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WHAT IS ROLE PLAYING?
From souls.acetonic.net:
The dictionary definition of role play is "to assume or act out a particular role." Role play is, basically, assuming the form of a character, and writing as that character, in a certain setting. It's writing, but more/less structured, depending on how you look at it. When you set to write a story, you must write the setting, the plot, the characters, everything. When you role play, the setting and main plot has already been decided, as well as every character but your own. You have control over only half of the story, your own side. The other half is up to the other players. This strengthens interaction skills.

Role playing, in essence, is assuming the role of another entity. You write that entity's actions, thoughts, and words, in response to other people's entities. It's sort of like a play, except not quite so live-action and not nearly so rehearsed. Role playing is less of a story and more of a dialogue (though not limited to two) with actions incorporated. Plots can tie everything together, or you can let things happen as they will, but one thing is certain--anything is possible, because you are in charge.

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LABELS AND TERMS
There are many different labels for people at different skill levels, they aren’t really meant to put them down but they generally distinguish different kind of role players so that people with higher standards can get more out of what they want to role play.

Illiterate: Usually beginners, illiterates are known to use very generic list descriptions like such—


There are usually no depth or substance to these characters and the remainder of the role play is played out in one-liners. Usually illiterates have no regards for capitalization or ooc or grammar or spelling or basic role playing rules.

Semi-literate: Usually have longer and more descriptive lists that really get into the character, sometimes a semi-literate might type out a paragraph or two about their character but it’s usually not very intriguing or well written information about their character. Grammar is more sharpened.

Literate: Longer introductions and posts that have depth and description and are more like writing than basic information. Literates create more relatable and in-depth characters that a reader is interested in reading about, not just interacting with. The writing is more developed and the grammar is intact.

Advanced: This is when someone writes a long, interesting, in-depth, creative introduction. The grammar is nearly perfect and the writing is well thought out and descriptive. The quality of the writing is just more developed.

There are different terms known to role players, these are some of the more common ones:

BIC: Back in character, or in character. When the writer is writing in his or her persona, and interacting with other characters.

OOC: Out of character, when you are talking to other players as yourself not your character.

Mary / Gary Sue: Perfect characters. These are generally not permitted because it’s boring and doesn’t make for an interesting role play. Flaws and personalities are what make a better role playing and Mary / Gary’s are more common in illiterate and semi literate role plays.

Powerplay: Controlling someone else’s character. This is not permitted—you are only allowed to control the actions of your own character.

God Mod: Creating unrealistic situations, or characters that can do anything. Example: a character that is a lightening fast super intelligent elf that can defeat anyone in combat.

Despie: An illiterate that is desperate for romance.

Slash: Romantic relationships in a fan fictional role play between to already made characters that is not of norm. I.E. dracoxharry

Prommie: A well known role player that has earned the respect of the other role players by their example of literacy.

N00b: Someone who is considered illiterate and generally new to Role playing without a mentor.

Newbie: Someone who is new to role playing, but is well on their way to becoming literate but still needs practice. They are often found in semi- literate role plays.

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RULES FOR STANDARD ROLEPLAYING
These change from board to board, depending on what the creator of the board wishes to institute into his or her role play, but these are the standard rules.

1. Spell check—no one wants to read your typos, it puts them off. Typos are fine, of course, but make an effort to spell check your posts.
2. This is related but, no chat speak in IC. Everyone hates it. You can’t read it. Please don’t do if the creator of the board doesn’t want you too.
3. Post length—quality over quantity obviously, but you should describe your character at length so people get a feeling of who your character is. Not only current appearance but things like personality, history, flaws, the stuff that makes a human interesting.
4. Use proper grammar in IC—that means capitalization, quotation marks, etc.
5. Make your best effort to write intriguing and interesting posts—everyone gets better at writing and role playing and until then ask questions so you can learn.
6. Please be original, not only does it get boring to see the same characters over and over again, but there are so many of the same genre RP circling around. If you see an RP of a genre you like, don't start a thread with the same thing, join the original one. Also, try to be ecclectic with what you RP, make up some new ideas about what to role play. TRY NOT TO BE REDUNDANT IN THE THREADS THAT ALREADY HAVE BEEN POSTED.

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OTHER POINTERS

1. Don't use '*', you should use formal writing to a certain extent while role playing.
2. Structure the sentences so they all flow together
3. Do not use words repeatedly. For example: He got up and got dressed. He walked into the washroom. He picked up a brush and he brushed his teeth. He walked into his room once again. He pushed open his door. He left his house. See? it gets annoying. 4. Make sure you have more than just a sentence. A truly gifted role player can stretch one sentence into at least three paragraphs.
4. Pay attention and read about what is going on around you. Try and effectively jump into situations where you would otherwise be left out of the general flow. Not that that is a bad thing a lot of people enjoy just role playing on their own.

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OTHER

Post length is an important part of role playing. A short post can make for a difficult reply, as can a twenty paragraph reply. The key thing, really, is to write comfortably. Writing posts eighteen paragraphs of rambling sure is fun when you've got a lot to say, but it can be tiring for the other person to read and it can be hell on your imagination after a while. After all, there's only so much you can say before you get burned out and need to take a hiatus to recuperate your poor muse. If you feel like rambling, by all means, go for it. Just remember, there's going to be someone on the other side reading that post. Is it an interesting post, or are you just blathering on and repeating details? Part of being a good writer is being varied and interesting no matter what you're talking about.