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I feel as though this is a discussion that needs to be had between you and I. That certain views on the subject have not yet been realized, that my two cents aren't being represented as often and or as well constructed as I would have liked. And while I would love for people to display this sense of informative deconstruction, alas here we are.

The subject of roleplay (especially on Gaia) is a tricky one. It has faults on both sides of the equation. Those who roleplay as of right now in its current state, and those who condemn those for doing so at all; and I feel it's about time we have a sit down and talk about certain aspects of both sides, that and how we can potentially improve the situation for the betterment of both parties. So strap in and let's get started.

Firstly, I would like to aim my barrel right towards those currently roleplaying as of right now. Now let it be noted that I'm not aiming this flak at every roleplayer today, but you should know who you are based on the faults and mistakes I bring up. Consider it as a reflection of yourself, which I'm sure allot of people (including yourself) would benefit from changing in the future. You, the roleplayer, yes you. You need to quit the death-matches. I'm not joking, that is literally the elephant in the room. They're pointless, always lead to some sort of argument and or ego boosting, and create a bad image for the entire practice, implying we're all as big headed in dominating rather than competing as you are. Quit it.
And besides, why would you want to take away somebody's work at all, unless you were some sort of person that gets off on this sort of thing. In which case I strongly advise a change of hobby and or alteration in mentality. Part of the intended joy of roleplaying was that the practice could be enjoyed by all parties, both with great and poor literary skills. It is not however, intended so you can give yourself some sort of pix-elated ego boost by throwing your weight about as if you even accomplished something in the first place, you didn't. In any combat roleplay, any action that meets its intended target upon another roleplaying character, is allowed to do so only by that receiving character. This simply means folks, that you accomplished nothing in winning what so ever. Thus shooting the kneecaps of any death-match concept completely. If you want to kill another roleplay character, stick to story arcs that have been discussed by all participating members.

Secondly, and this goes to both parties here. Don't be ashamed of your hobbies, and certainly don't join up with those whom would discriminate those who either do it and or do so in a different social circle of method then others. It not only fuels the problem, but it makes you out to be as much of an elitist snob as the people you're with, additionally adding to the fact that you're a hypocrite in the first place. Expecting everybody to roleplay in the same method and or skill is stupid a notion as it is; and considering there is little to no real official roleplay law, except those that come from subjective social circles (which is fine by the way) it gives you no right to even complain about what they do, let alone discriminate them for doing so. Just, roll that around in your head for a moment. You're picking on them, for doing something different to you. You know how familiar that must sound? Considering most individuals within this roleplay hobby are a part of the geek culture, a culture I am very fond of. A culture in which most were bullied in school for those differences (perhaps even you) and you're adding to that. You realize how much of a condescending, hypocritical waste of space that makes you?
This elitism and shame has to stop, it doesn't help anybody. I get that the blunt and or borderline rude attitudes towards others stems from mostly the idea that 8/10 individuals you meet on the internet are likely to not get along with you, but come on. In this day and age, are we really going to replace those who would bully us for being different with ourselves? And of all things too, roleplay? If somebody roleplays let them get on with it without such behavior, how does it effect you in anyway what they do, unless it directly harms you. To any who even do what I just mentioned, I hope you gain as little respect and attention as you deserve. You should be grown up about this sort of thing, it's even more funnier when age and the famous "Get a life" tools are used by you people. It's extremely hypocritical, and serves only to make you look like a complete idiot; despite your attempts to make others look like the idiots. You can do better.

People, if you see idiocy, elitism or even bullying along these lines. Stamp that crap out, don't join their ranks. Social neglect also isn't something that benefits the concept of roleplay, as it does not stimulate the community in any way what so ever. Welcome people in, be nice to them and they will be nice back. Unless they're unable to accomplish such a thing as respect, in which case fire away.

Next entry, we will have a little talk about more specific areas of roleplay, its issues and its accomplishments to further analyze what to do next. Thanks for reading folks.

-Fen