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I'm fairly new to gaia but role play is something I've been doing for well over 13 years now...
Scary huh?

One thing that has always bothered me is a particular posting style that seems to be popular amongst some people. Posting in the first person.

Jimbob: I reach into my pocket, grabbing my knife and follow the shadowy figure.

This kind of posting comes off as self centered to me.
Think of it from the perspective of the person who will be reading it. If you made a post like this and read it out-loud, to you, it would seem alright, after all it was written from your perspective.. The thing is you aren't posting for your own sake, you are posting for whoever is role playing with you. You are posting to give them a way to imagine your character actions or appearance.

So If I were to read your post it would seem as though I'm the one who is to be doing these things, not you or your character but me. Even though I didn't make the post I will always read it as "I reach into my pocket, grabbing my knife"
Next time your role playing partner makes a post like this.. read it out loud and you should see what I'm getting at.

To avoid this most people tend to go to third person and I feel this is a much better option.

Jimbob: Jimbob reaches into his pocket, grabbing his knife and following the shadowy figure.

This way when a reader sees this it no longer seems as though they are meant to be taking the action. I will know that Jimbob is doing these things and I am better able to imagine it from my perspective. I can try to see Jimbob doing these things rather than being Jimbob.

"But wait crazy man! I am Jimbob and this takes ME out of the experience"

Well first I'm sorry that your parents named you that... Secondly, Get over yourself. As the poster you should already be able to imagine this action from your own perspective, after all you thought up the action to begin with. The one reading your post doesn't have this benefit.. unless they have some kind of spooky mind reading powers.. in which case I recommend investing in a tinfoil hat.

Third person is a better way to draw other people into the world you are creating.

But as far as immersion goes there is a better way, at least if you are only role playing with one other person.

My posting style tends to fall in the realm of Second person perspective as I'm often role playing one on one.

First an example of third person

Mal reaches out with his hand, trying to grab Jimbob before he leaves.

Now second person

Mal reaches out with his hand, trying to grab you before you leave.

The difference here is once again all about perspective... duh...
This means that instead of them picturing me grabbing their character named Jimbob, like some omniscient overseer, the reader is pulled down into the event, experiencing things from Jimbobs perspective. Mal just reached out and grabbed them.

"HAH! I, the great Jimbob, have found another whole in your theory! You shouldn't be grabbing ME you should grab my character!"

Well poorly named example guy, I did grab your character... and you mean hole not whole....

"Who what?!?"

This is all about immersion. Seeing things from your characters point of view, trying to think as your character would, understanding the situation. Playing like you are reading a book is fine and all, but when you read a book written in third person you are always watching the characters from above. When someone posts to you using second person perspective it helps draw you into the setting and scene. You have a better understanding of whats going on simply through the use of a simple word.. you..

Just because I use the word you doesn't mean I'm actually talking about the real you sitting at your chair. For instance.. In this journal entry I've been referring to 'you' this entire time. Feels like I'm talking to you doesn't it? Thing is.. I'm not.. not specifically anyway, because -you- aren't the only person that will ever read this... maybe.. I make no promises on that. Using the word 'you' simply helps draw you in and experience things on a more personal level.

Which brings up a problem with second person. It shouldn't be used when dealing with multiple people.. because as soon as you break out the word you everyone will get confused.. To see an example of this.. find a city street with a nice crowd and yell "Hey YOU!!" in fact.. don't even yell it.. just say it in a normal speaking voice.. Most people will turn to see if they are the -you- you're looking for...

It's actually a fairly simple concept though explaining it is a bit difficult. It's best to try the different styles out and actually read the posts through. Also try to picture the scene in your head. I think alot of people just skim over and are all about action action now now now and don't take the time to be drawn into a good story.

Completely got sidetracked.. but yes.. First person is the least efficient of all role playing styles when it comes to creating an immersive scene for other players. Third person always works better but second person has its uses.

If you and your friends really like first person role play then go ahead and do it. I'm not going to swing out of nowhere and kick you in the head. The satellites haven't pinpointed your location yet.... I just hope you keep this in mind and at least consider the person reading your posts.