Personal Character Notes - Good Examples?

[Pigadig]

So it struck me that I honestly have no idea about the most effective way to use the Personal Character Notes forum.

But neither did I know a particularly good way of writing an app until I read the examples that DMs have posted of good apps. I wonder if it would be possible for something similar to be posted so that those of us that feel lost with the character notes have a better idea of what to write?

It might encourage more widespread use of the forum after all.

[Testy McTryoutshirt]

Seconded. While I don't really feel lost with the character notes, neither do I know if I'm doing it right!

[RuinedDesires]

If you want, I could post the personal character notes of some of my more successful characters, or send them to you via PM. I think its really personally choice and everyone has different app styles and character notes styles.

[Howlando]

My preference is short and concise. The main thing is for DMs to be able to quickly get a grasp of what your character is about and what he's up to.

But some players put a lot of effort into their notes, and I do appreciate that also... even if I do end up just skimming.

[Paha]

There is no one and right way.

They are OOC notes of your character, his doings, and his essence, something for DM's to take a look if we want to shortly see what you've been doing, or how your character views the surroundings if his actions are more subtle.

Some of the best ones have been postins with one liners of having done something. Some have had short description of intentions, how character has viewed the action afterwards, be it success or failure (Weapon master training/succeeding/failing and results to this characters persona, as an example). Could be studies of wizard, could be plotting and discussions, meetings between people. Maybe secret spy in good group has behind the scene done some agreement that DM's are not too aware of - good place to make concise notice of it here.

[granny]

ugh... concise?

uh-oh.

[Paha]

Well. Lets face a certain honesty here. Sometimes detailed explanation is needed, but... It is because DM's try to sometimes follow dozens of players, and try to pay attention to everyone, and deeper into something that catches their eye for one reason or another - no one can start reading longs pages over and over again. There's just no time in the world for that, so we skim.

[Letsplayforfun]

I read short messages updating what your pc has been up to WITH OTHERS or PLOTWISE. I don't want to spend ages reading detailed and colorful stories, moods, wanderings, solo experimentations. Sorry for those who like to write essays or novels. I mean, bravo, but this is not the place, imo.

[Pup]

Keep it quick and simple.  The Personal Character Notes work, just keep them concise. I can assure you from many years of experience that they work.

[Pup]

If the DMs are okay with it, I'll allow my Personal Character Notes to be shown publicly as well.  I suggest Belm or Bullock.

[Garem]

Protip:
When information on the page becomes outdated, put it into a Spoiler box and label it OUTDATED. It's there if anyone ever needs it, but tucked out of sight to make using the page easier.

[MetallicSlime]

I categorize mine by entries, seperated by notation. And when I update my main post I tag anything that's changed with a * so anyone reading it can quickly use browser find function for new and relevant bits.

That said, it's probably a nightmare to read.