I've seen it happen too many times, in the short time I've been here. The same business gets new management over and over, with no rp in between. Or a new business gets started, only to sit empty and cast aside like a wedding dress after the big grand opening.

And what's up with the university? When I first got here, watching the antics of lthe sorority girls was one of the most entertaining things to do. Am I missing something because I got involved in my own story lines? did the college people switch to a time when classes are more likely to be in session? Or are the remaining members just being too quiet?

Those who know my character know that she's a proud member of the Hells Saints, and that I enjoy gang rp immensely. I wouldn't change the character that Cassie has become for anything. I'm very happy with her. But, I find myself thinking, "If not for that, what would keep me in CD?" If I were a new player, or if I wanted to start a more "casual" alt, what would I do?

Nadir has provided us with a beautiful and versatile sim. I sometimes wish we'd make more use of it. Everyone shows up at Lou's or Titty Twister. Is it because the other clubs are somehow inferior? No. Everyone goes to those two places just because everyone ELSE shows up there. There are some great spots in Black Bottom and Devils Pocket, others starting in d8. I understand that rp in some of the fast food places, or in an empty club can go stale with a quickness. So, I can't stress this enough. If you're doing anything at all for the community as a whole, YOU NEED TO START BRAGGING!!!!! Being humble doesn't work. Simply building it is not enough for us to come.

one of the big advantages that us gang members have is our own section of the forums, to discuss what is going on, and to prove that we are staying active. If you're not in a gang, look at the threads. Admins DO poke in there from time to time, to ask us for updates, and to give guidance for our rp. I'm starting to think that maybe something similar can help everyone else.

Also, I think maybe the L9R should start telling or showing people how it's done. They ran Rader Records for a long time. It's a record store. A retail outlet. Not a club. Not a building with rp potential built into it. But they successfuly managed it for a long time, and generate a lot of rp for and from it. Meanwhile, night clubs, which should be easier to run, fail or sit empty. They ran that record store for a long time before the ban on gangs owning businesses was lifted, and nobody complained. Why? Because they did it well, and made a success of a spot on the map that others would have allowed to fall into neglect.

So, students: Do those crazy things college kids do. Show your school pride.
Employees: Talk your place up when you're out doing other rp's. Generate interest.
Owners: Reach out for both clients and constructive criticism.

Let's spread out, and use all of the Sim. Let's use all of our creativity.