Making Open Threads Work: An RC Guide

[hamlet]

``make 'em work!

Many find it difficult to be full of muse in completely open threads because usually they either involve someone just bumping into someone and having a chit chat or they involve just random characters coming together for no particular reason. And I have to admit, that is something I struggle with too -- how to enter and keep open threads going and active when there's no real set "plot" for them. However, open threads are important to get characters started, to get characters to meet other characters, and for RPers to step out of their own plots into something casual and low pressured. So here are some suggestions on how to make the most of an open thread.

``starting

There are a few things to note when you start an open thread.

1) People have to know about it in order to join in!

Since RC is active with many people doing their own thing, open threads can sometimes get over looked. You can prevent this by posting in the Open Roleplays section. Simply make a new topic, advertising the open thread and place a link to it.

Being proactive helps too! Dropping a line about it in the cbox will draw attention to it. Taking note of people who are bored and are looking for threads helps too.

2) Make a moving scene!

I find that what helps me a lot is to establish a flow for the thread. Instead of kind of having my character waltz in the thread without much going on, I make sure that I really envision or articulate what the character was doing BEFORE entering the thread. I try to make sure that the character has a REASON for being where he is in the open thread. Then already, my character isn't kind of just floating around waiting for something to happen.

Also, try not to make the setting too specific. For instance, don't set your character up in a cooking class if you're not sure if many characters are even interested in cooking, or interested enough to take a class. Give room in your thread for a wide range of characters to join.

3) Have a want!

Then I try to make sure my character has a specific want when making the thread. For example, Dally, in one thread, simply wanted to get some cigarettes. But interacting with the character prevented him from doing that for a while - which contributed towards tension. Dally's want eventually pushed the thread into some kind of movement (in that case, Dally dragged the guy to the gas station).

I also try to see if my want clashes or compliments the other characters' potential wants, then try to feed off of that. Perhaps in open threads, a bit of communication with the other rper (s) would help in establishing where each characters' wants will lead the thread.

4) Lead in!

Perhaps the person who makes the open thread can push muse along as well through their opening posts. Instead of just setting the scene, then sitting the character in that scene, then waiting for the next person to post, give the next person a lead in. Interact with "someone" before they even enter the thread. Its almost like a writing prompt. An example I can come up with on the top of my head is...

"...Sally watched the birds go by in central park, relaxing and thinking about how she is going to deal with all of the drama she had waiting at home. She really just wanted to be left alone and not be bothered. But then she heard someone shouting..."

That kind of style I've seen several places and I personally found that it works. The shouting could be the next person who posts, could be some randomer, could be anything. It gives the next person something to go off of.

``joining

Before you make an open thread, make sure that there aren't any open threads that you can possibly join already out there. A lot of the time, people keep making threads and never join them. Also, try not to fish through posts to find one where you're character "fits." The fun part is interacting with situations and people that which doesn't help your character "fit." Jump in and see what happens!

All the suggestions for starting a thread applies for joining one. It is especially important for the one joining to have a want too and to set the scene for their character.

``communication

If the thread starts to lose its muse and you want to continue, talk to the people in the thread. Try to brainstorm ideas about what could happen next or what you all want to accomplish with the thread.

``ending

Knowing when to end a thread is good too. Just because a thread is a page long doesn't mean its bad to end it. If both characters "got what they want" by 10 posts, then that's great! The thread is finished. Or if you feel like the thread has come to its natural ending, thats fine too.

I hope this helps!

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xoxo
the staff