Arkhandus said:
I don't understand the rabid opposition to roleplaying online, particularly through chat-based programs. We who play and DM this way still enjoy it, and the others in our groups do. It's certainly a lot better than not playing D&D at all.
I wouldn't call myself rabidly opposed, just completely uninterested. It's not that I'm technically challenged or living in the stone age, either (I write software for a living). I have no problem with someone else playing online -- if you enjoy it, that's great. I won't be doing it, though, for the following reasons:
- I prefer face-to-face social interaction: sitting around the table, sharing snacks, etc. That's true of role-playing in particular, but it's also true as a general rule. I'd rather go have coffee with someone rather than chat on the phone, for example.
- If I can't role-play around a table (for lack of players, for example), I'd rather do something else where I can maximize my enjoyment, instead of "settling for" a lower-quality (IMO) role-playing experience. Role-playing is only one of my options for recreation, not something I absolutely must find a way to do. In reality though, I don't find lack of players to be a problem, so it's not an issue.
- I spend all day sitting at a computer. The last thing I want is more computer time -- especially hours of it.
- If I *am* going to play a game on the computer, I'd rather play something that was designed for a computer and that takes advantage of everything a computer has to offer.
I think this is just one of those things that boils down to preference, so arguing over the particulars, making cases for online play being "just as good (or even better)," etc. is kind of pointless, IMO.