Truth about high RPR! (from a single perspective)

[darthkitteh]

This is only my thoughts, and not that of Arelith or its team.
I am no way a high RPR holder, I know my RP has flaws at times (some mostly due to work for needing to very quickly go afk)
But that aside, RPR isnt something I go out seeking, i just want to have fun on the server, and RP with others.


TL;DR Version -- Give constructive feedback/kudos to people, understand DMs are human and not ALL-SEEING all the time. and the obvious one... BE KIND!



So nuff said for start:

tbh, i hardly see dms online anywhere. This is simply not enough to go around!
and its not a jab at the dms there are, because they do a fantastic job, using up their own time for the server.
but that is just it, time is a limited resource and there is too few of them to cover everything
(I'm UK based, so this cuts out probably 70% of the user base! Time zones is a big thing.)

the biggest trouble also is that with this limited time, its usually preplanned events people request... those people are normally longer term players or higher levels, or groups. who have invested enough to
1. know the setting well enough, and 2. have a plot that aligns.
This makes it "Seem" that dm's only attend to those players, but the truth is, its only because there isn't time to always catch everyone at the right time doing amazing RP.

Sure you might of done a perfect example of a RPR40 50 1million! but unless a DM just HAPPENED to be watching at the time, how would they know?


so when it comes to people complaining: "I do amazing RP but never get seen about it"
You need to request people to give you feedback/kudos on the forum, because the only way to have eyes when not online, is other people.
Also, difference between FEEDBACK and plain old "say i did good"
feedback implies a CONSTRUCTIVE response to improve ones RP from the view of the writer.
That's why in my job we use a system for getting feedback, and the ones that matter are when they state the simple rule (you might of seen this is schools)
WWW - What Went Well
EBI - Even Better If

Feedback should be thought on critically, and not judgingly.
"I really love how in depth you make your character, sticking to the disability she has and portraying it in a light that isn't abusive to the actual issue. Also, you could of decided not to talk to my character because they are new but gave an in for me to join!"
"My EBI would be that I felt that you found out some things about my character that may of been hard to know for yours in that position. It felt a little OOC knowledge but we can build on this. I would be happy to discuss this further so we can improve both our characters stories"

So not only does the feedback show the receiver has good role play abilities, (yes a flaw but that's from the "perspective" of the writer) it also shows that the writer themselves understands what it takes for good RP and introduces a method to further both of their journeys.


Low and hold:
Are DMs good/bad people: No... they are people, they make mistakes like people, they make good out of the blue calls, like people. they go through a process to see if they fit in with the server, but everyone has good/bad days.
I had a DM question me if i was metagaming, with proof that it wasn't, they agreed and thanked me for my time.
Be polite, be kind, be understanding. And in return you also get this.

Should you EXPECT RPR: No.. its just a number, continue on the server doing what you love for the sake of doing what you love. One day you'll be spotted.

Why bother with Kudos/Feedback: Because its not just for the person, it also shows your investment into other peoples roleplay. And also, if you give kudos to one person, they may in turn show the same kindness when you do amazing work.

I never see DMs what do?: Perhaps think of a fun RP story/mini quest involving others (even a small group) make a post to Active DMs and wait for them to review it.
OR, give decent feedback to people. The more eyes around, the easier it is for the time restricted DMs.



LAST NOTE:
This is on my perspective, and I may be wrong in areas, I may hit the mark. Dont take this as gospel please, I just want the wor... server to be a better place

Kitteh out =^.^=

[LIonGraphiK]

In my opinion, I think that people should RP how they want to. The feedback system might be great for those who are really dedicated to getting better at it and it will surely help Arelith be a much more immersive and enjoyable place to be, arguably. However, I don't think that this is a serious issue. Nobody ever really comments about it or complains, from what I can tell... It is good to note that people shouldn't take RPR seriously though because, to some extent, it can dampen one's effective ability to RP.

[darthkitteh]

Agreed - People should RP how they want to, as long as it does not impact poorly on the server, other roleplaying, or breach the safety of other players.
Now like a lot of things thats a very "open ended" thing to say. and Common sense is needed.

The idea is not forcing others to fit YOUR RP, but to help them see where it might have room to improve. (if you get told the same thing 3 times, dont ya think mabye its a good area to brush up?)

[Aodh Lazuli]

Never be concerned about your own RPR. Asking for recognition or reaction or kudos in order to attract DM attention is lacking in grace. Don't do that.

Instead, forget about your own RPR, forever.

When you see good roleplay from OTHERS, that you believe is deserving of high RPR, then send a forum private message to the Active DMs usergroup, recommending that player.

[Huschpfusch]

Perhaps think of a fun RP story/mini quest involving others (even a small group) make a post to Active DMs and wait for them to review it.

Any active DM? Where do you see which DM is Active DM? Is there a suggested form or something for questidea input?
Is there a sort of example database somewhere what quest things they can make?

[l3wt]

Honestly? Just play, don't worry too much about it, and if you're consistently good at the whole RP thing, you'll be noticed for it eventually. It's just a matter of time.

[darthkitteh]

Perhaps think of a fun RP story/mini quest involving others (even a small group) make a post to Active DMs and wait for them to review it.

Any active DM? Where do you see which DM is Active DM? Is there a suggested form or something for questidea input?
Is there a sort of example database somewhere what quest things they can make?

On forums, when you send a private message, send it to: Active DMs

[Huschpfusch]

Perhaps think of a fun RP story/mini quest involving others (even a small group) make a post to Active DMs and wait for them to review it.

Any active DM? Where do you see which DM is Active DM? Is there a suggested form or something for questidea input?
Is there a sort of example database somewhere what quest things they can make?

On forums, when you send a private message, send it to: Active DMs

Thanks!

[TheFanciestChocolates]

"Hey guys, there's this great system here that inconsistently benefits some people, but not others. The best way to use it? Forget it exists!"

How does that make sense?

[Tarkus the dog]

This thread again?

Alright.

Hey y'all 40 RPR players, anyone wanna type that -recommend in game for me?

[Kreydis]

This thread again?

Alright.

Hey y'all 40 RPR players, anyone wanna type that -recommend in game for me?

I got you buddy. Just be warned. Anyone I -recommend tends to implode every few hours.

[TimeAdept]

"Hey guys, there's this great system here that inconsistently benefits some people, but not others. The best way to use it? Forget it exists!"

How does that make sense?

Because, unfortunately, it's not going away. But fortunately, it also doesn't really affect too much, these days, unless you want to play a Fey.

Here's my comments from a previous topic.

Ignore RPR. We all hit [level] 30. RPR does nothing at 30. RPR stands for Rolling Player Reward. It is for people who make alt after alt after alt, to ease their grinding.

RPR does little but breed jealousy and bitterness in the have-nots, and paranoia and worry in the haves who fear it being taken from them.

I don't say it to be pessimistic, I say it to be liberating. Enrich the world and the server. Make everyone's, and yours, experience better through the actions you do on the server. Have fun and help other people have fun. Who cares about the number, ignore it. Go forth and grind, have a good time, do RP, do plots, foil plots, win and lose.

Forget it exists. Don't look at kudos topics and get jealous. Don't worry about numbers going up and down. Just keep focusing on the experience you have and you create, as best as you can.

[RedGiant]

I came here for the Truth about high RPR.

[darthkitteh]

I came here for the Truth about high RPR.

TL;DR Version -- Give constructive feedback/kudos to people, understand DMs are human and not ALL-SEEING all the time. and the obvious one... BE KIND!

Thats why I put a TL;DR version in for those who want to know how to get RPR 40

Also to the quote of: "this thread again", I think you missed the point, perhaps did not read the first post and read only the after?

[Huelander]

I got RPR 30 and never participated in a single Kudo's thread around here.
From my observations, RPR 30 and above only gets awarded to people that make large enough waves in the community with positive in-game results. To the degree that they're practically impossible for the staff to miss anyway. These are usually players that invest a potentially unhealthy amount of time and effort into their characters. Because of that, these characters tend to rise out of the soup of mediocrity and aggregate some kind of public notoriety. Often becoming political figures or guild leaders as those stations allow them to make even larger waves. Most players and characters will not reach a position or situation in which they get that 30 RPR, but that's not a bad thing. It's simply fair grading at that point. And as I see it, it's not meant to be some kind of universal thing that every character just gets if they're RPed well enough. But if you want a shortcut to higher RPR; try Cordorian politics.

I also vehemently disagree with the inflated importance of feedback and kudo's that the OP presents. The 'only' thing you need is an attitude of exploration, engagement and attention. Just RP with people, and at some point you'll get impressed by someone. You'll begin examining what it is that they're doing. You might consider replicating some things about what they're doing, in your own way. You might start comparing that to what other people are doing and you might start to try out new things. It's all encapsulated within the same approach. A very hands-on thing. And I will not let some middle-management solution as 'feedback' take the front stage over that. Which is of course, merely my feedback to them. Kudo's for making this thread!

[Astral]

Get to lvl 30. Forget RPR is a thing. Unless you want to play a fey but I'm sure you'll live happy life without playing one, if you dont get your 30 rpr.

I will say for myself that RPR stopped interesting me when I realized WHY people have high rpr, when they do (if you believe what they tell you in first place. Some of them will just lie out of insecurity).

I returned from a break at some point after not playing for a couple of years and I suddenly realized something I never realized beforehand. The 30/40 rpr players play the game differently than I do. They enjoy different aspects of it and they create a lot of content for others while keeping themselves locked within the server's setting. This is a very hard thing to do and it's often not fun for everyone. This is why RPR exists in first place. To reward them for that.

20 rpr players (like 80% of the active CD-keys in my estimation) are not any worse RPers than the 30s and 40s. They simply play the game for themselves. They have fun with those they play with but they dont actively work to create content and stick to the setting but they can be GREAT roleplayers. The best roleplayer on the server likely has 20 rpr I would guess.

Playing in a way that will get you high RPR takes a LOT of patience and flexibility from your side towards the server, and especially towards to new players. It can be frustrating and it's very demanding.

So bottom line is - play for what you like to do in the server and what is enjoyable to you and accept whatever RPR you deserve in the DMs point of view.

[Mr_Rieper]

20 rpr players (like 80% of the active CD-keys in my estimation) are not any worse RPers than the 30s and 40s. They simply play the game for themselves. They have fun with those they play with but they dont actively work to create content and stick to the setting but they can be GREAT roleplayers. The best roleplayer on the server likely has 20 rpr I would guess.

This. A thousand times this. RPR isn't a measure of your writing or improv ability past 20 RPR. 30 and 40 are measuring different things.

[DM Apollo]

A small correction to a few of the above: Fey do not require 30rpr, they require a major award.

The wiki contains some varying interpretations from the DM Team on RPR: http://wiki.arelith.com/Role_Play_Bonus

When you see good roleplay from OTHERS, that you believe is deserving of high RPR, then send a forum private message to the Active DMs usergroup, recommending that player.

Definitely do this; while the DMs see a lot that goes on we have thousands of players to look after and it is easy to miss potential 30/40rpr players. A note that you think someone should be worth a higher RPR helps get them on our radar. When you do send in the messages, include what you feel their RPR should be and why you feel that, include examples. For example:

"I heard that Bob(Playername BobTheGreat) is only a 10RPR, but I've played with him a lot and he always stays in character and his character is really engaging. For example, when we were going through the crypts of Cordor he took is nice and slowly, even convincing one of our allies to slow down once we hit the first trap. It was great fun to play through it cautiously"

"I'd like to recommend Sue(Playername SueTheBest) for 30RPR. While she doesn't lead any factions she plays an integral role in ensuring that our faction functions. She ensures that all new members have what they need and actively seeks out new players to join our faction. Lately she's taken an even larger role and organized training drills to help teach some of the newer characters our tactics and led them on a trip through the Mines, culminating in her directing their efforts against the too-tough half dragon."

--------
As others said above though, get out there and have fun without worrying about that extra 10-30 exp/tick; just because we haven't noticed you doesn't mean that you're not amazing or somehow lesser than the 30/40rpr - there are a lot of excellent roleplayers on the server that are 'only' a 20rpr and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

[Reallylongunneededplayername]

^
I don't know folk's RPR, If I see a character, And they RP well, I automaticly assume they have a 20 RPR or soon will.
I often tell others, Great RP thanks and versa, Never ever has the conversation led to " What RPR do you have?".

[Sartain]

It's lovely that everyone seems to be assuming that people who feel like they should get an RPR increase already have RPR 20

[Astral]

It's lovely that everyone seems to be assuming that people who feel like they should get an RPR increase already have RPR 20

Getting 20 RPR only takes one DM or even one 40rpr player watching someone plays one time. If the player doesnt have 20 rpr by the time they're playing on this server several months, it's likely because their 10 rpr is intentional and not because they werent noticed. Getting 30 rpr requires multiple opinions from several DMs on a longer period of time and not just 1 or 2 RPs being watched. That's the difference.

[Sartain]

It's lovely that everyone seems to be assuming that people who feel like they should get an RPR increase already have RPR 20

Getting 20 RPR only takes one DM or even one 40rpr player watching someone plays one time. If the player doesnt have 20 rpr by the time they're playing on this server several months, it's likely because their 10 rpr is intentional and not because they werent noticed. Getting 30 rpr requires multiple opinions from several DMs on a longer period of time and not just 1 or 2 RPs being watched. That's the difference.

Well at least somebody's finally being honest

[Opustus]

Several have mentioned that "don't care about RPR, just enjoy the ride," but I think that's a bit silly. RPR is a system that gives players the advantage of more XP income and, as such, it is meant to motivate people's RP on a very conscious level to meet the standards of an RPR 20, 30, or 40 player. I think it's fairer to advise people not to obsess about their RPR and rather to commend others in their communities for their quality RP. This way, if commending people for their RP becomes a common practice and is reinforced through your use of it, you'll have better chances of commendation too for your good RP.

It's like a virtuous cycle that tries to solidify standards of good RP. Naturally, there's an aspect of diminishing and growing "RP self-esteem" according to the score you're touting and comparing your own low score to others may cause some chagrin.

[Sartain]

The idea of a system to reward good RP isn't as such a bad idea. Of course if I'm still RPR 10 in a couple of months I'm probably leaving for some server where I'm not mechanically labelled an unworthy pleb by virtue of not being lucky enough to get senpais attention.
Maybe I'm the only one who feels like that, though I'm pretty sure I'm not. I wonder how many bright-eyed new players the server loses to this mechanic while high-RPR veterans apparently plan revolts, fabricate evidence mass report as meta-game war methods

[darthkitteh]

A small correction to a few of the above: Fey do not require 30rpr, they require a major award.

The wiki contains some varying interpretations from the DM Team on RPR: http://wiki.arelith.com/Role_Play_Bonus

When you see good roleplay from OTHERS, that you believe is deserving of high RPR, then send a forum private message to the Active DMs usergroup, recommending that player.

Definitely do this; while the DMs see a lot that goes on we have thousands of players to look after and it is easy to miss potential 30/40rpr players. A note that you think someone should be worth a higher RPR helps get them on our radar. When you do send in the messages, include what you feel their RPR should be and why you feel that, include examples. For example:

"I heard that Bob(Playername BobTheGreat) is only a 10RPR, but I've played with him a lot and he always stays in character and his character is really engaging. For example, when we were going through the crypts of Cordor he took is nice and slowly, even convincing one of our allies to slow down once we hit the first trap. It was great fun to play through it cautiously"

"I'd like to recommend Sue(Playername SueTheBest) for 30RPR. While she doesn't lead any factions she plays an integral role in ensuring that our faction functions. She ensures that all new members have what they need and actively seeks out new players to join our faction. Lately she's taken an even larger role and organized training drills to help teach some of the newer characters our tactics and led them on a trip through the Mines, culminating in her directing their efforts against the too-tough half dragon."

--------
As others said above though, get out there and have fun without worrying about that extra 10-30 exp/tick; just because we haven't noticed you doesn't mean that you're not amazing or somehow lesser than the 30/40rpr - there are a lot of excellent roleplayers on the server that are 'only' a 20rpr and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Lets take out the "I think this person should be a higher RPR than they are" piece and think on a scenario,
More likely its: "I really enjoyed RPing with this player, I would like to recommend them"

At this point, it can draw attention to them, if they are already 30/40/over 9000, then heck the DM probally already knows, and wont need to keep a watch on them long. But if its a good RPer and only has 20/10 then a DM can watch them for a bit, perhaps on multiple occasions etc.

The idea of this thread was to state: DMs are not omnipresent, they are not computer programs with a Watson Algorithm that determines good RP. Recommendations are the eyes and ears that are needed to help focus attention in a sea of many.