Greetings,

I'm interested in becoming involved in a cooperative writing experience, although I have absolutely no DnD or other type of game system experience. I am willing to learn, although I am mainly interested in collaborating on a story with others. Can anyone give me any guidance on games that are relatively easy to get into? I worry about not knowing some systems and causing a hindrance to a GM or group of players.

Thanks for any input,

pc

Sounds like your best bet would be to look for a freeform or guided freeform game.  There's not really much of a system to learn in them, it is entirely based on collaborative storytelling.  That said, as is true anywhere in life, some people are better at collaboration than others...

The downside to freeform games is that there is a propensity for some pl games years to decide they want to do something "cool", regardless of how it fits within the game, or to just outright try and hijack the game to tell the story they want to tell.  Another common problem is "God-modding" or dictating actions, reactions, feelings, perceptions etc for other players or usurping the GMs role as moderator, judge, referee, and primary storyteller.  And it's hard to know before you're playing with someone whether they're a good collaborator.  A good GM helps a lot...being willing to step in and say, "Yeah, that would be cool...but that kind of equipment doesn't exist in the world I created" does a lot to keep people on theme and slows down the tendencies to try and run away with the game.

Some people play ONLY freeform games.  Some people can't stand them.  Some people are okay with both.

If you do settle on a system-based game, you want to look for one that is role-play oriented.  Some GMs want everything done precisely by the rules, and that can be really frustrating for a new player.  A few I have played with just let you write up what you want to do, what your character intends to do, and they'll take care of the dice rolls if any are needed (a lot of times, such GMs will look at the post and say, "sure...that's a smart move by an experienced character and there's no good reason it WOULDN'T work", and just allow the action, without dice.)

I can't really recommend any specific system, because it's as much about how the GM implements the system...I've had GMs turn the simplest of systems into a headache, and I've seen GMs simplify notoriously complex systems like GURPS into the most basic and enjoyable role-playing experiences.

Heya there and welcome to RPol, you'll find anything you want here and so many great games from freeform to about any system game you like.  I am one of those crazy people who only run freeform games but most GMs here will be glad to help you learn system games as well.  Your choices are vast and varied.

Most GMs only check those ad threads once a week or even less for some so you will get sadly missed.  Either clicking on the game link or rmailing them is the best way to let them know you are interested. :)

A few tips for you are below:-

Make sure you turn on your rmail by going to the link at the top that is User preferences, there you will find some settings to play around with including the rmail one as that is how you and most GMs can talk.

On the main menu there are two forums you can find what you want to play in

Wanted: players At the top there is a link that is 'Search Games' and when you click on those words it gives you a more distinct search area for what you are looking for.

Wanted: GMs where you can make a post describing the type of games you are looking for and GMs check there for new players sometimes.

At the bottom of the main menu you will also find search link to find games and other good stuff.

So all I can say now is

HAPPY GAMING!!
LS