Something that's really bugging me.

[Swingerzetta]

seems to me that if it's frowned upon to ooc comment about anything, then posting another, snarky ooc message complaining about it is probably even worse than the initial offense. Sometimes it's necessary, like to explain typos or accidental actions, and of course, deciding whether or not to fade to black during intimate scenes. What I get from this topic, though, is if someone is overdoing ooc comments, perhaps it's best to inform pd, rather than to respond with rude comments.

[Cdls]

If OOC communications are reported as being disruptive, regardless of intent, it will be handled as such. Typos/accidental actions should be handled in game and will not be a valid excuse if it gets reported.

For example, a typo can be RPed as a character jumbling up their words or something, and can correct themselves in character.


Now, I am not saying -don't- use OOC, as it hasn't been completely prohibited. What I am saying is if you use it, understand that if it gets reported, you will be at fault.

[Addicted]

From my point of view, this is a change in PD opinion. I know excessive OOC has always been frowned upon, but I feel that this extreme position is ridiculous. If you are going to take a complaint seriously, as you should, surely you will use some judgement and common sense in the verdict. I would hope that 'all' OCC messages complained about will not be given a punishment. I really would like to know what the consequence of a complaint will be.

Some examples of what I see as acceptable OOC:

Character y says: I will be sleeping for the next 10 days.

Character spawns and gets told food or shield etc are in the barrel, new one asks how to get them out. An exclusively IC answer is impossible here. "why you just reach in and pick them up" is not enough. Mine would say something like this, in a whisper: "OOC: Go to Objects page, choose the empty storage icon and select item, play with it until you get it. Also, look up the wiki and the FAQ on your character page for playing tips. Feel free to ask me questions if you need. " I may also take a new player in a building with a closed window so not to disrupt and teach inside, if they are asking many questions. Of course a new player realm will stop the need for this, mostly.

I still find myself lost with a few things, or when changes have been made, bugs are found etc. I will ask, (OOC: can you see this bug?) or "OOC: how do you work the slaughtering?) etc

If a new player is on the wrong track with a description or with emotes, I would, in the past, 'gently' let them know. (Using feelings in emotes or names in descriptions are clear, cut and dried cases). I will tell PD from now on. But on my own experience, the message I got from PD when I first started playing and my description was inappropriate was harsh and upset me to the point I thought about quitting. I was trying my best to play by the rules, absorb a complicated game and culture and felt criticised and chastised by the email. My 'naughty' description was then used in a forum post by staff on how not to write a description which was mortifying for me. My point is that if PD are going to deal with this it needs to be done in a friendly, welcoming and easy manner for new, first time offenders. PD also need to be on the ball and respond very quickly to the situation.

I think the game will be less if OOC is completely banned or there is a negative consequence for every complaint. OOC messages have a use in telling other players when you will sleep or in certain delicate situations where you may be uncomfortable with the roleplay or behaviour or to advise and help obviously new players struggling with the mechanics. I am happy to stay at a standoff with Cuddles where we agree to disagree and I will tow the line, with my objection noted. I will not be complaining about 'useful and practical' OOC messages.

[Cdls]

I appreciate your opinion but the bottom line is if someone complains about usage of OOC affecting their enjoyment of the game, it will be handled as such.

[Addicted]

I appreciate your opinion but the bottom line is if someone complains about usage of OOC affecting their enjoyment of the game, it will be handled as such.

This is fine, very vague, but seems reasonable.

Now, I am not saying -don't- use OOC, as it hasn't been completely prohibited. What I am saying is if you use it, understand that if it gets reported, you will be at fault.

This is my issue. I will be at fault. If it gets reported, I will be at fault? Regardless of the OOC content, without consideration? Oh come on! This is my problem.

And I ask again:

I am at fault. A complaint has been made against me as I sent an OOC message in game. What will the consequence be?

[Cdls]

This is my issue. I will be at fault. If it gets reported, I will be at fault? Regardless of the OOC content, without consideration? Oh come on! This is my problem.

Yes, as stated numerous times above. OOC is considered disruptive to many and if reported, will be handled as such. This is not a debate. Also stated above, players should contact the PD if they feel a player is in need of assistance so that they can be helped outside of the game world and therefore not be a disruption.
However, should you, or anyone else, choose to attempt to help the player OOCly, that is your decision, but if it gets reported, then you will be at fault.
If you, or others, want to possibly mitigate this risk, you can always precede communications with a request to the player to speak OOCly (only for purposes of helping), and make sure it is done via whispers.

I am at fault. A complaint has been made against me as I sent an OOC message in game. What will the consequence be?

Depends on the level of disruption caused.

[kicking jay]

Erm. I'm siding with Addicted on this one.

Could it not be at least possible to not prosecute an OOC'ing player if the player who reported them did not ask them to desist? This position, which, as far as I can tell, is a new policy, given that I was not aware of it until this thread, seems, personally, very heavy-handed.

[Cdls]

There is no need to go around in circles. All that needs to be said on this has been said. Just because it gets reported and investigated doesn't mean that you are automatically targeted as being disruptive. If the person reports it as such, that is how we will look at it. If we feel that it wasn't, then there is nothing to it.


There is no need for this to go in circles, thread is locked.