Oh, I'm so glad that's not a common mindset.
I mean-- I
think I see what you're getting at, Lugia. I know I have fun roleplaying even if everyone else in the RP leaves-- but I'm goin' on my 10th year of roleplaying and nothing you say is going to stop me from feeling aggravated when it happens.
But that's not even the worst part. Your main problem is this right here:
The joy of RPing is in the actual act of RPing and progression of the RP -- that is to say, developing your creative writing skills. (This isn't the only RP site I've ever joined, even though my post count here is very low lol. You have a very high post count, so I'm assuming a good percentage of those posts were of you enjoying and entertaining yourself. In which case, Mission Accomplished, you achieved the primary goal of RPing.)
The sooner the "RP community" realizes that dropped RPs are a completely NATURAL AND EXPECTED RESULT of the Creative Writing Process, the sooner we can truly begin exploring our limits as writers.
Of course it happens. Because, unfortunately, some people are unreliable and inconsiderate. And that's putting it nicely. A good GM will have a backup plan for losers ditching the RP, but to say it's part of the Creative Writing Process?
To what process are you referring??"I'm not inspired anymore"? Is that it? Lack of inspiration? You're feeling 'bored' with the story? Suddenly have an itch you have to scratch by making a new character for a different RP, so you ditch the one you're in? Who cares, right? As long as YOU'RE having fun, yeah?
You know, forcing yourself to write is important for "developing your creative writing skills." (Unlike starting a story and never finishing it-- yeah, I'm sure everyone will love to read your half finished story from 3 years ago. If the publishers don't love it, maybe your mom will?)
What are you looking to accomplish by filling in character sheets all the time as opposed to seeing that character through a story? Focusing on their development and writing them through numerous situations and relationships? I mean, I can't help but assume that anyone who jumps ship as soon as there's a lull in the story is getting much better as a writer. When I read a book, there are some parts I'm really into and some that make it easy to put down for a while. But I still finish the story. Great thing about roleplaying is you can actually do something about those boring times. There are options.
You can write out some of your character's backstory to help get the gears turning. Or even talk to the GM about your concerns! Roleplaying is a collaborative effort between player and GM. The GM isn't psychic either-- so politely
talk to them if you have concerns or requests. Believe it or not, most GMs are interested in helping their players have fun so they'll stick with the story! Crazy concept, right?
Or...
We could just do what you suggest. Delude ourselves into thinking no RP we start will ever amass a loyal group of players and never put any effort into the worlds and stories we come up with ever again.
