Clarification on PM = RP

[Vaeldious]

So, there seems to be a bunch of controversy around using /PM to communicate or call for backup in an RP manner.  This stems from the 2013 Post of the Rules:

Usage of /gm (group message), public chat or other non role-play communication ways to call for backup in kidnapping/similar situations are deemed false and are set to a punishment.

However, Teddy made an excellent point a few years later and makes a clear distinction between PM and GM in his post:

...If you decide to utilize PM as an RP communication method then you are directly making PM legitimately RP...This means PMs can be used in RP if YOU make it that way.

Personally, I've always used PM as an SMS alternative, in cases where it would be reasonable that I have that persons phone number anyway and is interchangeable.  I wouldn't really use it beyond opening contact, but hopefully this sheds some light on how to and how not to use PM as an RP tool.

[Brian]

PM can be used for one to one RP that can't be intercepted (I.E SMS) how ever we prefer not to, do remember that you can get sued even for PMs you sent to others if you take it in to RP (What teddy said was related to people RPing drug deals in PM to avoid court cases, he didn't mean that he wants people to RP in PM.)
PM, GM, or other methods can NOT be used in order to avoid someone hearing what you do (I.E calling for backup when others are around.)
So to clarify, if you wish to do one on one comm without anyone around you we dont really mind, but if you use it as a method to avoid others from knowing what you do, even though what you do is supposed to be RP you will be punished.

[Mr. Goobii]

I'm reporting everyone who use /pm as roleplay. Simply as that, quite tired of people trying to sell me drugs without any effort. Though I haven't been active as much as those past days so not many has been reported. Bad roleplay is shit and should be reported, simply as that. There is one thing if people want to improve, fine for that but when people just being lazy and don't really give a shit I really just report them and blocks my pm off.

[Vaeldious]

I'm reporting everyone who use /pm as roleplay. Simply as that, quite tired of people trying to sell me drugs without any effort. Though I haven't been active as much as those past days so not many has been reported. Bad roleplay is shit and should be reported, simply as that. There is one thing if people want to improve, fine for that but when people just being lazy and don't really give a shit I really just report them and blocks my pm off.

I agree that people abuse it and just "Hey wanna buy weed?" without any RP. Thats why I'd only ever use it when I'd already have that person's number through RP. Any other time is just a form of script abuse and should be reported.

Also, thanks Brian for further clarification and context.

[Gandalf]

You can use anything if it adds to role play and nothing if it takes away.
When you get kidnapped and are bound with your phone taken away it is not a good idea to inform leoiple of you location and how many as well as where your kidnappers are.
On the other hand you can drop a hint about a hidden alrm button and if not taken action upon might pres it.
Also it can be a helpful tool in negotiations, as long as that adds to the roleplay.

Just do not ever try to use shortcuts to 'win' a situation.