In Character conversations in PM’s or E-Mai

[Savage]

So, how do you guy's feel about in character conversations taking place in the forum's PM's or a thread? The reason I ask, is that I have people I plan on talking to and asking some questions of, however I never have enough time in game to have all those conversations before I need to log off.

I can see where timeline might be difficult sustain. Where a conversation in the forums might last over one or more gaming sessions, and the characters might interact with each other before that conversation is finished?

To all you experienced FRC players and forum posters? What experiences have you had? Is this a good thing to do or a bad one? What are some of the things to watch out for?

[ShadowCatJen]

First concern would be if the conversation is supposed to be a "private" conversation. If it is, then I would avoid posting a thread for all the world to see. You heavily risk the chance that someone will try and metagame. Go the way of PMs or e-mail if this is the case.

Second, there is the confusion point where a PM conversation could last three days and in that time your characters may run into one another during that time. While in game either agree that the conversation hasn't happened yet or you can just simply pick up the conversation where it left off in PMs. I'd advise on going with the second choice as it will "close off" the conversation and you can go on roleplaying from that point.

Overall, though I would avoid doing it as the timeline confusion can easily get out of hand.

What works far better is to have your character write a letter to the ones he/she needs to speak to (via PM or e-mail) and pose the questions in the letter. ICly this serves as an explination for why you don't have the answers right away as your character would have to wait for a return letter.

[Quadhund/Greenhouse]

Agreed. I treat most conversations on the forums as letters (including signatures or not). Another thing you'll want to do is make sure that it is understood what is IC information. I would suggest you refrain from sending OOC information about FRC as it could lead to metagaming and that is just bad.

[Driderman]

I say: Metagame!
;D

Or rather, instead of having an Ic discussion via PMs or E-mail, simply figure out the results of the conversation and play it from there. Technically its metagaming, but not abusive metagaming. You simply agree on what was said and what was agreed upon and probably when this ficticious conversation took place and voila. Just be careful to specify what is IC knowledge and what is not in this case...
Or you could just consider the PMs or mails letters as suggested above. Easier as everything can be considered IC unless otherwise specified

[Kolfrosta]

This works well for IC private letters. Also for getting a word or letter to difficult to find Overswords who tend to travel all over the place. Sharita gets many letters "slipped under her door" (i.e. I get in character PMs), and I try to get an answer back IC as soon as possible, usually after being in game long enough to *get* said answer, to follow up requests to meet, or, figure out Sharita's next move, depending on the nature of the letter.

This has been a wonderful way to keep the private things private, and prevents harmful metagaming, which can ruin the fun for everyone involved.

[gathera]

I have actually started many letters by a short "conversation" sort of to set the mood. Usually between an NPC and my character or some times the letter recipient. Emails work quite well for private matters. As for forum posts about more sensitive information then you might leave out the names of the parties involved. A conversation between players could work I suppose but unless both parties are willing to surrender a bit of their side it might be a bit slow to develop. Never tried that myself.

[Munroe]

Do consider when writing letters that Cormyr doesn't have a postal service so your private correspondence is only as private as your messenger is trustworthy, and only as likely to reach its destination as your messenger is dependable.

Of course the trustworthiness issue can be negated by the use of a wax seal which must be broken before the letter can be read.