Some terms and definitions about the physical board itself:

Posts/Threads: When the first post is posted, the player uses the link at the top that says Post. After that, the characters that are interacting will just reply to the first one and it will cause a thread (or string) to appear. The ones at the top and left of the string are the ones that are older, and the newer posts are at the bottom and toward the right of the page. When a thread/string gets too long, a player will start a new thread at the top again, and the storyline continues. Check the times at the posts to be sure; they are listed as EST military. It helps to put in the subject line either where your character is, or what they are doing. This isn't a necessity, just something nice to do.

Where to post: Usually for novice players, it is just easier to stick with the one thread. When you are more comfortable and then could read the other threads in between posts, you will be able to move from the tire to the washer to join in that storyline. Sometimes someone mentions that everyone in one thread to join another thread (something happened on another thread).

Board "Burp": Sometimes when two different players post about the same instant, the board cannot handle it and one post will get "eaten" by the other. Sometimes this can be easily seen; sometimes the only way to know that your post was eaten is to look in your message. Most other players will point out if your message was eaten. Don't think we or the board hate you; it just happens. It usually happens with more traffic, but can be known to happen with just 2 or 3 posting.

Next Page: When there are a lot of threads going at the same time, the board moves faster. When the first page is full, it will take the bottom thread and move it to the next page. At that point, it is just easier to start a new thread, instead of always going to the next page to post. The older threads are in the pages further back.

Now, about how to play on the board:

Role Playing: Stay in character at all times! Unless you have something to say, then use [] brackets to show that you are Out Of Character [OOC].Use stars * to show action. Ex. *Hermione smiles*. Another way that some players post is to only use the quotes " around words "I like your new robe" Erin tells Harry.. Use { } to show telepathy.

Some terms used OOC: BRB-be right back; gtg-got to go; LOL-laugh out loud or lots of laughs; RL-real life; RP-role play

Characters vs. Players: Remember, if you are told something OOC, then your character does NOT know. So if someone tells you that your character will be attacked, then you as the player know this...not the character. When reading other threads, if your character has not heard this, then do not play that you know this information. Only when someone tells your character in play, does your character know, for example, that someone died.

Places: Don't be in 2 places at once. If you are by the tire, stay there, or say that you moved. Don't be in the main hall talking, and also be at your dorm talking. You should not overhear someone whispering at the Quiddtich Field, if you are in the Meeting Room. This is considered separate places. In real life YOU can not be at two places at once; do not expect your character to be realistic and be 2 places at once!

Storylines: Ideas are welcome, and many other cats may also want to join in. There may be their own storylines involved, so if you don't receive very much response to your own, don't get discouraged! You may just want to join their storyline for a time.