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Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:37 pm
There are exceptions to every single rule...except maybe the rule that there are exceptions to every rule...but shouldn't that rule have an exception?...okay, now I'm just confusing myself.
In the first of these Newcomer Articles, I talked about the rule of god-modding: don't do it. However, there are exceptions to that – two to be precise. The first is actually stated in the definition I gave you last time, which I'll say again for convenience's sake:
God-modding occurs whenever someone dictates or insinuates the action or response of a person, place, thing, or idea that they themselves did not create and introduce into the world of HA2, unless the RPer has been granted clear permission by the creator to control it.
You can see the first exception in the final part of that definition:
...unless the RPer has been granted clear permission by the creator to control it.
It’s the same rule as copyright: you've got to get permission before you use something that doesn't belong to you. Now, getting this approval is normally quite easy. If you actually ask, most people will give you the O.K. However, if you'll be controlling the character for an extended amount of time, it is preferable for you to explain the basics of the situation you'll be putting the character through. That way, the creator can give you fair warning about any problems that might arise and you can adjust your post accordingly.
It is important to remember that 'clear' word. Assuming someone has given you permission to control their character often results in conflict. It must be crystal clear that the creator is allowing you to take over for him. If you aren't certain, double-check.
It should be noted, however, that whenever you join an Event or dungeon, you are giving the GM permission to control your character – in basic ways. Game Moderators may move your character about as they see fit, especially if you are inactive for some time. If you haven't done anything in the past few days, it's fine for the GM to say that the group – which would include you – moves into the next room. Basic things like that are fine; GM's may not, however, take complete control of your character without permission.
Now, there is one more event where controlling your fellow RPers is permissible: when writing something in second-person view. This is when you write something using the pronoun 'you'. An example of this would be beginning a topic like this:
Instead, it would be better to write something like this:
Keep these facts in mind, and you can avoid ticking a lot of people off by not mindlessly moving their characters into annoying situations.
Until the next article, happy RPing!
-RG Draug Layor
Note: MG, Weien, and Julian once had a fairly good discussion on god-modding, which can probably explain things if you're still a little confused. This topic can be found here.
Previous article: You're not a god!
Next article: Common Courtesy
In the first of these Newcomer Articles, I talked about the rule of god-modding: don't do it. However, there are exceptions to that – two to be precise. The first is actually stated in the definition I gave you last time, which I'll say again for convenience's sake:
God-modding occurs whenever someone dictates or insinuates the action or response of a person, place, thing, or idea that they themselves did not create and introduce into the world of HA2, unless the RPer has been granted clear permission by the creator to control it.
You can see the first exception in the final part of that definition:
...unless the RPer has been granted clear permission by the creator to control it.
It’s the same rule as copyright: you've got to get permission before you use something that doesn't belong to you. Now, getting this approval is normally quite easy. If you actually ask, most people will give you the O.K. However, if you'll be controlling the character for an extended amount of time, it is preferable for you to explain the basics of the situation you'll be putting the character through. That way, the creator can give you fair warning about any problems that might arise and you can adjust your post accordingly.
It is important to remember that 'clear' word. Assuming someone has given you permission to control their character often results in conflict. It must be crystal clear that the creator is allowing you to take over for him. If you aren't certain, double-check.
It should be noted, however, that whenever you join an Event or dungeon, you are giving the GM permission to control your character – in basic ways. Game Moderators may move your character about as they see fit, especially if you are inactive for some time. If you haven't done anything in the past few days, it's fine for the GM to say that the group – which would include you – moves into the next room. Basic things like that are fine; GM's may not, however, take complete control of your character without permission.
Now, there is one more event where controlling your fellow RPers is permissible: when writing something in second-person view. This is when you write something using the pronoun 'you'. An example of this would be beginning a topic like this:
Can you use second-person view whenever and however you want? Of course not! (if you could, do you really think I would've asked?) To continue with the previous example, this would be considered bad:"You come to a lonely soul in the desert."
In this case, you are dictating the response of the person who comes across the man. An evil being might actually rejoice at the sight of the man’s suffering."You come to a lonely soul in the desert. The man looks at you with his starved face and you feel pity."
Instead, it would be better to write something like this:
This is perfectly fine – the narrator says that you find this person, but not what your reaction is. Second-person writing is actually the preferred way for RPers to begin a new topic of theirs; but oftentimes they accidentally lapse into god-mod mode, and as a result other RPers get angry and refuse to reply."You come to a lonely soul in the desert. The man looks at you with a starved face that shows his pain."
Keep these facts in mind, and you can avoid ticking a lot of people off by not mindlessly moving their characters into annoying situations.
Until the next article, happy RPing!
-RG Draug Layor
Note: MG, Weien, and Julian once had a fairly good discussion on god-modding, which can probably explain things if you're still a little confused. This topic can be found here.
Previous article: You're not a god!
Next article: Common Courtesy