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These are a standard set of posting guidelines.

1. Post

Yes, this is simple. Make sure you respond to every move, even if it's a quick note saying "I don't really have something to do so I'll just do research" or "Play Thorough" or something. Ideally, you should be posting at least twice a week. If you are unable to post for a time due to say, vacation, or illness, send your GM or the Chat list an email letting them know.

2. Always Write In Third Person

You know. say "he", "she", and "it". Avoid first person; never write your narration with "I did this" and "I did that". You are trying to tell a story, not write a diary.

3. Use the Past Tense as your Primary

In other words, Oswald walked to the door, turned to survey the room and sneered, "If you are so fond of your secrets, you shall be permitted to keep them - for now!" And then he was gone. Not - Oswald walks to the door, turns to survey the room and sneers, "If you are so fond of your secrets, you shall be permitted to keep them - for now!" And then he is gone.

4. Use Proper Spelling And Grammar

Choppy paragraphs and badly constructed sentences make your writing hard for other people to read. People will never read your posts if they cannot work out what you mean.

USE THE SPELLCHECK!!!

5. Avoid Bad Posts

There are several different types of posts to be wary of. Each has its own problems:

a. Non-Game-Related Messages:

  If you feel you've got to say something to the people on the list, say it on the OOC list, not the Game list.

b. Rambling Messages That Say Nothing:

  These messages are usually five miles of quotes and old text followed by three lines of new text. This is not only impolite, it's incredibly annoying. It borders on spamming . and for the record, spamming on one of the mailing lists is something that will get you banned from playing. It's usually a good idea to quote the message you are replying to in your new response, but only quote applicable text.

c. Messages From People who Don't Read Properly:

  These messages happen when one player totally ignores something posted by someone else, be it another player or a Mod. If you don't like something that's been posted, you are NOT allowed to just ignore it and move on, especially if it came from a Mod. Feel free to voice your objection to the Mods, in a private message.

d. Super-Hero Syndrome:

  Basically a post of this sort involves your character doing things s/he simply isn't capable of doing, and not responding correctly to her/his weaknesses. The best example would be a character who should be hobbling around in pain after being grievously wounded, but instead is prancing around like he was Superman.

e. Flames

  Now, when I say flames, I don't just mean two player characters hurling insults at each other. That's entirely permissible, as it's IC

(In-Character). But players being rude to each other outside the game as players and not as characters will be in trouble. f. Plot Changers

  Do not post a message which drastically change the plotline the game follows or - even worse - the plotline of the Harry Potter books. If you have a good idea for a plotline, contact the Mod.

6. When writing conversations or telepathy or ... whatever ...use the correct pattern

 The correct dialog conventions are as follows:

  a.. "Use quotation marks here," the speaker said aloud.
  b.. *Asterisks are used here,* came a voice over the radio.
  c.. ŤDouble angled brackets are an indication of a foreign language being spoken,ť said a voice in perfectly accented Vordanian.
  d.. ::Typed text, such as that appearing in a book or in a newspaper,should appear in double colons,:: the hero read.
  e.. ~Cedillas are used here,~ the man thought to himself.
  f.. ^Odd little hats are used here,^ came the mysterious telepathic voice in your head.

7. The Mods' Word Is Law

The Mods of the game are always willing to listen to opposing opinions, but never, ever present your opposing opinion to them on the game's Chat or Game mailing list. Send it privately. And if a Mod ever says something along the lines as "my decision stands", let the issue go. We mean it, let it drop. Continuing to argue after a Mod has reached a decision is not a smart thing to do.

8. Be Heard, But Don't Shout Others Down

If you're naturally quiet, try to post often enough to at least be recognized as being around. If you're a big talker, be silent once in a while and let someone else get a word in edgewise. Unless someone in a group asks you a direct question, it is best to wait and give everyone else in the group time to reply.

9. Avoid Time Crunches

Basically, this means reply to a new move in a timely fashion. Sure, sometimes it's impossible, but at least make the effort. If there's a good reason why you can't post, let the Mods know. Also, remember that the game cannot move forward if everyone is always trying to get the last word in. Don't do this if you can help it.

10. Treat These Games As If They Were Games

No one is going to come up with a cure for cancer while typing away at these stories. and these stories don't promote world peace. They're just games.

This actually has three meanings:

1. First, it means never forget that your life isn't changed just because your character has a bad day. 2. Second, remember that your actions can either contribute to the group enjoyment or take away from it. It's up to you whether or not you have fun. 3. Third, if your real life is interfering in your game play, see to your real life first.

Always Remember The Most Important Rule: If You Become A Problem, You Will Be Removed.

Be polite. It's not that hard. This has nothing to do with what your character does with the other characters - that should be whatever it takes to keep him or her in character. It involves other real people and whether or not they're enjoying the game with you in it. Be considerate and polite whenever possible.