Say - have you ever come up with this great idea for a thread, poured your heart and soul into it; and shared your creation with the worlds, only to find it deleted a few days later because noone else would post in it?

It's frustrating, and it can kind of hurt your feelings, too. This is something that you worked hard on, and people are just dismissing it out of hand. Now, this post is an attempt to share the insight I have gained from reading many, and participating in some threads here. Hopefully I'll have something to say that some of you find helpful!

Notes:
If any of these terms are unfamiliar, go read the stickied RP FAQ at the top of the forums. Also, if you haven't read it but get the terms anyway, still go read it. Everyone should read the FAQ.

If you've got anything to add, let me know, and I'll post it, attributed to you.

Edit: 10/12/06
We're stickied, so thanks to all who reported.
Added note about 'having fun', courtesy of Mirathiel.

1/05/07: Quick note about roleplaying in general.

Someone asked whether we here on the RP boards care if a 'non RP-er' posted a thread. The answer? We welcome anyone who's willing and interested to give it the old college try. In other words: please, feel free to join in, even if you've never done a bit of RP before in your entire life - including posting in other people's threads or even making your own. We're glad you are interested. Although I might point out to any new roleplayers - read all the informational stickies you can find! Chro's RP FAQ is another great one that every new person on the board should read.

Table of Contents:
I. Types of Threads - "Do you want what's behind Door A, or Door B?"
II. Rules for Your Thread - "Keep 'em all in line."
III. Storyline Creation - "What's it all about?"
IV. Classic 'Bad' Threads - "Bad OP. Go sit in the corner."
V. 'Keeping' Your Posters - "It's not 'Catch and Release' or anything."
VI. Forming Ideas - "I'm not creative enough. You think of one for me?"
VII. The First Post - "Get your intros here!"
VIII. Endings - "It's time to let go."

Stuck!