[quote=@Inkarnate]
Yeah, no. It isn't pointless and a sample post is often a better measure than a lengthy sheet. You attempting to insult every GM who values sample posts is fun and all, but it really is nothing more than a fallacy with a weak fundamental argument. It’s actually more pretentious to elevate your opinions on what is and isn’t valuable in an application for a RP than asking someone to write an in-character post to show competence. 
[/quote]

Lordy lord. Just how I feel and how I see them being used often poorly and by people who aren't particularly intelligent themselves. Usually CS's should suffice as the sample itself. Seriously, why wouldn't it? You don't need to take it as an argument, or call it a fallacy...it's not a political debate. Trying too hard. Not everything is debate worthy. It's called an opinion, in a 'bitchfest' thread. Lighten up. One person's opinion isn't automatically worth "elevating" yourself over their "elevated" thought on a particular subject. 

If you use them, in spite of people having perfectly solid CS's AND a back catalog you could check yourself if not unbelievably lazy. Fine, it's just my belief. Coming from no fallacy, but constant personal experience in people who asked for it. I'm bitching about my personal annoyances. >.> I didn't think I had to clarify that since that's the thread's entire point. 

Sorry, for biting back. Just seems hypocritical to take somebody's personal view/generalization, and make it a personal thing like it's some sort of attack on you.

If you think they're awesome, fantastic. Isn't any less right or wrong than my opinion. Still stands that I would never bother doing sample writing ever again. From my experience, that's how they all were. <.<

Going with the flow and roleplaying, ya know the best part of it. Is less likely to be the case if you have to take a test beforehand. So yes, again in my opinion. Forcing players to write a CS AND a sample post. (especially if not new/lacking in a back catalog.) Shows that person will likely NOT be able to handle something going wrong or a little different than they're expecting. Because that person is displaying controlling tendencies right off the bat. So it's not just some random insult, it's a preview of the GM's behavior. <.<