Setting guidelines for roleplays

[Joal 555]

The staff have now concluded their discussions on this topic and are pleased to announce the following (with special thanks to matilda who provided the bulk of the wording below).

In response to members' questions about establishing rules for roleplay, the staff has decided to allow members to create guidelines for new roleplays. This will be done on a trial basis only until the staff can evaluate the effectiveness of this change. RP guidelines should be set by the original poster at the start of a new thread. Participants are expected to act in good faith and abide by the agreed upon guidelines. Staff will continue to monitor roleplays regarding the rules of the forum but will not take responsibility for reading roleplays to "enforce" each RP's unique situation.

No guideline may violate any Forum rule (including flaming or language that would not be allowed outside the Snake Pit). If a conflict arises that cannot be solved civilly by the various members, please use the "report" feature so the staff can get involved.

Establishing Guidelines for Roleplay

Members starting a new roleplay may suggest guidelines for all participants. Guidelines may address things like:

• Response Length. Example :Each response should be a minimum of one paragraph,
  
• Writing Style. Example: Responses should try and advance the plot, or stay true to the time period, character, etc. that is established.
  
• Response Frequency. Example: Please allow enough time for all members to participate before responding multiple times in quick succession. Keep in mind that members may live in different time zones and have work/school obligations.
  

Guidelines may not do any of the following:

• Exclude individual members, genders, sexual identity etc. As always, roleplays must be open to all members.
  

Thank you for your attention