Post by Commandant Admiral Jenkins on Apr 7, 2009 19:03:34 GMT
Rules for Small Acorns
We are a Star Trek RP. We expect our members to have knowledge of the Star Trek realm and to be able to interact properly within this realm at all times. Our boards are for ORIGINAL characters only. No characters who are based on or related to any known Star Trek character will be accepted.
Please read all the rules below before posting
Table of Contents
0 – General Rules
.....0.01 – The Rules
.....0.02 – Admin's Decisions
.....0.03 – Copying Work
.....0.04 – Impersonation
.....0.05 – Questions
.....0.06 – Staff
.....0.07 – PG-13
.....0.08 – Star Trek Reality
.....0.09 – Additions to the rules
1 – Characters
.....1.01 – Ranks
.....1.02 – Races
.....1.03 – Departments
.....1.04 – Avatars
.....1.05 – Names
.....1.06 – Relatives
.....1.07 – Telepathy
.....1.08 – Secret Organizations
.....1.09 – Character Death
.....1.10 – Promotions
.....1.11 – Originality
2 - Posting Rules
.....2.01 – Location
.....2.02 – Time
.....2.03 – Double-Posting
.....2.04 – Starting a Thread
.....2.05 – Tagging
.....2.06 – Ending
.....2.07 – Activity - Posting Requirements
.....2.08 – Style
.....2.09 – Spamming
.....2.10 – Etiquette
.....2.11 – God-Modding
.....2.12 – Meta-Gaming
3 - Vacations and Loss of Characters
.....3.01 – Vacations
.....3.02 – Loss of Characters
4 - Applying for Characters
.....4.01 – First Application
.....4.02 – Subsequent Characters
5 - Sanctions
.....5.01 – Gentle Nudge - PM
.....5.02 – Warning Levels
.....5.03 – Banning
.....5.04 – Deletions
0 – General Rules
0.01 – The Rules
Although obvious, this is the most important of all the rules!
ALL OF THE RULES LISTED HERE MUST BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES BY ALL MEMBERS[/i].
0.02 – Admin's decisions
The admin team on this site work very closely together to reach their decisions. We are more than happy to discuss things with our members new and old alike. However once a decision has been reached, that decision is FINAL AND NON-NEGOTIABLE.
0.03 – Copying Work
While no one on this site claims to own or be affiliated with Star Trek in any way, shape, or form, we do expect that members will not copy other members work for any purposes both on and off this board. If you feel there is a reason to copy large portions of someone's post, please PM that member and ask their permission beforehand.
Also, when responding to another member's post within the RP, please only utilize small portions of speech for quoting purposes. Whole paragraphs do not need to be copied within your post. We can all read back to see the extra details from the original post. Try and use paraphrasing so that large quotes are not necessary.
0.04 – Impersonation
Do not impersonate other members at any time, anywhere on the boards or off the boards. This is cause for immediate removal from the boards and banning from the site.
0.05 – Questions
If you have any questions use the cbox, post in the question thread, or pm a member of staff. Please keep in mind that c-box posts are not stored for long periods of time.
0.06 – Staff
Don't ask! If we need more staff, we will seek you out after you have proven yourself on the boards. If you ask, the answer will be an automatic no.
0.07 – PG-13
In compliance with the Proboards Terms of Service, this board is PG-13. Nothing OVER PG-13 will be permitted. If you are unsure, don't post it! You can also PM an admin member if you have questions.
This includes ALL posts on the board AND the chatbox!
0.08 – Star Trek Reality
Realize that this is a Star Trek RP, set in the 24th century. Objects that we use in the present century, do not exist in the 24th century in the same way, shape or form. Please make sure that things your character comments on, uses, and interacts with FIT in the 24th century.
A few notes of particular interest:
a) Money - The Federation does not utilize money. Earth does not utilize money, so therefore there is no poverty on Earth. Other cultures may still use money or trading.
b) Maps - There is no need for paper maps in Star Trek. The computer system, PADDS, and Tricorders, as well as the ship herself, can direct any crewmember to where they need to go.
c) Television/Books - There is no television in the 24th century. Old (20th-21st century) shows could be pulled up on the computer systems. Paper style books are few and far between. There are some, but most information is stored on the computer or on PADDs.
d) Alcohol - Most 'alcoholic' drinks onboard starfleet vessels actually contain synthehol rather than alcohol. Synthehol is a chemical variant of alcohol. It appears to have the same taste and smell as 'real' alcohol to most individuals but none of the deleterious effects associated with alcohol for most humanoids; e.g. debilitating intoxication, addiction and alcohol poisoning. Synthehol's intoxicating effects can be easily dismissed.
0.09 – Additions to the rules
Any changes to these rules, including modifications or additions will be communicated to all members via PM.
1 – Characters
1.01 – Ranks
All characters (with the exception of Academy staff) will start their life here at Small Acorns as first year cadets. Staff character ranks will be discussed on an individual basis.
1.02 – Races
You may choose any race so long as it is an appropriate race for a Starfleet officer onboard a ship. However, no telepathic characters are acceptable. No one may be an all-knowing character, like a Q, or anything similar.
Be prepared to defend your choice of race to the admin if necessary! So, plan appropriately and have a good reason for your character's race or hybrid if it seems unusual!
1.03 – Departments
You may state a preferred career track for your cadet in your application, however you should be aware that all cadets follow the same general programme in their first year at the Academy.
1.04 – Avatars
ALL avatars on the site should be a real photograph of a person. If for some reason your species does not have a real photograph that can be found ANYWHERE, you will need to PM an admin member to discuss this.
Absolutely, NO CARTOON style avatars. If you do not choose an avatar for your character, the admin team will choose one for you, which may or may not be what you had in mind, but the admin team's choice will stand.
ALL avatars must be NO WIDER than 150 pixels when submitted with applications or for changes.
Any avatars that are wider than 150 pixels will not be accepted.
1.05 - Names
All names must be sensible and appropriate for the Star Trek Realm. No silly names will be accepted.
Please check the current crew listing on the sidebar and make sure your character does not already have the same first or last name to another character. We want diversity!
No surnames or variations of surnames for canon characters from the Star Trek series will be accepted without express permission from the admin team. Be prepared to present a very valid reason for said name to the admin via PM, as most requests for canon surnames will be instantly denied.
1.06 - Relatives
Relatives and family of main RP characters should be treated as side characters. They should not be involved in major plots, unless they have been accepted as a character of their own. However, if they do not have their own specific account, they should not be involved except as short asides within the main character’s post.
Whilst the potential exists for someone to play a family member, the admin will have to look at each specific case to decide if it will help or harm the RP. We do not want to end up with someone who is only RPing back and forth with themselves.
Possibilities for having others play family members will be open for discussion as well. Both the person who is playing the family member, and the person that they're related to will need to pm an admin for permission to create a family account. These will ONLY be considered if we, the admin, feel they will be beneficial to the RP, so be prepared to defend your claim for taking on a family member!
1.07 - Telepathy
No telepathic characters will be accepted on the board. Whilst we are aware that such character exist within the Star Trek world, we do not believe that they can be roleplayed effectively within the confines of this roleplay. This is non-negotiable.
1.08 – Secret Organizations
No one is to be a secret agent or a covert agent of any force both within Starfleet or another realm (This includes Section 31) without the express permission from the Admin Team. If you have a valid reason for your character to be part of something like this, please PM the Admin for consideration. Anyone found to be carrying out covert actions without permission will be banned from the boards.
1.09 – Character Death
An active character cannot be irreversibly maimed or killed without the author's permission. If there is a need for such a storyline to be played out, it must be discussed with the admin team and all characters involved beforehand.
1.10 – Promotions
When the Academy year "ends", all cadets who have roleplayed within their first year will automatically be moved up to second year. No cadets will be moved up prematurely.
Any new cadets that join after the year end will be admitted to first year. At the end of the following year all the cadets will move up again.
After four years at the Academy, cadets are eligible to graduate.
1.11 – Originality
All characters created for this site must be your own original work. You may not use any canon characters or characters derived from any other Star Trek related works such as, but not limited to, books or computer games.
Posting Rules
2.01 – Location
Your character CANNOT be in more than one place at a time in the RP. That means that if you are talking to someone in the holodeck, you cannot also be in your room or in the grounds. You must first finish your current thread before moving your character to the next thread.
This means that you MAY NOT be in more than one thread at a time. You must following the proper ENDING rules detailed below before moving on.
2.02 – Time
We will ALL move together through the stardates. So that means you CANNOT skip ahead unless we are moving the plot forward as a whole RP. The odd time discrepancy may occur, but everyone should be more or less moving together through the stardates with the Main Plot outline. This way we will start and finish the Academy years together.
2.03 – Double-Posting
In most circumstances double posting is NOT allowed. Please refrain from double posting within main areas and threads.
If you post for your character, plan to leave at least 24 hours for another member to reply before you have your character exit the thread. We all have RL's and live in different timezones. Be considerate of others and allow them time to reply!
Some exceptions to the double-posting rules:
1) Within your individual quarters it may be necessary to do some double posting, as most quarters are not shared. Please try and refrain for having your character spend long periods of time in their quarters reflecting alone. Also, avoid going to your quarters to be alone on a regular basis. You need to get out there where your character can actually interact with the other characters.
2) After 24 hours, you can decide to move your character from the post if the other member has not replied.
3) If your character is absolutely needed for the main plot to continue, a second post can be permitted so the storyline can continue without delay. (Abuse of this exception can result in warnings and sanctions -- see Section 5 -- being instituted against your character)
2.04 – Starting a Thread
a) Any member is permitted to start a thread, so long as they are not currently involved in any other thread. Thread titles should give some indication of what the thread is about. Posting the word, open, in the thread title is one way of stating that the story is open to any and all characters. You may also use tagging rules to indicate the thread is open (see below)
b) If there is a valid reason for a thread to only be open to certain characters, you may post these names as part of the title. Please make sure you have already planned this thread with the other member(s) before posting it. You may also use tagging rules to indicate who the thread is open to (see below).
2.05 – Tagging
a) Tagging to start a thread – When you begin a new thread, please TAG it properly so other members will know who can and should post. If you want anyone to be able to join your thread, please place in BOLD the words Tag: Any.
If you have a need to tag a specific character or characters ONLY to join the thread, please do so at the end of your post by posting in BOLD --- Tag: Character’s name
b) Tagging in large threads – If a thread has more than two characters, please use the tag option to state whether any character can respond after your response or only specific characters should interact with your character at that time.
c) Respecting tags – Please respect the tags that are placed at the end of a post. If a character has tagged someone else, please do not just jump in without checking with that member beforehand, via PM or C-box or some other means.
2.06 – Ending
When your character leaves a thread you MUST post an END for your character so all members know your character has left. Other members may not tag you once you have posted your ending, and you will be free to move to a new thread.
Also, whenever possible, if you were the original thread creator, please modify the first post when the thread is finished to include the word [finished] in brackets.
The finished edit of the thread title should have [FINISHED] - TITLE
2.07 – Activity - Posting Requirements
An active character should be posting good quality posts 3-5 times per week.
2.08 – Style
a) Write in the 3rd person (he, she). The use of “I” should only appear in your character’s thoughts about him/herself and speech to others, not in your description of his/her actions.
b) Write in the past tense when describing your character's actions. Example: He walked into the room. – NOT: He walks into the room.
c) Please write in complete sentences at ALL times. This includes using proper capitalization and punctuation and proper grammar.
d) Proper spelling is expected from all members at all times. Please use the spell-check feature found on the boards, or write your post in a program that offers spell-checking capabilities before copying and pasting it to the site.
e) No copying of large portions of another members post to respond to in your post. If necessary, you can copy a small line, or quote into your post. Make sure to place this type of quote in italics. Quote would go here[ /i] Do NOT copy whole paragraphs! Try your best to paraphrase and NOT quote at all!
f) No block-quoting or formatting of your text size in standard RP posts. Use the default settings for ALL RP posts within the forum.
g) Do NOT use bold for speech. Please use standard quotation marks to indicate speech -- "example". Use single quotation marks -- 'example' for internal thought when necessary.
h) Do NOT use asterisks when marking actions or any part of your RP posts.
i) For internal communications that need to be posted in another thread -- use Italics AND mark the communication with two slash marks // -- EXAMPLE //Simmons to Jones. All okay over there?//
j) Do not use strikethroughs in your posts in the RP or when commenting on missions. If something needs to have a strikethrough in it, it does not belong on the boards in the first place.
Try and envision that you are writing a story to be published in a BOOK format! Follow standard writing rules and you will fit right in here!!
2.09 – Spamming
No spamming. This means no one word or one line/one sentence posts. Please don't posts "Okays" or "Thank you" in a post by themselves. Posts like these will be deleted and you will be warned.
Also, no OOC only posts within the RP. If you have to post an OOC comment, please do so at the end of a decent RP post. If you cannot do that, then please PM the other member(s) or use the C-box for OOC comments.
Keep OOC comments to a minimum within the RP.
2.10 – Etiquette
a) Absolutely no "Net-speak" allowed in posts. Under no circumstances will "text-speak" or "net-speak" be allowed in any post in this RP. This means that phrases like "How r u?" or substituting numbers for words, such as "2" for "to" will not be allowed. This will be closely monitored by the Administrators. Please avoid this type of speech as much as possible within the c-box as well. No one wants to have to work to decipher others’ c-box comments.
b) No flaming, trolling, or any other abusive, harmful behaviors will be tolerated.
c) Treat others with respect and play nicely at all times.
2.11 – God-Modding
No God-modding. Period!
That means you can not speak, act or think for another character, unless you gain their permission in advance. That means for example, if the Captain asks the First Officer a question, the Captain cannot say what the First Officers' answer was. The Captain will have to wait until the First Officer responds. This also means that you should not be telling another person how to play the game or what they should be posting.
Realize that God-modding also involves describing an action that another character has not SPECIFICALLY stated that their character has done. This includes seeing things in people's eyes, or picking up on subtle actions that the character DID NOT describe.
If you are ever not sure if an action is God-modding, PM an admin or the character in question to ask BEFORE posting. Posts that contain God-modding can be removed at the discretion of the admin if not modified appropriately.
2.12 – Meta-Gaming
a) All-knowing characters are NOT allowed. Do not attempt to have your character be a part of every interesting thing that happens inside or outside of the ship. To prove to the admin that you have read these rules, please PM the words Rhubarb Jelly to all of the admin members. This is a requirement for all members!
b) Do not have your character claim to KNOW things about other characters unless they have actually witnessed the actions, been told the information, or otherwise had access to the information.
c) Realize that within the Star Trek realm, some information is not available to certain characters. There are security levels that dictate what information your character would know based on rank. NEVER assume that you have access to certain information!!
Crew medical records are NOT available to anyone outside of the medical field and the highest ranking officers of Starfleet (including the Captain and Starfleet command).
3 – Vacations and Loss of Characters
3.01 – Vacations
a) If you know you will be away or believe you will be unable to post on the boards for any period of time, you should post a message in the absentee board. This is the only way to guarantee your character if you are not active on the board for a period of time.
b) If you post in the absentee board, you also MUST post your character to the side of the RP, so the story can go on around you. If you do not post your character to the side, then you give the other members of the RP the right to god-mod your character in ways that are necessary to further the storyline.
3.02 – Loss of Characters
a) If you do not actively post in the RP for the stated time periods listed below without notifying the admin through the absentee board or PM, your character position can be put back up as available, and your character can be removed from active duty.
* New members (under 10 RP posts) – 1 week of inactivity can be grounds for removal from duty
* Established members (11+ RP posts) – 2 weeks of inactivity without notice can be grounds for removal from duty
If you return, you are welcome to REQUEST your same character again. However, your request does not mean you will be granted the character.
b) Multiple absences for long periods of time without notice (or with some notice and not at other times), can result in the deletion of your account.
c) Any member whose character has been inactive for any period beyond two weeks, without giving prior notice, can be subject to account deletion and removal from the boards.
d) Any new member who joins but does not post an application within one week is subject to immediate removal. Also, any character who is accepted but does not post within the RP within a week is subject to immediate removal.
4 – Applying for Characters
4.01 – First Application
a) Creating Your First Character -
* Follow all character rules outlined in the rules.
* Be willing to compromise. The admin will make suggestions that will make your fit in better with the boards. If you are not open to suggestions or willing to make compromises, then don't apply!
* Post your application in the characters board.
* If you have questions, please PM an admin.
ONLY the applying member and the staff are permitted to reply to an application. All other members, please see part b.
Once your character has been accepted by the admin, you are free to join in the RP. PLEASE take some time however to familiarize yourself with what is currently happening. This will make your transition into the story smooth.
Make sure you've read ALL the rules very carefully!
b) Current members who have questions or concerns about a new character should NOT post them in the character's application. Please PM an admin member with your questions or concerns.
4.02 – Subsequent Characters
If you are an active person, who contributes well to the RP, you can be offered extra characters. You are allowed a maximum of two cadet characters per Academy year, and may be offered a staff character also. Please realize that no one is entitled to more characters. The admin will make the choice based on activity, character development, and other factors, such as the dynamic of the board and numbers of members at any given time. Please also read RULE 0.02!
5 – Sanctions
5.01 – Gentle Nudge-PM
These are PMs which instruct you to change something about your character or your actions on the board. Simply follow the instructions in the PM and all will be good.
If the same problem continues, is not corrected, or multiple rule infractions exist and continue to exist, the warning level system will be utilized for the character account(s).
5.02 – Warning Levels
a) Warning levels will be applied based upon the severity of the infraction and the response of the member to the PMs sent from the staff. Warning levels can only be seen by the individual member and the admin team. No one else can see your warning level. If your level increases beyond 100, a ban will be implemented.
b) Warning levels will be decreased once you begin to comply with the rules again. Please be aware that you will need to show consistant following of the rules before your level will be reduced.
c) Do not ask for you warning level to be reduced - this is likely to provoke the opposite effect (i.e your warning level will go up!)
5.03 – Banning
a) Any member who has reached 100 or beyond in warnings will be banned from the site for a period of one week. After this week your warn level will be returned to 50%.
b) Serious and/or persistent breaches of the rules can result in an automatic one week ban.
5.04 – Deletions
a) Accounts can be deleted when they are subject to their second ban, a serious breach of the rules or due to inactivity.
b) A deleted account, including PMs and character bio, cannot be retrieved.
Thanks for reading the rules! If you have any questions, PM Admiral Jenkins.