Rule One: Have Fun!!!

Rule Two: Posts

When posting, start your post with your location and the time. These are important, as it lets people know where you are and when. It just makes things easier to co-ordinate. Try to follow the storyline as best you can, and take notice to major events, especially Orders Posts. Such posts will only be issued by the CO (or XO in his absence), and are very important! Also, make sure you keep your post numbers correct: its only counting upwards! JP’s have multiple numbers, so make sure you do that correctly.

Rule Three: Posting

You will be required to post once every fortnight as a minimum! If you do not post within two weeks you will be removed from the ship, unless the CO is feeling generous and gives you a week extra. Post as often as you wish – there is no maximum limit – however a post must be of a reasonable length (250 words is a good start point). Do not fall into the trap that quantity substitutes quality – we want well-written posts that are entertaining and slots in perfectly with the storyline. When you send a post, be sure you like it – if not, don’t post it!

Rule Four: Leave of Absence (LOA)

If, for whatever reason, you are going to be unable to post for a length of time longer than two or three days, then you can request an LOA off the CO. E-mail the CO and the XO directly, giving reasons for your LOA and how long you expect to be gone for. Chances are your request will be granted (CO’s do have a heart!), however do not abuse the system. Don’t ask for an LOA just because you cannot be bothered to post. Similarly, do not assume you can take LOA without informing us – it works the other way around.

Rule Five: Characters

Your character is the most important part of the simm. This is who you are on the ship; this person represents you. When you apply, put some time and thought into him/her. What’s their history? Their personality? Do they have family? What angers them; what makes them smile? Take some time and thought with your character. Also, make sure the character really is your own; don’t just take an established character such as Kirk or Sisko and just change their names. Otherwise you won’t be accepted on the simm. So take your time, and have a full background and bio for them.

Rule Six: Character Use/NPC’s

Only you can control your character and their actions: no-one else. It is acceptable to use another player-character in minor aspects, but make sure you ask beforehand. If want major involvement (ie anything more than a line) then just ask to partake in a JP! You can, however, create your own NPC’s for your character, but try not to make too many – it just becomes a mess if you have ten NPC's and you end up never actually posting with your charachter. NPC's should support your main charachter, not become seperate charachters of their own. Wherever possible when trying to recycle your own NPC’s or use someone elses, make sure you keep them constant – if they were posted as a male Denobulan, they don’t suddenly become a female Klingon!

Rule Seven: CO Prerogative

There are certain things only CO’s are allowed to do. Only CO’s may promote or demote characters, begin or end missions, issue LOA’s…anything that involves administrative issues. Promotions are based mainly on quality posting and dedication to the site, including any OOC help such as site additions. The mission should be allowed to run its course, and if you want any major plotline changes contact the CO first to check (don’t just decloak a Romulan taskforce off our port simply because you want to fight!). If the CO is unavailable the XO will take the above responsiblites until he returns.

Rule Eight: Language and Realism

First off: there is no such thing as a Defiant-class vessel with Warp Twelve capability, seventeen phaser banks and trans-dimensional shielding. Second: you cannot take on the Borg collective if your legs have been blown off. Try to keep things realist within the Star Trek Universe. And watch your language – this is a PG-13 simm. The odd minor swear word every now and again is okay, but if its every other word then expect severe repercussions. And watch your content as well; don’t be too graphic in certain areas. You all know what I mean…this is a PG-13 simm.