So first... forgive my english, after 2 years playing, I believe it's still not good enough
And second... I mention the words "developer" and "veteran player" here, I don't mean all the devs or all the players, it's up to you, being objective, to believe if it is your case.
Now, what you were expecting to read:
I have read many complains about the newcomers, and how they ruin the game. I have seen the same replies and opinions over and over again.
As if one of the newcomers will join the forums and say "hey, it's my case, I will stop being a noob and become a pro roleplayer".
I would really like to know... who do you address those complains? to the developers, the GMs, the newcomers who won't read this post? Developers make the game, not the players that play it, and GMs aren't always present!
So, instead of writing a post to those ones who will never read the forums, I post it to the ones who actually read and complain in it and what you can (and should) change to make roleplay better. There we go:
Part one: Veteran Roleplayers and elitism.
1. Change your mind: Change your mind, your thoughts. I have heard
"The good roleplayers are gone", but never "The good roleplayers are growing". I don't mean literally growing, I mean that they are being trained, they are learning to roleplay, they are on the way. The past, as the word says, it's just the past, it's not the present and it's gone,
stop saying "those good days" and start saying "These good days".2. You are not the best: You may have been playing for 5 years, congratulations, honestly, but that doesn't make you -by far- the best. You have maxed all the stats, swords, daggers, light, medium and heavy armor, red way and crystal way, and melee is on the way. Then what happens? You make a stupid mistake or have an argument with another player and you have one of those veterans behind you, saying they are better than anyone else.
My message will always be the same: Do you really believe you are that important?3. Stop making no-sense: Some of the players I mentioned above, say that
since you can fight and powerlevel, roleplay is dead. Pardon? erase your character and start again with low stats and low skills then, and never say you're the best again
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4. Don't expect to be asked for help: You are the god of roleplaying, and as a god of roleplaying you are, you are always willing to help. But
if you think people will come to you asking for help and suggestions, you are saying there is no shy people. You are wrong, I'm one of those who will never ask you, sorry, I am that way, and so are many players here.
If you see someone not roleplaying, or saying stupid things in main, send him a tell in a friendly way, and give him the chance to join a roleplaying group. I know that won't always work and that there are some trolls out there, like anywhere else.
5. Make more open events: I logged in with my character for an hour, I didn't find any events or anyone roleplaying, just two people talking about their issues (that's roleplaying, but there was no way I could join).
In an hour, a newcomer meets the game mechanics and the atmosphere of the game, if there are no roleplays, he won't roleplay, it is that simple.6. You make stupid mistakes: Again, I saw a character who has been around for years, and in its description it said "His eyes make you feel respect". Why would I respect someone I don't know? I respect them as I respect any person I don't know, right?
7. Be realistic: You have been into a lot roleplay events, now in your description it says your eyes change its color, you are full of scars, your body is strong, you have -no one knows how many- medals, it says you're a master mage in your leather torso armor you are not even wearing. Now you make another character, it's a beautiful fenki who moves her tail and makes your character feel lost in a world of feelings.
You know I am a blue eyed, blond guy, with the highest IQ you will ever see and I have everyone admiring me because I have Arnold Schwarzenegger's genetics and the perfect abs, but I am also tall and perfect, and I am the best kisser? Is it your real life that way? Then don't expect your character to be!
8. Your character is not you: And not because he has to think in a different way. The same people are 24/7 on IRC and in game. They play for hours. The feeling of being in an elite is great, I know, and because your life is not the way you expect, you feel more powerful because you have a powerful character, I understand you, but it leads you to the second point I wrote.
I know how it feels having no friends (or not going out often) and being fat (wishing your body was better) so you go and develop a Wavan Levironk, you max his stats and some skills and random players tell you they have heard about you and that you are a good guild leader. I have been there. And then, you behave like a complete jerk, and you live for playing because you have nothing else to do. Completely wrong.
Go jogging, join a gym, no matter what, do some exercise, get to meet people (I know it's not as easy as it sounds), join a martial art, have a hobby... no matter what, but forget about PlaneShift for a while... surprise, your life got so much better and you're not a jerk anymore 
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NOTE: I'm not saying everyone is that way. This only applies to people who, like me, have been through that. Please, if you don't know how it is or feels, don't critize about it, and if you feel that way, my suggestion is not to admit it but to do something about it (and if you want, send me a PM). People playing games like WoW or RS for hours are ruining their lifes, and PS is a great game and with the roleplaying thing, it can be a good game to play in your spare time or it can ruin your life. I will try to write more about this in a post later.
8. Your character is not you, be willing to loose: Your character might be epic, but things happen, and it's only a game, your reputation can go to 0 in just one day. Don't feel bad about it, even if it's your main character.
Just roleplay how bad your character feels, but don't let the feeling get to you.Part 2: Developers and GMs.
I know how it feels being in the elite, but developers and GMs must be in heaven if they really think that way. And it happens. Developers and GMs being unfair happen everyday, and shutting up mouths against them. Be sensitive, critics are good and everyone makes mistakes, and accepting that is what make good devs and GMs.
Another thing it's hard for me to understand is that when someone gives a developer an idea or a complain, I hear a "don't complain, contribute!" or a "don't just give ideas, make them come true, contribute!". I don't know anything about programming... does that mean I don't have a voice when it comes to give suggestions or report bugs? I try to understand developers are stressed, but instead of just whining about that, say "I will take it into account" and note it (write it down) and put it in the TODO list. If the reported bug is already being worked on, just tell them to be patient. I know sometimes it's hard, but believe me, you will reduce a lot your stress.
And now I repeat again: At least one of the points will fit you (I'd say point 4 would fit most of us), but I am not saying all developers, GMs and players are wrong. And of course newcomers are also guilty, but don't forget they are just newcomers, english might not be their main language and they need to practice.
I'm sure 90% of players would roleplay if they were given a chance..
Please, I accept critics and suggestions to add to this post, but be sensitive, don't feel insulted, you know how it works, start changing the world by changing yourself first. Thank you for reading.
