Not that it matters, but I tend to be the odd type of newcomer. I tend to do everything/explore/fight/learn on my own with no help from others whatsoever, (unless they approach me first) This is usually how I try to avoid looking like an annoying "n00b" as opposed to generic newbie. Mebbe it works, mebbe it doesn't. I guess I just try to learn the world around me before I start interacting with its denizens. And yes, (foo on me) I tend to use OOC to try and break the ice before getting the feel for my character.
In my experience roleplaying on muds, it's usually the older veteran players who tend to be the most helpful, insightful, and/or friendly. Granted, though, that's a trend, and not an absolute, and they're often pretty busy. I haven't interacted in PS enough to really see any trends, so I can't say anything on that score. (yeah i know i know, I need to get out more
)
My (albeit limited) experience in Planeshift has been enjoyable for the most part, granted I don't RP much and keep to myself (i'm shy like that) But that's how i've always started, and eventually I do come outta my shell and make friends in the long run and hang around for a good length of time (now going a good 6 years on one particular mud).
Granted, Planeshift isn't the most "newbie friendly" and I think I can understand the reason for it what with trying to fend off the powergamer breed, maybe people are trying to fend them off too aggressively, and it's leading to interaction problems for fear a newb might be a powergamer? I dunno, just speculation there. But, I guess PS is literally what you, or rather, your character makes of it. If you don't start treating it like a MUD and roleplaying, trying to make friends, it becomes like MMORPG- number X.
