I've created this topic to publish some of my own tips for newcomers in this fascinating world called "Forum Roleplaying". Here, I'll mention some things that anyone can do to improve the aspect of their posts, and maybe even improve the post itself.
1st - Decoration
This tip is exclusive to roleplaying in GaiaOnline.com. Have you ever noticed that, when you're doing a new post, you can change the style of the post's border? This can be very useful to identify, for example, the intentions of a post. For example, here I'm using Ornate, because I want this post to be something to call the attention of the reader. Another example: in the Hero on a Quest RPG, I'm using Document style to resemble an old journal, like my own character is telling his story.
2nd - Formatting
Formatting your post consists of using colors, bold, italic and other resources to make it more attractive. In my whole life (half of Smithers' lifetime, by now), I've seen innumerous post formattings. You can do almost anything you want, but there are two things you must NOT do. First is use a color too close to the background color: if you use a white background, get away of the too light colors. Second is mix formattings: if you are using bold and a color to the speech, don't use bold and that color to anything else - of course, you can do whatever you want, but the intent of this tip is to make your post understandable.
3rd - Contents
You can show again, in your post, what happened between your new post and your last post. But, if you are going to do it, you'll need to be brief. Don't quote everything, be smart and tell only the most important parts. Other thing, try to show it in the point of view of YOUR character - it can make some things more interesting.
4th - Compatibility
Try to fit your post to the personality of your character. If he's/she's shy, why would he/she acts like a rock star? If he's/she's a priest/priestess, why being vulgar and sexy? This is just good sense, anyone could slip a bit out of character sometimes (and when I say "anyone", I mean it - even Chuck Norris can be OoC one time or another), it's no shame. But it's a shame if you do it lots of times, and in my opinion it can be punishable if overdid.
1st - Decoration
This tip is exclusive to roleplaying in GaiaOnline.com. Have you ever noticed that, when you're doing a new post, you can change the style of the post's border? This can be very useful to identify, for example, the intentions of a post. For example, here I'm using Ornate, because I want this post to be something to call the attention of the reader. Another example: in the Hero on a Quest RPG, I'm using Document style to resemble an old journal, like my own character is telling his story.
2nd - Formatting
Formatting your post consists of using colors, bold, italic and other resources to make it more attractive. In my whole life (half of Smithers' lifetime, by now), I've seen innumerous post formattings. You can do almost anything you want, but there are two things you must NOT do. First is use a color too close to the background color: if you use a white background, get away of the too light colors. Second is mix formattings: if you are using bold and a color to the speech, don't use bold and that color to anything else - of course, you can do whatever you want, but the intent of this tip is to make your post understandable.
3rd - Contents
You can show again, in your post, what happened between your new post and your last post. But, if you are going to do it, you'll need to be brief. Don't quote everything, be smart and tell only the most important parts. Other thing, try to show it in the point of view of YOUR character - it can make some things more interesting.
4th - Compatibility
Try to fit your post to the personality of your character. If he's/she's shy, why would he/she acts like a rock star? If he's/she's a priest/priestess, why being vulgar and sexy? This is just good sense, anyone could slip a bit out of character sometimes (and when I say "anyone", I mean it - even Chuck Norris can be OoC one time or another), it's no shame. But it's a shame if you do it lots of times, and in my opinion it can be punishable if overdid.
More tips can come with the time. I'll try to update this post with anything useful.
If you have your own tip, post it here. This topic will be used to discuss post methods, too.
If you have your own tip, post it here. This topic will be used to discuss post methods, too.
