So my group is slowing falling apart. Since I am geographically displaced from them and new to the area that I live in, I thought I would take to the "instawebs" to find a new group. Mainly Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds. Created an account with both, watch the tutorials and all of that. So I am all caught up to speed on how they work. However, what I was not prepared for was the resume-esk submissions that seem to be required in order to get picked to play a game. Almost all of the advertising games are asking things like; Highest Education, profession, blood type, Myers-Briggs personalty scores, a brief description of best/worst gaming situation and how you handled it. And then they want a full character write-up, bio and all. It is straight up ridiculous. One forum topic on Roll20 was like, have your bios read professionally as nothing says bad player as typos and grammar errors. WTF?!?! Really makes me wonder if these people realize what they are asking and how much time people have to devote in providing such info. For me, when I see stuff like that, I am completely turned off and quickly move on.

So other than just me ranting (and I do apologize), my question is: to those that participate in Roll20, Fantasy Ground and sites like that, did you already have a group set when you joined or did advertise and build a group on the site? If the later, how has it been successful?

My main point, is that I really, REALLY, do not want to have build resume/character bio for every single advertising game that I am interested in unless there is really no other way to do it. It is just a massive time sink with only the hope that the GM will like it enough to pick you. Its like elementary school getting pick for dodge ball.

/rant

Sorry again.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I haven’t had that problem on Roll20.

I’m not on Fantasy Grounds, but I know others on this forum are, so maybe they can speak up regarding this issue there.

Beyond that, I don’t know that I can tell you a whole lot.

If you're looking for a site that does not make you jump through hoops to participate in, try http://nemeses.freeforums.org/

Yeah, the sites them selves are great. Support is awesome and the utility is amazing. Was just surprised with the application process. Al though, with the apparent supply and demand of GMs vs Players I really should not be.

Bradknowles, you were able to find/create groups with little issue? Were/Are you the player or GM? I would imagine as a GM the point of view is a bit different, but still has its own proclivities.

Bradknowles, you were able to find/create groups with little issue? Were/Are you the player or GM? I would imagine as a GM the point of view is a bit different, but still has its own proclivities.

On Roll20, I’m just a player. I only found one game that was looking for players and that was playing on a night when I might be available, so I applied. And I didn’t have any problems at all.

So, it must all come down to the groups you’re applying for and what their past experiences might be.

All I can suggest is that if you find groups that are making unreasonable demands/requests, then you should move on to other groups that are more reasonable. If you can’t find other groups that are more reasonable on that system, then I’d try another system.

There are plenty of systems out there that host groups wanting to play games. I think the biggest problem is finding out about some of them. And that’s where I think this forum can be very helpful.

I understand how frustrating it can be to sign up for online games. Many GMs have an idea of what they want, and aren't willing to stray from the idea they have for their games. The only game I've signed up for I did so because the GM sounded like he was there to have fun, not there to rule over his own little universe.

Sure, games can run more smoothly if the PCs each fill a different role, but I think it's even more fun to be in a game where maybe the group is NOT prepared for every situation. Being able to overcome difficulties, figure out alternative ways to solve a problem is what this game is all about.

Don't feel you have to fill out a resume just to have a little fun. Just lay out your idea for a character and see if the GM likes it. And if the GM demands to know everything about your personal gaming history...just tell him you don't put out on the first date.

Hey, I just moved recently and have had the same kind of reluctance to join online games. I ended up playing over Hangouts with my old group, I'm just he Max Headroom.

I'm with you, I don't feel much like interviewing to game, but I can imagine what led people to those requirements. This sort of gunk has been a staple of online gaming since the days of MUDs and their spawn, I'm not sure we can really escape it. As much as I love technology, I think I have a predisposition to playing at an actual table and I'm not sure I can overcome that so easily. Off to the FLGS to interact with humans etc.....

I had the same reluctance. After awhile I said "screw it, I'll just run a game." Immediately after a flood of people interested posted. and Some posted resume' like, some didn't. I just immediately accepted whoever was interested until it hit the number of players I was willing to GM. We discussed what we wanted, the game's place as a backburner rpg campaign, etc. And over time Some players couldn't make it anymore. (but I always said there's an open spot if they ever wish to join again.) Some had a buddy willing to join and kind of became a sort of close knit group for a first time gm. Which unfortunately I had to end a couple months ago as I'm still recovering from injury and my time had to be freed up. (It grew to just me in Alaska to everyone else being in the UK, so AM here was PM there. Kinda worked out with my grave shift.) Recently I messaged the group back, asking if they would be interested in me running the beginner set for Star Wars. Which before this group I attempted to GM with the beta book that just crushed me as a GM with the local group I ran for. Secretly I loved the system but everyone else did not share that enthusiasm. I got some returning and yet some cannot. I always offer a spot if they ever change their minds. From that experience made me confident enough to attempt the game that crushed me first go around.

My personal philosophy is, if you're interested to play I will do my best to have a slot/seat for you. I don't truly see a need for a resume'. I'd rather let the player decide the group.

As a GM on Roll20, and a new one at that, I too was kind of shocked at the resume thing. I kind of understand it now though. My first game I started quickly fell apart because I didn't screen people well enough, and no one paid attention to the instructions I had set fourth. One being that it was a Video/Audio game, and most everyone that I invited didn't use a camera...

So I can now see why people want a short resume. I don't require a letter head, 3 page, special font, and list of references. Just a short intro, and a little info about you. I ask about your RPG back ground and FFG experience, and age. That way I can sort of get a feel for people before I invite them to the game. I'm thinking about doing a bounty hunter game right now, so I did ask people to throw out a couple of ideas.

So with some games, you can get dozens of people interested in playing, do you have a better suggestion than having people submit a resume of some other way applying for the game? To me, this seems like the most viable way to do it really. I guess it may seem like schoolyard all over again, but unless you have a better alternative, this is really about it.