Independent Spaces for RPG Discourse

[Joshua Randall]

The default setting is never changed by 90% of users. It matters, a lot.

That aside, for whatever reason, there does seem to be a fundamentally different tone of discussion on Reddit vs. real ( ) message boards.

 

[Joshua Randall]

Thought of a couple more @SlyFlourish

The Piazza - Index page

Giant in the Playground Forums - ostensibly for Order of the Stick discussion, but often has wide-ranging TTRPG discussion too.

 

[TheSword]

I find Reddit very good and use it for a few different hobbies, Both TTRPG and electronic games.

The nice thing about nested messages is that it allows people to go on tangents without derailing a whole thread. You can still have a continuous conversation it just doesn’t take over.

Another advantage of nested messages is that you often get an overview of opinions with the first root messages which are then are dealt with individually with people agreeing or disagreeing or developing a point.

The other nice thing about reddit is that order on the screen is based on a couple of things but upvotes is a big one. Responses that meet approval get seen first. Though the single page structure of a thread and the nesting means it’s easy to scroll down through dozens if not hundreds of messages if you’re interested in a specific one.

Reddit should definitely be on the list.

 

[Morrus]

I find Reddit very good and use it for a few different hobbies, Both TTRPG and electronic games.

The nice thing about nested messages is that it allows people to go on tangents without derailing a whole thread. You can still have a continuous conversation it just doesn’t take over.

The other nice thing about reddit is that order on the screen is based on a couple of things but upvotes is a big one. Responses that meet approval are get seen first. Though the single page structure of a thread and the nesting means it’s easy to scroll down through dozens if not hundreds of messages if you’re interested in a specific one.

Reddit should definitely be on the list.

It's not independent though, which I believe is the topic of the thread. Any subreddit is -- like a Facebook group -- owned by the tech company.

 

[TheSword]

It's not independent though, which I believe is the topic of the thread. Any subreddit is -- like a Facebook group -- owned by the tech company.

Oh. I thought it meant independent as in not operated by the company that made the product.

I was going to suggest Discord as well as there is an amazing fan made group on there for WFRP called the Ratter’s Guild. Though I’m guessing that wouldn’t count as independent either.

 

[Morrus]

Oh. I thought it meant independent as in not operated by the company that made the product.

Oh, maybe it does! That's just how I interpreted it. I could be wrong!

 

[TheSword]

Oh, maybe it does! That's just how I interpreted it. I could be wrong!

No I think you’re right. I read the blog post linked in the OP, and it talks about how Reddit and Discord aren’t good enough for them.

I agree with the bloggers criticisms largely. For the record I still think they’re also a great places to discuss stuff that maybe wouldn’t get enough traction on here because there isn’t a critical mass of interested folks.

 

[Piperken]

I was going to suggest Discord as well as there is an amazing fan made group on there for WFRP called the Ratter’s Guild. Though I’m guessing that wouldn’t count as independent either.

Yes, Yochai mentioned that ttrpg communities, particularly designers, but also just folks who may be seeking advice (e.g. How do I play/run X? I want to get into bullet point journals! What brands & pens do you like, etc.) are constellations whirling in their own discords.

Another point brought up was that Discord isn't structured as well for looking at abandoned threads, which remain good repositories of advice, suggestions and/or discussion.

For me, it's also hard to track conversations that are of interest at the time in Discord, esp. if the community is large. :3

 

[TheSword]

Yes, Yochai mentioned that ttrpg communities, particularly designers, but also just folks who may be seeking advice (e.g. How do I play/run X? I want to get into bullet point journals! What brands & pens do you like, etc.) are constellations whirling in their own discords.

Another point brought up was that Discord isn't structured as well for looking at abandoned threads, which remain good repositories of advice, suggestions and/or discussion.

For me, it's also hard to track conversations that are of interest at the time in Discord, esp. if the community is large. :3

Yes, Discord is great for gathering a group. Not great for following anything in detail. Though I think search function is better than Yochai claims. You just have to be really specific.

 

[Joshua Randall]

Search functions in general are irrelevant, because people will ask the same question that is easily answered via search, anyway.