What are these standards things?Standards are minimum requirements for a given classification - in this case a measure of RP quality. The lower the level, the lower the standards, the lower the quality. Advanced RPs are ones that go above and beyond the minimum of effort.
The following are the characteristics of an Advanced RP.
Technical WritingTechnical errors include mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. An Advanced RPs' technical writing should be near perfect, with no punctuation mistakes but perhaps a few common grammar or spelling errors.
PreparationPreparation helps players join the RP. Preparation includes the length and detail of the setup and any explanation of rules. Advanced RPs show an extensive amount of preparation with setups spread across multiple posts. There should be information on where the characters can come from and where they could be going, such as: cultural practices, ethnic features, political struggles, availability of resources, and types of magic if applicable. There must be a mystery or problem to solve that directs the RP, although the amount of information released to the players may vary. Advanced RP setups will include rules and explanation of how to join as well as information on the world.
StyleSkillful writing and wordplay should be used to give an RP style to engage and entertain the reader. Advanced RPs should correctly use higher level vocabulary and complex grammar to create a flow appropriate to the tone. The style will set this tone and genre of the RP, whether it be a fantasy horror or a realistic comedy. The writing should be imbued with a sense of the GM's personality and the setup should include style guidelines (what tense and point of view to write in) to help players match it.
GM Character(s)A GM's character should reflect the level of effort that the GM expects from the other players without taking center stage. In Advanced RPs, the GM will have several characters although their full profiles may not be released to the players. GM characters should not only help direct the RP but also aid new players in joining by giving their characters something sensible to do. An Advanced GM does not need to fill all of the influential character spots in order to control the RP. An Advanced GM should be able to use characters with low social status just as easily as princes and kings.
ScreeningA screening process should be stated clearly within an RP's setup. Advanced GMs always screen players and character profiles are heavily critiqued or rejected. Advanced RPs do not allow pictures to take the place of a character description. An Advanced GM should help a player whose profile is almost at the appropriate level to reach that level. An Advanced GM can accept innovative character profiles and find something for each of them to do.
AestheticsGMs should put effort into their RP to make it organized, readable, and eye catching. Advanced RPs are presented in an organized and easy to read fashion, usually with navigation links and a consistent style. Advanced GMs will not allow the use of bright font colors and will discourage the following post formatting:
- Bolding or coloring dialog
- Centering long blocks of text
- Using fonts smaller than 11 or greater than 13
- Using images (unless GM approved)
- Using emoticons
- Bolding, italicizing, or coloring post text outside of specified purposes (to indicate emphasis on a few words, indicate thoughts, or GM specified scene formatting)
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