More Mythbusting RP

Four more myths about Role-playing – busted: *grin*

1) RP’ers are all thespians (actors) and RPing is “stage acting”.

Not really – while actors/actresses could play, most of us are just like any other gamer. Some do RP as escapism, some like pretending, and others like the feeling they are like characters in the books they read or the movies they watch. Imagination and creativity on a different level with gameplay basically, but everyone has their own reasons why they role-play.

Role-playing is not like stage acting, though they could be seen as similar. There’s not a real script or casting and is free-form gameplaying. Some of us are just role-playing just regular townsfolk or adventure-types.

Character interaction drives the game-style, with (healthy) drama and storylines and relationships. There is no overall director, though we have our personal backstories and boundries to keep us in character. We have our roles and ways of doing something in that particular character/persona. While RPing is impromptu, don’t ask us to “perform” (unless we are actually rping actors, jesters and performers – then it makes sense. Otherwise, it’s like a asking a chef to do brain surgery.

2) You -have- to be in character (IC) from login to logout.

You will find there is alot of different types of role-playing and different ranges. From very casual role-play to full-time. While staying in character (or blending in if not a role-player) is important, you have to remember that everyday life takes the higher priority.

There will be times when you are not IC or really want to be, depending on the situation or what’s happening in your life. If you are not up to RPing that evening cannot for one reason or another – it’s fine. Let your RPing group or friends know if your are burned out or just not in the mood. Seriously, they should understand.

3) You -must- RP if you are on a RP Server.

Not all players on a RP Server role-play or seldom do due to one reason or another. Some think they will make a mistake and embarrass themselves. Most have friends that do RP or they either chose a RP Server because they wanted to get away from “normal” servers. Some just picked the server at random based on Server Time and did not know it was a RP Server to begin with.

You know what? It’s ok.
The RP Police will not break down your virtual door. Honest. Most games focus little on making sure that players know what a RP server is, and that you should follow the policies therein. With a little respect and understanding, we can all get along.

What I am also getting at is there should not be witch-hunts on RP Servers. I do believe, however, that Non-RPers should respect the policies and try to blend in at least. This means knowing some of what RPing is about. This site can be a great aid towards that.

Whether or not we are role-players or not, we are all still people. Think about that.

4) RPers -must- get “nekkid” and dance on mailboxes, tables and in starter areas and towns. (Especially Night Elf Females)

Er… no. *grin*
Nine times out of ten, it’s someone who…
is a griefer from another realm, trying to get attention
is someone really, really needing to get help.
is someone very bored.
cannot role-play and/or does not understand what server/realm they are on.

Unless they are role-playing, best bet is to ignore them and move on – you got better things to do.

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That’s all until I update this, but this should help dispel some stereotypes that are associated with RP. I hope this helps.