Post by Albus Dumbledore on Aug 2, 2008 12:15:45 GMT -5
UTNG FAQs
1. How do I join?
A. Register your account by clicking the "register" button. You can make a username using any name you want, as long as the name is not already taken and follows Proboards' length requirements. Once you've registered, you can change your display name to match your character's name. Then you can fill out a Character Application form (found in the thread in the Creating a Character forum), using the appropriate form for your character. There is a student form, a teacher form, and an adult form. Copy the form, then create a new thread with your character's name as the subject.
2. Some of the accepted applications don't have RP samples. Why do I have to have one? And why is the application form for new members different than the one for everyone else?
A. At UTNG, many of our members have multiple characters. Existing members do not need RP samples, because we are already familiar with their RP style. But new members do need the sample for their first application. However, you don't need to panic about the sample. We at UTNG are pretty lenient, and we don't expect every post to be a mini-novel. If your RP sample is at least a paragraph long and your spelling and grammar are passable, you will be accepted. It's just a formality. We would prefer that your RP sample be as the character you are applying for, however. Just pretend it is your first post in character on the board, because technically, it is.
As for the different application forms, we do need to see a little more from new members, so we know what to expect from them. I know it looks long and intimidating, but really, most of it is just lists. You can do it. Existing members don't have to do it, because, well... we're lazy. But the good news is that for any characters you make after the first one, you get to be lazy, too.
3. I can't believe you have over 600 characters! Are they all active?
A. No, they're not. At UTNG, your membership is important to us. There's nothing worse than having to leave for a while for circumstances beyond your control, then coming back to the board you joined, only to find that your account's been deleted. We don't do that here. As long as you filled out a character application and you were accepted, your account will not be deleted. If you're gone for 2 months or so, you will be sorted into the "Inactive Character" usergroup, but your account will remain active. However, if you register but don't fill out an application, I may delete your account. I'll be doing a sweep of the "Muggles" once every two months.
4. You have so many members. How will I ever fit in?
A. Yes, we have a lot of members. But we're open, friendly, and willing to work with you. Please also keep in mind that there are a lot of members with multiple characters, so the number of active characters doesn't necessarily equal the number of active members. We're always looking for new people!
5. How many characters does one person have, anyway?
A. *smile* You'll have to figure out for yourself.
6. What does it mean when there's a name in parentheses after a thread title? What does it mean if it says "closed," "tagged," "open," or "openish?"
A: A name (or several names) in parentheses after a thread title means that the thread is closed to everyone but the names in parentheses and the thread starter. Please do not post in this thread, or your post will be deleted. If it says "closed" or "tagged," this also means that only certain people may post in that thread, and they know who they are. Avoid these threads and stick to ones that say "open," which means that anyone may post there. If a thread says "openish," however, it means that anyone within reason may post there; for example, a thread in the Gryffindor common room might be labeled as "openish," because obviously, Slytherins or Hufflepuffs would most likely not be able to post in there.
7. What's the deal with classes?
A: Yeah, we don't hold a lot of classes. We're lazy. If you want to post in a class thread, ask us and we'll point you to an open class.
8. What's the plot here, anyway?
A. The plot is always changing. We like to keep things busy with lots of interesting mini-plots. Check the plot discussion board for a look at what's going on right now.
9. I want to play a canon character. Which canons are available? What do I have to do to play a canon character?
A. There are still many canons available. Please check the canon list to see which canons have not been claimed. If you can think of one that's not on the list, let Albus Dumbledore know. If the character fits the time frame, you can go ahead and join as that character.
10. I'm new here. What do I do? Where can I post?
A. Once you've been sorted, if you're playing a student character, you can post in any thread in the castle, your common room, or on the grounds, as long it is marked "open." Or you may start a new thread in any of those areas, or in Hogsmeade if you are third year or above. Keep in mind that as a student, you cannot post outside of these areas unless your character has a family to visit. Seventh Year students are the exception; they may post just about anywhere, as long as they are of age.
11. I want a family for my character! How can I get people to play them?
A: If you need any characters to go along with your character, post in THE NEW CHARACTERS WANTED THREAD. Use the form on the first page and give as much detail about the character you would like someone to play. Post a different form for each character, so that if you want a mother, a father, and a sister, you would post three forms, and so on. You may also post ads for boyfriends, friends, enemies, etc.
12. How do I get a signature/avatar?
A. If you don't know how to make them yourself, post in the Request thread, and someone will get back to you soon.
