What is the Proper Format of an RPG Post Entry?

Very simple. First of all, let me explain that we have four listservers, or mailing lists, for the USS Galaxy. Listservers, in case you are unaware what they are, are what may commonly be known as mailing lists. One subscription is mandatory, one is optional, and the other two are for administrative purposes (keeps the Out-of-Character listserver clean of clutter).

The main storyline mailing list:

The USS Galaxy Email Simulation mailing list is where all in-character comments and log entries are made. All posts listed in the Mission Logs section of the website are obtained from here. We ask that a certain format be followed when posting to the main list, just so that we can differentiate between email simulation stories and other non-simulation mail we all get from other sources.

To: ussgalaxy at googlegroups dot com
Subject: <Character Last Name>: "Insert Title"

The subject line, when it arrives in your mailbox, will then have the Galaxy header in it.

Subject: Galaxy: <Character Last Name>: "Inserted Title"

In addition, the first paragraph of formatting in the body should state the title of the work followed by the authors. This is for issues of possible copyright as well as preparing the reader for the message the author is attempting to get across. Furthermore, this header is used by our log archiver when they are counting up the number of posts put out by each writer, which is the main way we use to keep track of how active all the writers are being. If your character's name is not in this header, we cannot guarantee you'll get credit for the post.

We also like to emphasize proper formatting and use of a spellchecker. If you are going to use a word-processing program such as Word or Wordperfect, save or open the file as a .TXT document. This reduces the chance of symbolization of punctuation, which can make it difficult for the other players to read, as well as making it a living nightmare for the log archiver.

Also, do *not* post your log as an attachment. With the threat of viruses in documentation, it will not be read by most people, including myself. If I don't read it, it isn't considered 'canon', and will not be archived on this website.

Example:

"Getting to Know Old Lovers"

By Lieutenant Commander Electra Reece,
Chief of Operations,
USS Galaxy

And
Lieutenant Commander James Lionel Corgan,
Chief of Security,
USS Galaxy

Location: Observation Deck, Utopia Planetia Shipyards, Mars, Sol System.
Soundtrack: "Malibu" By Hole (Utopia Planetia Construction Scene)

The location and soundtrack are optional, but helps deliver the image the author is attempting to get across.

The secondary, and optional list to sign up for is our Out Of Character list. OOC for short.

The OOC list is a private list, like all of our lists here on the Galaxy, where the writers can trade ideas, send messages to each other, discuss plot points, or just chat about anything in general. We've talked about everything from upcoming movies of all sorts, to getting to know each other, to discovering that some of us live in the same town or went to the same high schools together.

Now, being that the list is a free-for-all, what with debates on a variety of subjects, we do still have a governing set of rules.

1. Respect others. Just like in life when passing through a busy cafeteria full of chit-chat, there are bound to be some topics that others may become offended by, and there will be friction. Treat others as you would treat yourself.
2. No Spamming. Just like it says. You spam, you get ban. No chain letters! No recruitment messages for other sims without GM approval.
3. No Flaming. There are a variety of writers from all walks of life on our Simulation. You don't have to agree with everything everyone says, but if you get offended, state it in a nice way rather than encouraging a flame war. If you have a personal issue that may infringe upon discrimination, keep it to yourself.
4. Remember, everything you write to the OOC list goes to *everyone* subscribed to it. If you are responding to a single person, take it off the list and direct it to them privately. It helps keep the flood of mail from blowing up our mailboxes.

The format for titling OOC messages are as such:

To: ussgalaxyooc at googlegroups dot com
Subject: "Title of Message"

There is no set format for OOC replies. Just be nice.

The third list is our Galaxy Plots list. This list is composed of the Galaxy GMs, Plot GMs, and other interested writers.

Writers are welcome to join the Plots list, although we prefer it if you join because you want to contribute to future plots, and not just because you want to get "insider" information about upcoming missions.

Any writer may submit a plot idea without joining the Plots list. However, since the Plots list is a closed list, any writer who wishes to do this should email their idea to the GMs, who will pass it along to the list.

The fourth list is our Galaxy Staff List. This list is a closed membership list whose membership is made up of the GMS, Department Heads, and a select few others who are in leadership roles. This list exists primarly as an easy way for GMs to disseminate information to Department Heads, as well as a forum for Galaxy Staff to discuss issues in a slightly smaller forum than the OOC list. In addition, all character bios submitted by prospective writers are sent to the Galaxy Staff list so that all may weigh in on them.

All members of the Galaxy Staff List will evaluate submitted bios on the following criteria:

2) Plausability: Applicants should have a basic understanding of their characters and the Star Trek universe. For example: If one chooses to write about an Andorian, one should know that they are different from a Ferengi, etc. Characters submitted should avoid the common pitfalls: 'secret' time in their background; excessive competence in too many fields; personal weapons collections in defiance of regulations; extreme competence in combat skills, especially in non-security personnel; etc.

3) Experience: Newcomers must begin as an Ensign. If an applicant has a known history of problems with simming, they should be reconsidered. Beginning as a Lieutenant JG is possible, but should be the limit of the advancement to a just-beginning character except for special cases. This is to encourage Player Character Development and reduce limitations on the character over time. For the Marines, characters start out as a Private or Corporal if enlisted, 2nd or 1st Lieutenant if commissioned. And in the Starfighter Corps, pilots start out at the rank of Pilot or Flight Officer.