I have a bunch of different questions about looking at canon lists at other sites. I have seen many different ways of having them and am interested to see which ones work best or which ones people like the best. This is half out of curiosity and for future site canon lists.

Do you prefer ones that have a face claim with them or no face claim?

Do you like long descriptions of the character or just basic information?

Do you like the ones that are just a list such as a list of secrets?

Do you like when the full name of your character is given or to make up your own other then the last name?

And last, do you prefer sites that are canon only or accept originals too?


For my past few sites I have done canon lists with a face claim and a short paragraph about their history and relationship with other canons. I am now going to try and do the list one. I may try other stuff too when I figure out what people like best.

And if you have anything else that comes to mind about different canon lists please say it. The questions I put up are just a few that came to my mind, but I am sure there are a bunch more out there.

i like ones that accept both cannon and orginal. uhh, i like short discrptions.. like this one:


_____ ____ Connely
[atkins-connely subplot]
20
Pb: Gerald Way

thats from where the heart is. i made that character

Meliora canons have a given name, age (sometimes approximate), race and obviously gender. They also typically have a few basic traits (such as a couple defining physical or personality traits) specified to make it easier for people to refer to the characters in-game even if they aren't currently being played. No mandatory play-bys are provided, but there's an occasional recommendation.

Allowing people to have as much freedom as possible seems to be the key. Of course, giving them a little bit to work with is also helpful in most cases.

I generally hate canons if the PB and the full name is chosen for me. I can handle it if the last name and maybe a few traits are chosen, but what if the site is non-negotiable and I don't LIKE the faces they picked? What then, I don't join?

Also, I hate when it's canons-only and not the kind of site where the canons are added to every once in awhile. Say you have eight canons - obviously you only want the eight members. o_O

*finds way into thread* Dunno why I didn't respond to this before.

Do you prefer ones that have a face claim with them or no face claim?
No faceclaims whatsoever. Nothing says, "Hi, I don't trust your creativity" more than choosing the face for the canon character. I'm okay with suggestions (in the form of a name), but as soon as you slap that picture on there, I "x" out the window and never look at the board again.

Do you like long descriptions of the character or just basic information?
As much as necessary. Don't ramble on because I want to have my freedom when making this character. However, I also don't want anything important left out. Generally, I'd much rather see shorter ones because it's not as constricting.

Do you like the ones that are just a list such as a list of secrets?
I've actually never seen this, but it sounds really fun. :green: I'd like to see that in action.

Do you like when the full name of your character is given or to make up your own other then the last name?
Preferably just last name (or no name at all), but it's not going to kill me if the full name is chosen. However, if that is the case, I'd suggest you allow people to change the name if they really, really don't like it--some people associate names with people IRL and then they won't play the character.

And last, do you prefer sites that are canon only or accept originals too?
*dies* Originals, too! RPing is about creativity and having fun. If you want fan fiction, write a fan fiction. If you want people to interract with each other and express their creativity, allow them to have the room necessary to do just that.

***

On another note, I'd like to extend this tidbit in a friendly manner: once you let someone use that canon character, it's no longer yours. No one will ever be able to play it exactly as you desire the character to be played, though there will be some people who come pretty darn close. Thus, I suggest you keep in mind the fact that while your name may be admin, the members are the ones running the show. ;)

Do you prefer ones that have a face claim with them or no face claim?

I don't mind face claims as long as they're suggestion face claims, with the possibility of being able to change them. Giving suggestions to what you're looking for is great, but being flexible and willing to work with other people's creativity is even better!

Do you like long descriptions of the character or just basic information?

Basic information. The worst part about canons, in my opinion, is when all of their relationships are laid out for you. Mary is in love with Greg. Mary hates Betty. Mary's best friends with Cassandra. Well, what if I don't want Mary to be in love with Greg? What if I want her to run off with Padro? And why do I have to be best friends with Cassandra. She's a bitch.

Do you like the ones that are just a list such as a list of secrets?

I don't think I understand this question.

Do you like when the full name of your character is given or to make up your own other then the last name?

I don't mind when I'm given last names, but I prefer to use my own choice of first name. To me a character is first defined by their name... that's at least how I write it, and if a name is already picked and I don't feel it fits, then I'm less inclined to take that canon.

And last, do you prefer sites that are canon only or accept originals too?

I always like to see a site that is flexible with their canons and their originals. Canon only sites are too stifling to me. Keeping it open and flexible, is the way I prefer it.