I think maybe the player was overwhelmed and not relating to you lordraleigh. When I explain role-playing to a new person in planeshift I keep in mind that the player might not feel comfortable with "role-playing" or feel that they are not good enough to even bother role-playing as another character. I usually start with small steps.
Leet says: i dont know how to act
I say: [And when you wish to speak as a player... you should put it between brackets]
Leet says: can u teach me
Leet says: why
Leet says: [why]
I say: [To make other players know you are talking as a player, not as your character]
In this case explaining the /me helps a great deal and gets the role-playing rolling. I use that as a tool to show new players just how easy role-playing can be. For example ....
* Akaye smiles at "player one" and settles into the tavern chair.
* Akaye takes a sip of ale and asks the group before him "Can any of you tell me how to get to Ojaveda?"
* Akaye takes a look around hydlaa plaza with her eyes wide with surprise
Those /me's tend to help the player to begin role-play in my experience. I also feel that telling these new players how you started role-playing is a great way for them to relate to you. For them to know that you started off not knowing anything about role-play will show that you were not perfect and have obviously advanced since playing the game. Taking them along with you to a role-play that you might be involved in can be very helpful for them to see and learn how others do it. Explaining role-play and how to do just doesn't have the same affect that watching others engage in it. They begin to realise it isn't just because you are saying to role-play that it should be done. They will see that others in game also take on these roles and enjoy the game for it's role-play. They also see different styles of role-play and begin to realise there is no right or wrong way.
I also want to correct something. You are not an actor per say. When you say that people start thinking of super stars and get intimidated thinking that they have to live up to that standard. Try to stay away from the word acting. Role-playing sounds much better and that is exactly what you are doing in game, assuming you are a role-player. I know there is a fine line between acting and role-playing, but none the less there is still a difference. I have posted the definitions down below.
role-play·ing n.
(1) Psychology. A therapeutic technique, designed to reduce conflict in social situations, in which participants act out particular behavioral roles in order to expand their awareness of differing points of view.
(2) An instance or situation in which one deliberately acts out or assumes a particular character or role.act·ing adj.
(1) Temporarily assuming the duties or authority of another. See synonyms at temporary.(2) a.That contains directions for use in a dramatic performance: the play's acting text.
b.That is appropriate for dramatic performance: an acting comedy.
n.
The occupation of an actor or actress.
Performance as an actor or actress.
False behavior; pretense.
I hope my post helps in some way.
I typed role-play/role-player 15 times in my post!
