A) What genres and/or settings do you prefer?
I don't know if I'd say I really have any specific genres or settings I favourite. I guess, with the exception of the odd journey RP, I typically gravitate more to darker settings than I do the fluffier ones. I just feel like there's generally more you can explore in an RP that's got a darker tone usually. Genres I'm not picky about at all, it's more about the premise itself than the genre.
B) Do you lean more towards open-ended content, or towards content that's more linear and defined? Sort of like the traditional "Story vs Sandbox" debate that usually comes up, but less binary.
Both! I like it when there's a definite direction that the RP is headed, but I also like for there to be a lot of freedom to explore my character's personal story. I feel that RPing is a very unique medium in the flexibility it allows in exploring different characters as well as overarching story. That's what I try to employ with most of my RPs and also why I really enjoy Z.
C) NPCs. We all know and love 'em. Or hate their guts, depending on the circumstance. Do you prefer the majority of the plot-relevant NPCs to be player-created, or brought in by the GM? How big of a role should NPCs play in your ideal storyline? What's your favorite example of a good, proper use of NPCs?
I think that it's the job of the GM to introduce NPCs that are relevant to the main plotline of an RP or otherwise integral to its running. However, I think it's great for players to introduce their own NPCs that are relevant to the personal arcs and development of their characters. As for the role of NPCs in the RP, I think that it can and should vary according to the needs of each specific RP so long as the NPCs aren't overshadowing player characters. GM NPCs should exist specifically to further the RP while player NPCs should exist primarily for the sake of allowing the character to develop. For example, in Capes Ben and I used La Fenice Villain NPCs to advance into a more unified plot and in Z I have a character whose primary purpose is to act as a mentor for my player character
D) How do you feel about the use of statistics (numbers, rating, etc) to represent a character's skills and abilities? Does it seem out of place to try to quantify those aspects, or rather something that you think would be interesting? Building on that, are there any other significant RP mechanics that you've enjoyed?
Completely pointless unless you're in an RP that is heavily mechanics focused like Outbreak. Speaking of which, I really liked the weight mechanic that Outbreak used to determine what your character could carry.
E) What's your ideal group size?
6-12 as a player. As a GM I don't really have one.
F) It's pretty common for roleplays to die out not long after they start, for a plethora of reasons. What's your take on keeping things going? Posting deadlines? RP end goals? Virgin sacrifices?[/QUOTE]
I think two things are required to keep things going. Firstly, direction. There needs to be a sense that the RP is going somewhere. Secondly, conversation. Talking about things and planning keeps people invested even when they aren't writing a post and keeps the hype going.