[quote=@The Harbinger of Ferocity]
I am always saddened by the fact that roleplays suffer from drought then often death. I would like to, some day, find another long ongoing one that does not collapse due to the inactivity of a few, namely because I would like to portray a character or even add one to the particularly closed roster I maintain. Thus it always irks me, to varying extent of course, when people disappear from topics and the rest of all the work invested goes to waste due to their whims. It is more than just etiquette for me, deeper seated than just that superficiality alone as there is just something unfortunate in seeing work go to waste, at least in my eyes.
[/quote]
[u][b]Why do threads die?[/b][/u]
1. The original poster loses interest or is too busy in RL and doesn't have time to continue. It is poor management on the thread moderator's part or they just didn't realize things were going to get hectic in their own lives.

2. Someone has  bad connectivity and lose the ability to see the internet let alone post on the RPG site. Their character was pivotal to the plot and they are unable to communicate with the group.

3. A member of the thread is a minor and for whatever reason their parent/guardian has restricted their online activity.

4. The story has fallen flat and no one can come up with an idea to spice it; to pick it up and move forward. It simply dies from a lack of creativity.

5. A toxic member has infiltrated the thread and sours everyone's desire to continue with the story. Often times the toxic person has no idea the damage they have done.


My idea to try to create a story that does not die is to communicate the plot ideas to the group. Refrain from keeping it a secret; hoping the others will be excited because you are surprising them with something special. I have rarely seen that work. If the thread moderator posts a story arc or timeline they want to follow, it gives the contributors direction and an idea in which to take their character. They may choose to follow the arc or to remain outside the arc with the intention of joining up with the main group later in the story. I get the impression many people don't want to publish their ideas too early with the fear the thread may die before their ideas come to fruition or it would doom the thread for too much detail. Some folks don't like to operate in what they call an overly restrictive universe. But alas, the last reason why threads die. Everyone is different and has their own ideas on where they believe the story should go. When things don't go their way, they get bored and move on.

...Oh what a frustrating hobby we ascribe to.