Well, I am interested in knowing what people think about plots on boards. More specifially: Do you want the board creators to dictate and control a plot or do you prefer to have a very general sort of plot where you can manage your own subplots?

I have seen people sort of lean in both directions. Personally, I prefer a large sort of general plot where I can break off and create my own stories for my characters. But I know some want things sort of laid out for them. I think they like to work their creativity within a set structure. Not my thing, but I can understand it.

I really cannot stand playing on canon boards as the plot is too chokingly set. And there seems to be no way to play without knowing how things will conclude.

Anyway, which do you prefer and why? A board controlled plot or a general sort of board plot?

I like a mixure of both- something with a few canons, but not a really strict rpg that you can't put some of your own creativity into. I think a unique plot really shows that the admin has put some thought into the board, and won't leave it as easily. That's of course, not always the case, but that's what I've found generally. Boards with no plot at all, just a setting, can be really fun, but can sometimes be hard to create longevity into as there's less of a huge thing to keep people going. As long as there's a plot, but enough wiggle room that you don't have to play by the admin's preset timeline, I like it.

I like to have a large more general plot in the background, like what happened leading up to that point in the rp, but other then that I like to leave it to the players to make the plot and the subplot. I did that on my one site that just closed down, and we had an awesome plot going until everyone became inactive. In fact I do not beleive I could have come up with the plot on my own, but as different characters react to eachother, the plot can become more twisted and thrilling, which is why I do not like being led by the hand through a plot.

I've had a lot of positive feedback on my rpg which had directed plots, the role players enjoy it because it keeps them guessing and keeps it a story that they don't have complete control over.

However, controlled plots require a lot of time, management and creativity on your part. People will constantly go missing who are important to the plots, people will be wanting you to change what your plot originally was to fit their characters and you will always be having to push it forward. It takes a lot of work but done right it can have beautiful results.

I prefer a free plot with controlled time lines such as the hs I play at has a timeline on which they go by. These next two weeks on December 21st there time and the students christmas break. The next time change will be December 25th, and Christmas.

There are no canons, it allows freedom but gives me dates/social things/etc to work with.

I like a little of both. I'm not fond of canon characters (unless it's from a movie/game/book/etc) but I think that most boards need a solid plot. I don't think that everyone has to participate in the plot if they don't want to do so. However, I have seen many boards (including a couple of my own) crash and burn because they don't have a plot.

I prefer it if there is some kind of general plot going, but not one you absolutely have to join in with, and also aren't strictly restrained by.
On my board, I have set out a rough timeline for the plot (one which will last for about three weeks) Which is, part 1 will last 1 week, part 2, 5 days, and part 3, 9 days, other than the general ideas of what will happen (1 is a hunt, 2 is a banquet, 3 is competitions) the roleplayers have pretty much free reign on what to do.

I think that it's best when we run a plot but it doesn't have to involve everyone or it doesn't have to go one way always. If someone jumps in and takes it in a different direction and they are good enough to do it, that's great. It's a general plot, but no direction and free reign for the players.

I like it when there's a main plot in which the story is based, but also subplots made by the members, or random events to roleplay. That way, there may be a little more variety in the characters' goals and is more fun. There's no fun in an RP in which everyone wants to be OMG teh musht p0werful wizard in teh world!!

I prefer role plays where members can manage their own subplots. It gives you more creative freedom than ones that are controlled. Although my role play is based on the Star Wars Series, we have no canon characters, nor do we stick with the timeline, since it is kinda hard to do so when they keep coming out with new books and games. Besides, I love reading the side plots my members come up with. They are much more interesting than when we tried the controlled plot thing.

My, personal, preferance is FREE plot. I find it allows character development more and, as the admin, I can always stop it if it's going off track.

When I look for boards, I usually join ones without canon characters, or if they have plots that have canon characters, but doesn't revolve around them. I hate plots like that, it makes it really, really hard to get involved.

So yes, I prefer free plots, somewhat. My RPG will have a central plot that will affect all characters in some way, shape, or form(and I have a rather nifty plot twist figured out, so I'm excited and giggly inside. I'd share, but I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise in case anybody actually ends up joining =D)

I know on another RPG I was on, there was a free plot. Although there were Canon Characters(it was an X-Men RP), OC's really ran the place, and we had this totally, totally awesome storyline going for the entire summer, centered around NYC, and so many people got involved, and so many people changed the flow of the story as it went...It was really quite amazing.

Controlled Plot
PROS The administrator controls the flow of the RPG (more or less) and has the opportunity to make sure that something is always happening. Potentially it could bring in lots of new members with an exciting, grabbing storyline.
CONS If the admin takes a break, the RP stops. Also, the admin could be seen as too power-hungry and controlling. Sometimes administrators control the plot too much and get frustrated an angry when everything does not go exactly as they plan.

Free Plot
PROS More opportunity for the members to make up their own unique plots. It can allow a wider variety of plots, if the members conduct it in such manner. Also, members don't feel overwhelmed by canon characters.
CONS It's easy for RPGs to fall apart if not given a plot to bind the community together and get the RPG in motion. There is also the tendancy for people to wander away if things get too boring.

Nothing set in stone here. Just my opinion.

Well, I thought that I preferred having no plot whatsoever way back when, because I wanted to let people have more creative control.

Every board - in fact, almost every thread - that I attempted to make met a miserable end until I changed my mind.

Right now, my forum's got a main plot that everyone seems keen to play into, and it's going alright. They still have their creative control - they just also have some material to go on when they're stuck. I also add the occasional tiny detail about the kingdom's culture and stuff (it's based in a world of my creation, by the way) to add a little more depth to it.

A little of both, definitely. Willing to let the plot unfold by the members with love, controled by force, if necessary :3.