Scripting Suggestions for the U.S.S. Embassy
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Names, Dates, and Locations
In sims, especially ones from Yahoo! Clubs, people tend to get a little sloppy in their writings. This can be from failing to capitalize when necessary, to run-on sentences. All names really should be capitalized (this goes for the names of places, certain items, ships, etc.). Also, one should typically specify location (and time, if relevant) inside a set of << >>. This helps to offset the name of a location and/or time from the rest of your message. Alternately, some people use this tag to specify when your post took place (very convenient if posting zooms along and you can't get your post in when it makes sense). Below is an example of these skills:
<< Bridge, U.S.S. Embassy, right before "What to do?" >>
Note how everything has correct spelling, punctuation, etc. Also note how they are contained within << >> . You can use either single or double, it doesn't really matter, they usually do an adequate job of offsetting that portion of text from the rest of the message.
Speech
Now, the most important thing in your post is speech (unless your post is an all-action post, which rarely work well, but, well, if you want to try, go ahead). When any character in your post speaks, it should go in the format below:
Tryelsby: Sir, the shields have fallen to 27 percent!
Note how you don't need quotation marks when using this format. Also, as a general rule of thumb, any number that is single-digit, you should spell out, unless you are pressed for time. The same goes for symbols (using percent instead of %), unless you are pressed for time or do not know the correct spelling.
Now, moving on to something else, communicator text. Communicator text comes in many different forms, some of the most common are shown below:
=/\=Tryelsby: Sir, I'm in the Jeffries Tubes, and the Klingons are still pursuing!
Tryelsby: =/\= Sir, I'm in the Jeffries Tubes, and the Klingons are still pursuing! =/\=
Tryelsby: Sir, I'm in the Jeffries Tubes, and the Klingons are still pursuing! (text italicised)
Of course, you can always use your own system, these are simply suggestions.
Thoughts can be very important to a character. The easiest way to specify a thought is to put a thought tag in front of the text:
Tryelsby: *thinks* Yeah, right, that's going to happen. . .
You can also put thoughts in a narrative section of posting, simply by utilizing typical English:
*. . . Tryelsby thought, "Yeah, right, that's going to happen. . .". . . .*
Actions / Narratives
Actions and Narratives are two very beneficial tools in a post. Actions are typically written in present-tense, and included in a speech text, like below:
Tryelsby: *reading console* Sir, I don't think we can break that interference up. *taps console* No, definitely not, it is, quite simply, too strong.
Of course, that is not the only way an action can take place. That is where the Narrative comes in. Narratives are typically written in past-tense, and in third-person, like in the example below:
*Tryelsby paced around the cell, wondering what he could do to break himself free. Suddenly, inspiration struck. He pulled off a wall panel, and used it to push against the forcefield, draining it of energy. He easily jumped out of the cell, and ran out of the enemy's Brig.*
Narratives can be your whole post, if you choose. These, however, can make for difficult reading, especially if they are most of or all of your post.
Other People's Characters
Many times, you will have to interact with someone else's character. More often than not, you will need to know quite a bit about the way the person writes for his or her character, and about the character's race. While Klingons are known for being fierce warriors, the Romulans are known for being politicians, and the El-Aurians live quite a while and are very good listeners. You need to respect people's characters, for instance, don't make a Vulcan character suddenly break down and cry, it doesn't fit (unless, for some reason, this Vulcan does it all the time). Also, some people have a really big problem if you use their character in a huge manner in your posts. Generally, only use someone's character for a few lines, and then try to interact with someone else's character. Some people work better with certain people, for instance, Tryelsby and Dax write well together, and can usually get the other's character down pact.
Never, but never, make a major change to someone else's character without their consent. If it is to be a major plot development, discuss it with the owner of the character beforehand. If they do not agree to this, don't do it! In some fleets, making major changes to someone else's character can get you expelled. We've never had a case of this ourselves, but it may happen.
General Rules
- Never publicly flame someone, especiallly over one of their posts. Instead, send this directly to the person if you feel you absolutely must. Please note that this can be grounds for expulsion, especially if the letter is extremely inflammatory (no pun intended). A recommended system is to first suggest a change in the way the person posts, once again, to the person directly. If the person does not change, you might want to privately bring it up with the Captain. Flaming almost always gets you flamed, so it's simply not a good way to go.
- Direct or indirect insubordination is grounds for immediate dismissal. The 8th Fleet recently dismissed one Captain because of this. Generally, you will get a warning or two before being dismissed. This goes for in the game, or outside of it. If a superior tells you to change your posting style, change it. It's not worth being dismissed for.
- Vulgar language is unacceptable. Therre are young minds participating in the Sim, and they should not be polluted by highly vulgar language. Words such as 'Damn' or 'Hell' are usually tolerated, but things such as the F-word or others can be grounds for dismissal.
- Highly sexual posts are unacceptable. See the reason above.
- Non-Canon events are unacceptable. Esstablishing that a character well-known in the Trek canon has done something major, or a major event that happens, is not accepted. Contrary to popular belief, the Star Trek novels are not canon, so do not go by events which happen in those, with the exception of the novels written by Jeri Taylor. Marriage, death, etc., qualify for being a major event.
- Spelling is a necessary part of the gaame. Poor spelling not only lowers the readability of the post, it also lowers the respectability of the poster. Common Trek-related misspellings are accepted (for instance, the race El-Aurians are commonly misspelled).
- Brevity, though important, is sometimees out of the question. While you should generally try to make your post as short as possible, if you can extend it to add another post you were planning to make, please do so. For those subscribed so that they receive messages by e-mail, this can clog one's inbox quickly.
This guide was written so that the beginning player knows the various rules and suggestions for the game, to make it more enjoyable for everyone. Now, you don't have to follow these suggestions, however, from experience, these tend to make the Sim a whole lot more enjoyable.
~Commander Ben Tryelsby