#-- i just don't. have much to write with my inbox empty and one (1) thread

[sphynxrpmemes]

How do I get people to send in memes? I’m always reblogging but I never seem to get any sent in 😞

Okay lovely there's a lot of things that go into this, and I cannot guarantee any of this will help. I've been around Tumblr rp a long time and it really is not as ready to engage with people the way it used to be. Remember that people sending in memes doesn't measure the quality of your writing, just the willingness to collaborate on someone else's part. And some people just prefer to plot, and not rely on memes- that is fine too!

1) Know your mutuals. I highly recommend reading their rules again, on top of offering an interest tracker, something that let's you know what you're working with. Know how many of your mutuals actually prefer memes to plotting only. If you have mostly plotting only mutuals, you will automatically not receive many memes. Likewise if you have a very small follower account, you may need to expand your horizons some. Crossovers are so much fun. Do not be afraid to follow people who aren't in your direct fandom!

2.) Do not make it an obligation. Don't pair your memes with posts like "bored, send memes", "really shitty day I need you to send memes", or "my inbox is empty so I guess no one likes me". Making demands and guilt trip posts are often going to have people resist because now they are being expected to, not leaving it as an optional fun thing to do. Be inviting and it's much easier to get some results 💜

3.) Reblog a variety of memes. I know there are sometimes memes we really, really like because they touch on a certain topic you want to write. However, if that's the only meme your mutuals ever see, they might start to get annoyed or feel boxed in. I would suggest if there is a topic you REALLY want to write, message a close mutual up to plot it out. When you offer variety of memes you like, you offer more opportunities for someone to find something that catches THEIR eye. Remember it's a two person situation, and they have to want to write it too, lovely.

4.) Don't overly spam the memes. I know it sounds a bit counter logic, but if you're trying to get more people to write with you, you can put people off by having more memes on your blog than threads. Some people aren't bothered by that. Others, like myself, can take it as a sign that there is always a clamor for memes, but rarely are they answered, and rarely are they turned into threads. This might not be the case, but the impression is all that's needed to negatively impact someone reaching out to get something started. Maybe try doing a draft or two and your reward is you get to reblog a meme, balancing your mutuals' dash out.

5.) Don't be the person always asking for memes and never sending any. If you're never sending your mutuals memes, it's pretty distancing. I know making the first move with people can be nerve-wracking but I promise if you two already follow each other, the other person at least likes your writing! Send that meme and get to know each other! I would say 80% of my closest partners and ooc friends resulted from me finally getting up the nerve to send that first meme. And them not answering it is not always a negative. Sometimes they were just busy, or it didn't gel with their muse. Don't be afraid to ask. If you consistently send memes, and don't get a response, do not be afraid to move on. At that point, it's not on you. (Keep in mind that if you do something like ignore meme boundaries, then no, they might not take kindly to it and ignore it)

6.) Try doing some character development. Reblog some headcanon memes, or just write some up. This can create some curiosity and generate questions in your inbox, as well as invite the people that like to see muses fleshed out.

I know it can be very disappointing seeing people flooded with memes and you get nothing, but again, it doesn't measure your worth. Are you happy with your muse? Do you like writing? Great! You're doing it right.

If you need further clarification, or help on a different topic, just message. Have a wonderful day/night!

-Xo 💜💜💜

[confessionsofa-roleplayer]

I recently returned to tumblr after (x) amount of months of not being here on a new oc of mine. Most of the people I knew are either inactive or have not followed me back on my OC (used to play a semi-popular canon?) and i'm having trouble getting follows/followbacks from strangers in the tags as well. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. My rules page is accessible and not hard to read, same with my about. My graphics are pretty good and i don't overformat. I currently have 45 followers after about a week of my blog being public. however, i get 1, maybe 2 notes if i'm lucky on my calls and promos, but my inbox is empty always and my draft box is too. i'm proactive: i send asks when I see memes on my dash from my mutuals, but sometimes they're just not even answered. im starving for interactions but all my attempts at reaching out go flat. what do i do?

So, once upon a time I worked in the marketing department for a major museum in my area. I took a lot of good things away from that job, but one of the things I remember most clearly is when it came to sending out emails, etc. we were taught to never expect more than 10% of people to open it. Sometimes we'd get as much as 12%, but not often. And of the 10% who actually read what we sent, even less actually took the time to engage with the email by clicking links, or taking polls, or whatever.

I sort of look at roleplaying the same way. Having 45 followers doesn't mean they're all going to engage with you. And when you think about the 10% rule, 2-3 people engaging with your blog out of 45 sounds close to what you're dealing with right now. (And engagement can really feel like pulling teeth when you're an OC - especially in certain fandoms.) I know that feeling well.

So, my immediate response is to tell you to find more people to follow, anon. I know that's not always easy, especially in particular fandoms, but especially when you're just starting out, following more blogs will help you get yourself out there. It's also a good idea to branch out into different areas, if you can. If you're in a fandom, try following blogs in fandoms where a crossover might be easy to pull off. If you're not in a fandom, follow blogs in any fandoms where you think your OC could easily fit. And then make sure you do a little write up for your OC in that fandom, so when those blogs come to check your muse out, they can get a clear idea of how your muse exists in their world.

You've already said you're interacting with the blogs you follow, and that's a good way to get people to notice and pay attention. Do it for OOC as well as IC things. People generally like to talk about themselves and their muses - show them you're interested in things beyond just a thread, and they're likely to feel more comfortable with you. In that regard, you don't have to wait for an OOC meme to come along. Read through someone's bio, and then go into their ask box. Offer them a compliment on some aspect of their muse that you enjoy, and then ask a question or two. Show them you're interested.

I think that's a good way to get started, but can our followers offer the anon any other good ideas for getting more interactions going?

~ Mod MJ ~

[championfought]

:v