Re-fertilizing Soil

[Andrea Anderson]

When I read Hope's post I assumed the idea was along the lines of: Once every blue moon an event is hosted where players are given the option to write for prizes. There would be judges of sort to see who is the winner of the competition, etc, etc. Or everyone who participates in the event gets a prize of sorts.

This kind of an event I'm interested in.

A system where posts = gained ability isn't. Where someone can write the bare minimum at any time for a trade in to a dueling perk.

It's a less is more deal. It's why we don't have around the clock tournaments, loss forgiveness nights, etc. Regulation is still key, but small events like a writing competition, tournaments, leagues, etc, being just things sprinkled on throughout the year.

[Jake]

When I read Hope's post I assumed the idea was along the lines of: Once every blue moon an event is hosted where players are given the option to write for prizes. There would be judges of sort to see who is the winner of the competition, etc, etc. Or everyone who participates in the event gets a prize of sorts.

This kind of an event I'm interested in.

A system where posts = gained ability isn't. Where someone can write the bare minimum at any time for a trade in to a dueling perk.

It's a less is more deal. It's why we don't have around the clock tournaments, loss forgiveness nights, etc. Regulation is still key, but small events like a writing competition, tournaments, leagues, etc, being just things sprinkled on throughout the year.

I think I agree with this viewpoint.

[Sabine]

When I read Hope's post I assumed the idea was along the lines of: Once every blue moon an event is hosted where players are given the option to write for prizes. There would be judges of sort to see who is the winner of the competition, etc, etc. Or everyone who participates in the event gets a prize of sorts.

This kind of an event I'm interested in.

A system where posts = gained ability isn't. Where someone can write the bare minimum at any time for a trade in to a dueling perk.

It's a less is more deal. It's why we don't have around the clock tournaments, loss forgiveness nights, etc. Regulation is still key, but small events like a writing competition, tournaments, leagues, etc, being just things sprinkled on throughout the year.

I think I agree with this viewpoint.

Same.

I too thought of it more as an occasional perk rather than an all the time thing.

[Ammy Spiritor]

So, then what would draw regular role play posting in ROH? Events that inspire postings once in a while for rewards is good, but the question asked to start was how to get the role play boards alive again. So are there ways to inspire role play sessions/writing that don't have to rely on rewards, or, perhaps like with many of the RDI playables that sometimes just offer special icons? What would draw people to role play and writing roll playing posts often in ROH? Could we maybe suggest like a monthly theme to see if it massages the brains of writers to work with?

For example: X Months theme is - Determination. Or X Months theme is - Negotiations, Or X Months theme is - Chance Meetings with your Heroes/Heroines of the rings?

Jumping or starting points that can maybe nudge creative ideas in the right direction?

[Hope]

I appreciate all of the responses thus far to the topic and I'm glad to see them because at the very least I think it's a discussion worth having. In response to Cor, basically yes to everything you asked. I understand the notion of dueling rewards for non-dueling sounds out of the box and screwy but it happens more than people think.

Here I held a challenge where people would write me a Haiku to qualify for my Squireship the last time I was a Baron. Recipients of Overlord grants may or may not duel for them. So while I understand your concern I'm just trying to point out that what I'm suggesting already happens but we can make attempts together to give people the opportunities. Like when next Madness comes around, maybe we can make Achievements for people commentating on it and writing articles. "Maddest Pen of them All" or "Mad Penner" comes to mind. Realistically there is no perfect way to go about it. Mason brings up good points. Regulating entries and criteria are going to be some things to consider while generating ideas and prompts but I think we as a community are capable of canning any potential abuse.

I'm glad it's something that everyone is at least willing to humor in their minds even for this discussion, and moreso that a lot of you that have responded think it's at least worth a shot.

[Mason]

When I read Hope's post I assumed the idea was along the lines of: Once every blue moon an event is hosted where players are given the option to write for prizes. There would be judges of sort to see who is the winner of the competition, etc, etc. Or everyone who participates in the event gets a prize of sorts..

I thought it was more like participating. Not everything has to be a competition.

[Andrea Anderson]

When I read Hope's post I assumed the idea was along the lines of: Once every blue moon an event is hosted where players are given the option to write for prizes. There would be judges of sort to see who is the winner of the competition, etc, etc. Or everyone who participates in the event gets a prize of sorts..

I thought it was more like participating. Not everything has to be a competition.

While this isn't my idea, I did not claim it had to only be a competition in the form of winners/losers in my post.

[Andrea Anderson]

So, then what would draw regular role play posting in ROH? Events that inspire postings once in a while for rewards is good, but the question asked to start was how to get the role play boards alive again. So are there ways to inspire role play sessions/writing that don't have to rely on rewards, or, perhaps like with many of the RDI playables that sometimes just offer special icons? What would draw people to role play and writing roll playing posts often in ROH? Could we maybe suggest like a monthly theme to see if it massages the brains of writers to work with?

For example: X Months theme is - Determination. Or X Months theme is - Negotiations, Or X Months theme is - Chance Meetings with your Heroes/Heroines of the rings?

Jumping or starting points that can maybe nudge creative ideas in the right direction?

The only issue would be how harder it is to gain icons on ROH compared to RDI. Beyond that, your idea is entirely doable with only the community itself needing to put in the effort of starting the event. An example being Hope's own haiku contest, etc. All it takes is a little spark from someone in the community to start any event.

[Jake]

I think a couple of ideas are being conflated here.

Is the goal to encourage duelers (the gamers, who like to duel) to post/create stories?

Or is the goal to encourage more storytelling/role-play, regardless of whether it's the people who like/enjoy/are-good-at dueling?

In the former instance, dueling rewards (Fancies, Mods, etc.) might make sense as a reward for non-dueling activities (posting stories).

In the latter instance, a dueling reward isn't necessarily much incentive. If the goal is to encourage posting, then the rewards need to appeal to the people that like writing stories. Which may, or may not, be dueling rewards. Using Tara as an example off the top of my head, she really didn't duel. So, a dueling reward offered/offers her no incentive to post.

...

Queen's example, a story/haiku contest for the squireship. This is an interesting example because the squire was created for lower ranked duelers (arguably those who might be having problems ranking up) so that they could "take part in the fun". The squire has no dueling requirement*. It's a part of the structure, but it's (mostlly) outside of the competitive part of the environment.

...

I lean in the direction of Cor's argument that if we're talking about Overlord/Baron/Warlord...attainment of those titles *should* be about dueling performance.

Stories are great, but I am not sure the reward for them needs to be a dueling reward, because that limits the incentive to people that duel.

So, if the goal is more stories/most posting, what "rewards" would be attractive to anyone (dueler or not) that participates here?

[Mason]

When I read Hope's post I assumed the idea was along the lines of: Once every blue moon an event is hosted where players are given the option to write for prizes. There would be judges of sort to see who is the winner of the competition, etc, etc. Or everyone who participates in the event gets a prize of sorts..

I thought it was more like participating. Not everything has to be a competition.

While this isn't my idea, I did not claim it had to only be a competition in the form of winners/losers in my post.

I just don't think winning should be anywhere in this. If the idea is to encourage people to write more telling them they will be judged on it seems counter to encouragement.

I think it is you that has said a number of times (Sorry if it was someone else) "There are winners and losers." In dueling, yes. In RP and writing, No.

If you give out a duel advantage ie a loss forgiveness, to someone judged the winner in a writing competition then you are saying the site/sport thinks others writing is not good enough. That turns ROH into one of those sites where you have to audition to get in.

[Andrea Anderson]

I thought it was more like participating. Not everything has to be a competition.

While this isn't my idea, I did not claim it had to only be a competition in the form of winners/losers in my post.

I just don't think winning should be anywhere in this. If the idea is to encourage people to write more telling them they will be judged on it seems counter to encouragement.

I think it is you that has said a number of times (Sorry if it was someone else) "There are winners and losers." In dueling, yes. In RP and writing, No.

If you give out a duel advantage ie a loss forgiveness, to someone judged the winner in a writing competition then you are saying the site/sport thinks others writing is not good enough. That turns ROH into one of those sites where you have to audition to get in.

Yes. In dueling there are winners and losers. Or prizes for everyone should an event dictate everyone gains a prize ( G's Christmas dueling event which gave everyone extra WoL's for participating is a good example ). That is the difference in what I was trying to state. There are writing events all over the world where there are winners and losers. Does this mean they are wrong? It's the choice of the individual who is running the event to choose which they would like.

If the event is going to give dueling perks, how much should be given if everyone across the board will gain a prize for participation? Jake touched on this.

If everyone is to gain a prize, then said prize should be small (Unless the person running the event has tons of on-site money to give away, ro anything else). Icons for all participants has been enough to prompt a lot of writers / players into coming out for an event. Something like this can be done without coordinators.

When prizes that need coordinator nods are added into the mix, then the subject changes to what is a good balance for an "official" reward. Does a huge, limited award for a winner seem more enticing, or does a small reward everyone can share sound better? This, once again, can be one way or another - as a coordinator can choose what type of event they would like to be held ( or the community member who asked for an official prize to be used in their event. )

One or the other can be done. There is no wrong choice there. It's all up to the individuals who are either running the event or participating in the event to take on the task.

[JewellRavenlock]

One or the other can be done. There is no wrong choice there. It's all up to the individuals who are either running the event or participating in the event to take on the task.

I'm glad you said this. I just woke up, but it's kind of what I was thinking.

Why can't there be different rewards/incentives depending on the prompt/contest/whatever it is at the time?

Can it sometimes be a contest and sometimes be a everyone participates and gets an icon?

With the original post, I saw a TON of potential. Potential for people who like to duel to participate. Potential for people who don't like to duel. Potential for people who like to duel and maybe aren't that good at it (hey, guess what? That would have been me for years and I would have been ALL OVER THIS).

[Jaycy Ashleana]

I appreciate all of the responses thus far to the topic and I'm glad to see them because at the very least I think it's a discussion worth having. In response to Cor, basically yes to everything you asked. I understand the notion of dueling rewards for non-dueling sounds out of the box and screwy but it happens more than people think.

Here I held a challenge where people would write me a Haiku to qualify for my Squireship the last time I was a Baron. Recipients of Overlord grants may or may not duel for them. So while I understand your concern I'm just trying to point out that what I'm suggesting already happens but we can make attempts together to give people the opportunities. Like when next Madness comes around, maybe we can make Achievements for people commentating on it and writing articles. "Maddest Pen of them All" or "Mad Penner" comes to mind. Realistically there is no perfect way to go about it. Mason brings up good points. Regulating entries and criteria are going to be some things to consider while generating ideas and prompts but I think we as a community are capable of canning any potential abuse.

I'm glad it's something that everyone is at least willing to humor in their minds even for this discussion, and moreso that a lot of you that have responded think it's at least worth a shot.

I think the difference is IC writing vs. OOC writing, and I hope Cor will correct me if I'm wrong in believing that might be part of his issue.

It seems to me the concern could be (and it's one I would have) is, is it right to provide dueling rewards, that are used to benefit a character IC, for doing something that would be completely OOC? Unless it's a journal entry/haiku/maybe a first person account or whatever, writing a story is something the player does FOR the character, not something they do AS the character.

[Corlanthis]

I think Jaycy pretty well enumerated on what was bothering me so much about it (It's good someone was able to! )

All of Hope's examples are framed as IC rewards for IC efforts, which bothers me considerably less than something like "Get a loss forgiven if you add a post to a folder!"

And I realize this isn't being pitched as a new duelist bonus, but as its been mentioned this would help new duelists. Something about this kind of reward feels like a false positive for newer duelist because it doesn't address the actual source of new duelers frustration which is generally: Not Being Able To Consistently Win Duels. Yes, padding the record feels nice, but it's a stop-gap that's still going to sting when it's lost.

[PrlUnicorn]

I appreciate all of the responses thus far to the topic and I'm glad to see them because at the very least I think it's a discussion worth having. In response to Cor, basically yes to everything you asked. I understand the notion of dueling rewards for non-dueling sounds out of the box and screwy but it happens more than people think.

Here I held a challenge where people would write me a Haiku to qualify for my Squireship the last time I was a Baron. Recipients of Overlord grants may or may not duel for them. So while I understand your concern I'm just trying to point out that what I'm suggesting already happens but we can make attempts together to give people the opportunities. Like when next Madness comes around, maybe we can make Achievements for people commentating on it and writing articles. "Maddest Pen of them All" or "Mad Penner" comes to mind. Realistically there is no perfect way to go about it. Mason brings up good points. Regulating entries and criteria are going to be some things to consider while generating ideas and prompts but I think we as a community are capable of canning any potential abuse.

I'm glad it's something that everyone is at least willing to humor in their minds even for this discussion, and moreso that a lot of you that have responded think it's at least worth a shot.

I think the difference is IC writing vs. OOC writing, and I hope Cor will correct me if I'm wrong in believing that might be part of his issue.

It seems to me the concern could be (and it's one I would have) is, is it right to provide dueling rewards, that are used to benefit a character IC, for doing something that would be completely OOC? Unless it's a journal entry/haiku/maybe a first person account or whatever, writing a story is something the player does FOR the character, not something they do AS the character.

I took a couple of weeks for a bit of a vacation and the boards have exploded! LOL!

Seriously though, the majority of what I've been reading is constructive. I'm with Jaycy on this regarding the difference between a character writing/recording something, like Hope's haiku contest, and the player writing something for the character gaining perks for dueling.

Once upon a time, a few people thought it was a good idea to vote on favorite/best characters, stories, etc. It was a good idea even though there were some complaints of favoritism as to who would be nominated/voted for as winners. I think it was forgotten somewhere along the line that player would be voting for their idea of best and not that of a group at large. I digress. Why not approach things from both sides of the coin with different rewards for each? X amount of coins, a specialty icon, etc. for a player written tale and dueling rewards for character written tales.