Activity is measured by proof of play, such as a thread, OR a journal entry, this will be checked on the 15th of every month. Players who have lost a character due to inactivity will not be allowed to add the character back in until proof of activity has been provided. A quick PM or comment to inform us that you don't want to play your character anymore is the polite way to have them removed rather then letting them fall off. Journal updates are at least two SOLID paragraphs. Pictures, lyrics, surveys, or tweaksays updates don't count. You are more than welcome to put them up, but not as proof of activity. Our journals are a way to vent, muse, and develop our characters more. Let's use 'em too! If you prefer IM RP vs. threads, fine! Just post the log to the threading community, harborthreads, or post them in your own journal. Custom threads are no longer counted as activity, only entries/scenes that can be viewed by the whole community will count.
Activity is not solely measured by journal entries and threading logs. We'd also like to see characters commenting other characters and interacting as much as possible! Remember, you have to give attention to receive attention!
IC/OOC BOUNDARIES.
Please understand this concept, because it's highly utilized & expected in this game. We will NOT tolerate any drama that jumps out of the IC box into the OOC one. Plots, drama, and such will not blur the carefully defined line between the two. If you have concerns, questions, PM oldharbor or email the mods [ oldharbormod@gmail.com ].
Do not assume or write the actions of another person’s character, this is godmodding and will not be accepted here.
If any of the above is taking place, the player will be put on probation with that character. Another offense will result in removal from the game with each character that the player has.
This game has a realistic setting. Please keep the broomsticks in the closets unless you’re sweeping. Also, threads are open unless noted otherwise. Remember, not everyone is rich and famous in Boston. We want the game as varied & different as Boston really is.
LIMITATIONS.
We have a limit of eight characters per player in Old Harbor. Just remember to keep up with all the characters you have. If we notice that a player has more characters than they can keep up with, we will suggest removing the characters that are the least active.
There are no children allowed in this game. Please all writers be 18+. Children characters are welcome, but need to maintain realism as well. They need parents. NPC or played.
BASIC COURTESIES.
Though these are things we all understand, and normally go without saying, it never hurts to have a reminder. Many (maybe even most) writers access their journal and/or friends page in public spaces, including but not limited to their work environments. They may or may not have a DSL or cable internet connection. In an effort to enable participation by all writers at the times that are most convenient for them, we implore you to use common sense when posting. If you are posting an image sized at 500x500 pixels or larger, or more than one image in a single post, please place this image behind a cut (preferably with a warning that it is an image heavy post).* In addition, if your post includes language or images that would cause it to be rated PG-13 or higher (think generous use of foul language, adult themes such as sex, violence, or drug use, etc.) please also place this behind a cut with a warning to other players that the content may not be safe for work ("NSFW").
*To create a cut, use the code <*lj-cut text="insert text here"*> (remove asterisks prior to use). You may create multiple cuts in a single entry by ending a cut with the code <*/lj-cut*> and then inserting a new cut below it. (This would enable you, for instance, to simply place an image or one portion of your text behind a cut, leaving the rest visible in the main entry).
ADDS/REMOVALS.
Adds will be done every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening at 9PM Eastern Standard Time.
Holds will be granted for 72 hours. ONE extension will be given for another 72 hours. Please make sure to get your applications in by this time, as we will not hold the PB for a third time!
Removals are done once monthly. Warnings will be given a week prior via a mod post on the OOC boards. A list of character names & journal names will be provided. If we happened to miss a post or a thread by your character, simply comment the post with a link to either of them! If a character is removed, they must be re-applied, but only after having met the activity requirements behind the reason why they were removed. If they are removed a second time, a third re-entrance will not be granted.
Hiatuses will be granted for up to FOUR weeks at a time. After the four weeks are up, there must be activity of some sort or else the character will be removed with the next set of removals. Two hiatuses in a row will NOT be granted.
PLAYED BYS.
We highly encourage an assortment of different faces, ages, and backgrounds. All that we ask is that the character be within FIVE years of age ( either younger or older ) than the PB. Anything beyond that will not be accepted.
Lesser known played bys are certainly welcomed! As long as the person can be located on a simple Google search, they will be accepted into the community. Our only requirement is that deceased played bys not be used.
AIM & JOURNAL NAMES.
AIM is not required, but is highly encouraged! We realize that not every character will engage in IC conversation and we're fine with that! As long as we're provided with a screenname of some sort so we're able to contact you, whether it be in the form of your character's name, or your personal out of character one!
Journal names must be relevant to your character's name. It cuts down on confusion and makes it easier for the other players in the game, as well as the mods!
GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING.
Adds will take place every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 9PM Eastern Sstandard Time unless otherwise stated. Your character must have an entry in their journal that includes a detailed biography OR 15 detailed facts. The biography does NOT have to be extensive, nor do the facts. All that we ask is that the basic info for the character be provided. A simple list of likes and dislikes can certainly be included, but will not be accepted on their own.
After applying, we ask that you request membership to the following communities: harborintros, harborforum, harborthreads, harborooc, oldharborlines, as well as friend the mod journal, oldharbor. Within one week of acceptance, your character MUST post an introduction of some sort on the intro boards. If we notice that your character has not done this, they will be removed and considered inactive.
PREGNANCY/MARRIAGE/DEATH.
Pregnancy storylines MUST be run by the mods for approval beforehand. They must be played out realistically and will have to be played for the full NINE months, just like an actual pregnancy.
Marriage & Divorces are highly encouraged! Just make sure to follow the standard rules that apply to Boston. They can be found here.
If a storyline results in the death of another player's character, you MUST get the consent of that player beforehand, as well as run it by the mods. We don't wish to see an over abundance of violence that results in the death of many characters.
THE DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES.
harborforum - This is the place for anything and everything. Random thoughts, lyrics, jokes, questions. Strictly IC. harborintros - Where characters introduce themselves upon acceptance. harborthreads -Where scenes take place, either by posting a completed AIM log or playing it out in comments. Each post must include the characters involved, the setting, the date, the rating of the scene, as well as the completion status. harborooc - Anything OOC. Questions for other players, questions for the mods, requests for hiatuses, etc. oldharborlines - Players can utilize this before applying to a game as a means to fill storylines for existing characters, or make connections along the way.
MEMBERS ONLY.
The members only area consists of helpful tools such as the FRIEND ALL button as well as the updated version of the buddy list. Currently, only one version of the buddy list is available and is separated into male and female groups. However, if there is a large request for a combined listing, we will provide that as well. We will also provide informational links about places in and around Boston that may be useful to the players.
Go here to access the page. ( Must be a member of the game to use this area. )
DROP BOX.
The drop box exists as a means for players to get in touch with the mods. Comments, concerns, questions, and requests are posted here in the form of a comment. All comments are screened and the mods will reply as soon as humanly possible!
IMPORTANT!
This is supposed to be FUN! So get your little RPin' ass out there and talk/play with other players! Create SLs! Be creative! We look forward to playing with you!