Working Through the Newb Jitters

[Skyguard]

Hello RPG Guild,

In lieu of experience with the expectations of participating in this exact format, I guess I will write this like I would an email, and you guys can educate me on the social protocols as I go.

Anyway, so I am Skyguard I guess, (first time trying out this username, so maybe I'll change it if it I find it distasteful). I have experience with online roleplaying on a different website, but there were problems there that I eventually found I couldn't emotionally reconcile. I thought to drop the hobby entirely, but I haven't found a great alternative for me yet (I found collaborative writing to be a powerful motivator for me). I think I will eventually try my hand at writing a novel, but I had lost confidence in my writing abilities. I am hoping to find my love for writing again here that I once had at that other place of digital real estate.

I have read over the rules and skimmed the New User Guide and some of the interest groups. I am impressed by the format and still a bit overwhelmed, but I am fairly confident I can figure out a lot of the important stuff. That said, I would appreciate any guidance from you veterans on where to start and things to be aware of. I'd prefer to avoid stepping on any social landmines and making a bad impression if I haven't already.

[Yankee]

Hi! Welcome to RPG!

The only thing that really comes to mind for this forum is the fact that we have tabs. Each roleplay is normally contained to one thread and its tabs, so keep in mind not to accidentally post in the wrong tab! Also, majority of GMs prefer if people post characters in the OOC tab first for approval before being moved to the character tab. Of course it differs per person, and for 1 on 1 RP doesn't really matter.

If you have any questions just feel free to ask!

[Skyguard]

Thank you for the tips Yankee!

Do you have any pointers for what types of games a newb like me would have a likelier chance of thriving in, or should I just pick anything I think I would be interested in? For example, would it be easier for me to participate in a large group or a smaller one? Should I avoid advanced games until I have a decent amount of experience under my belt?

Also, for somebody who works full time, do you recommend only trying one game at a time?

[Yankee]

Do you have any pointers for what types of games a newb like me would have a likelier chance of thriving in, or should I just pick anything I think I would be interested in? For example, would it be easier for me to participate in a large group or a smaller one? Should I avoid advanced games until I have a decent amount of experience under my belt?

Also, for somebody who works full time, do you recommend only trying one game at a time?

@Skyguard

Honestly, much of that is on an individual basis! I would recommend just browsing interest checks in each section and the RPs marked "jump-in" or "apply" to see if any call out to you. Definitely something you're genuinely interested in would be best. The line between casual and advanced is pretty blurry so if you find something in the advanced section, don't be intimidated! Check with the GM or read the OOC rules (if the RP has them) to see how often that RP expects people to post. If you think you can handle more than RP while working full time, go for it. Personally I find myself writing less when I'm working less, lol.

What kind of genres or settings are you interested in?

[Skyguard]

I've found that I am most comfortable writing fantasy, but I am open to trying out other genres.

I get being more productive RPing while working. When I got into the other site, I wrote a lot during work, and then I tended to play videogames and relax other ways after work. My responsibilities have increased substantially since then, and in general I feel my company has gotten stricter since then, so I don't think I will be able to write too much during work hours anymore. I do believe I am in a better place emotionally to write after work however, so that is my current plan if you can call it that.

[Yankee]

Fantasy is pretty popular, I doubt you'll have much trouble finding an RP that catches your interest! Best of luck!