Original Roleplay vs. Canon Roleplay

[Patrick [ASE]]

Roleplays are a very prevalent form of forum today. Many people roleplay based on books, movies, television series, etc. that they have seen or read. Others roleplay based off an original story or concept so they have more freedom.

In your mind, which one is better? Are roleplays with fixed characters, timelines, stories, etc. easier to roleplay than a completely original idea? Are original roleplays easier because it allows more people into the fold without having to be an expert in a certain series of literature, media, etc.? If you are an admin of an RP forum, which one did you choose and why?

Suggestion from Houdini Derek

[Short of Daybreak]

For me, I chose Original Concept.

Original RPs can be based off a story you are writing, so it could come with canons, but there is alot more freedom than a released novel.

However, original concept, not based off anything, except your own idea, is even better (you can always write a fanfiction about it later ). You have alot more room to breathe, move, and people have freedom with their characters, instead of having to be stuck with the personality of another.

Still, canon RPs can be fun, especially if it is based off something really cool that you like, and you enjoy playing your favorite character. I used to be on a Suite Life RP, and I had loads of fun being London Tipton.

But if I had to choose between original and canon....I say original, hands down!
I, as a creative person, love making up plots, original characters, etc.

[HoudiniDerek]

I prefer an original RP too. I am the admin of one that was handed over to me and I like the freedom to create characters and plots in my mind that are not necessarily dovetailing or dependent on the overall storyline. I think it gives writers more imagination and allows them to try new things without being attacked.

The benefit of a canon RP in my opinion is the structure. You have a storyline to follow and different plot points that cannot be changed and that can help you structure new ideas. I think an original RP can do it too, but not do the same level.

Overall, I would say an original RP is the better bet in the long run, especially for aspiring writers.

[Comrade Corporal Dota <V>^_^]

Original RPG is so much better i think. One has the freedom to chose how its going to unfold, what characters are going to be allowed and where and when everything happens. Canon RPGs based off of HP or Twilight have to follow their respective storylines(just a little bit at least) otherwise, it would be weird.

In my RPG (its in my sig if you wanna check it out) anyone can make any character, and every character has an equal opportunity to rank up and gain medals and ribbons(within reason of course).

[fantasmic]

I prefer canons... though apparently I represent the minority, lol. I'm a writer, and so I understand the whole original plot concept... But honestly, don't you get a bit annoyed when the whole site strays from your original idea? I don't know, it really bothers me. And at least with a canon role play there's an established time line for characters to fall into. I've never found that it stifles my creativity. If anything, it gives me more inspiration because if I know the time line, and know the intent behind everything, I can create a character to fit into that plot. And I don't know, I always liked writing fanfiction. Canon sites, to me, are just collaborating in a huge fanfic plot, and it's a lot of fun to see a story you know and love twist and turn with original ideas blended into the canon.

[HoudiniDerek]

I see what you mean, phantasmic. There is something upsetting to some degree when people don't follow your ideals. I guess I like that though. I want people to expand and try new things. If it doesn't work, they usually give up, but I like the original RP because it gives you a chance to try something that a canon doesn't. I think that is probably why I prefer original RPs more. They do not necessarily stifle your creativity overall, but they can in some areas, especially due to the structure of a canon RP.

[Michelangelo "Spike" Scarlatti]

In your mind, which one is better?
I like both really cause with the canon RP you get to use a character your familiar with
and with original RP you can be someone totally different where you can make up things as you go along.

Are roleplays with fixed characters, timelines, stories, etc. easier to roleplay than a completely original idea?
Not sure if its easier, I would much rather say its boring with fixed timelines and such. As with a completely original idea you have more freedom on what to do. As with the fixed timelines, etc you have to do things that way.

Are original roleplays easier because it allows more people into the fold without having to be an expert in a certain series of literature, media, etc.?
Depends on what the original role play is. If its something everyone really knows something about and has interest it will be easy, but say for instance a horse role play I wouldn't be able to role play that cause I'm sure most of them boards would want you to have some sort of knowledge of horses.

If you are an admin of an RP forum, which one did you choose and why?
I have a few actually or originals and canons. But for one of my boards its original to a point and then the other half is canon. Like I have the canon characters from the show and the rest of the RP is original.

[Kami]

In your mind, which one is better? Are roleplays with fixed characters, timelines, stories, etc. easier to roleplay than a completely original idea?

It really depends on the execution of the plot, and the plot itself; for me, it would depend entirely on the plot presented; I've had one good original RP that is -not- my own. I don't think that one is necessarily better than the other, but rather is dependent on the plot and how the plot is explained to members and potential members.

Are original roleplays easier because it allows more people into the fold without having to be an expert in a certain series of literature, media, etc.? If you are an admin of an RP forum, which one did you choose and why?

To be honest, again, it depends on how the plot is explained to the audience. For example, I've had people in my 'canon-based' rp find it extremely easy to assimilate, because we have information links on the show, and the plot is detailed. I've had others on an 'original rp' a friend of mine started state that the plot is too complicated -- and vice versa.

I've chosen both, tbh, I have one original rp, and one canon-based. Both are doing moderately well, and they're both the same level of popular.

[Crackoala]

Through my fiveish years Rping, I've seen my fair share of both. I think a good number of people make canon Rps, simply for the fact that a fan-base is already built in. Creative twists to canon plots - in my opinion - are the strongest subject matter for an Rp. People already know the concept and don't have to learn a whole new thing for the Rp. This also means you all have something in common already. Normally similar types of people like the same shows/movies/books, in which the canon Rp site is twisted off of. With this barrier already 'unblocked' a bit with the "OH I LOVE THAT SHOW <3" icebreaker available, people are drawn in more - simply because they are going to fit in easier, with less work to understand the plot and concepts.

On a personal standpoint, however, I think each have their strong points. A good number of 'original' Rps I've seen out there, are simply something canon twisted to their own liking. Like a 'non canon vampire Rp' is going to have bases in all the various vampire fandom out there - including (mostly) Twilight.

Having my forum for almost two years now, I have to say canon is working for me. Though I did twist the plot so basically only the very basis of the television show is the only canon element - with one or two canon characters used, just as a plot device to bring the player from the show plot to the site plot. Also, I've created a few original Rps, and they've all epic failed. Same with a major portion of my canon Rps.

When joining a site, normally I stick to canon though - for I have a hankering for a certain 'universe' presented or created by a screenwriter or author, which causes me to search for the Rp in the first place

[Valyn]

Clearly in the role playing world cannon is down to being better more popular or just laziness.

Nearly all role plays I come across even the ones that say their original are actually mostly cannon for example nearlly all RPG's I see on proboards are based off books or big online RPG's, video games movies ect very few are actually truely original.

If its not original then its cannon

Me im torn between the two but I do get frustrated when people advertise their so called original ideas 0.o''

[Sirie]

I have a canon one and one I created, It is a whole lot easier going the canon rout, although you have way more competition, and it takes longer to establish a decent member count. My non-canon one is a whole lot harder to organize, but people find it new and interesting, unlike the canon forum. All in all, I would recommend making your own, you will benefit more from it in the long run.

[.::Boo::.]

I would say having a core of a fandom makes for an enticing invitation. My site, while being in a specific fandom, doesn't actually have a set plotline because it takes place in a so far past timeline that only 4 characters were known. In my case, those 4 characters happen to be staff, so each member has to use their own creativity and unique skills to create their character. There is no 'canon list' or such. Although the plot is loosely based on what we know eventually happens, it doesn't exactly follow any book in that sense.

I personally like canon RPs in that its fun to escape and 'live' in that world for a while. I typically don't pick canon characters anyway when I join, because I don't like to be limited to what they have already done. I don't think I'm lazy, or un-original in that, because you still have to have the skills to portray something that has already happened in a book, or a specific character's traits.

[Amz4eva]

I don't really prefer either. I think they're both good . Canon because you get to explore in someone else footsteps somewhat and in Originals you can be yourself and create a person you're happy to play. I find the best sites are those that have canons and orginals it lets members explore their ability in a set place and atmosphere.

[Kendall C. Anders]

I like both. Original RPs are great, especially if there's a really good plot. I love canon roleplaying also, though, it's kind of how I got started (the leap from fanfiction to canon roleplay is a pretty short one). Lately, though, I've had trouble finding any good canon roleplays because the stuff I'm into isn't part of the hyped up plethora of canon roleplays like Twilight or Gossip Girl.

[fantasmic]

Feb 14, 2009 1:10:38 GMT -8 Valyn said:

Clearly in the role playing world cannon is down to being better more popular or just laziness.

Nearly all role plays I come across even the ones that say their original are actually mostly cannon for example nearlly all RPG's I see on proboards are based off books or big online RPG's, video games movies ect very few are actually truely original.

If its not original then its cannon

Me im torn between the two but I do get frustrated when people advertise their so called original ideas 0.o''

I don't think it's laziness... Not in like, 99% of the cases. Not everyone who role plays is a story writer, and thus canon ideas come more naturally. It's not lazy so much as playing to your strengths. Some people work better when a foundation is already laid, and they just have to add the bricks to make the building. Personally, I can do both, but I'd rather keep my original ideas for my books. And if I need help, I'll ask an RP friend if they wanna RP a a random scenario on the side. But for sites? I like canon. As someone already said, there's already an established fan base, however big or small, for you to attract members. And I've yet to see any truly "original" sites. The boarding school ones are largely spin offs of Harry Potter without the magic. The private school ones are all practically identical to Gossip Girl. And then there's 8379 million (exaggerating? Just a little) wolf and horse role plays. I've seen more original plots that are canon plot twists than self proclaimed original sites.