hiya there! just wondering if you have any advice for how to drop/launch an rp? i feel like so much has changed since i was last an admin
i sure heckin’ do. now pay attention, because this is some of the best advice i will probably ever give. are you reading? are you suuuure? good. get yourself a nice big glass of wine (or sparkling grape juice in a wine glass to feel fancy), down that shit in one big chug, and scream. no no i’m kidding. i mean, that’s what i do but god please don’t do what i do when there’s alcohol involved.
honestly?? it’s super different for every person, every admin, every rpg, and every type of rpg. the best thing you can actually do is look around and study, take notes on what unopened rpgs are doing to promote themselves and get themselves out there before they open, and take bits and pieces of what you like, what works for you, and what is in your comfort zone and apply them to your group.
here’s some things i personally have done for both of my rpgs–following the same advice i just gave you above. i hope they help you!!
make sure everything is done before you start posting in the tags: some people like to promote while they’re under construction–i’m not one of those people. i like to know that when people are looking at my group, they’re looking at everything. (plus, 9/10 times you’re gonna end up spending the first week open editing stuff, so you want that time to not suck up your promotion time)
make an advance list of rphs to ask for shoutouts, and accept if they say no: that way you aren’t wasting time searching WIDs right at the last minute. make a list of the @’s and names and then you can just send them all in one go–streamlined and efficient. and sometimes due to some reason or another an rph will decline the shoutout. it sucks, i know. just smile, nod, and move on to the next one
don’t ask for rp opinions: “jack, you offer rp opinions!! what??” seriously, on your opening, don’t fuckin’ do it. things will need changing. there will be typos. you will miss a grammar mistake at the bottom of a page. shit happens my fam. i know asking for opinions, private or not, can seem like a big-ass help–get that third set of eyes, that outsider perspective, etc–but you’re gonna be critical enough of yourself if you’re like me. don’t let someone who had nothing to do with the creative process and all of the hours of love and labour you put into your rpg tell you what to change right off the bat
check around the tags for similar rpgs: you have an awesome idea!! holy fuck, someone literally dropped an rpg two weeks ago with almost the same concept. it happens to us all. but not if we don’t do the proper research first. just make sure to check the tags ( rec: lsrpg, lsrp, skeleton rp, appless rp, semi appless rp, new rp, new lsrp, for generic types but this might be different depending on what type of rpg you want to open ) at varying times of day. i’m not saying don’t launch it if there’s a similar one out–everyone brings their own spin on even the most basic of ideas. but just know that if you do, you will have to up your ante
stay up to date on rpc discourse: it sounds stupid, i know. but hear me out. this is mostly about things regarding faceclaims. faceclaims that should be on your banned lists, faceclaims that should be represented dutifully, etc. shit’s important, yo. i know how nice it would be to block all of the arguing out sometimes, but there are certain things that simply need to be known and staying informed is important
check your links!: this might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many rpgs i check out for shoutouts and several links are broken when i go to click on them. personally, i go through my links 2, 3 times before debuting something. because i tend to mess up a lot
PROMO BLOG PROMO BLOG PROMO BLOG: right after your main is finished you should get that promo blog rolling. post one with tags so tumblr gets the stupid 24 hour tag thing over with them set up that queue (with PICLOADR your new best friend) and get those fired out like a t-shirt cannon at a concert. i’ve found there’s a happy medium with the description, too. my recipe: 2 paragraphs about the rpg, then one paragraph beneath about the ooc environment and genre content
talk tags: controversial opinion–not necessary. i’ve seen some rpgs that have super full talk tags. and some rpgs where they are barren a f. depends on the genre and fanbase, i think. only you can measure if you will need one or not. but keep that in mind
discord group chat: some people love ‘em. some people hate ‘em. some groups make joining them mandatory. some don’t. in my groups, they’re the best place to bond ooc, plot, and get admin messages out quickly that maybe aren’t uber important enough to share on the main. like the talk tag, this is something to think about while making/dropping your rpg
how to open: YOU DECIDE WHAT YOU NEED TO OPEN. some rpgs choose a certain date. others choose a certain number of apps/members. it depends on not only the genre/rpg type, but the admins and their needs. don’t let anyone make that choice for you. and most importantly, THE WAIT IS WORTH IT. my most successful rpg took a month and a half to open because we waited for quality apps to get to the number we wanted. don’t sacrifice your amazing work because you’re too eager to open–a little patience goes a long way
constant admin activity: this is the last one because… it’s the one i’m a little controversial on. remember, please, these are my personal opinions and how i choose to open and drop my rpgs. before the rpg is open, if everything is complete and done and posted and i’m waiting for apps to open, i’ll post 1-2 times a day on the main that i’m around, happy to answer questions and take apps, etc. what i personally don’t do is share things like “i’m sitting here watching tv” or “just took a nap so send in asks” or similar things. i’m a friendly admin, but also like to maintain a bit of professionalism. but that’s me, personally. you can do what you want. some people like that type of post. the important thing, i think, is not posting more than 3 times a day?? it gets you in the tags but it also seems a little pining, imo. people will come, don’t worryand when you ARE open and active and roleplaying, admin activity on the main is something i strive for and think good, successful rpgs do as well. that way potential applicants and members know you’re still as dedicated as you were on opening day!
so…that’s my long-winded rant you definitely didn’t ask for. god i hope it helps just a little. shit is different for everyone my friend. you just gotta do you and find your flow and success will come in some form or another. it sounds ominous but you’ll know what i mean when you hit it!! i wish you the best of luck and let me know if there’s anything i can do for you!!
