Sticking to one's claims and promises would be a start.
I did previously consider joining Planeshift anew, raising the idea of name change changes to bring forth a fresh start to Role-players of old.

I was told a variation of the concept was in the works, weeks of discussion passing before I realized the futility in pressing the cause.
I was told that an answer would be given, for better or worse, yet none was received. Months now having passed.

It would be naive to uphold a sense of trust, as well as contribute to a project shrouded in deception.
If a request is denied by the general consensus of the time, simply say so rather than make a month long song and dance about it.

Having previously enjoyed Planeshift for years, I write so not to insult. But clarity is something I've perceived to be ridiculously lacking.

Source:
http://www.hydlaaplaza.com/smf/index.php?topic=40621.0

Well met,

It has been long since I last visited Planeshift, although I've felt the sentimental urge to do so more than once.
I came here anew with the hope of being able to take part in the community once more, And that which I wish to discuss publicly is the matter of changing the names of characters who are for all intents and purposes dead from an IC [In Character] standpoint.

The reason why I'm raising the issue would be due to a personal predicament, that being my own character being deceased, although OOC [Out of character] very much alive.
I think such an issue to be shared in varying degrees, from characters having concluded in true death to players simply having grown tired of roleplaying them.

There is, afterall a limit on character development one can experience given the duration of which many find themselves here on Planeshift. Not to mention the impact events on a large scale can have.

There is however, a way to counteract such means. That being, allow players to change the name of one, and only one existing character once if they can provide a solid IC reason to do so, as well as a documentation of said characters demise in the forum. [Such as an event, a story or what have you.]

The review of such documentation might sound like a function in need of much effort, yet given the competence of the GM team I'd say a quick skim or an exchange of PM's would be enough to deem if a player's intentions are viable for a name change.

Why not roll a new character?

Most would agree that leveling a new character for a second time to be out of the question. Said leveling being simply for the sake of being able to roleplay as a warrior, mage, craftsman or what have you.

The time spent on repeating the turmoil of grinding may instead be used to contribute to the community in a positive way by roleplaying and creating events.
Something that may once more, simply be counteracted by a name change.

On the earning of skills and stats:

The function would not administer any unfair advantage what so ever, seeing as the stats and skills of a particular character applying for a name change has already been earned once.
The name is hence altered, whereas the numerial attributes of the character stays the same.

On testing:

Given as Planeshift is still a beta, players are relied upon to serve as testers. To my understanding, calculations and measurements are made to balance the game, based particularly on how testers level their characters, taking every relevant variabel into account.

I for one however, consider myself a player before a tester. Thus, I find the concept of starting anew and aquiring whatever skills needed for a new RP character for the sake of testing to be unintresting. As earlier stated, grinding once more consumes time that would be better put towards contributing to the community in a creative sense. More so, most would find themselves without the time to begin with.

Pros:

- A way for roleplay to be reuvinated within Planeshift, bringing forth a fresh start to the roleplaying community.

- Inspiration for the players to establish their new characters through events they could otherwise not IC'ly attend.

- Improved relations with the existing RP portion of the PS community.

- The possible return of many players of old.

- A boost of creativity!

Cons:


-The function having to be tended to by members of the GM team, consuming to me an unknown amount of time. ["gm team additional workload"]

-Players looking to abuse the function?

- "why you and not me" syndrome (we are still quite full of this)"

- risk of favoritism


It is of interest to me how others might perceive this idea, thus I hope to get your opinion on the matter.

Should one time name changes be allowed for existing players, so that they may start anew with their accumulated stats and skills intact, this from an RP perspective?

If so, why, why not?

What is the best way to implement such a function, if at all?

With hope of a relevant discussion on the matter, and best wishes,

- Jacula