Remember, this is just an idea, not definitive. It's only a place to start. So, the test. A simple one, nothing hard, is all I propose to be considered. Something that is required to be allowed to rp both in-game and on the forums. One that, like a report or submission, will only be viewable by the submitter, admins, rp mods, and possibly those who are not mods, but are well-versed in rp to the point where their opinion is equally as valuable on the subject. I propose, for the last part of that, that it be people who are willing to help and willing to work at it, not just every person who is accepted for their test. This ties in somewhat to the school, but is also still a separate entity at the same time.
So what I think could happen would be something along the lines of this, all of which will be in a single post as all of the points listed below will be the requirements. If you need, I can go into further detail on any part of this as well, but it would ideally be all wrapped up in a single nice, neat post.
1. The player presents their oc in a small App design. I.e. they give the name of their character for the use in the test, possibly a picture or a short description, a short background, a personality, and their talents. The reason I would ask for these things is because they're basically a requirement in all forum rp's, and knowing stuff like this beforehand is beneficial in both in-game and forum rp's. Also, judging by the detail that they go into, it will give a pretty basic knowledge of their experience and pre-development of their oc's. If they struggle with this, then they might need some tips and pointers on how to rp before we let them try again but we won't say "Wait two weeks before trying again." We can give tips and pointers in the test and then let them fix it in their next reply to see how they implement it, if at all.
We could get a quick idea of their racial preference. Alicorns are what I'm alluding to here. But stop right there, don't say it. "Alicorns are just bad because alicorn. Stigma stigma stigma." Alicorns are just the most overused and most incorrectly used race out there, because, as it was described so perfectly by Cascade, "Players want the advantages of both flight AND magic, so they just see alicorn and think 'perfect choice.'" This is pretty much true, and I like this statement because it's one of the excuses I've heard quite often. The bad thing about alicorns is that they are so semi-transparent in relation to canon that it's hard to make them believable. But stop right there again, that doesn't mean it can't happen, right? Right. It can happen, but it's so rare that it's sad. So if they submit an alicorn and have a really well-thought out backstory, then that's a pretty good indicator that they're very experienced, right? Not always. That's what the next part could be for, in addition to this one.
Things we could look for:
- Development: How well they have developed their character already. A lengthy character sheet will show that they are likely an experienced rp'er or writer, and should be fairly well set for rp'ing and could be a very nice addition to the community in that sense.
- Response: Do they even have an oc? If they don't, it's a little difficult to rp unless you use only main characters, but even then, you're severely limiting yourself in terms of potential and developing your own skills.
- Willingness to learn: Are they hostile to a suggestion? Just like the CMC folks, if they are hostile and will not change their ways, or they're confrontational, they're likely to cause more drama in the roleplay community, or further cement hostilities between others.
- Commitment: Are they even committed enough to do a test? If not, they're not likely to be committed to an rp either, but that could also mean they just prefer casual or spur of the moment rp's that don't last a long time. Could be good, or bad, but not a determining factor of the test, really.
2. Present them a snippet of a rp. Give them a setting, a theme, a story, a conflict, a character that they need to respond to, or an action they need to do or describe, and let them post exactly how they would respond to it if it were an rp situation. The best test is to do it. If they struggle with what will be expected of them in even basic rp's, then that could indicate that they might be new or not have much experience with it, and could need a bit of help from someone to give them a nudge in the right direction.
Example
<after the blank oc app information sheet, this is the post they need to reply to as though they were in an rp>
Golden Burst trotted alongside you, the warm summer breeze blowing her mane softly behind her. Overhead, the sun passed behind a cloud, blanketing the land with a momentary shade before it was again baking under the heat of summer. Up ahead in the distance, ponies gathered in Ponyville's town center for lunch. All around the square, vendors sold treats and snacks to the hungry ponies that sat around chatting and eating their lunch. Golden Burst's ears perked up as the smell of a fresh apple pie wafted past your noses, "Ooh, smell that? Now I'm craving an apple pie," she said, bounding along a little faster than before. Now a few lengths ahead of you, she turned back and smiled, "What do you say? Do you want to share an apple pie with me?"
To which they will reply in whatever way they desire, within reason, of course. No NSFW, no shooting her with a shoop-da-whoop, no nasty things, etc.
3. After it is submitted, the folks who are allowed to view it will do so and will post their thoughts and suggestions in a respectful manner so that people aren't scared off or discouraged if their skills are not the best. This is, of course, a way to see who needs to learn and who is more learned than others, as who is allowed in and who is not will determine the quality and subject matter that makes up all of our rp's from that point onward.
So the people will post and if the post is sub-par, then suggestions are given and the person is given a chance to either fix their post, or try again. They can try until they either get it, or they've exhausted their 'tries,' likely three or so in a certain period of time, or what have you.
If they're accepted, great, if not, then try again or we can offer a bit more in-depth education.