I think just try to make sure the mod and the other players are aware that it might happen and if they're all okay with it, then join. If everyone has given their informed consent then if it does happen, no one is taken by surprise and it won't disrupt the game as much. And in those cases maybe you won't need to replace out. I think a lot of it is about awareness and managing expectations. If people know beforehand, they might be more understanding when your activity drops severely, you aren't able to make super good quality content, and you're posting without being fully caught up. I don't think you necessarily have to replace out.In post 98, Sunlit Diamond wrote:I do think about that before I join games, which is why I haven't played in something like five months. The problem is that those surges in busy (and in my mental capacity to deal) are pretty close to unpredictable. I know better than to join a game when I'm *already* busy, but...for example, right now my work is dead as a doornail and looks like it will stay that way until September. Do I cross my fingers and jump into a game since it looks quiet, or do I just unilaterally declare I can't do something I enjoy because I MIGHT get busy?In post 97, nancy wrote:You should only join games where it's not going to be a problem for you to be absent for that long of a period, or figure out a way to squeeze in enough time here and there in that time frame so that you can meet activity requirements at least enough to not be replaced. I've played mafia games while working ~120 hours and was working ~80 hours until this week, so I can appreciate how difficult it is. Is really something you need to think about before you join the game, imo.In post 96, Sunlit Diamond wrote:From the being replaced side: I replace out because I DO care about the games I'm in and I'm cognizant that for whatever reason, I can't play to win condition for longer than I can reasonably ask my co-players to wait for me to return (usually it's a 7-10 day time frame where work pummels me six ways from Sunday, and then I'm free again). I replace out so my team can have someone who CAN commit.
Sorry, but the former is going to win.
Also, games on mafiascum tend to run pretty long. It might be helpful for you to find a site where deadlines are shorter and games don't last longer than a couple of weeks.