The Space Opera Working Thread

reply to post by loam


AGREE

Originally posted by silo13
Writers I need some help here a sec.

In my new post I have to bring up money, there’s a Bounty on the head of someone aboard the Yydryl.

As I wouldn’t dream of setting a monetary precedent for the Space Opera without input I really need some help here.

How are we going to handle money?

Is there one form of money, payment, one monetary standard used throughout the Galaxy?
(Makes me shudder even thinking about it this day in age).

Or does each and every Planet have it’s own form and in some way there’s a Galactic exchange?

Is it possible there is no money exchange at all?

If not, what would a Bounty be?
What are we working for?

Thanks...

Currency would have to be like a element that is used for space travel or technology...

LOVE the idea of the badges btw who ever came up with the idea, that was exactly what I was suggesting many pages back about the ease for the readers, I mean 'we' can all understand but they would be getting lost and unable to follow.

Am I sporting it right or no?

Would Neno and myself both be using the Security/Tactical Badge?

I see some problems arising from the badge use. Chiefly the following.

1. Similarity of positions. (Multiple people having the same badge.) Which may confuse readers more than help them.

2. Repetitive, for some, due to the fact that some have Avatars which clearly show position. This may become similar to seeing an annoyingly long signature show up a large number of times.

3. One size does not fit all. These positions do not apply to certain individuals. Particularly stowaways, the "penetrator" etc...

4. Boxing in. If one has an assigned position it allows them to build upon it and have some order. However if that position is mentioned every time someone posts, it may prevent development of the character. Or forced development as Whisper seemed to mention. In the following...

Originally posted by Whisper67
Eeep, my opinion on this is....I'd rather share then give myself the tag of "engineering" I don't mind the operations so much but, not sure my character has the background needed for engineering. Am I just focusing on the engineering part of that badge? Whisper can handle plenty of responsibility...just not in the area of engineering.

5. Inflexibility. When people assume other positions which would give them a different badge. For example when mf_luder was compromised and relieved. Or when Loam assumed Cadbury's place. It may confuse people if badges keep changing and re-changing back. This may lead to number 6.

6. Misconceptions: Readers may assume multiple ATS members are writing the parts for one character. Assuming the badge denotes a character and not the writer.

Before we commit to the Badge pattern I would like to see what the others have to say.

I will NOT stand in the way of this should they agree to it, but I think we must not act without their consent.


[edit on 27-3-2009 by Studious]

This is why I suggest it go into the signature area, that way it is not so confusing to the readers eye. Also each badge has to be made changeable rigth? Forinstance if there is a promotion even temporary in the case of Loam or stowaways if he becomes part of the crew in some capacity.

I think the badges will make ease of continuity for the reader, however I am totally open to suggestions.

One other thing is that they could be a bit smaller.

Loam you contacted me via u2u and said I was not wearing my badge right that it was not centered correctly, but have not told me how to place it where it goes?

Originally posted by loam
Incidentally, to right justify it, you use these tags [ imgr ] [ /img ] without the spaces.

The little "r" is for right.

Btw, if you want to left justify other images with text wrapping, you use a little "l" in the first tag, like this: [ imgl ] [ /img ].

Centering images is easiest with the [ ats ] [ /ats ] tags.

Here ya go antar, hope this helps. I had to do several edits before I got it right

reply to post by antar




Went to go eat lunch.



I see Whisper has helped you.

I do like the idea of placing it in the signature rather than the post.

However, I believe the signature changes in every post if it is altered just like the Avatar.

If someone became Captain and placed that in their signature all badges from old posts would change as well. This could cause confusion and misconceptions.

[edit on 27-3-2009 by Studious]

I'm impartial in regards to the badges, I'll use them. I don't care what title I have; my character is a jack of all trades... had to be to survive on scavenging junks. I like blowing up moons though so engineering may get a tad bit tedious and my morale may plummet. Plus being all alone down in an engineering bay... who knows what shenanigans Scurvy will get into If the captain deems it necessary that Scurvy handle the engineering side I shall, would this mean I'm in charge of Weapons Systems, Ship Defense, and Engineering and Operations? Or will some of those responsibilities be burdened upon others or do I just keep doing what I'm doing and use a different badge?

[.jpg[/atsimg]

Test

reply to post by Studious


I understand your concerns. It obviously would have been cleaner if we had started with the concept from the beginning.

A few observations...

I don't think it is such a problem to share badges under these current circumstance, though it would be ideal to commit to one of the preassigned roles.

(One solution would be to temporarily use the visitors badge and "write" your way into one of the roles...just a thought.)

I don't think badges should necessarily restrict the story arc of individual characters. They are really just a readability/quick reference device. When Cadbury was Captain, he would have used the badge. When it passed to me, I would use it. When he returns, he will use it again, and I will assume another available role/badge. All of these changes are of course written into the story. Quite the contrary, I think it eliminates confusion for readers.

It also helps with role and team recognition. A BIG plus in my opinion. I don't really like the idea of using my avatar or signature space to achieve the same purpose as the badges.

All just my $0.02.

[ imgr ]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/1f9e33049436.jpg[ img ]
Test 2

I cant seem to get it posted...

[edit on 27-3-2009 by antar]

reply to post by Studious


A big reason why we need to confine these badges to the actual thread. Remember, we need to think long term on this stuff. In two or three years, how readable would our story thread be?

Think about that.

Hmmm I am confused where does this badge system and new rules place me? I was going to be like the "surreptitous" DTST and bartender/hositality.

Would that be Communications/Diplomacy?

Also that red color text is VERY hard for me to read.

PS: Yydryl Crew I was sitting there waiting to be picked up and you blew up a moon...how should I deal with that? Plus I am still sitting there, no one has answered me or anything.

[edit on 27-3-2009 by cindymars]

[imgr]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/1f9e33049436.jpg[img]
test 3

hum what have I done wrong here?

[edit on 27-3-2009 by antar]

[edit on 27-3-2009 by antar]

reply to post by cindymars


You could use this one, if you don't mind the frequency restrictions on the posts:



You could later assume this open position:



Hint, hint...

[edit on 27-3-2009 by loam]

IMO, having stated I like the badge addition. I'd like to also state that I like having the badge at the top of the post. My reason being, that if it was in the signature, it would be the last thing a reader would see before moving on to the next post. Continuity issues for the reader perhaps.

Having the badge at the top, right justified would immediately identify the character.

Scurvy, I was waiting for you to reply on this issue. If I were to assume the tact/weapons tag and if you had the other one, I would still assume you would be at the helm of weapons *operations* on the bridge. I see my role as being one of overall security, running around tending to issues while you still got to blow up moons and ships.

Just this ATSers 2 cents.

Edit: antar, I just used the "insert image tag" copied the url on the particular badge and added an r to correct the justification.

[edit on 3/27/2009 by Whisper67]

reply to post by antar


Now remove the space on the last tag.

You are almost there.

reply to post by cindymars


If you have not already written your introduction post that would be a good start, let us know a bit about you and where you come from, how you made it to the floating death can you are now in... What a great opener to see and entire moon demoloshed before your eyes, what you must be thinking at such a turn of events?