For those who feel that this was a valid "discussion" initially, allow me to show that it clearly is not via the already established rights granted via
Player Rights that every member is given upon joining the site and maintain as long as they are actively RPing. Specifically, the reason this discussion of "defining consent" is not a discussion that should be had within this context is due to the nature surrounding it and that the player's fundamental rights are being contested.
The following rights protect the person and are effectively why this entire argument/discussion/whatever you want to call this shouldn't have been here and needs to be resolved via staff/private discussion.
- I have the right to ask for a retcon or edit of the last RP session, if I feel my character was played incorrectly or left out at a vital time.
- I have the right to take my character with me to another plot if I have problems with her current plot or its game master, without worry of my plot GM using his position to get revenge.
- I have the right to refuse any roleplay that makes me uncomfortable, especially sexual or strongly violent role-play, without negative consequences on my character or myself.
So yes, my point is that this is not discussion about the roleplay.
I see, so perhaps this should be more of a question regarding etiquette. Let me rephrase these questions.
So now I ask the community, at what point do we determine that a post is canonical regardless of player activity?
At what point do we determine that a member has made a commitment to see a plot through to the end without screwing everyone over by pulling his consent because all of a sudden he feels inclined to leave for whatever reason?
And finally, when two plots scrape against each other with conflicting continuity are the GM's obligated to work with each other to correct the plot hole since they're not really just players at that point, they are actually taking a leading role?
And a new question, how do players feel when someone pulls the carpet out from under their feet?
This is now about etiquette. Please keep answers to what you feel is socially accepted, not just what the player rights state as this is not about making or changing rules.
We do not maintain the right to determine whether or not their post is canonical regardless of activity, particularly so if the posts are requested as retconned by the player maintaining their Player Rights.
This would be treading on the player's rights to retcon it, particularly if this decision was upheld by staff. Etiquette shouldn't overrule someone's rights.
No player should be forced to see a plot through to the end, otherwise I'm sure the slippery slope of "at what point" would mean that players like myself who grew disgruntled in the past with our plots might be "locked in" and forced to roleplay with people that may honestly contrast from our experience. Etiquette shouldn't overrule someone's rights, particularly in this case because it's bad etiquette to "get revenge" by forcing someone to RP with you through to the end.
And as for how do people feel, I'm sure it's not great. However, as a Player, GM, and FM that has had players abandon plots I've been part of, created, or help run? Boo hoo. I've never found a reason to get bent out of shape for more than a few minutes of initial shock (I remember rolling my eyes when
@Ethereal left my plot, but I didn't get angry or let it stop me).
Maybe I just have thick skin, though. And I do apologize that I discuss player rights, but this discussion (even with the shift) still maintains core problems and borders on discussion that threatens player's rights. If all this is is discussion feelings, though, then awesome. But I'd rather not open SARP and see people firing off at one another and taking a tone that implies player rights are about to get tread on for situational junk.
To give perspective: some now-departed members used their player rights very disrespectfully. Etiquette aside, this was something many people stomached because it's far better to have some moments of bad etiquette versus have no rights to protect us when the time calls for it. A bit of headbutting and temporary anger is far better than us worrying about everyone's "feelings" and forgetting that these rights should supersede most cases of etiquette lest players get truly wronged in the future.
TLDR: Some junk explaining how Player Rights IS important and should be visibly recognized even if the discussion is about etiquette. And a reminder that people should be adults and not try to act poorly just because someone was disrespectful once or twice.
