Let’s start off with something a little different.
Roleplay advice. Each mod who runs this blog is a roleplayer ourselves, so we’ve been around the block as many of you also have, so, I thought perhaps from time to time we could share a little advice for you all, whether for new or old roleplayers alike.
Now, let’s talk about DUPLICATES.
Now, if you’ve taken your hand at a CANON CHARACTER you are more likely than not going to run across others who roleplay the same character. For some, that’s great! Some people love duplicates, love to do twin-aus or things of the sort, but for other people it can be intimidating, which also, is okay; and that’s what we’ll be talking about.
I know it may be difficult, but when coming across a duplicate, do not by any means compare YOURSELF to THEM, because, listen, everybody has a different take on a canon character, has their own unique headcanons and portrayals, and the beauty about that is, no one is perfect. Everyone is different. Everyone writes differently, everyone interprets things differently, it’s all up to the eye of the beholder.
Another do not advice I have is, do NOT belittle those who roleplay the same character as you because you think you are better, or that another person you know is better--because, come on, who is that going to help? Don’t act like YOUR interpretation is the only canon one, that you’re the top-dog, because I’m sorry, but you’re not. Do not act as if your headcanons are the BEST or are going to be CANON between you and other roleplayers of your character, because somebody else who roleplays that character may have a completely different set of headcanons, and all you’re going to do is make them question their thinking's if you put your word down as ‘canon’.
If you’re intimidated by other roleplayers of your character, that’s okay, no one is forcing you to interact with them or talk to them OOC or anything of the sort, just do your own thing, but be mindful of others. And unless your roleplayer partner ALREADY does EXCLUSIVES, do not force them to do so because you’re intimidated by others of your character; do not force your roleplay partner to bend their rules to make you comfortable because they themselves may not be comfortable with it.
Now, if you’re comfortable with it, interacting with duplicates can be fun! There are tons of possible aus that I’ve seen from duplicates interacting and they’re always great; and if you happen to have a duplicate you follow and they follow you, and you wanna interact with them? Shoot them a message, let them know! Because most likely they’ll wanna do it too, hence the following.
Treat your fellow roleplayers with respect and honesty, don’t nit-pick those the same as you, and don’t go on some power-trip trying to be the ‘alpha’, because in the end, that’ll only leave people with hurt feelings.
