So you’ve started an Indie and you want to reach out to some potential partners? Or maybe you want some more partners and have seen someone you want to reach out to? These are a few tips and tricks. These are ones that I personally have found work for me (and these are things I have experienced more than once), but they may not work for everyone. So these are just some things to keep in mind, especially if you’re the one making first contact.
First things first: check if your potential partner has a rules page. Read it. An indie roleplayer’s rules aren’t just there for the fun of it. They are there to establish boundaries, and your page is a place for you to establish your own. If your rules aren’t compatible with theirs, this is not the partner for you. Boundaries are very important in creating a cohesive partnership.
Check your potential partner’s muses page. If there is information on the muse that you want to write with: read the bio. If the bio has triggers that you’re not comfortable with, they might not be a character that you want to write with. Remember that the FC is not the character.
Start by introducing yourself. It’s a little thing but I know a lot of players like to know their partners names.
Have some kind of a plot idea in mind. Don’t message them and then expect them to do all of the heavy lifting. It’s okay if you only have a vague idea that can be built on, just have some kind of idea.
If you’re approaching a multi-muse, know which character or selection of characters you would like some kind of plot with. Read their bios and see who would fit in with your plot. If you’re also a multi-muse, know who you plan to use. It makes things a hell of a lot easier for both of you.
At the same time, remember that some people have face claims that they are not comfortable roleplaying with. Look for that list before you message them so you don’t suggest someone they have banned. Also if you see your favourite FC on their banned list, don’t message them asking them to change their minds. Respect their wishes and go looking for another FC or someone else to RP with.
Some people only like interacting with multi-muse blogs, some people don’t like interacting with them at all. If you can see on their rules that they more than likely won’t roleplay with you, you will only be setting yourself up for rejection.
If your potential partner has starters open to non-mutuals, answer one. Sometimes just answering a starter can break the ice a little bit easier. This is also handy if you’re not so much a person who thrives with messaging first. So many people do not have expiry dates on their open starters.
Never ever EVER ask someone who does not know you from a bar of soap to bend their rules or change their muse for you.
Remember that it is okay for the other player to say no. This is a hobby. Don't be rude if they say no, move on.
If you violate someone's boundaries whether intentional or not and they block you, MOVE ON. Don't make another blog to go and harass them because they did.
On the other side of it, don't let anyone shame you for having boundaries. It is okay to want to be comfortable in the RPC. I personally find writing smut uncomfortable, and cannot tell you how often people try to get me to change my mind. Don't be afraid to block.
