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Young Writers Society


Storybook Rules & Resources (Old)



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Sun Sep 26, 2010 6:52 am
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Snoink says...



Welcome to the Storybook Forum! This is YWS' answer to roleplay: a style of collaborative writing that can be a game for some and a serious project for others. In this thread, we'll cover all the basics of entering the Storybook world in an easy-to-grasp format. Furthermore, if you still have questions after reading this thread, feel free to ask them below!

Firstly, the rules:

Rules


1. Be respectful of your fellow storybookers.

2. Mark R-rated or 18+ content in the title of the Storybook. No pornographic works are allowed in this forum; storybooks should never describe acts of a sexual nature in more than the briefest detail.

3. Treat this like a regular story! Use good grammar and spelling unless conceptually justified.

Table of Contents



1. What Is a Storybook?
2. Joining a Storybook & Character Creation
3. Posting a Storybook & Discussion Thread
4. How to Manage a Storybook
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Topic Tags & How To Get Them
7. Where's My Storybook?

Image
Ubi caritas est vera, Deus ibi est.

"The mark of your ignorance is the depth of your belief in injustice and tragedy. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls the butterfly." ~ Richard Bach

Moth and Myth <- My comic! :D





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Sat Nov 29, 2014 11:47 pm
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Lumi says...



What is a Storybook?



A Storybook is a super fun collaborative story between multiple writers.

There are no limits on the types of Storybooks that can go on; we've seen everything from Hunger Games fanfic to Steampunk Space Fantasy. Basically, if you have an idea for a story that you want to write with others, this is the place to come. While most anything goes in the SB forum, we do ask that you adhere to a few simple rules:

1. Be respectful of your fellow storybookers.

2. Mark R-rated or 18+ content in the title of the Storybook. No pornographic works are allowed in this forum; storybooks should never describe acts of a sexual nature in more than the briefest detail.

3. Treat this like a regular story! Use good grammar and spelling unless conceptually justified.

So you get it! We want you to join the fun of the Storybook forum, and look forward to seeing you in action!

Spoiler! :
Edited 1/2/18, 1/7/2019 by Kirkiln


I am a forest fire and an ocean, and I will burn you just as much
as I will drown everything you have inside.
-Shinji Moon


I am the property of Rydia, please return me to her ship.





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Sat Nov 29, 2014 11:47 pm
Lumi says...



Joining a Storybook
&
Character Creation



When you're ready to join a Storybook, the first step is to read the material already written, as well as the rules and lore posted by the owner. Subscribe to the thread so you receive notifications when posts are made. To subscribe, look for the button at the top of the page:
Image

Likewise, if you decide to leave a Storybook and no longer wish to receive notifications when posts are made, you can unsubscribe by clicking the same button a second time. When you are subscribed to a Storybook thread, you can see all of your active subscriptions on the side bar of the main Storybook forum. It'll look similar to this:
Image


To join the Storybook, you must submit a character through the character creation tool to the side of the thread:
Image

Once you fill out the form for your character, the owner of the Storybook will have to approve your character profile. Since the owner doesn't get a notification for this, it will help if you let them know you've submitted a profile in the Discussion Thread, commonly known as the DT. You''ll find a button in the top right of the sidebar that looks like this:
Image

At this point, it'd be a good idea to get acquainted with all the other characters and players in the DT! Sometimes there isn't a DT, so sending the Storybook owner a PM works.

Spoiler! :
Edited 1/2/18, 1/7/19 by Kirkiln


I am a forest fire and an ocean, and I will burn you just as much
as I will drown everything you have inside.
-Shinji Moon


I am the property of Rydia, please return me to her ship.





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Sat Nov 29, 2014 11:48 pm
Lumi says...



Posting a Storybook
&
Discussion Thread



First thing's first! Post a Storybook by pulling up the Storybooks forum and clicking "Post a new topic". Thusly:
Image

You'll want to write up all the vital information for your Storybook in your original post. This often includes the setting, the plot, rules, any type of magic or special mechanic, and expectations from participants. How many words per post do you expect? How often should someone post? Is romance allowed? How much? Have all of your vitals laid out in the first post so folks can easily access the information.

Once you post your storybook, you'll find a button to the side that allows editing of all of the background mechanics of a storybook:
Image

On the editing page, you can change the following:
- Storybook Image (displayed in the top right corner of the SB thread)
- Discussion Topic Link (image below)
- Description (displayed in the side bar)
- Rules (displayed in the side bar)
- Storybook Managers (those who may help moderate the SB)
- Approved Posters (if you want to limit who can post in the thread)
- Whether or not the Storybook is accepting new members

Once you sort that out, create a Discussion Thread in the Specific Storybook Discussion Forum. Once this is created, you can link the two threads by the editing interface we talked about a minute ago: If both threads are titled similarly, say "Storybook" and "Storybook DT", YWS will do an amazing thing and link them automatically - and all you have to do is say yes!
Image

And once the Discussion Thread is linked, you can access it simply by clicking on the button added to the Storybook Thread side bar:
Image


Spoiler! :
Edited 1/2/18 by Omnom


I am a forest fire and an ocean, and I will burn you just as much
as I will drown everything you have inside.
-Shinji Moon


I am the property of Rydia, please return me to her ship.





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Sat Nov 29, 2014 11:48 pm
Lumi says...



How to Manage a Storybook



You are a Dungeon Master. You create a boundless world...and bind it by rules. Once you've posted your storybook and Discussion Thread, your first duty as DM is getting characters to run rampant in your world. To speed up the process, you can tag YWSers whom you'd appreciate having in your Storybook. As always, the tag feature is simply "@Name". If you decide to let folks flock naturally to your Storybook, you can be waiting a while; just remember to check in regularly to see if any character profiles have been submitted!

If you are an owner accepting new characters, you will see the following when profiles are submitted and awaiting your approval:
Image

To approve the profile, click on the name and read over it. Once you finish, find the option to Approve or Reject:
Image

If you approve or reject the profile, the user who submitted will receive a Private Message automatically telling them of your action. If you, the owner, reject a profile, be sure to include your reasons why; a writer can't improve without being told what's wrong!

Once you have characters, you can modify their profiles to update any information about them--even the owner of the character. To be polite, be sure to get permission from their owner before changing any information about characters. Keep in mind that they're just as capable of editing, so it's usually easier to talk to them and have them edit by their own means.

When your cast is assembled, you have the power as Dungeon Master to mass-message your entire cast at once via the Newsletter feature;
Image

This is a helpful tool to utilize in case not everyone is subscribed to the Discussion Thread.

Spoiler! :
Edited 1/2/18 by Omnom


I am a forest fire and an ocean, and I will burn you just as much
as I will drown everything you have inside.
-Shinji Moon


I am the property of Rydia, please return me to her ship.





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Sat Nov 29, 2014 11:48 pm
Lumi says...



Frequently Asked Questions



1. How do I create a DT?

A discussion thread (DT) is created when you post a new topic in the Specific Storybook Discussion forum. This is where your cast will discuss Out-of-Character business and make plans for the future of the SB. If your DT and Storybook are named similarly, say "Storybook" and "Storybook DT", the system will try to automatically link them together - just be sure to say yes to it!

2. Can I kill off characters?

This is completely up to the discretion of the creator AND the owner of the character you intend to kill. If the character is your own, then discuss your want to kill off your character with your cast members, but in general, your character is your own to kill or maim as you desire. To kill off another adventurer's character, you must get their permisison first.

3. How far...is too far?

If you wouldn't let your mother read it, it probably doesn't belong in this forum. Absolutely no pornographic material may be written in the SB forum, though romantic situations are allowed. Basically, if you're questioning it, it probably shouldn't go down in ink. This total-bar does not apply to violence or language--as long as the storybook is marked with the appropriate rating and the creator allows it.

4. Where did my Storybook go?

If a Storybook goes three months with no posts, it is locked and sent to the Storybook Archives. If you wish to revive a Storybook, contact a Storybook Moderator and let them know.

5. Can I control other characters?

Yes. One thing that differentiates YWS Storybooks from traditional roleplays is your allowance to control other characters--as long as they're in-character. To accomplish this, you must respect the thoughts and intentions of the owners of other characters. None of your co-writers should ever feel like their character is written wrong. If you feel this way, be sure to talk about it! No one can fix mistakes unless they know they made one. The basic jist of this rule is to keep characters in-character. This takes practice and careful consideration. If you don't feel ready for it, feel free to request help from your co-writers! Everyone in the project generally wants things to go smoothly, so help is almost always given freely.

Spoiler! :
Edited 1/2/18 by Omnom


I am a forest fire and an ocean, and I will burn you just as much
as I will drown everything you have inside.
-Shinji Moon


I am the property of Rydia, please return me to her ship.





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Mon Jun 22, 2015 11:30 am
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Rydia says...



Topic Tags



Ahoy there adventurers!

This feature has been around for a couple of weeks now but I thought it was about time I introduced it properly.

So just what are topic tags?

These colourful looking tags are a way of outlining what stage a storybook is at, whether it's accepting new characters, closed or started. They can also be mixed and matched to show a storybook which is started and accepting or closed and 16+. This helps adventurers to quickly see which storybooks are still open to more people joining and saves them from clicking through to a storybook and getting all excited about the theme before realising it's actually closed and then being really disappointed.

How do I get one?

If you are the Storybook Creator (or Dungeon Master, as we lovingly call it) you can edit your original Storybook Post by clicking the 'Edit' button, which looks like a pencil:

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In there, on the top of the page are the Topic Tags. Using the dropdown menu there, you can add as many tags as you'd like.

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If you cannot find them and would like to add or change a tag on your Storybook, simply contact any moderator for the Storybook section. You can find out who the Storybook mods are by checking the YWS Team page and scrolling down to Storybooks Crew.

If you ask nicely, anyone on that list will be happy to oblige but make sure you clearly state which topic tag you want and which storybook it's for.

What if I have an idea for a new topic tag?

If you have an idea for a new topic tag, please contact a Storybook Mod and they will bring it up with the whole crew, where we will decide if the forum could really use your topic tag or if we think the forum doesn't really need the topic tag, and we'll let you know on whichever decision!

Wow these are neat, who do we thank for this?!

I'm glad you asked! All credit for these nifty tags go to @Nate who set them up for us. Thank you Nate!

Current List of Storybook Topic Tags



Storybook Forum


Spoiler! :
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[16+] Tag


Following the Content Ratings Guidelines, the 16+ tag is for Storybooks with swearing, graphic content, and violence. Please remember that Storybooks should never describe acts of a sexual content in more than the briefest detail.

Image
[Accepting!] Tag


The [Accepting!] Tag is used when a Storybook Creator is wanting more members for their Storybook.

Image
[Closed] Tag


The [Closed] Tag is used when a Storybook Creator has enough members in their Storybook and are not currently seeking anyone else to join.

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[Official] Tag


The [Official] Tag is put on a moderator-ran and -sanctioned monthly Storybook and highlighted in the Storybook Newsletter. While regular members may have Official Storybooks, they are usually co-run by moderators and rare. If we see a non-Official Storybook using the [Offical] Tag, we will remove it. This is to make the forum clear and concise.

Image
[Open To All!] Tag


The [Open To All!] Tag is when anyone can jump in and write in a Storybook. These can sometimes have Character Profiles, but often have a loose story that anyone can write about whenever they want, with no commitment to keep writing.

Image
[Paused] Tag


The [Paused] Tag is used when a Storybook Creator wants to take a break with the Storybook and let their participants know they don't need to write for a bit. This is a temporary tag, and if we see Storybooks inactive for months using it, we will replace it with the [Undying] Tag (explained later).

Image
[Request Only] Tag


The [Request Only] Tag is for Storybooks with more selective requirements. Participants wanting to join these Storybooks must first ask the Storybook Creator (either in the DT or by Private Message) if they can join. Usually, Creators using this tag have specific ideas for their story or characters and may ask participants more narrow requirements.

Note from the SB Crew: This Tag was hard for us as a crew because we don't want to exclude anyone, so we usually don't highlight this Tag or use it often. We appreciate those who do, but please remember that people you may not think would be the right spot for a character or a right fit to write in your story will more often than not surprise you. :)

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[Started] Tag


The [Started] Tag lets participants know which Storybooks have started and which haven't.

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[Tagbook] Tag


The [Tagbook] Tag is a specific type of an Open To All Storybook. These Storybooks often feature people with themselves as characters in the story and the goal is to mention more and more people (using the @UserName) to get them to join in. These Storybooks are often fast-paced, fun, and chaotic!

Image
[Undying] Tag


The [Undying] Tag is when a Storybook Creator and participants agree to stick with a Storybook, even through writing lapses. These Storybooks can go past the three month limit before a Storybook gets archived (explained more below). You only get six months with this though, so it doesn't stay in the forum forever! If you want a Storybook unarchived, we'll stick the [Undying] Tag on it, and you get three months before it's archived again.

Image
[Winners Announced] Tag


The [Winners Announced] Tag is used exclusively for contests held in the Storybook Forum with results. If we see this on a Storybook, we will give you an odd look and take it off.

Image
[Workshop] Tag


The [Workshop] Tag is used for special events focused on teaching Storybook concepts or ideas to members both new and experienced alike. These range from creating multi-dimensional characters to writing action scenes to creating a powerful Storybook teaser. A Workshop might be held once every few months by the Storybook Crew. If you wish to run a Storybook, please contact a SB mod with your idea and date and we will work with you to the best of our ability to see it completed.


Storybook Archives


Spoiler! :
Image
[Completed] Tag


The [Completed] Tag is for Storybooks that have wrapped up their stories successfully and have ended. A Storybook must have at least 40 posts to be considered Completed, and does not happen often. To have the [Completed] Tag added to your Storybook, please contact a Storybook mod.


The Double-Trouble Writing Huddle


Spoiler! :
Image
[Partner Needed] Tag


The [Partner Needed] Tag is for posts with people looking for writing partners to start a story with, either in the forum or outside.


Roleplay Realm


Spoiler! :
Image
[Action] Tag


The [Action] Tag is for roleplays in the Action genre.

Image
[All Genres] Tag


The [All Genres] Tag is for roleplays that house all genres.

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[Completed!] Tag


The [Completed!] Tag is for roleplays that have wrapped up their storyline and no longer want to continue. If you want to write more in roleplays that have been completed, you can PM the Roleplay Creator to ask them if they want to remake it or if you can.

Image
[Fantasy] Tag


The [Fantasy] Tag is for roleplays in the Fantasy genre.

Image
[Science Fiction] Tag


The [Science Fiction] Tag is for roleplays in the Science Fiction genre.


Spoiler! :
Edited 1/2/18 by Omnom.


Writing Gooder

~Previously KittyKatSparklesExplosion15~

The light shines brightest in the darkest places.





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Sat May 14, 2016 10:17 am
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Rydia says...



Where's my Storybook?



If your storybook is no longer in this section then that means it has been moved to the Storybook Archives.

This happens after there are no posts on a storybook for three months but that doesn't mean it has to stay there! If you want to make a post on your storybook and make another push for activity then just let any of the Storybook mods know and we'll move it right back.

If you'd like to make sure your Storybook doesn't get archived, you can put the [Undying] tag (Image) on your Storybooks. This will let the mods know you and your participants are in that Storybook for the long run, even if you do get slumps. We will poke our heads in the DT every so often to make sure the Storybook's participants are active and willing to continue writing. If we see that the Storybook hasn't had a post for too long and people aren't interested in writing anymore, we'll remove the [Undying] Tag and archive the Storybook.

We archive storybooks to keep the section fresh and so that people can find storybooks which are active more easily but if you're not ready to give up on your storybook yet then we're not either.

Spoiler! :
Edited 1/2/18 by Omnom


Writing Gooder

~Previously KittyKatSparklesExplosion15~

The light shines brightest in the darkest places.








The brain is wider than the sky.
— Emily Dickenson