User blog comment:Acatonthemoon/The Warning Label/@comment-26130440-20170725202414

I feel like at some point we've definitely all felt this. Particularly in newbdom, when you're trying to integrate into a community that's too nervous and comfortable, to interact back. That's the key word for me, comfort. It's much more comfortable to stay with friends, rp in the known, and know you won't be hurt by people not replying back, or that someone might be on par with your rp level. When I was a newb, I left because it I tried so hard to be part of the community, but never felt accepted. I had two rps, that's it. When I came back, I had friends, and became part of the problem because I'd hide behind my friends cross wikia.

Here's a challenge, for everyone. The main reason I know why I don't contact people for rps is
 * I'm afraid people will be unimpressed with my rp level, and quit replying
 * I love my friends, and we make plans, so it's easy to just stick to them

So it's time to get uncomfortable. Message a user you don't typically rp with at least once a week (depending on your availability), and see through an rp. Meaning, don't quit responding until it's agreed it is finished, or the other person doesn't reply.

Don't let your fear of being hurt get in the way. You might get hurt, but in the end, at least you can be proud that you put in the effort. Don't forget to be proud of you, and your characters, and whatever great ideas you bring to the table.

Lastly, much like the prior comments, I'd like to commend fandom for bringing up the elephant in the room. The topic has been discussed on and on in chat rooms, but it's finally time there's something stable to be said about this. An entire department was created to help with the issues highlighted, and yet it is still a problem. Clearly, it's not something the admin as a whole can fix. It is a mindset that only each individual user can choose to break. We must each make a personal effort, because it is everyone's problem.