The Forge Archives

Hello..im  new here so can some one tellme how this site works?

I'm not the moderator around here -- that's Ron Edwards, who will probably respond soon -- but I think you should start by reading the Sticky thread here in Site Discussion about Forge Etiquette.  Then read a bunch of threads.  Pay attention to the Stickies in each Forum, which will tell you more or less what each Forum is supposed to be about, and how to distinguish the topics, in case you decide to start a new thread.  Most of all, IMO, don't be afraid to jump in on a discussion, so long as you keep it within the bounds of reasonable, constructive discussion.

If you are totally lost on a term or concept, it may be local Forge jargon.  Use the Search function to find the term, tracking backwards to its origins or a thread that seems about defining the term.  If you're going to read the GNS forum, you have to read the articles (see Articles section) by Ron about GNS: there's an overall article, then one for each of the Agendas (Simulationist, Gamist, Narrativist).

Welcome to the Forge!

Chris Lehrich

Hello,

And welcome! Chris, that was an excellent introduction, and thanks for filling in.

Bloody_Angel, what you just saw from Chris demonstrates one of the most important things about this site: we're here to work together. Even disagreements are conducted in the context of having a shared goal, and according to standards of courtesy and response to one another that you don't find very often on or off the internet.

So what do we do?

1. Design and publish role-playing games that are creator-owned. Do you have to do this? No. But the people who are would really like your input about their work.

2. Discuss when, why, and how role-playing works out well for the people who do it. What for? Because a lot of the time, it doesn't. People who want to enjoy it more get to interact with people who enjoy it a lot, and everyone can learn about their own experiences.

3. Build a common useful vocabulary for both of the above. This is tricky, because it requires both careful thinking and patience. Can we answer everything and come up with the perfect vocabulary right away? No. Can we do a damn good job with the bit we're working on at the moment? Sure.

Anyway, those are the goals of the Forge. Do we actually play role-playing games here at the site? No, but several people have set up on-line groups that you're welcome to join. And many people have met at the Forge and turned out to live near one another, and then set up real live groups.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Best,
Ron