[Question/Suggestion] using LFG search engine/creating LFP and posting in LFG

I have noticed that there are quite a few people that don’t include a lot of information in their posts on the LFG and on the LFP search engine. I do understand that sometimes people forget things but some of the post make no sense and are missing a lot of information that would help players/GMs find them. so I was thinking it would be nice to have a guide to give to new players an idea of what to do. So that being said is there an official guide anywhere to show new players what they should be posting in the LFG forums or how to use the LFG search engine and create an LFP page for the search engine. I know the LFG search engine is pretty self-explanatory but is there an official page anywhere that shows how to use it? I also know that there is an unofficial guide to posting in LFG(see below link) but most people don’t read it. Is there anything anywhere a bit more official for helping new players that would attract there attention a bit more or could one be created? <a href="https://app.roll20.net/forum/post/125605/informat" rel="nofollow">https://app.roll20.net/forum/post/125605/informat</a>...

Actually, this is pretty high on our priority list currently. I don't know if anything is going to occur with the search engine prior to / during the Data Delve update, but we are interested in getting feedback as to what folks might want to see changed. W ith that in mind, I'm going to bounce this topic around a bit... both to the LFG forums and maybe take a tour through the On-Topic forums as well. Specific feedback as to what folks would like to see for the LFG forums and LFG/LFP search tool... NOT worth mentioning (will result in this thread being closed): Splitting off D&D/Pathfinder into a separate area-- this is already under strong consideration, and needs no further push! Adding a specific game that isn't on the list-- we are actively looking at changes here.

An option to search more precisely for times would be appreciated. For example, GMs would be able to list starting time, and how long games are expected to go. And players could optionally search by blocks of free time instead of start time.

How precise do you want this to get? 168 hours per week? I.E. this game starts after 7:00 PM on Fridays. 43829 minutes per Month? I.E. this game starts promptly at 14:34 on the second Saturday of each Month. 3 million seconds per year? ... seven digits of accuracy is too much to ask for from players on the internet.

Half hour slots seem reasonable. But I honestly don't see the downside of letting it be specific down to the minute. Alternatively, being able to specify more closely than "within 3 hours" when looking for a start time would be appreciated. 3 hours on either side is a very wide margin, considering that games are usually 4 hours or so. At least personally, I don't have a lot of 7 hour slots of free time during the day.

Nolan T. J. said: Actually, this is pretty high on our priority list currently. I don't know if anything is going to occur with the search engine prior to / during the Data Delve update, but we are interested in getting feedback as to what folks might want to see changed. The change I'd most like to see is to limit the number of games a single campaign can advertise. Right now, I see a lot of game listings in the LFG search dominated by special interest mega-groups as opposed to a more traditional game arrangement. I do think it's possible to have a game accurately described by two or three different tags, but choosing all of them really defeats the purpose, IMO.

Dave D. said: The change I'd most like to see is to limit the number of games a single campaign can advertise. Right now, I see a lot of game listings in the LFG search dominated by special interest mega-groups as opposed to a more traditional game arrangement. I do think it's possible to have a game accurately described by two or three different tags, but choosing all of them really defeats the purpose, IMO. I think this is a really, really accurate portrayal of one of the biggest issues we see.

What I would like to see a more thorough form, which auto-posts to the LFG forum, with the following information (some of which is already implemented) - Campaign Name: Game System: Maximum Players: Current Players: lists all players currently assigned to the campaign. Open Seats: a check box for "Yes" and "No". Setting: a blank text box for GM to type specifics Time Frame: this would have all available times listed, on an hourly basis, such as Friday 6pm to 11pm, and later can be edited once a time is agreed upon. Perhaps a list of each day, with a drop down list of beginning and ending times. Frequency: daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, other Character Creation Rules : a blank text box for specifics to be listed. Combat : a sliding bar or check box of 1-10, the higher numbers indicate the game is more combat oriented. Character Development: a sliding bar or check box of 1-10, the higher numbers indicate that the DM/GM will utilize more of your character's back story to further develop your character. Intrigue : a sliding bar or check box of 1-10, the higher numbers indicate that there will be a predisposition toward politics and negotiation. Mystery: a sliding bar or check box of 1-10, the higher numbers indicate that the characters will be investigating clues and dealing with riddles. Call of Cthulhu games should probably set this fairly high. Additional Information: a text box for DM/GM's to write any further information, such as if the game was going to have more of a steampunk feel, if the game's theme was more grimdark than normal, etc. Campaign Start: a date book to check when the first session will be (can be left blank). Message Players: a check box that will allow a DM/GM to set it to send an email or message to players 24-hours in advance of each session. Uses the information from "Campaign Start" and "Frequency" to send out a message that displays all relevant information. Cancel Game: makes the game inactive, thus stopping the "Message Players" function and displays "Game Cancelled" on any rudimentary search.

I believe Simon has covered all the vital bases. I do feel, however, that GM's should be required to fill out a specific number of characters in the Setting section - even if it's as small as a Tweet - so that players don't waste time inquiring about a game that matches their system, only to find the setting is not at all to their fancy. Worse than that still is if players skip a game because it has no written setting, or if for whatever reason the GM puts the setting description in another box. I also think a radio button for if the game's chatter will be over voice or text, and perhaps add a small box for the GM to list what medium they'll use (Roll20 voice/video chat, Skype, IRC, whatever). In addition, a box for the GM to list alternative methods of contact (Email, Skype, and so on) would be nice to tack on there.

I also Agree with what Simon says but trying to make sure all those options are simple and easy to use + easy to search for might be difficult.

Something that might be helpful is when you are making a new post on the Looking for Group Forum is maybe some drop down boxes with very basic info to fill out. Like what time zone you are in and what system/systems you want to play this way all crucial information should be on all posts.