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.