Play by Post: what should it look like?

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shipwreck
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Re: Play by Post: what should it look like?

Post by shipwreck » Mon Sep 22, 2014 1:25 pm

First, you're doing a fine job over at our game EC. And you're right: the tech just isn't there. We do the signature thing over on Plothook and as long as everyone keeps up with it it is an easy 'character sheet at a glance' type thing.

Timing is hard. On the one hand, you want the players to do the lifting for their characters but sometimes a nudge (or push) is needed. I'm probably less experienced than you but if a player hasn't replied/updated in a few days and I'm ready to go I just shove off and narrate some more or present tests/tasks.

But what would it take to develop an app (or just customize a PHPBB board) specifically for TOR? If such a project arises I'm keen to help -- I don't know much about code but I take direction well :)
Elfcrusher wrote:But maybe the most important difference is that in D&D the goal is to build wtfpwn demi-god characters. In TOR the goal is to stay alive long enough to tell a good story.
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Glorelendil
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Re: Play by Post: what should it look like?

Post by Glorelendil » Mon Sep 22, 2014 7:01 pm

If I ever tackle such a project it would be with some serious VC money. Although maybe a Kickstarter would be a great way to build a beta.

One of my beliefs about this idea is that if it is done correctly it would be an amazing tool for teaching writing at the middle school (and up) level. So I could see taking this to the various educational foundations/philanthropies and getting them to fund it. I'll have to have proof-of-concept research lined up, though.
The Munchkin Formerly Known as Elfcrusher
Journey Computer | Combat Simulator | Bestiary | Weapon Calculator
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shipwreck
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Re: Play by Post: what should it look like?

Post by shipwreck » Mon Sep 22, 2014 8:14 pm

I happen to be a middle school teacher, so get in touch when the time comes.
Elfcrusher wrote:But maybe the most important difference is that in D&D the goal is to build wtfpwn demi-god characters. In TOR the goal is to stay alive long enough to tell a good story.
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Glorelendil
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Re: Play by Post: what should it look like?

Post by Glorelendil » Mon Sep 22, 2014 8:16 pm

shipwreck wrote:I happen to be a middle school teacher, so get in touch when the time comes.
Well damn let's test it on your students. Find 4-5 of them that need work on their writing, who you think would like the topic, and let's jointly LM a game. (Or DM a game with D&D or something.)

On a side note, I was visiting a 5th grade class this morning during language arts block, and I asked the teacher, "Is the Hobbit the right level for them, or too hard?" Turns out like half the class had read it...and loved it. Warmed my little heart.

EDIT: To clarify, my goal would be to look at before/after writing skills, using the awkward-but-doable existing PbP sites. If we can show that writing skills improve noticeably the foundations (e.g. Gates) will be all over it.
The Munchkin Formerly Known as Elfcrusher
Journey Computer | Combat Simulator | Bestiary | Weapon Calculator
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