I am really curious as to what the purpose is of the applications. Not precisely the applications themselves, but the personality and history fields. Is this to ensure literacy? Especially since there is a sentence limit, this seems to be a reason. However, would it not be better to collect a couple of threads to display, rather than giving away your character's personality and their history even? I suppose I just do not understand this regulation and would kindly ask for assistance in understanding. Every site has rules, and I am wondering what the purpose for this one is.

Not only is it a test of literacy, but it's also so people can get a basic idea about what your character is like. It just somehow makes posting with other characters easier when you can see there past and how they act around others... how? I don't know, it just sort of does. Also, a character's past can tie in to plots and it's not as difficult to make plots when you already have a short story from a character's life that needs continuation... if that's a word. :D


~OEDragon

I suppose then that it is a matter of preference? Personally, I think that seeing an actual post that was written by the player is more effective and much more interesting than reading a character's personality and history. While they may be interesting and creative, they seem rather irrelevent. Myself, I would rather roleplay with that character, or have other players roleplay with my character and figure him or her out rather than have it all laid out in front of me. Reading a history is drawling and much too informative, especially when our characters won't know it anyway. The same goes for the personality. Characters are meant to be dynamic, and typing out paragraphs of what your character is like seems to put boundaries on that. Although, this is my opinion, granted.

You have a very good opinion Laertes, but lets put it this way. It's that way because Tlon says so and tlon is the admin, so her word is law. :D So, were you thinking about joining?

*CE

Meep, Thera! *Feels loved... or something.. not quite sure there*

Sorry I didn't get to this sooner, Laertes!

Well, the application fields are there for the reason of getting to know a character a little, just as Radon said. It also helps to weed out the characters not suited to this site, such as people that don't read the rules and stick wings on their wolves an what not. It also stops 'perfect' characters finding their way onto the boards becuase no one is perfect right? I hope that helps and answers your question!

~Katie (Tlon! ... In disguise!)

Another thing I can think of, though Katie did an excellent job, is (and Katie kind of touched upon it with the perfection and wings comments) that it can help keep wolves realistic.

For example:

I don't remember if it was here or another site...I think it was here...but when you looked at the history, you saw that the wolf learned either how to tie knots or untie them (other than just by chewing them). Uh-oh, problem. Wolves don't tie knots. Nor do they untie them. It's just not realistic that a wolf would do that. While it may seem like it's just the history, it tells us that the character might not exactly be realistic.

Well, Thera, you must know as well as I do that rules always have a purpose, especially when it requests something of the roleplayer. If they did not, they would be deadweight, redundant and obnoxious. It is never just because the administrator says so to demonstrate power. Yes, what an administrator says is law, but I was merely inquiring as to what reason this application might have.

Katie, I do agree that it aids to weed out those who have not read the rules or those that have created characters inappropriate to this site. It makes a great deal of sense, though I just have different views on how to accomplish this, and I have different preferences where I would rather know nothing of a character and learn as I go. I would rather feel incentive to read on, personally.

For the records, I do not have a problem with applications. It is only my preference that they are not necessary. Tedious even. Really I just wanted to hear everyone's views on their purpose, so I thank you all for your insightful and helpful answers.

As to your question Thera, I was intending to join, although the more I think about the concepts and components of this site, I realize that it may not be for me. This is nothing to do with the site itself or any of the players (actually I find the players to draw me to this site more than anything; you're all so friendly and willing to assist!). I am simply rather picky about the sites that I join, for example, I once turned away from a site that didn't allow fighting for ranks, even though I had absolutely no intention for my character to do so. However, I would like to continue visiting SoTW, despite my recent decisions :] Besides, I have many commitments in life at the moment and I would probably feel that posting would be too much of a chore and I might not give my best efforts. Thank you all.


Yours Truly,

Charlie.

Well, Charlie, it's nice to see your so understanding and I completley understand about whether you want to join or not. I can be rather picky myself when it comes to roleplaying boards and forums! But it'd be nice to have you around, even if you do just lurk, everyone is welcome here!

Nice to have spoken with you!

~Katie (Tlon)

Whoa.

Well, you make very elaborate points (as always friend) some times it's like talking to myself. However, I must fully agree with you on this subject but SOTW is a more special place. What your looking for is advanced RP that you may find on google engine or listings. You may even PM me for links and other various Advanced or [M] sites. Or better yet, make one yourself and affiliate to us.

Now,

If I remember vaguely Morro made this site because it was for amateur rp. Meaning, that this site serves for beginners and advanced rpers if they desire. I've seen a few A. Rpgs and usually their formats are: Name, Age, Gender, Sample RP. Easy, no? But on here we have a lot of immaturity, power abusers, or simply illiterates. It is these people that we take, teach, and mold into expertise and evolve them to the next level of rp. It's not that we chose to do this; it's simply how we want to be recognized as a starter base instead of perfectionists. But as of now, such privileges must be taken away in order due to these flaws.

"Someone has to start somewhere."

So here it is. Yet, like you and me, if someone were to step out of the regulations severe retribution would be necessary. However, unlike those nazi boards SOTW nurtures and provides with patience. A more motherly site that holds your hand upon a guiding forthright then tightening a noose on the neck.

So, yes, that's where I'm coming from. Any who, joining is clearly up to you but it is still a good site. It just needs members; perhaps we'll uphold some sort of event in gaining some and get more activity on the boards. Spread the word to your friends! As for RT, don't think of it as a chore. I have a lot of things in my life as well going on and this is the far more secretive, creative, and passionate side of that never comes out (Hell I even use my intelligence). It's almost like a tool for a venting personality out into a more efficient way that you couldn't. But in real life I'm no better then a corrupted youth dealing crystal meth, if you met me in rl, god, you would never guess it'd be Gangy. (But I look like an Emo/Scene kid more then anything.... ah. Jersey for yah.)

Anyway. You can easily rotate your life with rping and RT. Nobody said you had to be on 24/7. In fact, I encourage people to take their time, especially when developing posts. And if you need more time or have a special event, please feel free to use the Absentees Forum to get more time off. Thank you, for reading this and the effort to do so.

Your cooperation and insight are very much lauded along with the benevolence that was offered. I can't persuade you, but I would very much like it if you could stay. Maybe your r-p level might even draw members? Who knows? And though the site might have feral tendencies and a little quirks, rping here is quite a different story.

And stop taking my 'Yours truly' devilish thing you, lol.

Yours truly,
Gangy

I lurked the site for a several months before I actually started participating in anything, as far as RP is concerned. It let me get a feel for the place, which is nice.. But then again, I'm not really a post RPer, I've found. I prefer a more dynamic fast paced real time exchange.