Oh no, Resta, it's fine; it'd take more than that to bother me. :P And like Dragonstar said, TFC has rarely, if ever escalated into serious debate, so my intent isn't to start that now. XP
But yeah; I still don't think that there is ever a point where you have to kick a person out, primarily for the reasons that Dragonstar said; in general, especially on here, RPGs don't usually move that fast to where people can't effectively catch up. The only time I can view a kick as being needed is in the event that an RPG gets filled up and the person in question just does not post at all, and that can be fixed simply by removing the currently mandatory player limit. But yeah; there are different opinions on this, and I'm not about to completely change someone else's view on the matter. =)
On the number of weeks -- again, one month was my absolute limit. :P The only reason I think three weeks would be less ideal than four is because it's easier to see when a month has gone by than 21 days. But again, there's room for compromise, and three weeks may well be the best option -- not too long, but not short, either.
As for Dragonstar's suggestion -- I think it'd be a bit too complicated to enforce a rule dependant on the number of RPGs running at a time (which, just to answer, there isn't a limit on the number of RPGs at once; there is one, though, on how many active RPGs can be based on a single, non-Warrior's topic (and that limit is one. XP)) The main reason I say this is because, at what point does the number of RPGs necessitate a shorter inactive period?
In short, it'd be too difficult to come to a non-controversial decision. So I think just one limit, straight on, regardless of the number of active RPGs, would be best. :)
Also, I'm not entirely sure if your example post was agreeing with my point about the rule blocking spam posts or blocking posts that don't need to be that long. So I shall use my own example just to be safe, to show why it is troublesome: :P
Member 1:
"So," Bob said. "I hear you're a Jedi in training. Is this true?"
Member 2:
"Yeah," Aerith answered. Normally she wasn't terribly keen on sharing details about herself with others; however, Bob had proven himself to be a loyal ally, and as such she didn't see as much of a problem with it this time.
So yeah; only one of those is more than a line long, but both posts still contribute in that they build character. =)
I did think of a compromise for this thing, though. Instead of forcing more than one line, why not just encourage more than one? That way there's still the official expectation that people write detailed posts without absolutely stopping people from making short posts -- like the above -- that help move characterization and plot along. =)
Anyway, I just got a PM from Moonstar and she said to go ahead with the collaborative, member-opinion thread so that I can make an updated rule list. So I'll hop on that probably tomorrow. ^_^
-- Edited by Wyvernclaw on Tuesday 3rd of January 2012 01:17:35 AM
I would love to give up the three-line rule for most of us. I know many of us could handle one-liners and know when they are appropriate to be used and when they are spam. HOWEVER- there are some people I cannot trust with that, be it their lack of RP skills or whatever it is. That is my only concern about dropping the limit entirely. I do agree that three lines can definitely be too much sometimes, though. Personally I like the two-liner rule, only for the sake of inexperienced RPers causing unnecssary spam, which then mods and other members have to explain is spam, and then the person is like "But more than one line is only encouraged, it doesn't say anything in the rules about no one-liners..." So yeah. Otherwise, all sounds good. I've basically been in agreement with everything everyone has said. I guess more debate will come out of it once the official post has been posted (: Overall I'm THRILLED the rules are being rewritten- they are soo out of date.
I think you all have fantastic ideas! I myself find it easier to post more lines, but I can understand why some would rather not have to worry about it, as there are times when I wouldn't mind at all to write out less as I feel like I'm using wasted words. :3
The two line rule could be more of a security blanket though, you have one line less to worry about, while inexperienced RP-ers don't have to type as much, but we don't have to worry about a post only being half a line and way too unnecessary at that. The two line gives more space to work with, whilst most of us will probably stay at our 4-7 line posts, it helps others out.
But I'm simply a mere member. :D Just thought I'd pipe in!
Moonie: True, and I agree. However, I think the majority of people here who actively run RPGs are responsible enough to point out to a member when they are spamming, and that's something that other experienced players -- like Goldheart -- can help out with, as well. Cause you have to remember that a lot of the time, the reason people spam is simply from inexperience, and the problem can be curbed if people help teach others how to play better.
And if they don't listen? Then the RPG's owner is fully within their rights to dish out increasingly severe punishments if the problem persists. Sooner or later they'll get the message -- especially if their posts are ignored and/or deleted for breaking the rules. =)
-- Edited by Wyvernclaw on Wednesday 4th of January 2012 01:03:14 AM
-- Edited by Wyvernclaw on Wednesday 4th of January 2012 01:03:44 AM
I thought that this is a point when it comes to setting a line rule and spam in roleplays. There was a news post stating that users must obey the rules (roleplay and varying others) or face a ban. Despite the warning (and several ones both preceding and following it), new users still broke the rules. I think that is the only reason why we should put a two-line rule at least. I know my reasons may seem a bit off or stupid to you, but I have logic for mine as you have for yours. I highly agree with the idea of experienced roleplayers reminding the other users but they have been reminded before. I'm being nit-picky about this, aren't I? I don't love the three-line rule all the time, but I feel like it's just a little necessary. Once again, I'm sorry that I've been constantly disagreeing with you on this topic.
I do agree to no line minimums though when you bring up your last statement. I'm still unsure, however. I'm 100% behind you on this, though, if that's your choice. You have a lot more experience with roleplays than me so I'm all for whatever you suggest. I'm being annoying, though, aren't I? Haha. Sorry.
__________________
07.08.13
okay, then. unfortunately loving an idiot who doesn't love me back. but i'm not falling. i just kind of... am. .
That's very true, and we're definitely a helpful community. Still, it's hard to give a reason to the poster for why the post was spam when there's no clear rule stating so. But I understand your point.
Aah, I mean, I'm not saying, "Punish them!" or anything. It's just like, I'm not sure. There's so many pros and cons to setting a minimum. It's hard to pick out every single one.
__________________
07.08.13
okay, then. unfortunately loving an idiot who doesn't love me back. but i'm not falling. i just kind of... am. .
Moonie: True. However, it's pretty clear when a post in a role-play is spam, simply because it won't contribute anything at all to the discussion -- posts that are only OOC and are just spammy little messages that don't need a warning to be deleted. And if people complain --tough luck for them; just keep doing what you're doing and they'll eventually get the message.
Resta: I refer you to my reply to your PM yesterday. :)
"Oh, I know about that, and I understand what you guiys are saying. But most of the members in question aren't active role-players. And looking at others that they've been in, a lot of their posts are spammy in that they hardly advance anything in the story, even with more than one line.
I think the main disagreement here -- and my main point -- is that it's a matter of quality vs. quantity. More lines only makes it seem like the posts are less spammy than they actually are; in reality, all the rule does -- and the effort that these less mature members put into them -- is make their posts longer without actually making their quality any better.
Again, I know that they have a tendency to not listen when told not to do something, regardless of the punishment in front of them. But unless they really want to get in trouble, they aren't going to continue posting in a role-play if they've been kicked out by the GM for being disruptive and uncontributive -- there is absolutely nothing they can do in that case without getting into serious banhammer trouble. =)"
One thing that came to mind to settle this is... perhaps leave it up to the creators of the RPGs themselves, like with the player limits? I can put a suggested limit into the official rules to give people an idea of what is expected of them, without absolutely making it mandatory; that way those of us who don't see the need for it -- such as myself -- can be on our merry way while those who deem it necessary can enact it in their games if they so wish?
If that doesn't work out and the words of the GMs fail to get members to stop spamming, then the rule could be changed and made mandatory again. But for now I think this might be the best option. =)
In simpler terms, if I'm making an RPG and I want people to make their posts a certain length, I can add a rule to my RPG's set of rules to say that so many lines are needed, though I wouldn't be required to add that rule to my game.
Woodfall: I'm going to post a topic to get members' opinions on some of the disputed topics, put some rough drafts of the rules together, get opinions on them, and then finalize them. :P
I'll try to have the topic up shortly; been busy.
At any rate, I'm happy you guys are as willing to go forward with this as you are; TBH I was expecting a bit more opposition. :P I also apologize for both taking longer to get the topic up than I promised -- again, been busy ^-^; -- and for potentially insulting any of you in my responses to your points; if I did, it was unintentional. =)
-- Edited by Wyvernclaw on Thursday 5th of January 2012 01:24:24 AM