Meissa wrote:
Treating the game like a story is only really problematic when players don't account for the fact that they're not sole authors. It's a collaborative effort, and no one player drives any plot by him or herself. Yes, it should absolutely be impromptu, and a character should not be unaffected by interactions and occurrences throughout his or her life. I think we may all have seen examples of the staunch, rigid character types that don't, and we don't need to call them out here. Keeping an open concept is essential, but I don't feel that the journal hinders or is mutually exclusive to this at all. For characters who like to have a depth of background and ongoing "story," it's a nice addition. For those who like to establish a minimal idenity, it's optional.
Staff members are guilty of this, too. I remember a particular GRP that should have concluded in an abrupt manner due to the actions of a character involved, but the staff member running the show decided to smite him instead and continue on with the "script" as if nothing happened.
I need to find that log - it always makes me laugh. Anyone reading that remembers, feel free to PM a link.