[[The Game Master]]

At Utopia on Hold, you are sure to encounter threads where the roleplayers are looking for something in particular. This is normal on any RPG; some individuals may be seeking a particular scene in mind that would only logically play out if the circumstances are correct, and that often involves who they roleplay with.

Thread Tags

Here is a quick run down of how to tag your threads.

All thread tags are to be put in the thread title. For example, you will use a title like so:

Studying in the Library [Open]

A list of the thread tags are as follows:

[Open] -- this means the thread is open to any newcomer, provided that they have reason for being there. Under very rare circumstances can a first year Hogwarts students be found in Romania visiting Dracula's castle during class. This is so rare, that I'll go so far as saying it would never happen.

The open tag basically means that your thread is open for other roleplayers to hop in.

[Very Open] -- Very open is a thread that goes a step beyond open. A very open thread not only wants people to hop it, it asks for them to do so. Very open can imply that the thread starter wants multiple people to join, even characters that have had no prior experience with the thread starter's. The thread starter actively encourages people (plural) to jump in.

[Closed] -- Closed threads usually already have a basic idea or characters of the thread in mind. This indicates that new members are not permitted to join the thread unless the thread starter gives permission.

As a corollary, please refrain from making too many closed threads. They simply are unwelcoming and unnecessary. The vast majority of closed threads should be those that involve great plot or character significance. Anything else is excessive.

[Invite Only] -- the Invite Only tag is similar to the closed tag in that not everyone can simply join when and how they please. However, those people involved in the thread can invite other people into the thread. This implies that not only the thread starter can, but other members of the thread as well.

Just like the closed tag, please use this minimally. Invite only tags are used primarily to sort out plot significant threads. Do not abuse the invite only tag.

[ISO: X] -- Short for "in search of," the thread title indicates that you are hoping for someone or some group in particular to post in the thread. For example, you may put a particular character's name, or you may put an entire group of characters (such as Death Eater) after the ISO thread. Replace "X" with what you are searching for.

Keep in mind that ISO threads are not closed. Therefore, if someone else has reason to be there, they can butt into the thread. Simply because you are searching for someone in particular does not mean no one else can join.

[Solo] -- A solo thread is one where only one player is involved. You are free to post to yourself, or use permissable NPCs rather liberally in a solo thread. Most NPCs in a solo thread are random individuals with little significance or approved background characters. A solo thread is closed to all comers except for staff members with good reason (usually for any rule violations). Solo threads are particularly popular and useful for fleshing out background or working on character development.

All untagged thread will be treated as an open thread with no further specification.

Thread Descriptions

Utopia on Hold added thread descriptions to its forum threads because they are useful in illustrating a few things. For one, if your thread is a mature thread, be sure to put it in the description. You may do this by tagging the description with a disclaimer. You can even use the description to elaborate on the details of the thread, such as the following:

Studying in the Library [Open]
An Evening Study Session

Keep in mind that thread descriptions are useful for communicating some idea of what the thread has in store. Otherwise, you are free to be creative. For example, you can put the following thread title:

Studying in the Library [Open]
Rated R: Language; Ravenclaws preferred.