a slight plot that can be altered and ignored at times are nice. But just vague ones like "war between two groups" or something like that. I hate those ones that admins make themselves the main character and have the site work like a book or something with everything revolving around them.

[orangehairdye]

I find that I like to know a general plot for the whole of the roleplay so that people have an idea of what's going on. Of course, though, this depends on the roleplay. When I start an rpg, I give members the general idea of what's going on and where we're at. Then, I let the members decide, through their actions, what happens next. To me, that's true roleplay.

I'm not one to really plot anything out in specifics as far as my characters go and such. I like to watch my character develop and I like it better when things just happen.

[Navi]

Apr 20, 2010 16:40:28 GMT -8 ToriJ said:

My plots are usually just a basic background story of what's going on and what you can do. The rest of the plot is usually role played out so many people don't know what's going to happen next, the role play decides and that's usually how I prefer it. I never had much problem running plots in that sorta way.

Oh wow me and old man Tori J agree on something! I prefer these sort of plots because it allows a bit of freedom while still in the theme of the rp.

[Kami]

It really depends for me; generally speaking I will post a detailed intro plot, but allude to some mysterious happenings about to begin which is only known by staff and the players initially involved.

[Owl Always Love You]

I like the members to help plot out ideas. That way it doesn't make it seem that I'm doing all the work. Especially if it's a site wide plot. If I get them involved, they are more likely to join in if they suggested it then if I make the plot. It's a lot easier to do it that way then make one up for everyone to follow. And you can hear everyone's ideas on the subject and what they want in a plot.

[HoudiniDerek]

I don't make forums with plots. I give a basic overview of the land and that is it. I let them make their own decisions.

[Karen]

We have three areas of roleplay on my forum, all of which have almost complete freedom as to what you write. There is a basic structure in place for two of them though. One is set in a fictional city with threads for different areas, but no plot. The second one is set in a boarding school, but again, no plot. Lastly, the third area is complete freedom in all aspects. Members team up with a partner or in a group and come up with their own settings, plot, characters, everything!

With my own personal experiences in writing roleplay, I've written both ways - plot, plot, plot until you have every little detailed planned to death, and the looser, just go-with-the-flow style. I very MUCH prefer writing in a go-with-the-flow style with a bare bones plot. I like surprises from my partner and letting the characters write the story as they get to know each other, and I get to know them. It's much more creative and fun to use your imagination in my opinion, instead of being told what you have to write.

[Lulu88]

If I want something to happen in a thread I make note of it but I try and leave things open for people to put in their own things.

[wildmaven]

Thanks, everyone! This was really helpful. I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes to be surprised.