2 replies to this topic

[FltAdml. Wolf]

Have any great ideas that you can pass on to other members of the fleet? We've got a place on our main menu where random tips pop up for each visitor, and we'd like to keep adding more. Take a read over our current list, and if you've got another good one, feel free to post it in this thread. Just keep in mind that it needs to be short (one or two sentences)!

Whiz-Bang Tip #1"Need a boost of creativity? Watch an episode of Star Trek, or rent one of the Star Trek movies! Check the StarTrek.com "Where to Watch" section on the main page to find out the next time a Trek episode is airing." -SB118 StaffGolly-Gee Tip #2"Be Bold! Sims develop faster when people fix problems, add descriptions, encourage dialogue, and push the plot forward. We expect it from everyone." -SB118 StaffExtraordinary Tip #3"Don't apologize for your character or for the story. Take your cues from the senior people, be respectful of course, but take risks with the plot and help make the story your own!" -Medai CyrceHelpful Tip #4"Read you sim aloud before you send it. That way you're more likely to spot any errors or things that don't make sense because you've gone back and changed something. Unless it's a mammoth sim, it'll only take a few minutes and it'll greatly improve your sim quality. It'll also make the dialogue more natural and less forced." -TaffazMind-Blowing Tip #5"The best way to improve at simming is to sim." -Kodiak S.O.P.Monumental Tip #6"Remember: once an idea is simmed, it can go in many directions. Don't dictate the plot; facilitate it!" -Kodiak S.O.P.Splendid Tip #7"If an error is made, always try first to fix it in character." -Kodiak S.O.P.Stunning Tip #8"When simming with others, be willing to give them time to respond. 48 hours should be adequate, and after 72 hours continue on." -Kodiak S.O.P.Sublime Tip #9"When simming for others, limit responses to 5 words or less. You can also do joint sims by using chat software, or exchanging emails." -Kodiak S.O.P.Fabulously Ace Tip #10"Do not create and solve a problem in one sim. Nor should one push the plot too far all at once. Doing so is called a "Marathon Sim", and while useful for administrative reasons, should be avoided." -Kodiak S.O.P.Awe-Inspiring Tip #11"Avoid meta simming. There may be times when the player knows exactly what is going on, but the character should remain ignorant. Mysteries are often spoiled by meta simming." -Kodiak S.O.P.Breathtaking Tip #12"Do you sim an NPC? Don't forget to expand your primary character. Although an NPC is of great use, promotions don't come by their extensive use." -J. VanniniIncredible Tip #13"If you have the time, read, read, read. The more you read, the better a writer you will become." -Tracey TownsonPhenomenal Tip #14"Research. Look up on the web or elsewhere real life aspects to what your character does and try to place those aspects into your character's makeup." -Tracey TownsonSpectacular Tip #15"In real life, we are mostly endowed with shortcomings more than strengths. What makes us human is our ability to overcome these weaknesses to be great. Show us how your character does this in their own way." -Tracey TownsonSingularly Striking Tip #16"Take the descriptions of the sims you are replying to and change them to your own character's view point. The discussions are only a part of the sim, the perspective is also key." -SalakUnbelievably Imaginable Tip #17"What does your character see while she looks out the window as the ship enters warp? Describe as best as you can what is happening around you and, perhaps, relate that to what your character is thinking or doing. Form a picture in your mind and try to create an accurate description." -Tracey TownsonWonderfully Prodigious Tip #18"Writers block occurs when your character is doing something your brain thinks they shouldn't be! To push through it, ask yourself this: why did your character join StarFleet? Jean Luc tells Lily in "Star Trek: First Contact" that the motivations for people in "the future" are bettering oneself, not the acquisition of wealth. Is that true for your character? For your character's friends?" -SB118 StaffCreative Tip #19"Non-Playing Characters are an important facet of the crew. When waiting for others to respond to your sims, try having your primary character interact with an NPC who will give readers new insight on your character's persona!" -T'PenMagnificent Tip #20Not every relationship or personality quirk needs to be explained or resolved. Fears don't always go away, and some relationships never heal. Keep some 'flaws' that just won't ever change!" -David Cody

[Zania Nyx]

This expands on other tips already given but here's mine:

Give fixable flaws to your character, overcoming them gives you easy opportunities for character development.

[FltAdml. Wolf]

Bump on this -- if you have tips, be sure to drop them here, and we'll get them posted on the site!