Networking: RP Chat Channels

Role-playing is a social venue, it’s really hard to RP with just yourself. Hence finding other role-players is a goal when you get everything fleshed out and ready. Building relationships between role-players is important too, which is sometimes hard to do when you get started.

Using a flagging program helps, as does being in character in locations. Still, you may have problems finding events and other role-players. You may also have questions regarding role-playing.

You could try General Chat, or brave the “colorful” atmosphere of Trade. But maybe there’s another useful and rp-friendly way to accomplish this.

A private chat channel may be the answer. Perhaps your server or realm has one, if so it’s a good way of networking and coordinating RP events. It’s also good for just meeting other role-players and finding out what is going on on your server rp-wise.

Suggested Channel Types:

• RP IC: This is a in-character RP chat channel for those who want to rp over a distance. The rationale of this can be a “walkie-talkie” style approach, using a device or such to make sense of the game mechanics. Another variant would be something that reflects old style text/MUDs.

• RP OOC: This is a social zone for people to network and coordinate rp efforts. It can also be used to announce events and ask for help on rp questions or for just needing a extra hand on a quest. This type is my personal preference for helping others.

Channel Creation and Tips:

• Before making a new channel: First, see if there is an existing channel made for this – having five channels fragments the rp community, so do some research. See if the channel idea has interest with others and will actually help. You can get feedback from the forums or from other role-players you know. If there’s already a channel that works – join up and support it! The end result is to help, not hurt.

• Dead RP Channels: If there is a dead channel that people used to host rp, perhaps a revival is order. Definitely try not to “take” over another’s channel without finding out the details first.

• Creating a private chat channel can be fairly easy. Pick a relevant name and follow the instructions depending on your game.

• Channel Names: The name of the channel can be whatever works for your server/intent. Just make it easy to grasp and to tell people about. Thanks to Typhron for reminding me to include this!

• Establish some basic guidelines. Some basic ground rules help keep the channel stable and usable. Some ideas would be: No spamming, Keeping language clean and No harassment. Make sure folks understand the rules are.

• Elitism: My personal opinion is that elitism in role-playing only kills the rp community. An open and friendly channel makes a better environment to help others, set a good example and grow as a role-player.

• Enforcement. In some games, you really cannot kick/ban someone from a private channel, so it’s really up to the channel to look out for one another.

• Make it a friendly community. Like a forum or any other social vehicle, it’s needs to be welcoming to those that visit. Greet folks, be helpful and try to make it a community. Follow the rules for the channel and be a good example.

• Advertise! Let folks know via forums or ooc word of mouth. Be cordial, don’t spam and be courteous to others. Make sure users understand the channel’s intent and rules.

• Be patient. Don’t expect it all to fall in place overnight. Give people time to get used to things and build bridges.

• Handle conflicts gracefully. Try to get along with folks as best you can and resolve conflicts easily and with some maturity.

Channel uses:
Whether you join an existing channel or make a new one, it’s only as useful as the people using it. A community that works and supports each other is stronger than one that doesn’t.

• Advertising events. Hosting something? Heard about an ingame RP event? Let folks know.

• RP questions. Have a character idea but need feedback? New to role-playing and need some advice? Ask away.

• Can’t find fellow role-players? See if anyone is free. It may work, but don’t be hurt if it doesn’t. People may be busy, leveling or in another group. It can however open a door to get in on a gathering or future event.

• Channel support. Offer help to new role-players. Support events by relaying info or attending. All this helps build up the rp presence on the server and makes a better community.

Case Studies: forthehorde/forthealliance
This is a good example of a growing ooc rp chat channel. Here’s the introduction I used to first advertised the Horde version on the Earthen Ring server forums:

Horde RP OOC Channel: forthehorde

Introduction: forthehorde is a neutral zone for rpers to coordinate efforts, discuss role-playing topics and to help nurture role-playing Hordeside on Earthen Ring.

The “Rules”: The main “rules” are to be patient, mature and treat others fair and to respect the game/rp policies. While this is an open channel, please exercise tact and keep the subjects and talk to a [Teen] rating.

I want to keep this family-friendly, so please remember and remind anyone who decides otherwise.

This is not Barrens chat or Trade, so keep that in mind when joining or responding. :)

Info for events, new guilds and related things can be announced, just not spammed.

Note: The channel currently is variable and responses can be delayed depending on player activity.

Simple and direct in intent. Vistors are encouraged to announce upcoming events. I try to do that as well via “FYRP” alerts while I am on periodically. You can see a sample in the photo at the beginning for the event I host each week.

I keep the FYRP’s ready via a text file or text addon that allows me to store text ingame, so alt-tabbing is at a minimum. I generally keep the channel in it’s own tab while I play so that I can see how things are going and help/alert folks.

This helps keep visitors in the know as much as possible if something is going on. It also helps generate future events as new events come into play. I find it helps people, so it’s better to have it than not. The response and folks that visit for the most part have been great.

It also brings roleplayers together, despite possible differences. The more open, civil and welcoming the atmosphere, the better for all. Not a bad plan.

If your realm/server doesn’t have one – maybe this can help.