Zoinks

When deciding on a /me length and what constitutes good or not, I think it depends entirely on the medium being used. It's the same difference between a TV/Film script and a novel, imo. A script is written with a 3D visual experience in mind. Therefore dialogue, and scene setting, is prioritised over character actions. Sure, the actions are in there, but they're often simple in their detail - enough for the actor to know what's expected of them, but simple enough to leave it open for interpretation and personal flair. With a novel, this is a written experience with no 3D world to do most of the work for you, therefore the use of words is needed, which is why forum roleplay tends to be more geared towards paragraph descriptions. It's necessary to aid visualising in the absence of an environment doing it for you. Neither of those forms are wrong, nor should they be stigmatized. I'd bet money that most people who play this game cringe at how they roleplayed a past character one, two years ago, and so we should remember that before we shame anybody else. If I encounter someone who writes really long /mes, but their character is grounded, intriguing and overall fun for my own development too, i'm willing to look past it even though it's not my personal style. Similarly if I encounter someone who drives most of their RP through dialogue, as long as that dialogue is interesting and gives me an idea of their character then that's cool. What defines good or bad is the experience you get with it, not necessarily the amount of words or the way the words are presented. The only thing that I believe could be an issue with purple prose is it potentially being a stalling tool in certain scenarios. Not to say that they're using it for that reason every time, but in fast-paced situations, I do think it's a matter of common courtesy to reduce the length a little bit for that particular situation, just to ensure a realistically fast paced event doesn't take 15-20 minutes.

It is how reality works otherwise there'd be no coroners, forensic scientists, morticians, embalmers and so on. They have to be desensitized to do their job. I know the average person on the street isn't in one of those careers, but you'd be surprised by how apathetic people can become when routinely exposed to something. The act of watching someone die in front of you, and the method in which it occurred, would be traumatic enough to justify a phone call imo, but just a body for most long-term residents of LS is most likely nothing new. I also think seeing it and wanting to get away rather than stick around and call it in is a completely human response. You have no idea how that individual died, or where the killer is, and I know most people wouldn't want to risk sticking around to find out. "It's none of my business" or "not our problem" is another attitude that a lot of people in individualistic, western cultures have, and I imagine that is multiplied in a city like Los Santos, where minding your own business could save your life.

dope thread, well deserved 👍

I second this. My interactions with LCN RPers, especially around 2020/2021, has always been a fun experience, and it wasn't exactly a good experience for my character so to make that enjoyable says a lot. We had broken into their DigitalDen store on our gang chars and instead of doing what most would do (DM us), they gave us a deadline for payment which provided all of us with RP and eventually a long-term contact was made. Those who experienced it with me still talk about it fondly now and we don't have a bad thing to say. The stereotype that people create after playing mafia 2 for the first time is an issue, I agree, but they are few and far between, and shouldn't determine whether legitimate characters should exist or not. Also there are stereotypes of everything on GTA:W, because most people are RPing something that they are not, and have never experienced first-hand, meaning all their character building comes from internet research and what the already knowledgeable tell them. And the already knowledgeable, most of the time, have also gotten their research from the same place. If annoying stereotypes was a reason to shut down a concept then there wouldn't be any factions left. As for the realism of LA = LS, I agree with OP that bending reality a little bit and using Los Santos as a canvas for worldbuilding rather than set in stone based on reality is a better way for us all to have fun so long as the concept is grounded in realism.

nice idea, look forward to seeing the ss

interesting concept!

If you're looking to join a specific group or MC, you're better off doing some research on said group and then roleplaying that your character lives in that area, and when coming across them in said area, you can engage in conversation. Like already said, don't be too eager to join, just talk to them, get to know them, compliment each other's bike, talk about life, etc. Doing that would work wonders on them inviting you along to other things and eventually the faction, but don't expect it to be quick because many factions expect slow burn progression. If you're not looking to join a specific group and are just wandering hoping to find something that interests you, I suggest not thinking about all these things you should be doing, and more so think about what your character would do. What's his motivation in life? Get richer? Go find a job that suits his skillset and befriend your coworkers. Have fun? Go to a club and don't be scared to interact with others there. Think about smaller motivations too like being hungry, or emotional motivations like maybe feeling bored in his life and wanting excitement, hence going to clubs, doing drugs and getting involved with bikers. I think the issue is that you're getting caught up in what you should be doing to grab other's attention rather than just living your characters life and letting the RP come to you. Most people will want to keep interacting with you if your character feels fleshed out and nuanced. That first couple of months on the server is difficult, especially if you didn't play SAMP, i've been there. Just focus on what makes your character so great first and the other people will follow. Lead with your character's mind, not your own. Put on some music that your character would like, I find that helps to get into that mindset if facing a bit of a slump. Hope that helps, not an expert by any means but we've all been there!