First of all, I would like to thank a few of our players who went above and beyond not only this past week, but since the beginning, to ensure that even when I’ve been absent, the dash is moving and present, that even when things get hard around here they haven’t given up. They should know who they are, and my appreciation is unlimited for you. You’re true superstars and without you, this group could have possibly ended before it even really began.
That being said, we are, unfortunately, still having issues regarding activity and participation. Our creative challenges have been all but ignored, questions have not been sent or answered, and I haven’t seen an update for our journals in a long time. These were all small challenges for you guys to keep your own muses flowing, so that no one had to take hiatus’ regarding their lack of muse, so that we could all grow our story lines together.
Earlier this week, I asked you all to participate in a survey to get a feel for how things are going without the pressure of anyone having to come to me personally about it. Due to the responses, we are going to make some changes around here so that we can meet our four, five, six, etc. month marks here. I’m not ready to give up on you all, and hopefully you’re all not ready to give up on me.
THE CHANGES
The changes below reflect the comments you left on the survey, all of which were incredible to read. If you ever do have any further thoughts or suggestions, feel free to submit them to me - anonymously or not - so we can potentially help our group. Thank you all for some phenomenal ideas.
- ACTIVITY; while there’s been a four day limit in place that was checked relatively sporadically in the past, after July 4th we will be putting in a three day limit - that means on day two, if you haven’t been here, you’ll be issued a warning to be removed on day three. If you come to this warning three times you will be removed without option for returning.
- In turn, the hiatus list has been wiped clean. All players who were listed should have returned by now, and until our group is back on track, hiatus’ will be temporarily banned pending prior commitments (vacations, going out of town, that sort of thing). Everyone here put an extraordinary amount of work into their application, their development, their character, and the number of absences and dropped replies from everyone is hindering those who have given this group everything.
- SUBMISSIONS; once a week, all players will be required to submit (off-anon) to the BayWatch blog.
- Not all submissions will be posted, but we will be updating it at least once a week from here on out.
- Failure to do so will count as a strike against you.
- You are not allowed to submit things about your own character.
- This is to help build more of a teamwork frame of mind around here, and to help prove that you’re not only here for yourself, but for everyone. Pay attention to those around you. It will make the game more interesting and more well developed.
- CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROMPTS; once a week, we will drop a question on the main page that everyone is to answer within 7 days on their blog. Journaling, para’ing, self para’ing, even creative aesthetics or moodboards are allowed for these prompts, and more details will follow upon the release of our first challenge this week.
- PLOTTING; though I tried to force plotting amongst you all with a para challenge that was sadly ill-received, I am now telling you that you must begin plotting OOC with other characters than those your character has been in a small circle with. If it comes down to it, I will pair a new couple up every week to see what you come up with, but I would like everyone to plot with everyone without a forced hand.
Because it was not a unanimous decision, we won’t be opening new characters at the moment. The idea is not entirely off the table yet, however, and if we shape things back into what we had when we started, I may consider opening two (2) canons and two (2) original characters created by myself.
If anyone leaves the game for any reason, their character may be closed instead of reopened. The decision will be made at the time of removal, between the player and myself, and be done on a case by case basis.
We have a huge new plot drop to act and react to - please use it for yourself, for others, and for the good of our group. This is the last warning I’m issuing to everyone about activity and lack of commitment. Please take this with the seriousness I’m intending, and let us all turn this place around.
