Teaching vs Preaching. I think you have a good idea Donari. The question I would ask. "Is how do you go about generating player interest in it, to participate?"
And, yes there are several threads with this mentioned. But there is also a difference between "Talking the Talk, and Walking the walk" (to borrow the phrase)
I, myself am guilty of what Donari is talking about. Though I have made some efforts to correct them. The process takes some practice of habit. And, I do appreciate those experienced role players who have weaned me through patience and example of conversation vs [learn how to role play] Though I doubt I will ever be a in-depth role player I do try to work my character into his surroundings, as I think many players do. In the last market the main chat was a mix of conversation, but, the trend is moving more to players making the attempt to try to role play their characters. That has been a gradual improvement if anyone takes the time to notice.
I have helped a few new players under the suggestions of Illysia and UTM, It's not easy but it has had some results also. I use main chat to role play the explanation and move the questions of mechanics to tells and/or group. Some pick up the idea rather quickly, while others struggle a little until they learn the difference in the use of the chat windows. all have show an effort in time, without having to be direct about it.
Even the main chat of the mines have improved, Again if you take notice. There are still a few lol's and and some basic silliness. Once a few players start to joke around in the correct manner the mood chances and most join into it. So,the effort isn't in vain. Many players are trying if you bring them into an IC conversation.
I still remember my first real experience of role play between characters. I meet a male Enkidukai on the road from the magic shop gold mine. After greeting him, he asked that I joined him in his walk to Hydlaa. He ignored my ignorance of the use of the main chat and weaned me into the role play of the conversation. It ending up being a fun and pleasant introduction to role play. Honestly, if he had started to say [use brackets] or started to correct me along the way. I may have just hit the "R" button and been done with it. I am thankful for his patience in working with me around it. That conversation often comes to mind whenever I meet a new player.
No, Role play isn't dead, but much of it is in infancy, how it matures is entirely up to the people willing to give it direction.
Donari, A use of a simple play may work as a teaching method. A simple script that can be handed out to interested players to participate in and act out. Using both short text and actions. It would offer some experience to role playing and make it fun to be part of.
