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Online Player Etiquette: The DO's and DON'Ts of Being and Online RPG Player

I, personally, have had some bad experience as of late with online player etiquette when trying to start a couple new games, so I though it might be a good idea to share some advice with those players out there looking to get into an online game.

Let's start off with things not to do:
  1. Don't sign up for an online game unless you can make a commitment to the game.
  2. Don't ask to join a game and then not respond quickly when you are asked to join.
  3. Don't join a game and then immediately quit.
  4. Don't ignore the parameters of the game.  Make sure you build an appropriate character.
  5. Don't argue with previous rulings.  If an established group has already agreed, you shouldn't be challenging a ruling after the fact.
Here is a good list of things to do:
  1. Make sure you ask questions that influence you wanting to join before asking to join.
  2. Understand how you group and GM wish to communicate and adapt to that method.
  3. Be gracious and respectful.
  4. Adapt your character to fit with any existing party and in the setting.
  5. If there is homebrew involved, make an honest effort to assimilate and understand the homebrew material.  Don't expect to be spoon fed.
  6. Adapt to any existing house rules.
  7. Try to understand how you can make things easier on your new GM and do so.
  8. Show your appreciation to the GM for the work he or she puts into keeping the game going.
  9. Give your fellow players a chance to talk and get in the spotlight.
  10. Be on time and ready to play.
Adopt these pointers and you'll be an online GM's dream player.
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