Remaining Objective As A GM...

[Sleipnir]

So, I have done a few different roleplays as a GM, but this is the first time I've hosted one that seemed particularly popular. That being the case, I've found myself faced with a variety of different players and characters, and at first, everything was A-Okay, not an issue.


HOWEVER.


All good things must come to an end, and the early days of the game where everything was simple and we had a grand total of like 5 peaceful, cooperative players were over. Shortly after we started getting more and more players wanting to join.


That's were the problems start. We all know as roleplayers that we've encountered those characters who tend to be a bit over-the-top and suffer from 2Edgy4U syndrome. The problem is such characters can be played reasonably enough to fit the tone of the game, but I have doubts on whether or not they will be.


So I wanted to ask the community about this.


Is it appropriate for me to basically say, "I won't take this character because I don't like them?" Because I feel like that's what I'd be doing, and I feel like that isn't quite right.


Another problem I have is that I'm not sure whether or not it's appropriate to reject someone based on their OOC grammar when their CS seems to be acceptable enough.


And as a GM, is it appropriate for me to go back and refuse a character after they've already been admitted to the game? How much time do I give them to settle into the setting before I am good to ask them to leave?


What are my limitations? How much control can I have over who I let in my game without coming off as rude or power-trippy or otherwise nasty?

 

[LegoLad659]

I unfortunately don't have an answer for your other questions, however I can answer one of them.

Another problem I have is that I'm not sure whether or not it's appropriate to reject someone based on their OOC grammar when their CS seems to be acceptable enough.

OOC grammar is, to me at least, irrelevant. If their grammar OOC is bad, yeah it's annoying, but at least you're not dealing with it IC. I feel like, as long as they're willing to put forth enough effort to write correctly and legibly, their OOC writing shouldn't matter. Just my thoughts.

 

[Dusky]

If you are concerned about how they will characterize their, er, character... Request a writing sample, or perhaps do a brief "trial roleplay" with them to get a feel for how the character will be written rather than summarized.

Another problem I have is that I'm not sure whether or not it's appropriate to reject someone based on their OOC grammar when their CS seems to be acceptable enough.

I'm with LegoLad here; as GM it's your prerogative, but doing so seems rather petty to me.

And as a GM, is it appropriate for me to go back and refuse a character after they've already been admitted to the game? How much time do I give them to settle into the setting before I am good to ask them to leave?

If they've been admitted but have yet to interact in the IC (or OOC in some cases)... Again, it's the GM's call, but that would be pretty flip-floppy. If they have posted in the IC and you find their content objectionable, that's another story, but it's probably better to talk to them about your concerns first rather than booting them off the bat.

What are my limitations? How much control can I have over who I let in my game without coming off as rude or power-trippy or otherwise nasty?

The same as in any other social sphere, honestly.


Some general things - if there's a problem with a character that could be fixed, rather than immediately rejecting, communicate it with their player. If you don't like the character or it won't fit with the group or setting or there's otherwise a problem that can't be fixed, reject right off the bat rather than hemming and hawing and feeling bad about it, but be polite. (You don't have to offer a reason. I generally tell people that I will give them a reason if they ask for one calmly and politely, and I've never had an issue.) If something comes up in IC (poor grammar, poor characterization, etc.) or OOC (is causing drama somehow, isn't posting, etc.), then give people the opportunity to fix their behavior before booting. When you do boot, be clear, polite, and specific.

 

[Semblance]

Hi I had a similar question- Do you guys think it's appropriate to reject someone based off of IC grammar alone?

 

[Selene]

Hi I had a similar question- Do you guys think it's appropriate to reject someone based off of IC grammar alone?

Yes. I would do that.

 

[Grey]

Reminder: according to RPN rules, as long as there's no harassment, you can kick a person from your RP on a whim, more or less.


So, if you just plain don't like a character? That's actually fair reason, to my mind. You have to guide that character through the plot, write scenes for their personal arc, have NPC interact with them... if doing so doesn't fill you with enthusiasm, that's going to show in play. Seems like a legitimate reason to me.


Of course, I accept characters I hate just for the challenge, sometimes.


As for IC vs. OOC grammar and rejection after the fact, a writing sample or taking a look at their other roleplays is probably best. A friend of mine has terrible grammar informally, but Masters in English - some people just don't want to expend that much energy all the time.


And as for how far you can go before someone thinks poorly of you? About a step.


You make any hard decision and someone will decide you're the devil.

 

[MISTER UN. 0W3N]

It's really as Grey put it. You, as the GM has the right to decline profiles as you see fit. It can be a tough field if you're the type of user that wants to give users a chance. But, honestly, I think this should be the part of the thread process that a GM has the right to be selfish... in a sense. If the character doesn't fit what you created (the setting, universe, etc.), they didn't follow your rules/information in creating a character.... and you just don't plain like them! Serious! If you don't think it's just not going to work (if you want to help fix their character's profile and what not, and it's turning into complete booty), then it's just not going to work. The users have to respect your decision in that regard. At the very least, you can offer an explanation as to why it's not going to work (if they ask).


Blah... ranting. xD Sorry.