RpNation

I let people join openly to create a character sheet. If they are unable to write a character that fits in the RP and after trying to help them fix the issues, after multiple rounds, and it's still a problem I don't let them join.

Personally I find that telling them to send the Cs to me/all gms along with a small writing sample of a predetermined scene or simply the character's daily life works. Forces them to think beyond sheet and backstory and is just a lazy normal day if the setting is fitting. Along with what you've mentioned kinda works like an interview process, cause god damn may as well figure if we like the person, over character.

I personally hate detailed character sheets, half the time all the extra info is completely irrelevant and doesn't affect the rp in any shape or form. But I don't mind sending a writing sample

The Mechanist The thing is, some players create character's of a contradictory nature or a solitary character. While I am not against the "loner" trope, the problem is sometimes those players get very upset when other character's aren't interacting with them 24/7 and depend too much to be 'dragged' along for the roleplay. Then you have the characters who are defined as shy, but their other content clearly shows...

...that they are outgoing and other contradictory things about them.

Solid argument, but my characters don't fit any of those. I heavily base my characters on myself, cuz it's easier to stay in character that way.

The Mechanist -insert 'self-insert' rant here-