Step 1: Download Firefox. (and use it!)
Firefox is an alternative to Internet Explorer that will help you in many ways as you move along on the road to epic forum roleplay.
Don't Use Me!
It will fix your spelling mistakes.
Yep, that's right - automatically! Any time you're writing a post, it will underline any spelling boo-boos in red for you. You can right click the word and it will suggest the correct spelling, before you click "Submit" so you don't look illiterate.
It's less distracting.
There's only a couple bars on Firefox - so you'll be able to focus on and spend quality time with each of your posts. In fact, that brings me to one of the coolest features of Firefox...
You can search for things without any extra toolbars! Which means you can even get definitions for words you don't understand, just by doing quick searches. Or you could even search for pictures to include in your posts, or maybe even research something that you're writing about so you look like a smarty pants.
And as an added bonus, Firefox will help prevent your computer from getting viruses! Doesn't that make you want to cuddle it? *pets cute little Firefox*
Step 2: Slow down!
You've typed out the most-awesome reply to your favorite roleplay, and you're getting ready to click the submit button. Stop!
Did you proofread the post at least once?
Sometimes you can make a mistake and not even notice! Hit that Preview button to make sure your post looks good. You might have forgotten to capitalize a name, or you might have made a typing mistake. You'll want to correct these before anyone else sees your post!
Is it too short?
Holy cow! Make sure your post takes up more space than your signature - if you see that your post is shorter than this, try writing just a bit more. Remember, this is a forum and not a chat - if you find that you are making really short posts, suggest to your fellow friends that you move to the chat to continue roleplaying.
Remember, forum posts are available for everyone to see. Forever.
Any time someone searches for you, they will find your posts! Think about what your parents (or potential employer!) would think if they read your post. Are you posting something that you would be proud of, or are you posting something that you wouldn't want your grandparents to see? Think carefully, posts on forums are permanent, but chat posts go away quickly.
Step 3: Collaborate.
Remember, forum topics involve more than one person. If you're going to be posting, you're going to need to work with other people!
Start an OOC (Out Of Character) discussion with the other players.
If you don't know where to go next, go ahead and start a discussion with the other players using PM (private message) or start a new OOC thread to have a public discussion about the roleplay! This really helps when you're not sure what you need to be doing, and it keeps the roleplay clean and easy to read.
Respect the other players!
Don't forget how much time you put into your character, and remember that other people do the same for their characters! Don't ever do something to another player's character without asking them first. Remember to work with (collaborate!) your fellow players, even when you're fighting one another.
Step 4: Listen.
Other people have some great ideas and suggestions, especially if you ask for them! You can learn a lot from other players who are more experienced than you.
Sometimes it helps to look around.
Flip through a couple pages of someone else's successful roleplay, and ask yourself "What made this roleplay so good?" -- then identify how you can learn from what they did. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
You can learn a lot from everyone.
All other players have their own experiences to share, even other beginners like yourself. Sit down and listen to their story, too - you could gain some valuable pointers.
That's all, folks!
Have anything to add? Have a suggestion for other beginners to forum roleplay? Discuss here.
Otherwise, get out there and start playing!