NationStates Jolt Archive

With the rising discussion about exactly how to deal with newer players, and the ways that they roleplay, I figured it would be a good idea if we could put together a thread on how exactly they should be dealt with.

A. N00bs
A n00b is a player that either has no interest in learning the correct way of roleplaying (not that there is necessarily a 'correct' way to do it, just a proper way), or someone who is out to create humor, usually by creating a puppet nation, or even someone who really has no idea how to roleplay, and needs some guidance as to exactly how they can go about roleplaying in a proper fashion.

The "I Declare War!!11" thread
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=430506
This is an example of what a n00b does. They create a thread for something that absolutely no one will understand with absolutely no intentions of creating something appropriate out of it. This type of thread needs to be ignored, and reported to the moderators so that they can close it. Do not post in the thread and mock the poster or anyone participating in it.

B. Newbs
Newbs are players that make some sort of attempt at roleplaying, and have shown a willingness to learn by asking logical questions about the game, and by reading the stickies, and showing that they have by the way they roleplay. Many of the older players were considered newbs when they just started the game. It isn't a bad thing, to be called a newb. All it means is that you're new to the forum, and that you just need to get more familiar with the rules. Reading this: The One-Stop Rules Shop (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=416023) will help you to understand how this forum works.

C. The Difference Between N00bs and Newbs
There is a huge difference between both terms. A n00b is a very insulting term for classifying someone. An example of a n00b is someone who registers for the forums, posts a thread about declaring war on an enemy, and never coming to the forums again. They have no intention of actually getting to know the forums and how to roleplay, they just wanted to post something. N00bs aren't necessarily always new players. Some players decide to go into the forums for the first time many months after they created their nation. Just because your nations' population is big doesn't mean that you automatically aren't new.

Newbs are the newer blood of Nationstates, who could very well be the future of the website. They make an honest attempt to get to know the forums by reading the stickies, posting in threads, and refining their RP skills as they go along.

D. How To Respond Respectfully to N00bs in II
When you run across a thread in International Incidents where a nation "NUKES ZEH W0RLD", instead of lashing out, and calling them a n00b, give them constructive criticism.


Bad Response: OMG, You're such a n00b. This thread sucks!

This is just as bad as the poster. You didn't contribute anything meaningful to the thread. Posting such a thing makes you look like a n00b as well.


Good Response: If you're seriously considering becoming a regular, you should check up on the stickies in each forum and read the advice that they give you. Here's a link you might want to check out: II Consolidation Sticky (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=414035)

Once good advice is offered, or if the thread deteriorates because of OOC bickering or just others mocking the poster, it probably would be a good idea to request a lock on the thread.

Remember: The Moderators do no police roleplay. They will only close threads that are clearly spam.

Sometimes, there are some threads that its best to just not respond at all, especially if you feel like you're going to say something nasty about the poster. In that case, just report it to the moderators if you are positive that the thread will be considered spam.

Remember, responding in the right way could turn a n00b, who has no intentions of playing NS, into one of the best roleplayers that the site has seen. If you entered a forum and posted in it (not knowing all of the rules, but really wanting to try), and got flamed and beaten down for it, you probably wouldn't want to come back. Sincere and informative responses are really the only thing that we need here, to make sure that everyone is given a fair chance.


More Ways At Helping New Players
Another good way to help newer players to get used to NationStates is to start a roleplay with them, perhaps, a way to teach them on how to improve their own roleplaying skills. I know that when I first joined NationStates, and actually went into the forums, I posted in here about how my nation was peaceful (ironic because 99% of n00bs post about how they're going to declare war on everyone), but nevertheless, I got mocked, ridiculed, and called a 'another n00b'. Of course, after that, I didn't come back to the forums for a long time.

This sort of reaction can really get to a newer player, and bring their spirits down. I know that when I first seen that, I was a bit hurt, because I did try my best to create a roleplay. I read all of the stickies, and I even read other peoples' threads for a few weeks before posting, to actually get familiar with how other people post. What we need to do is make sure that, not only International Incidents, but all of the roleplay forums are ready and willing to take in newer players, help them with what they need to get more familiar with the forums, and build them up (hypothetically) so that they can go out on their own, and roleplay. I suppose you could say I'm introducing an analogy having to do with parents and their children, seeing as there are quite a lot of similarities. If we can eliminate the harsh words, and name calling from people when they see a new player make a post, then the forums can be a more friendly place.

I do understand though, that name calling will probably always exist, and that trying to eliminate it completely may not be a realistic goal, but we can always do our best to make sure that the newer players feel comfortable with coming into the forums, knowing that they are wanted.

Thank you for this information.... As new to the game find this is one of most informative post yet read... As when came in didn't have any idea about the rules... Read what thought was them but then found more as stepped on toes in my effort to get into the game.... I hope this thread stays around as have marked it for the links to places to read about how to play game.. I'm slowly stumbling my way around but as I find informaition like this it has made it easier for me to get around.... TKU,

Looking for more input, as to other methods of making a new player feel welcome to NationStates.

OOC:
While reading through it i noticed that you briefly touched upon helping them. I'm not sure if you can go deeper into that or not but that might be some good information to give out.

One thing I'd suggest doing is pointing newbs who are genuinely interested in learning how to RP properly toward examples of good RPs or good players who are willing to help a newb learn how to play this game.

Even if you don't necessarily point someone toward the Roleplay School (http://s6.invisionfree.com/RoleplaySchool), you might be able to point someone toward a helpful, high quality RPer like yourself or Automagfreek, people who have track records of being willing to help new players.

As examples of promising newbs, I don't know how much reading of the stickies El Caudillo did at the very beginning, but he/she knows someone who's played the game and seems comfortable with the differences between IC and OOC. I remember we once had a player whose country was called Silverrock whose first-ever I.I. post was absolutely brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, it hooked Generic Empire with the first two paragraphs. When I asked him about it, he said he thought a lot more people would sound competent if they just read the stickies before they started, which is what he did.

Ultimately, the best way you can really learn IMO is to pick someone who is really good and either consciously or unconsciously let them mentor you.

I just let professional writers be my guide, my RPs all have a story to them, and I try to tell it like my favorite authors would, alot of newbs could do worse than thinking like great writers, and I advise that everyone try writing at least one post like their favorite author, just to see the difference it makes.

I'd just like to say Euroslavia's stickie's have helped me a great deal in this game. Another fine piece of info all those who arent in the know... :)

i too want to learn how to become a great role-player

OOC:

I honestly don't think it's my responsibility to help everyone that posts in II. You don't see me posting in the "n00b I declare war on everyone" threads because, frankly, if a person is not inclined to feel the place out a bit before posting, then that is their problem and not mine. This is because I don't have the time and don't see myself as a policeman.

In the very beginning, I did some dumb assed posts but after getting a tongue lashing I lurked for a while. Then I joined the FKc and never looked back.

I think what may be needed is not just a simple "look at the sticky" response but to actually give newcomers a chance to join roleplays which means joining a story, as Euroslavia alluded to. Personally, I would find that a bit hard ICly (since I try to run my nation as a real-life nation and not as a person) but if someone has a great idea, I'm all ears.

Perhaps too many newcomers feel overwhelmed at the sheer volume of posts that occur and can't find a way to join in. And would a 5 million pop nation feel safe about meddling in the affairs of a 5 billion plus nation?

As well, a newcomer also has to shift through a lot of chaff before coming across a good region or good group of roleplayers. That's just the nature of the NS evironment when you have 100 000+ active nations (which doesn't mean active roleplaying nations).

I don't know if there are any easy answers to this, but there are newcomers that are quite successful in making a mark for themselves.

OOC:

I honestly don't think it's my responsibility to help everyone that posts in II. You don't see me posting in the "n00b I declare war on everyone" threads because, frankly, if a person is not inclined to feel the place out a bit before posting, then that is their problem and not mine.

In the very beginning, I did some dumb assed posts but after getting a tongue lashing I lurked for a while. Then I joined the FKc and never looked back.

I think what may be needed is not just a simple "look at the sticky" response but to actually give newcomers a chance to join roleplays which means joining a story. Perhaps too many newcomers feel overwhelmed at the sheer volume of posts that occur and can't find a way to join in. And would a 5 million pop nation feel safe about meddling in the affairs of a 5 billion plus nation?

As well, a newcomer also has to shift through a lot of chaff before coming across a good region or good group of roleplayers. That's just the nature of the NS evironment when you have 100 000+ active nations (which doesn't mean active roleplaying nations).

I will note that my second post was my AF attacking Doomingsland, then fighting him to a standstill, so obviously not every tiny nation is afraid of the giants.

I'm not saying that responding with 'read this' is necessary always going to help people, I'm just saying that in some cases, its a good way to point them in the right direction. Later on in the post, I talk about how others can contribute by offering their services in roleplaying with them, as well as inviting them into roleplays in order to get familiar with their own roleplaying style, and others. Of course, each new player is a case by case decision, depending on how if they really do intend on learning as much as they can to become a better roleplayer overall.

You're correct though, in saying that it isn't your responsibility in posting in the n00b threads, and in most cases, that's probably a good thing, if not the best thing to do, but sometimes, all a person really needs is assurance that they aren't going to become an outcast, and that others are willing to roleplay with them. That's why there are some people out there that are willing to go the extra step to make sure that newer players can feel a bit more welcome.

as a newb (not a noob) I think recomending new players start out slow is a great idea reading the stickies help but you really need to see how it's done several times before geeting into the swing of it I just hung around and looked at the post for two weeks before I decided to try my hand and I know i've more then likely made some mistakes but it's a bit easier to learn from them if you only have one or two threads to keep your eye on. and I only recently started my own thread (which has drifted away with only three post in it) and am trying to learn from that too before I try another.

.::BUMP::.

.::BUMP::.

thanks this is very true ,, this is happeing to me right now;( by McKagan he is being realy out of order calling me a noob saying i cant role play

soz to hijack this thread
but just giving an example

Autarkian noob (or newb, I'll leave that discussion up to you) thanks you for the info

Ya think that 'declare war' thread is bad, you should have seen We declare war on Kubra. It went, "We (Agayagay) have declared war on Kubra. Don't try to talk me out of this. We have launched one of our five nukes at Kubras capital city. The missile was fired at high speed so it would be very hard to hit." Talk about ignorance. The nation *cough*willnotsayname*cough* was deleted for another post on a different thread.

Hey Euro, why not just make this thread a sticky or put it in your sig?

here my few pennies contribution.

the easiest way for new people to get involved is to post up a fact book with some information about their nation.

if they're up for diplomatic activity then an embassy thread or foreign visit breaks them in gently.

Having followed several conflicts recently started by newbs and that had potential and deteriorated, while watching another that worked. The main difference I saw between them was all the participating nations understanding their military and economic situations and had a willingness to RP things out well. The problem of the other was the misunderstanding that the newer nation had when first introduced into NS tech, and didn't realise that attacking someone with RL equipment is not the best idea when your enemy has our slightly more advanced modern NS technology...

so in summary, it's a good thing for a newb to have a basic understanding of NS technology before they start a conflict, and they should be willing to take losses, and not just give up, and use it as a learning experience.

Now, to transfer that into what NSers can do:
1: If a newb doesn't understand NS tech, try to explain it to them nicely, or point them to a thread that does.
2: Encourage them to keep RPing even if their forces are going to loose

i have a problem
i have found this

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534178

how do i buy them? i dont see were i have money
and how do i use them? in maintaining order?

i have a problem
i have found this

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534178

how do i buy them? i dont see were i have money
and how do i use them? in maintaining order?

you post that you buy them

theamount of money you have, try to make it reasonable for a country like yours.

It should probably be noted that intro threads should NEVER be open, mostly because there are far too many people in II who will turn a newbie nation into a battleground for any reason at all, including no reason.

That's not true at all. There are certainly idiots but you can repel them with an ignore or an OOC note at the top of the thread. Having open threads is really the best way to become acclimated to the board.

That's not true at all. There are certainly idiots but you can repel them with an ignore or an OOC note at the top of the thread. Having open threads is really the best way to become acclimated to the board.

I dare you to find me more than one or two recent intro RPs, in any tech bracket, where someone does NOT try to invade the newbie for whatever reason. It's even worse in FT than in MT, of course...

I dare you to find me more than one or two recent intro RPs, in any tech bracket, where someone does NOT try to invade the newbie for whatever reason. It's even worse in FT than in MT, of course...

Read what I said about there certainly being idiots. Not that I agree that in any two intro threads I could find there is always someone trying to invade the newbie, but I acknowledge that some people like that exist and do cause trouble, what with experiencing it first hand. Open threads are a fascinating experience that can at times end in disaster, but that's as much the fault of an OP who doesn't enforce rules and ignores as it is the fault of the idiot who started all the trouble.

Hello, I am a newb (or noob, depending on your viewpoint). I am very interested in this, but have never done any RP before. There is still one thing I am yet to understand after reading the stickies: what are the meanings of FT, MT, PMT, IC,AMW etc. etc.

Thanks in advance :)

Welcome to NationStates, Kleomenes.


FT = Future Tech
MT = Modern Tech
PMT = Post Modern Tech (Also called NFT, Near Future Tech)
IC = In Character
The IC part of a thread is the roleplay, and is the opposite of OOC.
OOC: Out Of Character
The OOC part of a thread is generally used for planning, etc, and nothing said OOCly should be used in IC part of the RP.
AMW = A Modern World