I would have thought it's about the gameplay. It's just that the thrill feels like it's in the big events, and in how they conclude. How we play is one thing, but every detail, including the finish, feels like an exhiliration.
I think that this is one of the great differences between DF and a role-playing game. A role-playing game should provide exhilaration and big climactic events, since those experiences are part of the expectations we have come to have of such games. But DF is much more than a role-playing game, even the ones that exist online. DF is a living, evolving community whose existence depends on the sensitivity and responsiveness each author brings to the table. In this sense it is more like a garden than a recreational activity. The experiences may be more subtle, but I believe that they are infinity more satisfying in the long run, both because of the excellent company and the because of the ongoing tapestry of creativity that is unfolding.
We have had many people "join" DF and attempt to write with us. Some have done well and others have... well, have not done as well. I cannot say that I completely understand what makes a successful author within DF, but I can offer a few insights. As I said, DF is a community and like any community there are relationships, rules, history, and a common vision. The relationships are both between the authors and between the authors and the various characters. In terms of the story and the characters, I think we are all protective about the things we create and want them to be acknowledged in a positive way. It is about respect, isn't it?
In the same way, I believe that people who are successful at writing in DF are respectful of the DF community. Because it is a virtual community, there are only a few ways that people can communicate this respect. As others have mentioned, reading the past history of the story, or starting out slow in terms of changing the plot, or checking in with other authors before doing something that will affect their character are some of these ways. On the other hand, not doing these things could be interpreted as disrespectful.
Based on my past experiences with the people in DF, I can say that they really do try to welcome new authors and work with them. If it has gotten to the point where they are having to say something to you publicly about your behavior, then you should really consider that you have crossed the line and are probably upsetting people. I do not mean this to be unduly harsh, but I do mean this to be a very straightforward communication. While I do not post very often in DF, I have both a great amount of respect and affection for the people here and a great deal invested in this story. Ysh, DW, Scyade, Gwally, BS and the others always try to handle these matters in a kind and tactful way. For instance, that Ysh would take two hours out of her day to write something to you is an extraordinary gift, one I hope that you appreciate. Despite these attempts at diplomacy, however, I have often seen that people will miss the point. I want to insure that you do not.
You are a guest here. As a guest you do not, for example, wander into someone’s kitchen and expect that you will be making Thanksgiving dinner. There is a process that happens over time that will result in that invitation being extended, perhaps… but that invitation is earned through a series of behaviors that indicates some humility and a willingness to play nice with others. Likewise, I think it is a bit rash to think that a story that has been in creation for a good many years is going to suddenly re-organize itself around an individual character. I don’t think there is anyone who would not like to be a hero, but the focus of community life it not about providing such opportunities, unlike a role-playing game. In my mind, the focus of community life is about channeling a force that provides for health, learning, support, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. For me, that force is love.
I want to be clear that this has nothing to do with your creativity, your passion, or your skill as a writer. This has to do with respect and sensitivity toward the other people who are part of the community around you. I invite you to take part in this process and experience all that DF has to offer. It does take a fair amount of patience, curiosity, and investigation for this to occur, but I believe that the rewards you will reap from this process will far exceed anything you may experience anywhere else on the Internet. And yes, I am a bit biased.
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