Introduction

As a fellow rper and a writer on his way to becoming an author, I understand as well as, if not better than, most of the gaian community in regards to literacy in posts. I have asked that all members maintain a level of literacy that at least shows a basic understanding of the English language and the ways in which things are to be written in said language. I have taken it upon myself and call upon the other members of this fine guild to battle with me against this disease of illiteracy and show the merit within. If you struggle, there is no shame in requesting assistance.

My requests in this matter are simple. Each role-playing member of this guild is to be at least semi-literate. This means having the ability to spell most words, use proper punctuation and capitalization, maintain a general length of posting to be at least four sentences long, and that you demonstrate appropriate actions rather than auto-hitting or godmodding.

On Spelling

Spelling is a very basic issue that can easily be handled. We all make basic spelling mistakes that can be easily corrected or over-looked, but I ask that if you have a serious question about how to spell a word you look it up in the Spelling Lists and if it is not there, ask how to spell the word and spell it as best you can. As soon as we have seen your request to the spelling we will put the correct spelling in the spelling list, because even if you have gotten the answer or moved on, we would still like to have the list for others who wish to use it in the future. Your post requesting spelling will be deleted so that you remain as anonymous as possible.

On Punctuation, Capitalization, and Other Material Components

Punctuation and capitalization are key components in successful writing and proper posting. Each sentence should begin with a CAPITAL letter as indicated by the word 'capital' and no other letter should be capitalized unlees said letter is the beginning of a proper name such as Harry, a title such as Lord, a proper place such as Newark, the solo 'I' referring to one's self, or to show an exaggeration of word or syllable. These are the most common reasons to capitalize letters. I also understand an over- or underactive shift key, but would ask that we all do our part as literate role-players to make sure capitals are placed properly.

Punctuation is another key component of successful writing and proper posting. In character, most sentences will end with a period '.' exclamation point '!' or question mark '?' though there are cases wherein a fade out is acceptable which is marke by three periods '...' like so. Anything spoken should be written in quotation marks ' "" ' and thoughts are usually, if direct thoughts, indicated with italics. Actions are to have no surrounding symbols of any kind when in character. Out of character, ALL actions or words should be encased by parentheses '()' or brackets '{}' or '[]'. Now, within those parentheses or brackets things spoken such as how your day was should not have any surrounding symbols. Actions, however, are usually surrounded by the asterisk '*' the hyphen '-' or the 'squiggly line' as '~' is often referred to as.

Other functions of proper rping often include identifying your character via color coding. Sometimes this includes the entire post, while others it merely means spoken words. Spoken words are also color-coded so that they stand out better against the rest of the text. Bolded text is another means of either showing emphasis or accentuating speech.

On Length of Posts

Length of posts is an issue most have faced at some point in time. I will not say that I am in any way excluded from the sin of single sentence posting. That does not, however, make it any more appropriate. There are a few cases where it is accepted for a time, and writer's block is an understandable and inevitable part of role play. It is essential that we each strive to maintain a fairly consistent post size, and a four sentence preferred minimum is, usually, a rather simple task.

The other issue in regards to the length of posts, which again I have been guilty of, is posts that are too lengthy. Occasionally an rper will call for 'advanced literate' role players. These are those who seek the role player with an exquisite eye for detail and an ability to wade through paragraphs of text and respond with their own wave of literacy on a consistent basis. The majority of the time, though, a post should be fairly descriptive, meet the four sentence minimum, but be no longer than three paragraphs long. There are special cases when a unique revelation requires a lengthy and extensive post, but unless the role-play is labeled as advanced lit, it is usually a good idea to steer clear of large posts.

On Auto-Hitting and Godmodding

Auto-hitting and Godmodding are among the worst of atrocities a role player can commit. In case someone isn't familiar with the terms or their meanings within the rping community, auto-hitting is when you post an action as if it happens or happened without any hint that you might miss, be blocked, evaded or in some other way not connect properly with the person towards whom the action is directed.

Ex. 1-1) Mark balled his fists and ran at Levi. Five feet from the man he leaped into the air and drew his blade. Using the force of a strong downward slash in addition to the force of his own falling body, Mark's blade dug deep into Levi's shoulder. As Mark hit the ground he released his blade and rammed his shoulder into Levi's chest.

This is a perfect example of an auto-hit. Mark attacked Levi twice, neither time leaving the defender, Levi, an option of hit or miss.

Ex. 1-2) Mark balled his fists and ran at Levi. Five feet from the man he leaped into the air and drew his blade. Using the force of a strong downward slash in addition to teh force of his own falling body, Mark attempted drive his blade as deeply into Levi's shoulder as he could. If the blade drove into the targeted spot, Mark was prepared to drive his shoulder into Levi's chest as he hit the ground, and if deflected or missed he was already prepared to bring the blade into a defensive position.

This is a good example of how the same action should be written. It provides the attacked with either the acceptance or denial of the attack occuring and offers both a secondary attack to bolster the first or a defensive move in case the initial attack failed.

Of course there are those who seem to consider themselves invincible and either avoid everything that comes at them or get attacked but somehow aren't damaged by it or are able to ignore the damage. These are the godmodders. They care only that they have their show of power, and usually are not the best of rpers to begin with, though I have run across some that are fairly literate and still tend toward godmodding.

Pride and Prejudice

Here's where I ask you to tattle on your fellow guildmates. Honestly... I take pride in my abilities as an rper and a writer in general, as should each and every individual who role plays. If there is something that you lack, you should be able to find a tutor here in the Traning Grounds. This is the reason for its existence. To train those who request it and those who require it. Even if they do not request it, if there is someone in desperate need of training, I would ask that you submit their name to me that I may consult with this person. if submitting something like this, do it via PM and submit at least a single post as well as the RP it can be found in and the page number. This will allow for further investigation and will allow us to point out specifics on what has been going on that others are finding a problem. I appreciate your patience with this and hope to see many fine role players become finer role players and enjoy the company of those like themselves.