There are many ways to enjoy an RPG such as TES, but this discussion is primarily focused upon two distinct ways to play through a game such as SKYRIM.

1. Play through trying to become as powerful as possible as quickly as possible. Ignore side lore, quests, and anything else that doesn't build your character's raw power. Use online and paper strategy guides to BEAT every boss, dungeon and challenge and come across as the most POWERFUL hero in all of the land. Often times this means having to reload when you don't get the outcome you desire, but thats okay because you're powering through.

2. Play through carefully and thoughtfully. Take notice at all of the books. ACTUALLY READ THEM, don't just click them to gain a +1 to books read. Allow yourself to face the penalty of getting caught by the law. Allow bad things to happen to your character. Do quests that are there just for flavor, not for power. Don't cheat and look at online guides on how to win a battle - figure it out yourself or don't do it.

I decided to play most of OBLIVION as #1, but I've spent time thinking and come to the conclusion that I will play SKYRIM as #2 for at least a few play throughs. I think this will help add to the continuous wonder and amazement. TES is filled with rich lore, and it is worth taking the time to do things that enhance the FLAVOR of your character rather than always going for the uber hax lootz.

So, how are you going to play SKYRIM?

If I have to choose one of those two options, then I go with 2.

More #2 than #1. Though it honestly surprises me that anyone would just power through ignoring everything besides the main quest. Whatever floats their boat though.

[censored] reading books.

I played Morrowind as #2, and Oblivion as #1, and I have to say that Morrowind was more satisfying. I don't know if that's a direct correlation to the playstyle, or that fact that I had 3 months down time to enjoy Morrowind, and only 10 days for Oblivion. Given the long wait for Skyrim, I'm willing to exhibit a little patience, and play it using method #2. Also, #2 is more in line with DiD practices. :-p

I like to experience the game, not just play it. So #2 for me.

I am willing to bet that the books will contain hits about quests and epic items. Unless you are going to use strategy guides (cheating imho) then it makes sense to actually read them.

#2, which is the "roleplaying" experience more so than the "video game" experience. I love to explore the world, see whats out there, go back to the main quest for a bit, go explore and take my time. What's the rush?

Ill probably do #1 once or twice but not until after I have completed multiple playthroughs for method #2 first. Part of the appeal of TES is a huge world that you can plunge into. Not just killing a boss faster than anyone else.

Always number two, unless I make a character just for crazy shenanigans.

The rush is that some people are power hungry and want to smash everything as fast as possible. That, imho, is the most unsatisfying way to play through this game. I've decided that I will not be using any strategy guides or spoilers until I play through at least on 3 different types of characters (mage, fighter, rogue).

You can't roleplay by doing #1.
And if you're not role-playing in Skyrim, then what's the bloody point of playing it?

I'd go with option 2 rather than with option 1.

Well (speaking from experience), some people like to be powerful in an open ended world. I'll admit that it was fun smashing things as an all powerful superhero, but now I want more depth to my game.

My first character is gonna be a Heavy Armour wearing Warrior (race not yet determined) that specialises in 1-Handed Swords and Shields that uses no magic and only potions that are bought or found. Smithing will be part of his skillset, also with an honest nature but open to exploiting opportunities should they arise, providing they are not evil and only slightly immoral

Thinking I might add archery to his repetoire though as I'd like to do a bit of hunting.

I think I can drag out my first playthrough quite a while if I stay within these limits.

Second playthrough I'm gonna go as a thieving ranger that specialises in poisons and archery. Has a penchant for items that don't belong to him and is quick to do anything if the gold is right. Again no magic I don't think with this character.

Third playthrough. Definitely gonna utilise all that magic has to offer, like a battlemage or maybe a paladin type character.