Running a roleplay community is part creative director, part event planner, part mediator, and part cheerleader. The technical setup is just the beginning - the real work is building and maintaining a healthy, active community where great stories happen.

Building Your Staff Team

You can't do it alone - and you shouldn't try. A good staff team shares the workload, brings diverse perspectives, and ensures someone is always around when issues arise.

Key Staff Roles

•Moderators - Handle day-to-day rule enforcement and member support
•Plot Masters - Drive storylines and create engaging events
•Application Reviewers - Process new member and character applications
•Technical Admin - Manages site settings and troubleshoots issues
•Community Manager - Focuses on engagement and recruitment

Keeping Members Engaged

Activity is the lifeblood of any roleplay community. When posting slows down, members drift away. Proactive engagement keeps the momentum going.

Engagement Strategies

Regular Events

Weekly or monthly events give members something to look forward to and participate in together.

Plot Hooks

Drop story opportunities that invite multiple characters to get involved.

Activity Rewards

Use achievements, currency, or recognition to reward consistent participation.

New Member Integration

Actively help new members find roleplay partners and get their first threads started.

Handling Conflicts

Conflict is inevitable when creative people collaborate. How you handle it determines whether your community thrives or implodes.

Conflict Resolution Principles

•Address issues early before they escalate
•Listen to all sides before making judgments
•Focus on behavior, not personality
•Be consistent in applying rules
•Document everything for future reference
•Know when to cut your losses with toxic members

Preventing Burnout

Admin burnout kills more communities than anything else. Take care of yourself and your staff to ensure long-term sustainability.

•Delegate responsibilities - don't try to do everything yourself
•Set boundaries on your availability
•Take breaks when needed, and encourage staff to do the same
•Celebrate wins and appreciate your team
•Have succession plans in case key people need to step back

Growing Your Community

Growth should be intentional. Too fast and you lose your culture; too slow and you stagnate. Find the right pace for your community.

•Quality over quantity - better to have 20 active writers than 100 inactive accounts
•Recruit from relevant communities and platforms
•Make your application process thorough but not grueling
•Showcase your active members and great writing
•Word of mouth from happy members is your best advertising

Roleplay Community Management - Tips for Running a Successful RP