What is your view on RP or ERP and why is it so taboo within the community?

[Rysir]

I dont mind RPers but the ones that run up to me then just start RPing at me and/or follow me to keep trying to get me to RP with them then they will be told to kindly go eat shit. Hate the ones that dont even ask if a person is into RP before laying down their 5 minute long backstory.

[Aylis]

I dont mind RPers but the ones that run up to me then just start RPing at me and/or follow me to keep trying to get me to RP with them then they will be told to kindly go eat shit. Hate the ones that dont even ask if a person is into RP before laying down their 5 minute long backstory.

That's one of the things I feel is what causes people to view rp in a negative light. Believe it or not RP much like everything else in game has its own set of do's and don'ts, its own set of rules and a settled on form of etiquette when dealing with non rp'ers. The ones you just described are what would be considered "green" rp'ers. People generally new to rp. They broke a rule and I'll be the first to admit I broke the same rule when starting out "don't assume everyone you meet is an rp'er" one good example in one of the new to rp guides I read stated "In real life you wouldn't run up to a stranger in a subway station to blab your entire life story and problems to. Don't do it in game unless you're clear they want to talk to you." Really the best way to handle green rp'ers is to suggest they look at the Etiquette Guide to RP and leave it at that.

Ice mages and bards that sing off tune in DF could be also green rp'ers. However they can also be another reason why people view rp'ers negatively. While both are valid as a character in terms of quirks and flaws and dungeon exploring can be a valid platform for rp there are some players that do use rp as a form of immortality shield because they know SE wont take action against rp players, as an excuse to troll. This is also another major rule break in terms of the etiquette guide about bringing outsiders into rp when they may not want to be there. Experienced rp'ers know that if a dungeon is required to build a plot and if they need someone to fill a role out of character they'll ask friends who understand the terms of the dungeon and ones that understand rp so nothing will be taken the wrong way. The best way to learn if they're legitimate green rp'ers or trolls is again to bring up the RP Etiquette Guide. If they understand they made a whoops and broke a rule then all is okay and hopefully they won't do it again. If they keep at it then you may have a valid chat log to file a harassment report at the least.