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Roleplay, Games, Masquerading

Crassus 8 years ago updated by Digby (Community Manager) 7 years ago 6

Back in 2010 when Oskenso began his initial programming for a furry social networking site, I mentioned to him that intertwining IC with OOC would be an amazing idea. Uplifting our fursonas is something the fandom has always had a propensity for, but such tradition was interrupted when FA followed the MySpace trend at the time. So I'm very glad to see that FurryNetwork includes the one-user/multiple-character login system that Oski originally programmed. I can't help but think that the code base is the same due to my influence... :) But I digress!


I propose that we expand upon that initial idea and allow for both IC and OOC profile information fields to be included on our character profiles, just like MUCKs and F-List do. It will help to allow us to continue the tradition of partaking in a world and subculture which we create for ourselves rather than simply being mundane hyoomans who like art, stories, music and photography of a particular genre.


Just a thought! :)

Answer

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The customizable fields are currently sufficient for the great majority of users. If role-playing is important to you, feel free to create OOC/IC fields on your profile. Another alternative is to create an RP-specific account that represents an in-character role.

Hmm. Two negative down-votes but no comments. I'm wondering why people object to creating more comprehensive character profiles.

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I was one of those who vote this down:

Roleplaying features directly implimented with a site is a massive red flag for a huge amount of people in the fandom - they don't want to be associated with it (have you ever noticed when browing FA, many people have it in red at their profile 'I don't roleplay').


This is a problem because FN will be the only site to give out commissioning tools, but if our customers object from using the site because it accosiates them with roleplay, we lose those customers. Of course it's ultimately the stupidity of people again, but it's lost customers and some artists only get so few.


However, I think the site already does a good job providing roleplay tools for those who want: Ability to create a different profile under same account, rename your display name as much as you want, freedom to create custom fields in your profile (you can easily add OOC and IC fields yourself), good messaging system and when groups become a thing I'm sure we'll have group chats too, and groups dedicated for roleplay. But the important thing is that these features are subtle enough to not make people associate the site with roleplay.

I'm going to agree with everything you said.


Yes, there is a schism in the fandom between those who are/not into RP.

Yes, people can be stupid and judge books by their covers.

Yes, the site does a very good job so far in providing minimal tools.

Yes, people will create groups for roleplayers and to associate with one another.


Therefore, I think it would be extremely necessary to have an IC profile page with specialized fields like I'm suggesting! Without that tool, people will have no clear indication whether the profile they're looking at has fictional or non-fictional data. What if they say their age is under 18? Then what? I already have a character on here that is 100% In-Character.


If you're worried of people having such fears, it's imperative to provide the proper tools!

I'm not sure I see why it's necessary to add specific ic/ooc bio fields when you can already create and define as many custom fields in your bio as you like?

I'm supposing the feeling behind this idea is so that furs can create character profiles like on F-List. I'm basically asking for more tools to enhance fursonas. The custom field is fine for perhaps some simple text, but a more comprehensive profile page would be very nice. I mean as long as all y'all don't mind me putting IC info in my profile I guess I don't see a problem with just making a ton of custom fields. But those can only go so far.

Answer
Declined

The customizable fields are currently sufficient for the great majority of users. If role-playing is important to you, feel free to create OOC/IC fields on your profile. Another alternative is to create an RP-specific account that represents an in-character role.