Post Tue Aug 05, 2008 8:02 am

The Scanning System

Next to each planet in the Universe there is a badge. The badges are an at-a-glance view on the current standard of RP on that planet. Here's what they mean:

Platinum-very rare to achieve. This planet has consistent long term, quality storylines written with in depth collaboration between large groups and/or individuals. There is no ooc bickering, ooc is rare and only used when completely unavoidable. The planet write as a team and deal with issues off the boards in PMs if necessary.
Platinum planets have systems in place to welcome and train new RPers to the game and set an example to others of how to play. All situations are initially dealt with 'in character'. The focus is on a good story as read by an outsider, not on the individual players achieving mega status at all costs.

Gold-Consistent storylines. Ooc is used but sparingly and politely, new players are usually welcomed. A good standard of conduct is upheld by the planet's team. The Guide entry provides an accurate depiction of what to expect. For example, if the Guide entry gives players instructions on how to get started on the planet and tells them someone will meet them on arrival, the scan will look for evidence of this happening.

Silver- All planets start as silver. Posting is of a general standard with ooc bickering appearing as and when it occurs. Storylines are RPed between some players. Mixed quality of posting. New players take their chances here. Not good or bad.

Bronzium
-Poor quality or complete lack of RP and/or out of character hostility and bickering.

Durasteel-ungraded (not opted in)



Planets that have opted in are randomly scanned for these badge elements and can be downgraded or upgraded shown by the color of the badge. During a scan, a Whill literally skims the pages looking for the badge elements. It must be made clear that the focus is not on reading and judging what is a 'good RP'. This is often a personal point of view. The scan looks for whether there is plot at all, whether the planet is a good environment for RP and whether there is any rule breaking going on.

If you think a planet's badge ranking is inaccurate (you think it should be up/downgraded) you can request a scan. To do this, you can post the planet's name with a reason for the up/downgrade . Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous you can PM The Traveler's Guide.

You can request as many scans as you like. However a planet will only be scanned once in any two week period, no matter how many requests are received.

Also, a planet will only be scanned (outside of the random scanning schedule) if a minimum two requests are received from different players. Please do not use multiple profiles to request scans.

Discussions on ranking changes will not be entered into by the Guide or the Whills.