Ever put up an open thread that never got a reply? Or started an RP request but never got around to the actual RP? Ever wondered why that happens?
Open threads and RP requests both involve an element of chance. If someone replies to your thread, they're taking a gamble on enjoying the outcome.
If you go look at the
RP request forum, you'll see that the majority of requests are essentially a description of character traits followed by "does someone want to RP with my character?"
Likewise, many open threads tend toward a description of the character's environment along with an internal monologue.
These approaches both suffer from a lack of direction. People are hesitant to commit themselves to a situation where anything could happen. Partly from fear that they won't enjoy themselves, as I said earlier, but far more because they're frightened of taking the thread in the wrong direction or suggesting the wrong thing and upsetting you.
Giving your RP Request directionStart from the presumption that your character is a personYour character should already know most things appropriate to their group. If they are a student, they should at least be able to recognise everyone in their year and house. If they are an adult, they should remember characters from their schooldays (this might mean reading other people's profiles).
You want something, ask for it.You created your character for a reason. Either you want something as the writer, or they want something as the character. When you start your thread, ask for that thing.
Holding back might get you more replies to your request thread, but you won't actually RP with those people because they won't be making suggestions in like with what you really want. It makes you frustrated and everyone else frustrated.
Do NOT ask for friends, enemies, etcYou'll make those through the course of RPing anyway. It's also a real bummer when it turns out that the person you planned for your character to be besties with turns out to be someone your character has an irrational hatred for.
Giving your Open Thread directionCall to ReactionIn marketing, they have a call to action. In RP, we have a call to reaction. If you want anyone to reply to your open thread, you need to finish your post with something that calls on them to react to what your character was just doing.
Things like injuring your character or breaking school rules practically invite other characters to hinder or help yours. Things like reading or long inner monologues are for planned threads.
CrazinessCan I just say one thing?
Magic. Put some fecking magic in your open threads. Random magic. Magical creatures. Magic you screwed up and now you have antlers. Whoops!
Open threads are way more likely to get responded to if it's clear they're not deep and meaningful. Also, it adds to the feel of Hogwarts. Double the fun. And I can't count the threads that started out as weird one-offs but went on to become important site plots.
Answer other people's open threadsLogically speaking, if heaps of people make open threads but don't reply to open threads, that would explain why you don't get replies. So before you make an open thread, go see if you can answer one first.
Get comfortable out in the openDid you know most of my threads are open? Even if it's reserved for someone, I usually label my threads (name + open). And then get disappointed when nobody joins us.
Let's face it, you can't restrict what happens in real life, so why would you that to your characters? You're depriving them of a full life experience! So unless your character is in their private home, consider making your threads open.
by Selwyn Thorfinn Thu Feb 12, 2015 11:48 pm
