What do you do when a RP slowly dies?

[Zorogami]

Good morning my fellow RPers!
So, I'm still kinda new to the guild, but I've been really enjoying my time so far and I've found plenty of interesting RPs to join. However, some of those RPs feel like they are slowly dying off...so my question is, how do you guys, who have more experience, handle the inactivity? Do you try to get the people motivated? Do you start a discussionas as to why people stopped posting? How long do you wait until you decide to drop out? I'd just really hate to see those RP die, but i don't know what I can do to stop it. Btw, im just a regular player, not a Gm or anything.

Thanks to anyone who leaves some input :)

[AlteredTundra]

Good morning my fellow RPers!
So, I'm still kinda new to the guild, but I've been really enjoying my time so far and I've found plenty of interesting RPs to join. However, some of those RPs feel like they are slowly dying off...so my question is, how do you guys, who have more experience, handle the inactivity? Do you try to get the people motivated? Do you start a discussionas as to why people stopped posting? How long do you wait until you decide to drop out? I'd just really hate to see those RP die, but i don't know what I can do to stop it. Btw, im just a regular player, not a Gm or anything.

Thanks to anyone who leaves some input :)

@Zorogami

'Ello, Zorogami! Glad you're enjoying your time on The Guild.

In my experience, the rps I have ran myself that went through intervals of inactivity and periods of slowness have always benefitted from a combination of two things. First, posting a recruitment thread in interest check sub-section of the section it's in. It also helps to post it in the General Interest Check section as well. You never know who will happen upon either the one in the General Interest Check section or the interest check sub-section. As for the section thing, well, that revolves around the overall dedication that the gm has. If they truly want it to survive, then they will do all that they can to make it live on. Of course, if they aren't wanting to make it work, then obviously they will let it die out without anymore effort on their part.

The thing about RPs slowing down in activity is always a problem. You never know which rp will survive for more than the cursed 4 month mark and which ones will go on to have 1+ year runs. I know of a few on the guild currently that have been up ever since the guild came back from the GuildFall of late-2011. And I know of some RPs - some that I was apart of mind you - that didn't last more than 2-4 months.

So, I guess it really just depends on the two things I said. Oh, and the players themselves. There is no future for any rp with players who don't post. That's just a given.

[Zorogami]

@Altered Tundra
Hey, I know you!...From the spam subforum! :P

Thanks a lot for your insight. It's crazy how some RPs can last for so long and others barely get started before they already die off. You're absolutely right though that it is very dependant on the players and how much they are willing to do and post for the RP to have any chance at all. I guess i can PM the GM and try and think of ways we can get some more activity, maybe post in the interest check section like you suggested to get the ball rolling again.

I'll see you around Tundra ;)

[Cyndyr]

Well, first off, since you're fairly new to the Guild, I'd like to personally welcome you. So, welcome to the Guild! Certainly hope you're enjoying your time here and finding what you're looking for. And now to move onto your question with some personal input.

Before I go on a mini-rant, I'd like to say that I've GMed and Co-GMed quite a lot over my five years here at RPG, but I wouldn't call myself "good" by any stretch of the imagination. This is because my Roleplays have the tendency to die, especially now that the site is becoming a bit more stagnant. However, I do think that if a GM is dedicated enough, it's possible to save a slow dying Roleplay. But this isn't only an effort on the GM's part, but also the players.

If the players are no longer interested, then the GM will quickly find themselves in a bit of a tough spot. How does one handle this? Well, the GM should weed out any inactive or uninterested members and any members that can't post or are no longer interested should be upfront about it. I find that being upfront about losing interest tends to be pretty rare on RPG. But anyway, once the GM and players come to some sort of agreement of removing inactive members (or those who have lost interest), throwing up an interest check and recruiting new individuals would be a great way to get the gears going again.

There are other reasons a RP can die, but this tends to be the most common one. For some, there could be unrest in the OOC or the plot might feel clunky or awkward. For each situation, a GM and/or the players should come to a decision on how to fix the situation. It's not always possible to save a RP however and if the Roleplay ultimately meets its demise, don't give up! Try relaunching it with a different group, smaller group, in a different section, etc. It's amazing how much just one minor adjustment can change the entire dynamic of the Roleplay.

[Vilageidiotx]

i slowly die with it

[Zorogami]

@Cynder

First of all, thanks for the kind welcoming words! I'm having a ton of fun and have to restrain myself from joining too many RPs :D

You mention several good points, many that i didn't even think of. I imagine it has to be hard to see an RP fail if you are the (co-)GM, especially if you have put a lot of effort and thought into it. Honesty is definitely very important, since most of the time it's difficult to tell if someone has simply forgotten to post, has RL stuff to tend to or has lost the interest in being a part of the RP. Communication is key i guess.

Relaunching the RP with a new group and/or in a different section sounds like a very good alternative as well. Maybe it draws a crowd that works out better, I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Thank you for your insight, maybe we get to RP together sooner or later :)

Cheers!

[Cyndyr]

Thank you for your insight, maybe we get to RP together sooner or later :)

Cheers!

@Zorogami

You're very welcome and I actually came close to joining a RP that I believe you are currently in, so you never know.

[Cyndyr]

Deleted. Accidental double post.

[Zorogami]

@Cynder

Aw thats a coincidence, mind me asking which rp?

[Cyndyr]

@Cynder

Aw thats a coincidence, mind me asking which rp?

@Zorogami

Considered/considering joining a Pokemon Roleplay in the apocalypse.

[Zorogami]

<Snipped quote by Zorogami>

Considered/considering joining a Pokemon Roleplay in the apocalypse.

@Cynder

Thats actually one of the rps i had on my mind when i started this thread. We seem to be ressurecting it, if you are still interested you havent missed anything

[Cyndyr]

Thats actually one of the rps i had on my mind when i started this thread. We seem to be ressurecting it, if you are still interested you havent missed anything

@Zorogami

I'll keep that in mind. I'm having a difficult time grasping a muse for that. But hey! If you ever want to invite me to a RP, say if you're GMing or whatnot, I'd be glad to check it out. Or just write something with ya. Just hit me up anytime, really.

[Zorogami]

<Snipped quote by Zorogami>

I'll keep that in mind. I'm having a difficult time grasping a muse for that. But hey! If you ever want to invite me to a RP, say if you're GMing or whatnot, I'd be glad to check it out. Or just write something with ya. Just hit me up anytime, really.

@Cynder

Take your time to think about it, we would welcome you with open arms! If i ever get to GM something I'll definitely let you know, same goes for you. Actually, if you already have something in mind, a group or 1x1 rp, just hit me up and tell me about your idea :)

[Pair of Hearts]

Unabridged ver.

I GM'd a sparse few times for whodunnit roleplay groups before a hiatus (it was via Facebook Messenger, and my players were between 15 to 45).

I think the approach depends on whether you know the players or not in terms of acquaintanceship. If it were a friend whose posts are turning sporadic, diminishing, then I flat out PM them and ask, "Hey, everything alright past few days (or weeks, depending on how long this has plagued the roleplay)?"

After a gentle cushioning, I address the elephant in the room. Usually they admit they A) lost interest, or B) are waist deep with "life". Just accept it and move on after telling them you'll manage if they allow you to off their characters really soon after one or two more posts.

If they're strangers, I aim to be blunt and tough like a Mjolnïr straightforward. In most cases, they'll insist they "can do it" or worse, they "want to do it, really!" when nahhh bro u ain't.

In this case I take their word for it, say I'll account them to their insistance, and leave it at that. No ultimatums or threats. When they start lagging behind again, I badger them once more. This time, with a "I'm just doing what's in best interest for the roleplay so the others who are able to commit can still enjoy further developments". One more offence and it's the highway for them. My best I did.

tl;dr
Like cavity, if you leave it be, it'll fester. So you usually just extract it before it spreads. Or get fillings (recruit stand-ins). Either way, there will be pain. Which sucks.

[Zorogami]

@Pair of Hearts Sorry, i was busy creating a CS and didnt see you posted. It's almsot 2am here and my eyes are killing me, but i promise to answer tomorrow morning. I can already thank you for your input though!

~ about 8 hrs later ~
Alright, now that i had my coffee i feel like a human being again. If i knew the people i was rping it, things might be a bit easier in that regard. I would have no problem asking them directly what's up, but when it's strangers on the internet it's a completely different thing, at least for me, because I don't feel like i can tackle the matter upfront.

I guess it's true that most people usually act in a defensive manner, maybe even trying to convince themselves more than you that they can manage to keep up with the rp...but most of the time it ends up like you explained. Anyways, thanks for leaving a comment, it is very much appreciated :)

[Ellri]

If it is one of ours, we either try to fix it, pushing a little on the players and such, or if all that fails, we consider giving it a full reboot if it has major Flaws that are less easily fixed.

[TheEvanCat]

You just become into Precipice, which isn't dying so much as a post every week is considered health. Just adapt your thinking to recognize that a post every week is good and not "nobody has posted in six hours, it's dying."

It's been good for over four years (I've only been on for four, at least) so we're chill.

[nichinichisou]

I usually just forget about it and move on. Then I remember it and think 'Wow, that had the chance to be really good.'