A poll to my friends list: HP_Dungeon readers and not.

[icarus]

Are you reading hp_dungeons?

Here's what I'm finding in the RPG madness:

- It breaks inertia with fresh insights, input.
- It gives you the chance to work with many excellent writers, all at once.
- It is a like a movie set. Hurry up and wait, completely messes with your schedule.
- It is a tremendous time-sink.
- It develops some bad writing habits, dependency, and breaks down story structure as the story is pulled between several people.
- It is addictive.
- It concentrates your energy for a small readership; everyone else is left out in the cold.
- It's ephemeral. Once you write it, it's gone. People don't look back and read it later.
- It reduces your story to 'attention grabbers', there's a flattening that happens over time that I can't explain, except it seems to be related to the story structure being pulled in many directions.
- It has politics behind the scenes.
- It is well-nigh impossible to write your own fanfic while you're doing an RPG (at least that's what I find).

What do you think?

Are you waiting for stories that don't seem to be coming?

Are your RPG experiences similar? Different?

Comments

[tjstein.livejournal.com]

I've been following this RPG since you first mentioned it. I've enjoyed it a great deal...especially Percy. He's the first RPG character I've seen that breaks the mold.

While it certainly is addictive and a huge time-eater. I've found that I feel a bit queasy after reading a bit too much of it. Kinda like having too much really good chocolate, you know?

- It develops some bad writing habits, dependency, and breaks down story structure as the story is pulled between several people.
This is quite true. There is one characterization in particular that drives me up the wall (not Percy). Entries that belie the character's intelligence and many contradictions.

- It's ephemeral. Once you write it, it's gone. People don't look back and read it later.
I've reread a few things here and there. Will I a year from now? Doubtful...I'll be too busy rereading Primer.

Are you waiting for stories that don't seem to be coming?
Besides Snape Manor, right? ;) Actually, when I first read a little about each character...I was hoping to see more of Hermoine's story of her reluctance to to marry Ron and put her career on the back burner...feeling pressured by Molly, et al...but that seemed to be abandoned for the slash.

Are your RPG experiences similar? Different?
I've only read/observed other RPGs, but from that perspective...I'd have to agree with you. I do enjoy Percy a great deal. But I miss seeing your fic here.