I've been reluctant to broach this topic because it's one of my all time pet peeves. I was worried it might just be a personal issue of mine rather then a general problem. Personal or otherwise, I feel that strongly about it that I have to mention it even though it may be self indulgent.

I'm going to summarise first in case you don't have the time or inclination to read my incessant ramblings!

-Short version:

((OOC)) in local chat is, in my opinion one of the top 3 most destructive elements in RP.

It kills mood and immersion, annoys more immersive players, as well as teaching new players bad habits for whom more established players should set an example.
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Long Version:
I was curious about multiplayer centrally located scenes as I haven't seen one in CD for a while. Haven't RPed in CD in a long time as some of you might know.

There was a scene at Lou's where a cop was assaulting someone with fire. I don't know the whole back story nor many of the specifics. I can tell you there were some highly gifted and well known players involved and the way the scene was conducted was excellent. This is what makes what I saw so tragic. I tend to loose a LOT of admiration for players because of ((OOC))

None of the ((OOC)) all of which was in local, pertained to RP logistics. That is none of it, that I saw, was about understanding where a person is physically so the scene can move on etc.

It was all ((lols)) and ((omg that's so funny))

Imagine reading a thriller and being captivated by a highly descriptive scene, only to have to read ((hope you liked this bit, it's a little harsh)) or ((this cracked me up when I wrote it lol))

You might say 'We're RPing not writing a book' I've found if I do all I can to immerse others in my RP it's human nature for them to up their game and do the same for me. It works like nothing else to develop RP skill.

When you play or see a REALLY good scene especially a big one with multiple players, check and see how much OOC there was. I think more often than not you'll see there was hardly any.

I always try not to bring this up in OOC chat group to avoid a long and heated debate.

I'm in the minority because I don't think there should be ANY ((OOC)) in local at all when it's so easy to do it in IM instead. You can even add multiple people to an IM conversation. Just the people in the scene to avoid a bunch of questions from people no where near if you did it in OOC chat group.

Some people can stay immersed despite the ((lols)) and ((omgs)) in local chat, some are more sensitive to it.

Sorry to be so serious and act like a bank! 😉

Let me know your opinions.