Evie Davis
Witch
Salem Screamer Advice Columnist
Black Velvet
Posts: 51
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Post by Evie Davis on Jul 9, 2007 21:44:30 GMT -5
Now, I know that we're all supposed to stick it to 'em, but there hasn't been anyone to stick it to yet. Does it interesting, or even God forbid worry, anyone that nobody is rping a government official? Yes, we have aurors, but I'm sure they'd like a higher up to trash or even humbly prostrate themselves to in loyal obedience. *cough*
Also, has anyone noticed the serious lack of old people here? Okay, I was about to bash on everyone, but I realized we have some fairly solid demographics. Middle age does exist at the school, seeing as most people can't teach until they're old and wise. Very few people have darkened that bleak door way of *dun dun dun* Over. The Hill. *le gasp!*
Is anyone bothered by the fact that the oldest the shopkeepers go is the dim dark corners of their late twenties? I think there may be one 30-ish year old, but that's about it. Apparently you can't own a shop unless you're a hot (single) studmuffin on the prowl. I'm sorry, that's unfair. I know my own Evie is looking a bit grim at an aged 28. I'm pointing the finger at myself as well. Personally I'm judging this off my own opinions, so feel free to point at me too and say "I'm not like that!"
Seriously. I'm not trying to bash...I'm just noticing something funny in a somewhat negative manner. I know this site is young, (excuse the pun), but I was wondering if we could get a few old geezers around as well, that way the other lonely geezers could find someone to rp with unless they're just that hip and party with Tristan every night. That's cool too, by the way.
I'm just wondering if we'll get a government up (and if it'll actually matter whether we do or not) and a greater variety of characters (not that there's anything wrong with the ones we have now).
Alisha thought out some kickin' demographics, and I think we should all take a peek again.
Age Groups
0-18: 26%
19-30: 22%
31-50: 35%
50+: 17%
Families
Married (Without children): 21.6%
Married (With Children): 27%
Single parents: 14.4%
Unmarried (Living together): 11.5%
Unmarried (Living Alone): 16%
Extended families: 9.5%
Please remember, I'm not trying to bash anyone or point anyone out.I'm just wondering if this should be a concern. If not, then please kindly tell me to turn my wondering thoughts elsewhere and have a great time rping.
By the way, please feel free to correct me if I'm blatantly wrong.
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Gabrielle Blagden
Administrator
Dean Of SWIM, Ferret Animagus, Admin Goddess
Do you find yourself amusing?
Posts: 855
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Post by Gabrielle Blagden on Jul 9, 2007 22:25:16 GMT -5
I totally agree with you! Gabs and Mik are the oldest people here T^T... I think... gods I don't remember. No one who is active is older anyways.
I would prefer people did try to keep it realistic with the ages. I mean, we do need a decent age demographic to make the site more realistic. But there lies the issue that I have had consistantly with this site, making it realistic. We had actual classes being taught and homework... but no one wanted to do it. Because it was too close to real life.
As much as I agree that the ages do need to be varied, I also understand that a select few people will agree to it. They want to play their fantasy out... or be someone they are not... or just have fun playing a character. And unfortunatly, few people can or want to do that with an old person.
I would love to instate a rule that to every young character a person must also play an older one... but I doubt many people will want to join. *Sighs* Thus is the fate of Forum RPGs. Get too strict and the "Just play now and then for kicks" people get pissed and leave.
But I do agree... we should find a way to encourage older characters.... Maybe age restrictions on certain jobs?
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Michelle Kimbell
Teacher
Practical Magic Teacher
The only bad thought is one that hasn't been thunk
Posts: 120
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Post by Michelle Kimbell on Jul 9, 2007 22:31:53 GMT -5
Well, I have Penny, and she's rather old...
I think, judging by my experience with rping old people, that for some people, old just isn't as much fun. I mean, how many people in their eighties are out at the clubs? People think that all old people are good for is sitting around drawing retirement or maybe teach a class now and then.
I do agree that there should be more people around here who try and rp old people, if only to see that it is much more fun than some may think.
As for the Government Officials, I reeeeeeally want to try one, but I was thinking that maybe I shouldn't until after we get the new site... I don't want to steal all the good jobs, you know. In fact, I would really like a job that's really up there, like the Mayor or Vice Mayor, only because that would command a lot of power, and that's what I crave lol.
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Evie Davis
Witch
Salem Screamer Advice Columnist
Black Velvet
Posts: 51
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Post by Evie Davis on Jul 9, 2007 22:37:17 GMT -5
Yay! I agree about the age restrictions, at least for teachers. But they're doing reasonably well, in my opinion. As for shopkeepers, who is really running and maintaining a successful business on their own fresh out of "SWIM?" At least not one as well-established as some of the shops in Salem's Peak.
As for the families issue (shameless self-promotion here) I'm creating an older character (if I can pull it off), that if anyone would like, they could be related to for the sake of establish family and credibility. I warn you though, she's not your sweet, come here get a cookie, lady.
(Shameless self-promotion over)
Anyways, I know that personally, I love living through my characters because God knows they have a far more active social life than I do, but I do like to see a bit of reality in this. If one person's a dramaslutwhore and another's simply a replica of the two dozen other shy sensitive but hidden tigresses waiting for some god of a man to buy them coffee, then I lose interest. I stop caring about their storylines, and thus stop caring about the end-all plot, and finally stop caring at all.
But that's just me. Way off topic.
Age restrictions: Sensible. Bill Gates didn't make a million his first year out of college. (I don't think)
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Michelle Kimbell
Teacher
Practical Magic Teacher
The only bad thought is one that hasn't been thunk
Posts: 120
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Post by Michelle Kimbell on Jul 9, 2007 23:09:21 GMT -5
Actually, to me it isn't just about having older characters, it's about having realistic characters. I mean, me included, some of the characters around here just seem fake. The players either make the character too perfect or have too many flaws. Which in itself brings up having older characters, because not every person is a beautiful, pro quidditch playing, 21 year old.
As for families, all my charries have family on the board. lol.
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Gabrielle Blagden
Administrator
Dean Of SWIM, Ferret Animagus, Admin Goddess
Do you find yourself amusing?
Posts: 855
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Post by Gabrielle Blagden on Jul 9, 2007 23:29:59 GMT -5
I think what we may do is limit the number of people who copy histories.... Like we can have a few "I was rich so I bought a company and became richer" a few "I am a genius and made it rich quickly" and a few "I am struggling, but here it is, I am doing alright." There can be family businesses as well...but other then that, you would either have to work as a manager or clerk of a chain store if you were young or be older to own your own business. At least, we might try that out. It will be something we need to discuss as a admin group.
As for the Government officials. The only ones up to being RPed will be the Salem's Peak ones. Main Government (President, Vice President, etc) Will be admin positions, since they are important to the story but not ones that will be RPed often.
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Post by Natasha on Jul 9, 2007 23:37:28 GMT -5
The thing is... is that people will RP what they are comfortable with. For some people, it's easier to escape the realities of life and make the perfect character... Now, perhaps with the new site, we can encourage something deeper to someones personality. As someone who has worked with countless mm... crazy seems too nice of a word... well, regardless, there are reasons for the way people are. If someone is perfect, there is something wrong underneath everything that is causing them to be that way. If my character seems happy go lucky, I have it plainly obvious (I sure hope so) that there is something wrong underneath. And if they are absolutely crazy on the outside (kind of like Frankie here), then it means they are more normal, just have normal drama with a little extra added in. As far as having an... 'older' population, we need more people in general. A large majority of the RPers are young and want to play young people. I do try to keep mine... well, anyway, I might not want to play an old geezer, but someone coming along that happens to love our site may think that's all we need. Yes, more old people will make the world go round, but it won't go anywhere without a strong foundation... So I say maybe if we kept that foundation, then the rest would fill in. As for government officials... The new site, and things we've come up with for it, give a lot more diversity and options as far as positions available, who can play what, etc etc, blah blah. I mean, it seems silly at this point (in my silly mind) to make a character for a government position that may not be there in a month. Love new people, of course, but maybe getting a solid idea of what one would WANT to play, get ready for it, but wait until new guidelines or application is up, you know? I think with the site being more... centered on society versus school, we'll get a more broad range of people and ages. Because if you are doing just a school based RP, then it would seem that you'd have mostly kids and adults, probably near the same age, on some area of the older person spectrum. So I expect to see a great difference in response once we change the focus of the site. I think this has been my most thought out response to any thread topic... I need to say something to throw it all back... Banana cores rock my purple pantie hose. How's that?
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Evie Davis
Witch
Salem Screamer Advice Columnist
Black Velvet
Posts: 51
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Post by Evie Davis on Jul 9, 2007 23:43:39 GMT -5
By the way, that's a really...really cute pic of James Franco. He looks so cute and innocent, like a puppy...
ANYWAYS.
I suppose it's a bit of my fault for raising all the hubub since originally I had mistaken the town of Salem's Peak as a smaller, quieter version of Mayberry, minus Gomer Pyle. Seeing as SP is actually a thriving metropolis, I have realized that my need for old people would not apply in Salem's Peak.
I am also incredibly patient, but I will wait for more guidelines regarding the situation of government officials. And yes, your psychological analysis of all our minds is probably right on target.
But...
I'm still making a kickin' older woman. I'd also like her to be on the city council. Would that be alright? And where should I post her app if she might also be a shopkeeper as well.
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Gabrielle Blagden
Administrator
Dean Of SWIM, Ferret Animagus, Admin Goddess
Do you find yourself amusing?
Posts: 855
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Post by Gabrielle Blagden on Jul 10, 2007 0:02:31 GMT -5
LOL see we can all get along! LOL
Well hold on right now... we need to figure stuff out first... like Tasha said, why apply for a character that may not be available with the new site? We will get the new apps up ASAP!
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