No the oposite ..i think people act like they have no privilage at all
Interesting, because it used to be so very different... haha
It would call for another discussion topic, something along the lines of 'Behaviourals. Follow the lines of History or Hollywood?' 
I agree fully with Louis here, sandboxing and casual; with the difference that we (not the people... - the Rezzonico family) work with a historically accurate framework and take personal liberties in the details.
Over the years I think I have tried most forms of roleplay in SL, but the combination above works best for me. Something to do and you can step in and out without much trouble, picking it up as you go along. It is the most relaxed way and ideal for a daily roleplay setting.
Perhaps it is also best described as the least antagonizing for me, although that would imply that I hate roleplay. I do not - otherwise I wouldn't have lasted for so long. At the risk of sounding like old Cato: The courts were often an aggravating trial of endurance for me with the all-or-nothing-at-all-system. Either full blown event mode, where you need to keep up in a crowd, as well as plow your way through lag quicksand. Often with a scripted roleplay that nearly always failed, not only because of said lag and the subsequent recurrent crashes making key players just giving up halfway. I think we could have done a lot about it by setting limits to apparel, but everyone just liked it a little too much to walk around bedecked in prims and scripts. By the other end, the nothing-at-all, I mean the empty sims - no one around to do a regular rp that would actually develop a character and show some imagination or group bonding. It made it virtually impossible (no pun intended) to actually build up something. And what was going around often didn't surpass the style of copying films and even sitcoms. Although I can most certainly appreciate a good laugh, it does get old quickly when some duchesse repeats the same silly characteristics and quotes by the Comtesse de Vache [Let Them Eat Cake, French & Saunders] time and again; especially when that same person is a highly entitled twit with little clue about actual history - but that as a side note. *Cato exit*
Places with a casual, more daily roleplay, like we currently have in the majority are welcoming and therefore far less scary to new people. They can join in easily. The only down side may be that it does require more perseverance to actually make it work, because of a lack of strict structure. Still, when you do get settled in it is a far more enjoyable way of roleplay for most people. I do think we could do more in regards to settling more ongoing daily roleplay, as mostly we do tend to just mind our own business and interact only actively with friends and neighbours.
Para-rp is just not for me. I either get bored waiting, or I come across a self-centered novel writer that reminds me why I do not care for it. My own sister, however, tries to interest me for GoT every now and then. She's really good at it and swears by the structure. She has good arguments, like the posting order that creates clarity and gives time for each player to think over everything instead of jumping to the next line. But I just do not care for the endless emoting and descriptions of the weather and fluttering dusty fluff in the corner of the room.
My main anecdote for rejecting it is that some years ago I was rp'ing in such a place and I got entangled in a scene with some guy who literally took his turns (and for well over an hour) not interacting but just contemplating the glass of wine in front of him. In the end I made by exit by standing up, taking his glass, emptying his glass, and throwing the glass into the fireplace with the words: 'Here, let me help you, you clearly have trouble with it.' I know it was bad form, but ever since then I steered away from para as much as I could.
PS: There's also the problem that everyone wants to be on the top of the food chain and no one wants to be a peasant (because why would you want to be treated like dirt on a daily basis) - hm... Gor?
BANCO REZZONICO
- fondata nel 1634 -
WANTED - Tenant Farmer
farming in the Queen's Hamlet
in service of the Banco Rezzonico
_____________________________
Rocca Sorrentina, April 24th [2019]
Very recently the Banco Rezzonico has decided on opening an office on the island of Rocca Sorrentina, in the Bay of Naples. From here the Rezzonico family will centralize the coordination of her coastal trade, which mainly consists in their mercantile fleet sailing to all corners of the Mediterranean Sea; and also their endeavours in shipping. With this we have a growing demand for specific crops.
The Banco Rezzonico shall require at various moments baskets of tomatoes, grain, rice, potatoes ['suls'], [bazi] tea, and sugar cane. At times we might even require the direct secondary products like tomato sauce, and sacks of flour and sugar.
However, on the island, how idyllic and centrally positioned it may be, is no room for farming these required crops. And so we have called for the assistance of the Duchesse de Provence, whose shores and market at the Queen's Hamlet are regularly frequented for other needs by the Rezzonico family. Within the Queen's Hamlet the house of Rezzonico now has three agricultural fields [G&S fields 3.0] at her disposal, onto which the desired crops can be grown. Pleased as we were with this, we soon came to the realization that this also means work for which we are not equipped and do not have the time.
And so there is a position vacant for a tenant-farmer to cultivate the three fields upon demand of certain crops.
REQUIREMENTS
OFFER
INTERESTED?
For more information or questions, please send a notecard (or message when online) to ABBONDIO, Conte DELLA TORRE di REZZONICO. [account name: eszterhazy2.resident]
If you are already interested and willing, please send a notecard with motivation and a (concept) biography - to the same as above. After receiving this you will be contacted for a talk and probably a tour when not yet too familiar with the estates where this rp takes place.
Textures and the options through the hud are excellent. Only real critique is about the sizing. I'm a regular human size (1.80-ish), and definitely not of the average SL male shape - after all, I'm a Venetian noble and not a dockworker. Therefore, it looks a tad too bulky on me. But I will definitely wear this in the colder months.
Although the shoes are just extra, they deserve a note. Firstly, and more particular the leg as they are not a nice fit on other breeches - I sadly cannot wear them with anything but these breeches, which limits options for coats or shirts. That being said - I'm in absolute awe over these shoes! And sincerely hope you will, perhaps with some alterations on the calves, make more versions of this. I'm very picky on period shoes, as they often turn out to be clonkers - but these are near to perfection in looks.
So, excellent work in the idea of a closed overcoat; after a decade in the baroque community, I can now finally go out in bad weather! But I very much applaud the shoes!
I think we've been building since around the same time, Tatiana - the days when 10x10 was a maximum size and sculpties were the latest fad; not to mention 'nano prims', those were mindblowing! I did complete sims at the time.
Never had so much trouble with sizing. I took up building in a metric mathematical way, trying to stick to 1:1. For the rest I tweaked along with that pesky camery. That camera is indeed killing me in small rooms, i always end up in the chimney, wall or ceiling. But with general sizing, I think not too much about it. Detail dimensions per prim, however, that's almost OCD; right next to alignment. I still get agitated when I see badly aligned buildings, or with shoddy measuring.
Apart from loving the mesh age for its higher detail at lower cost, it did end the joys of designing buildings for me. I know there's many ways of hybrid methods and tools, but I just don't have that patience for learning as I once had in the beginning. You know the very beginning when 10x10 was a maximum and we had crashes every 5 minutes... - oh well, at least they solved one issue.
Judging by the majority of comments, there seems to be a reluctance to bring new people, I am at a bit of a loss over this one.
Perhaps we've been putting on a bit too strong. On Rocca Sorrentina we always welcome new people. Only recently I encountered a wandering Swede, who had an interesting bio as a poor traveling author. He caught me at a busy moment in the vineyard of Magritte, and felt I might have been a bit short with him. So I invited him to drop in at the coffee hour of Sorrentina, as we promote all the arts and have gathered an enlightened crowd there. I was glad to see him, if only briefly, this very Saturday. I sincerely hope he found something interesting within our place to return more often. The same goes for visiting each other's estates of course, I think it's even common practice nowadays. Even so that we are often talking about how we can make it even better - for instance with the Queen's Hamlet and Antiquity, who are equally friendly to both settled rp'ers from elsewhere as well as newcomers.
However, from a managerial point of view there's a clear distinction between visitors and 'tourists' - the former being people exploring period sims and interested in interaction with like-minded people. We love those, the more the merrier for roleplay. The latter however, are mostly those hopping around to take pictures and often with little regard for the people and private residencies present (even when marked private!). Only the other day I was sitting in the tub, for a soak and handling notecards, when one tourist just walked into the house and started walking around. As if I wasn't there. Upon my kindly put question if I could help him, he said no, then walked around some more and continued his walk. It's those people that often are a tad annoying. It becomes troublesome when the sim is selected as a destination, or even when there's promotion going on. Of course there are advantages, as certain tourists might turn out to be visitors who even become members. But more often this is not the case, and then it quickly becomes a plague of sorts.
To be strict in the rules means you set a high bar upon which you can always be more lenient. Often this is the case, but I agree it might come across somewhat harsh at times. But for tourists... like in real life - you must set boundaries or they'll walk all over you. As for the height, I tend to agree with Russia - even though it remains a personal choice for each person.
Let me clarify one thing: I do not hate the French, and do not hate teaparties, per se...
However, I did and do experience annoyance at the very combination that represents a lazy, malicious and silly kind of pastime that once(!) was wide-spread in our community. It now remains in the roots, but hopefully it'll grow out of it further.
In this there's a misconception of, as Louis tapped on the various aspects of roleplay. The so-called historical-accurate roleplay. At the risk of now appearing to be a snob, but I have always disliked any RPG that claims the right of being real and enforcing this upon others. To me, as a European historian, it was (and sometimes still is) appalling to see how the RPGs (and individual players) laying such claims, were often basing their information upon period drama films and series, and wiki-bloody-pedia... Historical people were not as black and white as they are now often portrayed for the sake of a dramatized script; and they are far from the pink and fluffy they constantly appear to be in apparel. It is exactly this kind of lazy research that mounted to 'the French duchess and her teaparty'; which I still often refer to. It has somewhat become a family trait ( You should hear our mother... haha ), but rest assured, it is only general stereotyping or aimed at those who actually deserve the label.
I actually like the coffee hour we have in Sorrentina, because it's that one time of the week where we at least meet a those friends and fellow residents we often miss during the week. And although we're often OOC, even then we sound IC mostly - as Jacon pointed out. Because we each have our characters and behave in this fasion. When our dear barista informed us this Saturday about her upcoming knee-operation, I just couldn't resist starting a little jest about which wood she had chosen (mahogany still remains the most sustainable, just saying...) and it was most entertaining how that evolved into a bit of medical conversation. Because of that, the meeting of friends (and new people coming and going often), I like the coffee hour. Even if it were tea - just no buns... I hate the buns during Lent.
Back to the main question in this topic: 'How do we bring new players to our historic estates, and retain them?' By making sure our individual estates and our community as a whole functions from top to bottom. By honouring the people that actually contribute to the estate (giving them the chance to voice concerns and ideas) and being quite strict that are bothersome.
When we ourselves have a clear vision of what kind of estate we want to run, and how it can interact with those estates we consider our friends within the community - only then you gain fertile ground for growth.
I understand (and underwrite) fully the opinions of Tat and Jacon in terms of management. You create an estate and setting, to which people are welcome to join in. But as an owner/manager your tasks should not be in constant service of those joining in. People have their own responsibilities for their own actions and rp. It amazes me how people, as soon as they log in, leave behind a large part of their basic values in behaviour, but also in initiative and logical thinking, in the fading dust of the orange cloud. RP is for people who indeed have the imagination to think and create. If you do not have that, you can develop it - or not. In that latter case, rp might not be something for you, as you cannot expect management to take you constantly by the hand and entertain you. If every new rp'er would carefully consider that from the start it might just prevent a whole lot of personal disappointment and agitation, and secondary a barge load of drama.
We have evolved a lot. The courts were once the first real dressing-up shop. I do not think that mesh made it worse, it improved us merely in aesthetics. Actually, I think it has shifted considerably from idle dressing to more actively doing. These crafting systems are - to me at least - the most realistic key to a good stable and daily rp. If anything, it provides room for a social diversity. This might be rich coming from someone whose rp-family is a noble Venetian house. But I have, for example, enjoyed Magritte immensely in terms of having conversations with their vintner about the whole process of grapes and genomes; dealing with the journeyman over barrels, tools, and so on; visiting the bakery to pick up a lunch, order some foods for a gathering, and getting the latest town's gossip. Not to mention having afternoon drinks in the tavern, to meet people casually like the butcher, a merchant, and a traveler. Try having that in a court where people will only talk to you above a certain rank.
The idea of active promotion for our historic estates makes me cringe a little. The tourists are often more a plague than a blessing. Mostly they are highly self-involved and camera driven, not to mention most of them having Goldilocks-Syndrome . Actively recruiting often forces people into roles they are entire unsuitable for. Let people just wander in, explore, get a feel land slowly move in. All the good and wonderful contributors I have met in the past entered that way - by mere coincidence, or through friends.
PS : I think the ways of how to rp, in terms of light, para, etc. might be another topic.
As recently agreed upon with Tat, we belong to the category of revered relics in this baroque community. I've been around the baroque block and belong to a rp-family that, under the greatest of gratitude to our mother, has known a consistent presence and respectable reputation (of both fame and fear ) for the past decade. But apart from roleplay, I have been mostly a builder and (multi) estate-owner - albeit I have retired from both some time ago to enjoy SL again as relaxation instead of my Second Job . With that I like to think (one is welcome to disagree, of course) I know a thing or two about rpg estates.
Over these years I have seen many, many, many - no, seriously, many RPGs rise and fall. With an absolute peak in this community. I stopped counting the various Versailles courts when it hit eight; much the same goes for the Spanish courts and all the tiny ones in between that seemed to pop up like mushrooms at times. I honestly believe there were even times wherein it became a sort of rat-race to claim courts. The deeper motivation behind that I never got, it surely wasn't for constructive community building as most never surpassed the stage of being a group, not to mention the fact that rp mostly consisted in standing around wigged and panniered. Nothing mattered as long as your clothes were exclusive and your title the highest.
People tend to flock together around the latest fad, jump for the highest, and then wait for others to do something. In part this is the general attitude for 75% of roleplay gridwide, but within our community I think it is rooted deep since the set-up of the initial courts; these were highly restrictive - that, and rife with the vilest forms of nepotism. I've seen many a decent roleplayer just give up because they couldn't get their fellow roleplayers in action and were even blocked by a core group of people that were supposedly the highest ranking in management and rp - apart from the good ones (they were and are out there!), often it were these people who were the idlest of afk'ers and more often a complete waste of runtime. They had pocketed their title, they had their dresses, they sat around being ducal or princely (God forbid they'd ever have to lower themselves...) and that was it - but also setting the tone for how the courts (and in general the baroque community) treated rp in the past. - On a sidenote - it did bring a wide range of nicknames and terminology to describe these people. Some of my favourites are still 'flimsies in purple having tea' (I believe by Delos), the 'wigged witches of the North' and 'teaparty in a snake pit with title-hunting afterwards' (both dixit my mother).
Thankfully, I see far less of this (sociopathic) behaviour than before.
In my humblest of opinions I believe that to build a community you need good people; people who are truly interested in history, who know something or are willing to learn. Who show initiative and go out to participate, instead of waiting for others to take the lead.
Consistency is another thing. I have great respect for people who once come up with a role and keep to it. From my own circle I can name Nimue who has been a Contessa Foscari since a decade; once again my mother who has been the Contessa Rezzonico for about the same time, Aldo whom I have never known otherwise than the Professore; and of course Tatiana whom, I think, has been in her role since day 1 in the courts. The Osterhams (Lord and Lady Hartfield) are of more recent years (they have had several roles in the past), but they seem to have grown fond of their marital roles and almost defiantly kept to it. They - and of course others, I could lengthen the list easily - are the people who are recognizable. They are consistent and have developed their characters and story over years; and in doing so it has proven to be not only good for themselves, but also for others who want to interact with them. And want we want, because they are seasoned characters to which we can relate and link our own (hi)story.
To briefly link back to my previous point: All those people constantly changing their roles and allegiances (and often with at least five alts) are to me the personification of pixel-insanity. All is to do the same things time and again, but still expecting better results; not understanding that it's not the pixels that are the problem - and mostly just stimulating the grid's economy. Absolute madness, if you ask me.
As for the rest. I do agree with most of your points, especially in keeping it clear and simple and rewarding people for their initiative and contributions. But all that - when you strip it down to a core value - it's the people. You can create the most beautiful sim, equip it with the best rp-system, but if you do not have the right people and the right kind of management (strict and clear, yet lenient, and open for ideas instead of forcing it down) any place will fall. I have seen it quite recently again with Magritte, which truly pained me as it was so promising.
So why do the three oldest estates of our community survive? I am, to my shame, not too familiar with Antiquity - and only since recent times have I discovered more about the charms of the Queen's Hamlet (due to G&S). Rocca Sorrentina, however, is trusted territory. This 'little island' has been a free-haven for people who are educated, truly interested in history, social, and drama free. The rp is light, but everyone follows the set time-frame and joins in when they want and can - and when they do it's good and people enjoy ourselves. Turning back to the point of consistency: This island was first designed over ten years ago (as Melioria), but when Aldo and Sere took over with the new management (many moons ago) they did not start over. They kept the island, they gave it new life with alterations, and changes, and improvements - but you can still see its origins. And even when you are absent for a while it's a relief to see it's there and a joy to see how it has evolved. The island has a sound history and stability, and because of that you easily link your own (hi)story to it. I think it'll be much the same for the people of Antiquity and the Coeurs (QH).
I've said it for a whole year now - and not to throw shade over any court that is forming - but I feel that the days of the courts are over. Private estates and daily rp are the future. It's light, it's controllable and it's far more consistent than the ratrace of events; all while offering a better chance of really giving depth to their role. Then, and only then, when a place and a community are consistent and with good people - then it will grow without even having to water. So far for my two-penny.
--
PS: And moreover, I consider that teaparties must be destroyed...
RP foods are still far from ideal, but i see improvements. Compared to the old days it is now in more realistic proportions and better looking (no bright!). I do have issues with foods and drinks that talk to you, especially when they go 'nam nam' *rolls eyes*. The other and bigger flaw in G&S foods remains the fact that it's mostly touch-and-poof dishes, which I have always found rather disappointing. I have more sympathy and use for the portioned dishes.
When working in the vineyard energy goes down fast and results really are much better when working on 80%+ levels. So then it's Fish, more fish, and tea. I'm a convenience eater when it comes to the 'need' of energy.
However, we do use the more luxurious foods as cakes and seafood when it comes to hosting. Not long ago I had a friend over to catch-up. I made sure we had a good table at the foot of the vineyard with my premier pinot grigio and prosecco, paired with some fine seafood. On Sorrentina I try to regularly bring something to coffee. And have always been a fan of the banquet tables assembled by Madame Ragueneau, who has a talent to make grand displays. Her last triomphs were the stall at Magritte's christmas market, and the banquet tables for Carnevale, which were a real sight to see.
