Post by ::ADMIN:: on Sept 7, 2010 22:08:05 GMT -5
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So I personally have been on so many websites that when I think about having to re-read through a long list of rules, it makes my stomach churn. Still, its completely unavoidable. All I can say is just stomach through this the best you can. Good luck!
Before you apply for your character, please make sure that your display name matches your characters name! We don't want any moe031608's signing up. And make sure it displays your characters first and last name. We don't need any 'just Rachel's' or 'just Jerry's'.
Also, make sure your account is activated!! I've disabled the action that forces you to activate when you first sign up. Personally I think its a pain to sign-up and want to look around directly after only to be forced into taking a quick break into your email. It's too much hassle. But you still need to make sure your account is activated before you fill out an application! Why? Activating your account distinguishes you between a bot and a person. And trust me, we don't want any bots on the site.
Other than that, just make sure you have your charrie's story ready to go. I'm not saying that we won't allow it, but, to tell you the truth, us admins can't stand the idea of an unfinished application. We can't wait to get you accepted so you can start posting! So try to have your story in line before you apply!
Quick note: This is an Intermediate roleplay site. So we're hoping that you do know how to post and post fairly well!
I, personally, have been roleplaying for about five years now. But, I still remember what its like to be a new roleplayer. You're nervous and excited and just hoping that you can fit in and that your roleplaying style doesn't scream 'newbie'. To help you out, here are some tips to make your roleplaying experience a little easier.
1) First of all, we here at Ultra Helix would like it if all of your posts were at least 200 words long. We realize that that may seem like a lot, but we just want to make sure that your posts have enough in it for others to help 'continue' your post. Its much harder to build on something that's only a couple sentences long.
2) Have writers block? No problem! Remember your five senses: What can your character see, hear, taste, smell, and feel? How are they emotionally adapting to the situation? What are they thinking? How do they look ((what are they wearing, etc.))?? If they're outside, what is the weather like? If they're inside, what does the room look like that they are in? If you try and answer those questions, we're sure you'll make a really good post.
3) Keep in mind that no one is perfect. It gets annoying when your person is always in a happy sunshiny mood or always doing the right thing. Spice things up a bit. Get angry! Do something irrational!
When you're character does something unexpected it makes for an interesting twist in the post!
4) NO GOD-MODDING!!!! What is god-modding? There are two things that you can do in your post that would be considered GM. The first, is posting in such a way to make your character seem the best at everything. In other words, you're invincible and the most powerful character on the site. While that may make posting excessively fun for you...it's not so fun for everybody else. EVERYONE has to lose sometimes.
The second, is where you post what someone else character is doing, or what has happened to them. The most common mistake there is in a fighting post:
Tommy slapped Katie so hard she fell down
This sentence is GM. First of all, your character may have slapped at the other, but only they can tell if you actually hit them, or if they dodged out of the way. Second of all, even if if you're character did slap them, whose to say they fell down? The correct way to write that sentence would be:
Tommy slapped at Katie, hoping to hit her so hard that he knocked her over.[/color]
5) Avoid double-posting. If you have posted once, wait for someone else to answer before you post again. If you've thought of something you would have liked to have said, that you forgot in your post, simply go back and modify your last post.
Other than that roleplaying is up to you. I don't like limiting roleplaying so I don't really have many restrictions when it comes to that. Just remember that this is a PG-13 website. So, try to keep the cursing down, not that we really care if you don't. And if you and another character would like to make things a little X-rated make sure you pm one of the admins so they can move your post into the mature board and give you the password.
You can have as many characters as you'd like on this site, just try to remember to keep them active according to our activity laws ((more on that later)). Like I've mentioned I don't enjoy limiting roleplay so your characters can be as demented or tortured as you so choose ((which is a huge trend let me tell you)).
The only thing I discourage is normal, everyday, average names like: Mary Sue, Billy Joe, Dick and Jane etc... Try to be a little creative with your names. Such as Tatianna Ali, or Armadeaus Cole ((characters of our wonderful admins)). But, on the same token, try to avoid silly over the top names like Eleazar Lightsbane, Albus Dumbledore, Saphira Dragonsphere etc...Although we appreciate your enthusiasm, some names are just too much.
When it comes to characters, most people would like a picture on their profile so others can see what their character looks like ((or who your character looks like if you use a character rep)). Just remember to keep your avatars at 100x100 and your signatures no bigger than 500x200. We don't want pictures that are so large that they stretch the board. It makes a huge annoyance when trying to post.
We don't have a lot of rules when it comes to activity. We would like it for you to at least post once a week. But we can understand if you can't. There is a world outside of the one we've created for you and sometimes it gets busy. But, if you know you'll be out for awhile, just make sure you post in the absent board that you won't be here to post! The magic word is Hiawatha. We created that board for your convenience, please use and abuse it!
If you've taken the time to see the many wonderful things posted on the side bars we have for you, you will notice that we have a c-box. When it comes to our C-box, we're pretty strict on the conduct there. Remember, a lot of people base their membership on what they see written in the C-box.
First, keep the language at a strictly PG basis. A little cursing we can understand. But let's not make the place sound like a strip joint or something along those lines.
Second, NO ADVERTISING!!!! ((more on that vv below vv))
Third, there are periods where the site may seem a little less active than before. Let's face it, sometimes everybody gets busy. Please avoid advertising that in the C-box. Would you join a site where members are telling you how inactive the place is? I wouldn't either.
Fourth, there is a function where you can post an avatar behind your name. Keep the picture PG rated, please.
Other than that, the C-box is there for your entertainment and enjoyment. Chat it up! Use and abuse! Please!
Although we don't allow advertising in the C-box, we do have a specific affiliates board where you can advertise a website that you post on. THIS BOARD IS GUEST FRIENDLY!!! And we highly recommend you all to -again- use and abuse this particular board. The more affiliates you give us, the more boards we can be advertised on as well!
Other than that, HAVE FUN!!!! We hope that you enjoy your 'stay' here at Ultra Helix and have a otherwise fulfilling roleplay experience. Special thanks to those who do decide to join, and to those who are just looking us up![/blockquote]
This rules format was created by: Nina
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