[quote=@Inkarnate]
If you care about an RP, you will read the preceding posts. Full stop.
[/quote]

Generally when I'm interested in a game that's been going for a while, I read back 2-3 pages to get an idea of what's going on and a sense for the characters. Usually after I join said game, curiosity more than anything will prompt me to read the whole RP when it's slow going. 

Like when I joined Fruits of Contention, I was starting in the second story arc. I didn't read the first one (about 6 pages of content), just the OOC info, character sheets, and a few posts back to get a sense of the game. Considering I ended up as one of the most active players/ coGM, I'd say I did okay.

In regards to the summary thing, I am going to start recording them on the 0th IC post for prospective players.