I hope you don't mind my re-purposing this forum a little, but PbP is different, and I want to be the best player that I can be. I think I've got the basics down: checking the threads frequently, knowing my character, knowing the game, initiating RP instead of just waiting for things to respond to. What I'm looking for are more intermediate to advanced tips.
Specifically, what tricks do you use (or have you seen) for making posts more interesting for other players to respond to? Life happens to DMs too; I try sometimes to stir things up when they slow down, and sometimes I'm even successful, but sometimes I'm not.
And now I'm throwing the floor open to any other questions players might have, and tips you want to share!
I've been looking to get into the PbP forums here, but it's REALLY off-putting how popular they are. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm glad it's apparently so enjoyable, but when I look at a recruitment post and see 50+ replies, I feel like I shouldn't even bother. Am I just crazy?
Yes! I mean, not crazy crazy, just it's not as bad as it looks. You won't be a good fit for every game, but neither will many of those other posters. In fact, many of them won't even meet the basic requirements outlined in the recruiting post, such as "RP your pitch to the client putting this team together."
Also, you're really just competing for a certain role. There may only be a few serious contenders for that role, so it may only take a few attempts for you to get in a game. Once I got over my trepidation and just did it, I found it much easier than I expected.
The biggest tips I would have are to be original, give your character personality, and show off your RP writing skills when introducing him. You want to stand out, and we're all going to be reading your writing if you get in, so that matters. (I haven't DM'd yet, so that's just a player's perspective of what seems to work best.)
I sort of have an aversion to double posting. The hard part is when there is something that you are not sure how to respond in character to happens.
First, it's hard to get a PbP, but it's easier than it used to be. You see, many years back--
*Leans back in rocking chair, smoking a pipe*
--GMs usually used a 'first come, first serve' approach. Now, they put up a deadline, and judge all of the PCs together. So it doesn't matter how many applicants there are, as long as the deadline hasn't passed.
Second, post regularly. Whether or not you're the GM, it's your responsibility to keep things moving. If things slow down, post a bit of roleplaying, or at least a bump. GMs are sensitive creatures, almost like the rest of us, and if they think nobody cares about the game, they'll give up.
Third, if you're going to quit, or go inactive for a few days, let people know. It's inconsiderate to leave people hanging.
I've already posted a fair bit of my own advice on the matter in this thread. Links to any tools I mention can be found by checking my forum profile.
In addition, I found that given my [apparently] somewhat unique approach to the game, you would do well try and apprise the players of your expectation before you even start playing so that there are no surprises. Likewise, you'll want to set the precedent for the stylistic conventions that will be used when posting dialog, rolls, actions, etc.
Here are examples from my campaign illustrating what I mean by Expectations and Conventions.
Hope this helps!