| The 3 Cs of MUSHing
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= For many, MUDs, MUSHes and MUXes can be complex, diverse and difficult to understand. In a text-based medium, there are none of the usual means by which human beings interpret what is being said. We can't hear tone of voice, or see gestures, body language and facial expressions as we can in real life. This opens the door for misunderstanding and misinterpretation, and problems arise. That's why it becomes so very necessary to remember the "Three Cs" of online gaming: Communication, Courtesy and Common Sense. Each of these are equally important in making the gaming environment pleasant for everyone. COMMUNICATION When in doubt, ALWAYS ask. When angry, step away from the keyboard, take some deep breaths, then TALK your problem over with a Staffer and/or the person who caused you to lose your temper. Don't automatically assume something said is meant as a personal attack. Don't assume the other person is "out to get you" either ICly or OOCly. Always remember that to "assume" is to make an "ass" out of "u" and "me." Don't let what could be a simple misunderstanding turn into an all-out war that forces others to "take sides." That's not fair to anyone, and can ruin an otherwise pleasant association between players. COURTESY No matter how much of a jerk your character is ICly, please be OOCly courteous to your fellow players. If you cannot do that, perhaps Shadowed Isles isn't the right game for you. Verbally assaulting other players or Staff OOCly will simply not be tolerated. If there is a misunderstanding, please try first to communicate with the other player in a polite, respectful manner, pointing them to the appropriate help file, news file and/or book page where it states your point. Should this fail, then politely contact a Staff member, explaining the difficulty and asking for assistance, or in extreme cases, arbitration. At NO time should foul language, name calling or other abuse take place. If you simply cannot deal with the person, then please contact Staff or file a formal complaint with *Complaint. COMMON SENSE Misunderstandings happen both ICly and OOCly. If you have an IC probem with an IC character or situation, deal with it in an IC manner. Remember ICA=ICC, in that IC Actions lead to IC Consequences, and act accordingly. +Warn if the IC actions of another may lead to death or other harm to the PCs involved. If all the players involved use common sense, most volatile situations can be defused or avoided. Conversely, it there is an OOC problem, then deal with it on an OOC level. Do NOT take OOC difficulties into an IC situation, or allow your OOC feelings to dictate IC actions against another player. This is not allowed, and if Staff is called to investigate and discovers this occurred, penalties may be imposed on either or both parties involved. Players have a few recourses regarding this, one of which is to contacting the appropriate Sphere Head and/or *Complaints. If you have an OOC problem with a PC (i.e., "That PC cannot exist!", "That PC's actions aren't possible!", etc.), be SURE you have consulted "news Houserules" and/or the appropriate book to support your allegations. In conclusion, being polite and respectful to both your fellow players and Game Staff will make Shadowed Isles fun and pleasant for everyone. It all boils down to treating others as you would like to be treated. |