Discuss RPG Hotline? [E]

[kalon]

We all know that grammar and spelling are major points for thread quality in the Inn. I agree with threads being closed for grammar, but some members might have trouble with English but still have good ideas for stories. I was thinking it might be beneficial to have an "official" thread for beta readers who can help other members flesh out their role-plays.

Some members, especially the newer ones, might be a little intimidated by older members or the mods and therefore be hesitant to ask for help. If they get friends to review their work and their friends are not English geniuses either, then it has not really helped them that much.

If there was a thread where you could recruit a beta (who would have good proofreading ability), it might improve the over-all quality of Adventure Square. Especially if English isn't your first language, then someone might even be able to review individual posts.

Agree? Disagree? Have a better idea?

*Edit* Even if no one else likes the idea, if anyone wants help, I would be glad to preview your stuff and help with grammar, ideas, etc.

[Ezekiel]

[SIZE=1]I think this is a great idea.

There have been a couple of times when I've closed a thread purely because of the lack of quality in the writing itself, but the storyline is very workable. It would also be a good opportunity for more experienced members in the Arena to help out the new Babies. I think there is a problem with people not wanting to take time to read all the rules, so maybe having someone willing to quickly explain the basics would solve a lot of the problems we have.[/SIZE]

[Random]

[COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]I agree with Zeke. When I did my first RP, I was a little intimitated by the level that the other RPs where at. Luckly, though, I'm rather good with grammar, spelling, etc, not to mention that I had some help from one of the older players.

Since I'm a little bit more "advanced" in the ways of the RP now, I'll be glad to help out with this in any way possible...the only problem is, how?

Here's my idea(s).

First is the obvious need for a seperate Sub-Forum. Without it's own designated area, this idea would just flop, and that would be a shame.

I think that individuals, dedicated and either chosen by staff memebers or elected, to help out is a must. What I mean is have the Mods as usual, but have a few other designated people who specifically answer people's questions. It could be a team of people, or have different sub-sub-forums with a leader for each. Of course, this doesn't mean that other experienced RPers can't help out, too.

I'm out of ideas right now (bed time).

So, add anything you want, critique away, and have it noted that this idea is 100% Random Approved.

~Random[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Mr. Maul]

[size=1][color=DimGray]I like where this is going, and yet at the same time I'm not exactly sure where this is going.

What is this going to be? Just a place where newer, less-experienced members drop off their posts to be proofread for mistakes, and then have them handed back? Or will it be a place where guidelines and faqs are posted, illustrating proper grammar usage, such as the difference between [b]your[/b] and [b]you're[/b], or [b]its[/b] and [b]it's[/b]? Or could it be a place where older, more experienced RP'ers can offer advice and give pointers on how others can make their RPG's better and more compelling?

Why not all of these ideas at once? They all have merit and potential (mainly because I suggested them), but I agree with [b]Random[/b] on the fact that there would have to be a Sub-Forum created solely for this purpose, although I thought that was what the [b]Arena Underground[/b] was for. A place where people go to get the lumps messaged out of their RPG's.

Anyway, I have no idea where I'm going with this except that I'm for the idea once all the details get worked out. I may not participate in RPG's very often (or ever), but I am a writer and I have three years of Advanced Placement English experience under my belt, so I'd be up for some good ol' fashioned grammificationizing, if needed.


[/color][/size]

[Sandy]

I think this idea is refinable, but if we get to the bottom of the problem, poor grammar is rarely a sign of stupidity - it's a sign of laziness.

Some people just seem to typetypetype, trying to get over it as fast as possible, and then maybe they put a pathetic note to the end such as "sory for teh typoes". :P

My advice to all of you who are struggling with writing is: [B]focus[/B] on what you're doing! I know we live in an ADHD-type of world, but seriously, typing carefully isn't an impossible feat and it will only take you a few extra minutes.

Of course it's not easy for non-English speakers to know every single word and phrase correctly, but I'm a living example that one can learn that too.

But I digress. If somebody wants to start proofreading RPGs before they are launched, be my guest, but I don't think anyone will stick to it for very long... :/ Besides, wouldn't it only discourage the poor quality writers to even try to write better?

[Kei]

[quote name='Mr. Maul][size=1][color=DimGray]They all have merit and potential (mainly because I suggested them), but I agree with [b]Random[/b] on the fact that there would have to be a Sub-Forum created solely for this purpose, although I thought that was what the [b]Arena Underground[/b] was for. A place where people go to get the lumps messaged out of their RPG's.[/color'][/size][/quote]

[color=darkblue][size=1]Bingo. Since The Underground is already there, there would be no need to have it be a separate sub-forum.

Anyway, a place where someone could go to get help with posts doesn't sound like too bad of an idea. As has been said, some members are scared to ask more experienced members and Moderators for assistance, so a place to get help from "less intimidating" members could definitely help. Of course, it would require a lot of upkeep (as from what I'm imagining, it could get spammed up rather easily), but it's worth a go, in my opinion.[/color][/size]

[DeathKnight]

[quote name='silver_blade']Some members, especially the newer ones, might be a little intimidated by older members or the mods and therefore be hesitant to ask for help.[/quote]

[color=crimson]To any and all afflicted by this shyness: Don't be. Most of us would be happy to help you make your RPG better in lieu of you just posting a steaming pile of garbage up that hurts us to look at. Not so much your typing or your spelling but the majority of you seem to have issues writing a coherent, "good" story in your opening posts- we can help you with that.

We're all very nice, well-rounded individuals with little to no mental problems whatsoever so there's no need to fear us.[/color]

[quote name='silver_blade']Agree? Disagree? Have a better idea?[/quote]

[color=crimson]This is a pretty good idea on paper. You just have to make it a reality in the proper fashion and I.. have no real opinion on how to do that at the moment, lol. Apologies.

But it's a good thing we're making strides in this regard. It rakes at my mind in the night considering the colorless, bland world of the youth sitting at their computers typetypetyping away another RPG full of horrid typos and incorrect grammar. I toss and turn wondering to myself who can combat this scourge? What hero could defeat this disease afflicting the land and bring back the stringent order of good spelling and grammar that I remember from the golden days of yore, those days when one could run free without fear of 'tehs' and improper punctuation.

Such a tumultuous time we live in, such horrors we must face. I hope we can rise to the challenge comrades.[/color]

[kalon]

I don't think an entire Sub-Forum is necessary, and that seems (to my limited knowledge) too complicated just for this. I was thinking more along the lines of one "recruitment" thread which would have a list of members/mods willing to help out. The reason I think there should be a main thread and not a bunch of individual threads is that individual ideas do not always receive feed-back when they need it.

But as [B]Sandy[/B] stated, would that discourage the poor quality writers from getting better on their own? It could, if some of the people are lazy, but you could set up requirements for having something proofread, like it must already be the three paragraph minimum before anyone else looks at it. Also, I don't think anyone should [I]rewrite[/I] anyone else's stuff unless there is a mistake because of a language barrier, so as long as you do not rewrite, it technically will not be better writing, just work with less mistakes. Mainly give help with grammar and spelling because English (although I love it) has some really twisted rules, and even with spell check and a dictionary you can sometimes not find the intended word.

I like what [B]Mr. Maul[/B] about having guidelines and FAQs posted. Maybe it could have mini-lessons on English and writing technique, even topics on how to keep people (hopefully?) interested in your RP. I have only been RPing (and only on OB) for a few months, so even I would still like guidance sometimes. (I'm usually too shy to ask questions or get help.)

Having a few members just to toss ideas around with would not hurt, either.

Overall, I think the good would probably outweigh the bad in this.

[Sandy]

So you are basically asking for a thread were people can correct someone's grammar and writing style. But what does that has to do with RPGs, [B]silver_blade[/B]?

If you don't want it to go as far as rewriting stuff, I don't even see why such a thread would be even needed. We could very well just have a few "grammar nazis" patrolling the boards in search of bad typing.

Because this discussion has gone beyond RPGs, I'd suggest [B]Jokopoko[/B] would move this to the [B]Suggestions&Feedback[/B] forum.

[Boo]

[size=1]I prefer the idea of helping people on how to write RPs over the idea of helping people learn the English language.

Though I suppose [url=http://otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=53737][color=sienna]This Thread[/color][/url] made by [i]cancer[/i] could be very well used for that. Cancer has put down some good basics on creating an RP. Perhaps that thread can grow a bit.

If people want their posts checked or something, there could be a group of volunteers, who are fairly good in writing RPs/English, who the people can PM or whatever.

Pies are nice too, though. But I suppose that's a matter of taste.[/size]

[kalon]

[quote name='Sandy]So you are basically asking for a thread were people can correct someone's grammar and writing style. But what does that has to do with RPGs, [B]silver_blade[/B']?[/quote]
I thought that could be extra, because to me, writing your own stories and writing RPs are closely related. RPs are basically having a writing prompt given to you, and then you just run with it. You know your parameters, but other than that, you're free to do what you want. I thought that writing style is related, because an RP is usually more enjoyable when you work with good writers.

I wated some people to check grammar, but I also wanted instruction for how you write in an RP. [B]Boo[/B] is right. We should bring back [B]cancer's[/B] thread and add to it.

[Dragon Warrior]

[size=1]Yeah, I'm all for this idea. I'd love to be apart of it even. :) I love helping people. Perhaps you could even expand to where you can recruit people to help you with HTML and graphics for the RPG. Some of my RPGs here use tables or title images and etc. This would be a good place to have those who need the help to go to.[/size]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson]Well if we are really going to resurrect cancer's thread I'd be glad to lend a hand as well. My graphical prowess is severely lacking in comparison to DW but I could lend a hand in other regards, lol.[/color]

[Ellerby]

[color=#555555][FONT=Tahoma]You've definitely got a load of people who are interested in getting and giving help here. I say go for it.

[quote name='Dragon Warrior][size=1']Yeah, I'm all for this idea. I'd love to be apart of it even. :) I love helping people. Perhaps you could even expand to where you can recruit people to help you with HTML and graphics for the RPG. Some of my RPGs here use tables or title images and etc. This would be a good place to have those who need the help to go to.[/size][/quote]

I would also be up to creating graphics and tables for anything you guys throw at me. I've definitely got the time, hah.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Sakura]

[COLOR=Navy]Hm, interesting idea. I've been watching this thread for a bit. Anyways, it's intriguing and I'm willing to help in whatever way I can, which will more than likely be to do with language (spelling, grammar, structure, etc.) than anything else, seeing as I don't know how to do graphics.[/COLOR]

[Redemption]

[size=1]I, also, think this is a good idea. I'm not very good with graphics or HTML on OB, but I can help with writing all you like.

Lots of people have been too initimidated to ask for help for their own reasons (no matter how much we tell them we won't bite). Lately, I've been helping one specific member (won't specify who) and I've tried to give them some advice so they are able to continue bettering their writing skills themselves.

The RPG Help thread is a good idea, as well as [b]cancer's[/b] RPG Advice thread. Perhaps a sticky that combine both? I'm not sure if there is one similiar to it in the Adventure Square/Inn, but maybe it could be possible.

Coincidently, [b]silver_blade[/b], I was thinking of putting up a thread like this in the Suggestions forum. You beat me to it. :animeswea[/size]

[Riku]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]Heck yes.... count me in.

I'm willing to help in this because I think this is a great idea to help people who need it in RPs. I'm kind of tired seeing new RP's being open in the Adventure Inn, yet the grammer is totally horrible, spelling isn't very good and sentence structure is becoming worse and worse. I like RPs and I also like helping people, so this is a really, really awesome idea.

I can make some graphics, too. As to where White shouldn't be the only one doing it. =D[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]