ACTIVITY: SUGGESTIONS

[VAN*LLA]

I have been worried about On the Wing's activity, so I am trying to find ways to attract more members.

WORDCOUNT

This has been bothering me. While 200 words is not a lot to me, it may be for somebody else. Should I lower it? Possibly to 150 words?

INTERMEDIATE

I have had people who seem interested in the site and then read it is intermediate. Would beginner-intermediate be more suitable? Alternatively, should I not refer to On the Wing as neither?

Those are the major issues. I am also open to suggestions; anything to get On the Wing as active as it was in the beginning.

[Parisa]

I think we should state that this site is opened to beginner rpers, as well as experienced. All is welcomed as long as there is at least.. four sentences in your post. All of us here are pretty friendly so I think that could work.

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[VAN*LLA]

That sounds good!
How about at least a paragraph? Five sentences?

[Aglacea]

There you go, that sounds good to me!

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[stabinae]

I do think It's nice to open the site to beginners; however, we should strive to keep the quality of posts fairly high. It's a fact that some people simply have a habit of writing more content than others, which is fine, but a low post minimum for beginners can encourage Rpers to get a bit lazy and write less. This brings the quality of the RP down, which will get us less members in the long run.

In summary, beginners are fine; but they should not influence the running of the site. A workshop of sorts should be set up ( a board where beginners can learn the ropes and Rpers in general can practice writing ) to encourage people's muse and let their RP style grow and polish itself.

Beginner Rpers do not stay in the beginner mode for long, but intermediate/experienced Rpers tend to remain consistant for longer periods of time. I think that should be kept in mind.

[VAN*LLA]

Oh, yes, I understand. My word count average is 200-300, but I can up that number if my muse is high. I do not like replying to posts that are less than the current word count; however, I have seen sites without a word count with many threads that have lengthy posts.

I think 100 to 150 words sounds fair; an individual should be able to type a post that short easily. Sometimes I find myself unable to meet 200 words exactly when my muse has hit rock bottom; though I always try to meet the quality and quantity of the posts of the member I am roleplaying with.

A workshop is an interesting idea. I suppose if people see that we are willing to help they may be more apt to join. However, how would that work? Would beginners be assigned a mentor? And there would be a board solely for practice?

[Luca Wolfraine]

[On other account now lol] 100 - 150 is a good minimum.I'm no stranger to writer's block myself, but there are multiple ways to lengthen and generally improve a post; Personally, I tend to an analysis of the way my characters think, their motives; not just the actions and emotions, but why they act/feel that way. I find that even on a bad day my posts are over 250, and it helps other Rpers understand my character too.

The workshop could be one board, with a couple of sub-boards: one for practice posts and mock RPs for beginners and other members to focus on improving their RP style - there could be a thread with prompts, an average-length post for reference, etc .

The other sub-board could be for advice on structure, grammer, writing style (questions could be answered in general; any member who has advice can give it. Help from a number of sources, I believe, can be more beneficial than help from a singular source.)
If the workshop is set up on-site, I would be happy to lend a hand wherever neccessary. I don't just make suggestions, then sit back and let other people to do the work for me xD

Yours Insanely,

[glow=green,2,300]{E|L|L}[/glow]

[VAN*LLA]

I altered the word count to 150. Despite lowering the word count I hope On the Wing's members will continue to post nothing, but their best.

I will create a category solely for roleplay practice when I can, since I believe it is a great idea and would contribute to the site.

However, activity still remains low. I would rather On the Wing not become inactive, though if that occurs, I will revamp and reopen.

I am still open to suggestions.

Thanks to those who have helped.

[Sam Winchester]

Okay my thoughts. I like that the word count is lowered. It gives a bit of lax even for my muse. Usually I have a habit of making usually eight sentences per post. I don't like fluff and stuff in my posts, but I know sometimes to fill the quota I have to use some. I do like the resource area a lot. It would help new people. And I do think that it should be beginner level and up. I just think most of us as current members just have to keep ourselves dedicated and with the program. With the school year in session things will be slower, so I think that it would be a very good idea for members to let others know if there gonna be gone for extended amounts of time. Especially during the weekdays. That and I think people who hit a certain amount of posts should get something special for continuing....that or for still being on for so many months. Just a suggestion though. Hope I have been able to help any. Oh and I can try and help in that resource area for resource material and what not if you'd like.....oh my god this post is over 200 words as is....lol

[VAN*LLA]

Just because a person types over 200 words does not mean it's complete filler. I prefer posts that exceed 200 words, though of course my muse is not always compliant.
Therefore, while the word count has been lowered, I do not expect less from On the Wing's members.

We will welcome beginners and assist them; however, On the Wing was never intended to be a beginner roleplay. I consider myself intermediate and I am sometimes picky when it comes to who I roleplay with.
I was a beginner once and a site I was a member of a couple years ago accepted me despite being as such and helped me progress; so, I'm willing to do that for other people as well.

I expected the activity to decrease somewhat when school began, however, the activity issue started earlier.

The main problem is that On the Wing is not attracting enough members and keeping the interest of some. While I am willing to accept all roleplay levels, I will not lower the site's standards.

[Sam Winchester]

No offense intended. Just speaking my mind about self.

I can work with 200 if I really try hard. Either way I would try my hardest. That's why I am so slow with posts. I have to think everything out before hand.

Honestly standards should be high for those that join. Being a part of a site is about committing. Can't post half way well enough well then they shouldn't be rping. Honestly even though there is a word count here things are a lot more lax in some ways. I honestly went to SU (supernatural unforgiven) and found that there rules and standards are uber high for there members.

Personally I think the members that are on need to give better word of mouth to friends that would like to participate. Help advertise. I know one admin can't do it alone. I talk to people all the time about OtW. Even I can double my efforts. Also i think every month....that or every other month...or even however you want to implement it....more regular activity checks. Just so that way people are re iterated that the site is here. That they should come on or they'll miss out on the fun.

Three things i find that keep something really going is dedication, participation, and determination to get on. Even if it is to OOC chat in threads. That goes for anyone, including self. Personally I plan to never leave OtW not even if it closes and has to be revamped. I am here and here to stay as I know Dean will be too. So that is two of us. Though I don't know what the other think. Personally I love the site and I think your doing a lovely job trying to run it.

[VAN*LLA]

No, offense taken.
I know people have their own word count average, I just want to keep posting standards in the middle in order to attact people of all roleplay levels.

I do my best when it comes to advertising, though I do wish I could have some assistance. My computer is extremely slow, so it is difficult at times; especially when I need to link back to a graphic heavy site.
Luckily, Rikki has advertised on her Deviantart and I will too when I get the chance.
Another thing I am worried about is people that are perhaps interested in On the Wing come to check it out, but see that not many people are logging in.

I am glad you are here to stay and I thank you for your help; you always have good advice.
I will make my best effort to make the site appealing and hopefully the dry spell will end soon.

[Sam Winchester]

Personally I will try to think of some ways to draw in people. Talk around and see what I can do for the site. Hopefully I can come up with some things. I will let you know if I do. I will even recruit Deans lazy butt too lol. So yeah no worries. We'll figure this out.