SIMming Basics, Signage and Format

Before you go any further, it is important to understand the basic SIMming format. With this knowledge, you will be able to read most any SIM, and write a basic SIM as well.

It is important to note that while our organization officially recognizes the script format (explained below) as our primary format for SIMming, some members choose to write in fiction format. While script format uses a layout that tends to be action oriented and is often not easily recognizable by anyone outside of film or theater, the fiction format is what most readers are accustomed to seeing in books. The fiction format follows the generally defined rules of using quotations to mark dialogue, and paragraphs to mark actions. We prefer script format, but fiction format is allowed.

The script format is explained here:

A SIM always begins with the characters location in parenthesis. This allows the readers to instantly know the frame of reference for the scene, and set the background.

e.g. (Bridge) or ((Sickbay))

Actions are always contained between double colons.

e.g. ::Shaun Marlin shook his head in disbelief, and turned to leave his quarters.::

Internal dialogue (thought) is contained between oO and Oo. These are simply upper, and lower case letter O.

e.g. oO I wish he would stop that Oo

Telepathic communication is put between << and >>

e.g. << Azarro, Where are you? >>

Speech can be represented in several ways, but is usually preceeded by the speakers name, in UPPERCASE letters.

e.g. MARLIN: All hands, brace for impact!

Communication via personal communication badges is represented by =/\= ( = / \ = ) and is again preceeded by the speakers name.

e.g. MARLIN: =/\= Marlin to the bridge. =/\=