advertisemyrp (advertisemyrp) wrote in modcooperative, @ 2009-03-22 21:02:00 |
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Entry tags: | advice |
Modly advice
So I thought I'd give a bit of advice on how to make games last. I co-mod two games currently. One has been going seven months, and the other just over two years, so I think I can be a bit of an authority on it. Mind you this comes after a near-detrimental server change, early mod switches, mod additions, players leaving and returning, instances of drama, dealing with poor writers: all the normal things that could threaten a game with death.
So how do I do it? First and foremost, you cannot, cannot, be a pushover. If this means you need someone else to be bitch!mod, then so be it. But you must find a balance between being easygoing and fun, and making sure your players aren't walking all over you and getting away with murder. If you set rules, then stick to them. Yes, YOU as mod, must follow the rules. Do not fall into the trap of "Well, I'm the mod so I can do whatever." That creates distrust and possible resentment among your players. Set an example - be what you want your players to be. Have a co-mod you trust implicitly, a good friend or RP partner who's proven to be reliable. It's best if you balance each other [one's strengths making up for the other's weaknesses].
Make sure your players are having fun, and that any issues cropping up between them are discussed/nipped in the bud before they become out of control. That means a more hands-on approach from time to time. Try monthly/weekly [whatever works for you] OOC player chats. The more players talk OOCly, the more they trust each other. Also, the less confusion crops up in threads/logs, and the more communication is developed. You get players who love writing with each other and don't want to leave their newfound friends. The result? Players who stay at your game because they love both the game, and the people in it.
First impressions REALLY count. Make sure you go out of your way to make sure that your community layouts and game info pages are organized, effective, and eye-catching. If you're not good with coding, find a co-mod who is. Believe me, your game will be the better for it. Hit up rp_tutorials for some help on that front!
Promote often. Change up your ads to make things seem fresh and new from time to time. Change up your layout once in a while so the players don't see the same old thing. Basically? VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE. So that said? Come up with over-arcing plots from time to time. Things that can involve everyone. Players who are stalled on ideas my get new inspiration, and it will help encourage people to break out of cliques that may or may not have formed. It will also show people that your game is still functioning after X amount of time.
People will leave your game no matter what you do. Don't assume it's because of you. They may never have felt comfortable, have lost a character's voice, or had way too much to do in real life. DO NOT TAKE IT PERSONALLY. Your game may mourn their loss [or rejoice in it, depending], but do not make it a big deal. Keep your game as wank-free as possible. How? Avoid places like rpvents unless you're at your wit's end. Try not to complain about your players in public forums. Word gets around. Having problems with players? Vent to your co-mod or to get the rage out, and then calmly approach the players, so you don't start fights with them. Always try to foster a calm dialogue. If they get out of hand, remind them firmly: the mod's word goes, and that they may wish to leave. If so, then so be it. Your game will still continue, especially if you are mature about it.
So. Now that this is TL;DR, let me sum up:
1. Find a balance between good cop and bad cop, or have one of each.
2. Make sure you and your co-mods set examples as to how the players are expected to be in game.
3. Pimp often, but not excessively.
4. Be prepared to work at it hard, and have co-mod who will help you. The right co-mod will make for an amazing dynamic group.
5. Keep variety in your game, and that will always breathe new life into it.
6. And most importantly, make sure your players are having fun, but make sure YOU are too.
I hope that helps!
EDIT: Practice makes perfect, and we learn from trial and error. What have you guys found that works or doesn't work when modding an RPG?