Hello, I'm MoonGoddessFyreLover, I've been on IMVU  six years and when I started I hadn't done much for role playing (not like this anyway). So I was given a short rundown of how most people RP'd on IMVU, needless to say I picked it up fairly quick. In fact I took to it like a fish to water. Role playing was quite natural to me as I am a short story writer (nothing published, just a hobby).  I saw role playing as a way to share my love for storytelling with my friends and new RP family. Sadly in then short 6 years on Vu role playing has declined, or people simply ignore the rules of role play making it ..not so fun anymore. So I decide to go in search of veteran RP'ers and see what their thoughts were. I was introduced to  ZachariahBrann and asked him to sit with me and tell me what his thoughts were on RP Today.

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Moon: I'd love to interview you on the RP community or the lack thereof.
Zach: Sure.

Zach: What would you like to know?

Moon: Well, I've only been RP'ing 6 years and I dove right in and loved it, but sadly people leave IMVU or RP all together for whatever reason.
Zach: A lot of them transferred to Discord.

Moon: I want to know how you feel about that as an active RP'er.

Zach: I've always been a fan of RPing in almost all ways, whether it's been through forums, messengers, IMVU, Second Life, Discord. Been at it for 22 years now, and gone through all of those types, plus the tabletop games. As an active RPer, I think it's good that people remember that there's a lot more mediums for RP than just IMVU.
Moon: indeed

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Moon: Do you think there's a way we, as RP'ers can bring the passion back, especially to the younger folks or bring some out of retirement lol
Zach: In all honesty, I think there's potential ways to bring some passion back, but I feel like the newer generation, for a good part of it, are so used to video game dynamics, they tend to get stuck in the mindset that it's okay to do whatever they wish, however they wish, because this is just a game. And that sentiment has been turning a lot of people off from IMVU, because if others try to correct it, it's either ignored or treated like it doesn't matter. As for bringing people back, I think it would take some work, but it could potentially be done. Though I think we would need to evolve a bit and accept that Discord is becoming more of a vital part of the RP storyline than it was before.
Moon: Agree with you there.

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Moon: Any suggestions on what we should do? Didn't you say you train RP'ers?
Zach: I've been wanting to, but on my own, I make about as much headway as a paper bag in a windstorm. So I tried joining some of the bigger groups, made it clear what my intentions are, and so far, I haven't made any headway that way either.
Moon: I see

Zach: I think it would be good to set up a server specifically geared towards setting up a roundabout rule and RP system, for people to come and learn in, and hopefully help learn together. It could be a good way to connect people who ordinarily wouldn't connect, and could be a good place to set up new roleplay. We'd really need people to be unbiased.
Moon: Great idea

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Zach: I could probably think of a couple of others. GrimmLaVeyEitan was with me back in the Yahoo Messenger days, and him, myself, and a few others, actually came up with the rules and such for Royal T1.

Moon: -she chuckles blushing a bit at hearing Grimm's name-
Moon: Oh really? nice

Zach: Someone's fond of Grimm.
Moon: I umm.. met him recently. 
Moon: Quite a charmer.
Zach: He can be, and he's a pretty cool guy, not gonna lie. He is occasionally a little full of himself, but it's always in good fun. I've known him for a little over 20 years.

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Well I think he has some good ideas and we need more vertan roleplayers to join in and help set up ways of teaching and  informing those bored of the RP going on or for those new to RP that are willing to learn and abide by a set of rules. If interesting in learning more about roleplay or are willing to share your expertise then please contact Zach or myself and let us know your thoughts.