How to keep a board going

Started a game, we keep having people join make a few characters then leave. I dont understand it.

 

I have a core group of players that have stuck around and stay really active, but I seem to have the same problem. People join, make a character, then leave. Personally, I can't grasp putting all the effort into getting a character approved only to ghost, but that's just me!

I think it's really just the nature of the beast. And sometimes, after trying to get into it a bit, people just realize a roleplay isn't for them. It sucks, but it's not something you can force. I've found that just being welcoming, active, and inclusive is all you can really do, and have patience. The people who want to belong will find their place!

 

As Jaecarys says, it's just the nature of the beast. People tend to "speed-date" sites, I think, and if there isn't enough interest right away, or if they aren't given a hook, then they'll move on until they find a site that suits them. I've found that it really helps to have roles and offers waiting for new players so that they're immediately given an opportunity to leap in and be included in our little community. No one likes to join a new site and see that everyone has already formed a clique. Always be ready to welcome them in and offer them a place in the plot. It does help. But there will always be people who join, look around and then leave, unfortunately.

 

"Speed dating a site" is a great way to put it. Attention spans are almost nonexistent nowadays and so many people pop in looking for community and find 131423213213 million reasons to not vibe. Site success takes patience tho. Initial interest is always great, but it takes a few months to really hit your stride and let the community come into its own. As long as you have a core group of dedicated players/friends who are posting regularly, people do tend to like seeing stability and are a little more willing to try things out. I feel like it's always going to be a slow trickle of new interest rather than that big opening boom. Key thing is to keep having your own fun. And a good selection of wanted/adoptable characters or plots with easy hooks are going to be your greatest selling point.

 

If it helps, I remember it being like this decades ago too. Always a smaller core group, and a bunch of drive-bys.

As others have said, having some appealing wanted ads that allow people to jump right into your circle helps.

The appearance of activity also helps. If things get a little slow, I always start a solo thread or two between my characters.

 

the availably of canon roles or requests for new users to take is a big one, along with recurring events and ongoing activity. also find that simply greeting new guests if there's a discord is helpful

 

Persistence, patience, and a whole lot of enthusiasm from yourself and staff/"core" members.

You just have to keep at it, even if it feels like you're getting into a rut because if you don't keep going, no one else will either.

Make sure to keep pumping out things to do— events, plots/storylines, conversations, etc. Like others mentioned, having some roles for people to slot into or any kind of "aide" for getting involved quickly is a help for new people or old who need a little change of pace / pick me up

Even if you're like... talking to yourself or an empty room. Just keep your passion and energy and hopefully others follow suit.

If things are really down, try addressing the elephant in the room— ask members directly what they're missing and what it would take to get them back into gear with you.

XD I think that's all the advice I can think of. Sorry if it isn't as helpful.

 

We are having a bit of the same issue. Meanwhile a site that shall remain nameless has a lot more activity, but is full of cliques and drama. Which we don't want. So just trying to keep things exciting and trying not to get too down about the current state. We've only been open for a year, so I'm hopeful it'll get better.