Hi everyone!
Just wanted to touch base with you all. The hosts have been very busy lately, myself included, and I've been mulling over what to do about that. I still love this game, and I know they do too (we've talked about it a lot). So I'd like to make some suggestions to help it all fit into our busy schedules, and get your feedback.
Note that these are suggestions, not permanent changes unless you guys all like them.
(I have a note about my current state-of-the-Internet in another
post, so please take a moment to look at that, if you please.)
1. Character approval is a thing of the past.
Why?
Two reasons: one, we get more interesting characters more quickly than we do without it. People look at the application process and go "ugh".
And two: because it chews up my time. I'm the one who does it, and honestly, I'd rather spend my limited time playing. The character application form will remain in place, and I will edit it to make it smaller at some point when I have administrivia time, but not now. Basically: if you've filled out the app, you're approved. If you only want to run a cameo, fill out the cameo app and run a cameo. If anything's weird about your character, someone (probably me) will talk with you about it later. I trust you guys to be smart, though.
The other reason to keep it partially in place is for crossover characters. I'd rather not have to deal with multiple Ciels or whoever. If you have a Ciel cameo, Ciel is your character. That way things stay consistent.
2. Opening the game up.
We've been a Host Club game, but that limits us strongly to just hosting and doing events. I would like to shift this to be an Ouran High game, instead. What this does: provides lots of room for everyone to create plots outside the host club, that the hosts can still participate in. Some forum reorganization may be in order for that. I'll be glad to take suggestions as to how best to do that.
Also! I would like to set aside a space for Alternate Universe RP. Meaning that if we want to do some wacky crossovers (the Ouran kiddies end up in the Pokemon universe, say — that's a popular choice, I suspect), we can run that in parallel with our standard Ouran universe and not have to worry about how it all fits together.
3. Pacing.
From day one, I'll admit, pacing has always been something I've been struggling with. I'm limiting my internet time — see my other post that I mentioned — so my pacing will probably be 1-2 posts a day, at most. I don't want other people to feel neglected or ignored by this, because even when we slowed down the first time, we still had days where there were lots and lots of posts. I simply can't do that any more, and I don't think most of us can. So let's take things at a nice easy pace. Which leads me to ...
4: Events!
I'd like to schedule one. We'll be doing 18th-century French, based on the RP we did with our new Tamaki. (Hiya, PPP!) Dates are open to suggestion, so that we can all see each other in our pretty cosplays.
and it also leads me to
5: Plot!
We need one. Or several! Overall plot that isn't necessarily tied to the club, but to the school as a whole. I think this plot should be lengthy, perhaps something we could do over the length of an in-game trimester. Suggestions are loved.
Thank you all for your patience in reading through this, and your ongoing support while our game evolves again. You guys are the best.