Jump to content

Thoughts on word count


Ice
 Share

Recommended Posts

I don't really believe in word count, anymore. I used to think having a word count really pushed people to post good, hearty posts that their partner could work off of. But I've realized over the years that some people just don't put a lot of filler in their posts. I personally like bigger posts with written out scenes and getting a good feel for the character/atmosphere. But I also understand some people don't like that, or can't accomplish that. So the way I see it anymore is that as long as your partner has something to work off of to give you a post back..no word count needed.

  • Like 1

Pern's New Era is upon us..

 

 

Pern's New Era.png

Jcink Premium, 1+ Years

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

Not a fan of required word count. I think it can be polite to give your role play partner what they give you, but I also believe in quality over quantity at this point. I'm here to have a fun time, not feel like I have to write a novel every day. Of course, there are times when the muse hits great and I'll type a ton. But I also don't expect people to type a huge amount. As long as I have something to go off of.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I would have to agree with many of these members here, as a wodcount is definitely a turnoff for any potential rp site for me. I've tried using it on previous sites I've run, but it never worked well and often turned our to be a disaster in the long run. 

<center><a href="http://swaurp.jcink.net"><img src="https://img.nickpic.host/5mGCep.png" width="1150" height="350" /></A>
[[URL=http://rpg-directory.com/index.php?act=ST&f=284&t=106127]Character Wanted Ad[/URL]  |[URL=http://rpg-directory.com/index.php?act=ST&f=286&t=106128]Staff Search[/URL] | [URL=http://rpg-directory.com/index.php?showtopic=106129]Affiliate Request[/URL]]   </center>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I am not a fan of word counts. I believe they push potential writers away because even those who feel confident that they are capable of reaching the word count every time without a struggle feel restricted, and those who aren't certain that they can reach it don't feel able to join. I can easily write 500+ words on a post if I want to, but there are times when I drop below that number, and I would prefer a site where I can feel comfortable falling below the word count without having to worry — it would be absurd to be nervous about not hitting the count because I wrote 490 words when that should be considered perfectly acceptable. It should never be about how much you write when it's supposed to be a fun experience.

 

Instead of word counts, I'm much more a fan of stating a site level. For example, listing one's site as being for intermediate to advanced writers. This method doesn't give strict limitations while still setting an expectation for the quality of the writing and giving potential members an indication of what the other writers on the site is like in a way that a strict word count does not. That way, someone can still feel comfortable if the muse only gives them enough to write 300 words for a scene as opposed to 500. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Personally, I like to try to match the length of the post that I'm responding to, but as far as other people posting for me, I don't really care how long it is as long as there's something for me to respond to/something to keep the thread moving forward. Overall, I care about quality more than quantity.

Traverse

an 18+ original sci-fi/fantasy rp

multiple worlds | magical abilities | open lore

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Word counts can have their place. They serve a function of forcing newer writers to add more to their posts so they aren't consistently delivering one sentence responses. However, I am not a huge fan of them as sometimes the perfect reply in the moment is short. As long as everyone is providing enough in their posts to give the other person or people something to work with it is fine. I tend to find Two paragraphs tends to be a pretty solid minimum under normal circumstances and have found that's where rapid fire posting finds its rhythm.  

 

On MRO we state that there is no word count. We've seen more issues with players writing several paragraphs with a few hundred words and not saying anything of value that their RP partner could use.  Kind of like when an assignment in high school has a word count, students tend to fill with fluff to pad out the length instead of adding actual content.  Instead, only our strongest writers have pushed the bounds of short posts on occasion and generally they have worked well, fitting perfectly into the emotional weight of the scene.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As others have mentioned, I also have mixed feelings on word counts. Most of the sites I have played on were considered advanced sites which means excellent grammar and expectations that you would provide more than one line posts that had quality and substance. I've been on sites that ranged from 300-500 word minimums and I personally have been fine. I usually aim for at least 500 words a post as a personal challenge and preference. 

 

On the other hand, I also understand that word counts can be a turn off for good writers who are quality RP partners. I've played with many people that have given quality posts that were barely, if even 300 words.

 

That said, I don't really have a preference. I do tend to lean towards at least having a small minimum but do understand why so many are doing away with them now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

i think they are fine depending on which site you join and how comfortable you as a member are doing said word count. i personally don't like big word counts, there are some days where i want to post but dont have the energy to type 1000 words. i keep the word count on my site at 100 words, at least that way you can put something out there and keep things going 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

I don't like required word count. I don't think it really pushes me to produce higher-quality work. Perhaps that's the case for some people but I know for me, once I had written what I wanted written, I'd be looking for contractions to un-contract to just hit that word count. 😕 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I used to be all about word count, but that led me down to a really toxic mentality where I would never consider my posts good enough if they were under a thousand words and really pushed myself. I ended up not having fun RPing anymore because of it and stopped doing forum RP for a long time.

My current mentality about it is that to me RP is a hobby; I'm not here to write novels or to compete with anyone (not even myself). Sometimes I'll write a really long flowery post and sometimes I'll write something short and simple, and as long as the post gives my RP partner something to work with and reply to, I think that that's okay!

spacer.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use, Guidelines and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.