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| The Anatomy of a Quality Post | |
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| Topic Started: Oct 14 2009, 03:52 PM (34 Views) | |
| Alandree | Oct 14 2009, 03:52 PM Post #1 |
 
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Thanks so much to dinn of the RPG Directory for writing this documentation. Please note that these are merely suggestions, and each post should be judged carefully in its own context of the thread it's in. Also note that these suggestions have nothing to do with how long or short your post should be, since here on OM, length does not necessarily equal quality. I highly recommend that everyone read this and take these suggestions into account. I know it's going to help me. :D But these are not rules, so don't feel responsible for following them to the letter. The Anatomy of a Quality Post Parts of a Good Post These components do not need to be addressed in this order, or as separate paragraphs or anything weird like that. So don't mistake my meaning. 1. Reaction Read! Read, read, read! Read all previous posts thoroughly and then react to what has happened. Remember, you don't need to react 'out loud' to every individual action. Make a writerly choice about what specifically is worth reacting to. React with internal dialog. Notice things in your own narration. Be sure to integrate any changes in environment (closed doors, someone standing up, dragon now breathing fire, etc) into what you write. When you pay attention to what others have written, not only does it give your fellow writers a warm fuzzy feeling, it binds your post to theirs in an inextricable way. 2. New Action Something needs to occur in the post to move the thread forward. Introduce something new. New dialog, new action. Something must happen. One common pitfall is to write a great deal reacting to what has already happened in the thread and the post ends without pushing forward in time. Always push the thread forward in time, give your fellow writers something new. 3. Internal Dialog Describe what your character thinks and feels about what is going on around them and the actions they decide to take. This doesn't always mean a lengthy flashback, of course. Traits of a Good Post 1. Good Pacing The post moves along and is fun to read. Not too much time is spent on any one thing. The post doesn't take up too much 'time' nor does it occupy 'zero' time. There is a good balance of internal action and actual action. The post is both introspective and filled with happening. 2. Correctness & Clarity The grammar and spelling are correct. Paragraph breaks are logical and make the post easy to read. It is clear who is talking and what has happened. The details of the post are also logical considering the characters and setting. Technically, the post does not break rules like deviating from canon, god-modding or restricted material. 3. Rich Narration The writing is interesting and goes beyond basic dictation of action. There is ample, relevant detail (not too much! Be picky!). Sentences are varied and cliches are avoided. The writer has come up with a creative perspective or way of describing something mundane. The writer is able to trade deftly between direct and indirect dialog 4. Tone & Style The writer is not only able to write about what their character does, but their writing is in the style and tone appropriate to their character. Lofty Ministry officials will not only speak in elevated tones, but the description surrounding them will also carry that same overtures. He or she will also notice things a different character might not, or vice versa. Perhaps a skewed tea cup would catch her eye. 5. EFFICIENCY The writer has made deliberate choices about what to include and what to omit. Only write about what is relevant and what is important. Don't mention things that are merely trivia. Role-players should be choosy about when to flash back, or when to speak about their characters' hair. A Few Things to Avoid Too many Don'ts can be tiresome, so here are just a few. 1. Overlap Avoid excess overlap between your post and the ones before. You should spend the majority of your post in the present, and only a small part ruminating over past events in the thread. 2. Beginning Threads With Boring Situations No one is likely to join a thread where nothing is happening. Steer well clear of reading by the lake, looking for something to do, or bumping into someone random. Begin your threads with purpose! Don't wait around for something interesting to happen to you. 3. Dialog Splinching Documentation by dinn of RPG-D and Absit Omen. |
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