Announcements [old]

[Jenno]

This thread will be updated with important announcements from the staff members.

[Jenno]

So, as some of you may know, the forum recently went through a few changes, some of these you may be able to see, others may not become apparent for some time, but I hope to inform you of all the changes the staff has made to the board.

1. Layout

As you can see, we have moved boards around, created some new ones, and moved others to the archives. We did this for a number of reasons, the first was to make a clear divide towards the more official threads and the out of character boards where we can all spam away to out hearts content. It was becoming unclear of what was to be posted where and so we now have an OOC Board which we hope you will all be able to post in more confidently instead of wondering if it’s actually in the right section.

We have also combated an age old problem which SWU has had, the length of the board. For as long as I can remember it’s been rather long and unnecessarily so. There are a couple of things we’ve done to try and change this. First of all you may have noticed the general removal of boards which with either unused or never really had any purpose. These boards have been shifted to the archives. We have also taken all of the OOC sections and stuffed them into one board (and many sub-boards so that things don’t get so cluttered). Next is the cut down on room in regards to the sign-ups, instead of putting them all in their own separate categories with a couple of their own boards, we’ve piled them into a single category and limited each to one board, with a few sub-boards therein.

The major difference many of you may see is the seemingly shortened length of our roleplay/planets section. Yes, we’ve combined these in a similar fashion as the sign up boards. All of the planets are still there but now they’re just sub-boards so that we don’t waste too much space. The new ‘Roleplay Setup’ section will be explained later.

2. Rules

Yes, we’ve redrafted the rules, added some that weren’t really there or explained very well. We hope now that the rules will be much clearer and more useful than they previously were.

3. Story

Also quite an important update, Projectsunfire and myself cleared out some future ideas for the plot and he proceeded to rewrite both the prologue as well as summing up the major events that have taken place so far. Things should hopefully be starting to get more interesting for all of the different factions out there as events in the Galaxy begin to shift the flow of things.

4. Sign-ups

The sign-up system of SWU has always been decent, nothing overly special or complex, but at the same time there were often a few holes in the system. Hopefully now with the improved sign-up templates we will be able to have a system which runs a lot smoother than it previously did. Also, previously existing characters will not have to convert to the new character template. However, any future characters will have to do so. You are allowed to update your profile if you wish and if you do so, please notify the staff so that they may check it over just to be safe.

Not only have character applications been improved upon, but also the vehicle and starship templates have also been modified by both Zarkan and PSF.

5. Roleplay Setup

As you can see, we’ve brought in a completely new section (with a few sub-boards from previous places). Often on this site, members create characters and are left uncertain of how to get going or where to go, with this new section I hope that newer and older members will be able to find a place to roleplay with their characters. It also provides a means for easier character plot planning with the partners section. Pirate groups are also to be formed in this new partners section.

6. Activity System

Yes, we’ve needed one for a long time. We have the monthly activity thread but we never really do anything with that information, but now we will, and it will become more important that you do actually post in that thread.

There are a lot of characters posted up in the various sections however, a lot of these characters are no longer active yet they still clog up the system. Now, we’re not going to delete these threads, we’re simply moving them to a sub board that will be used to store the inactive characters, this way if a member should return from a long break their character will still be stored and the staff will simply be able to move it back into the active section and thread. Yes, a thread. We will also have a thread which will be updated monthly with the active characters and their ranks for quick reference.

7. Parody…

No guesses needed for who wanted this section. Yes, this is completely Halmtier’s doing and jurisdiction. The parody section can be located beneath the actual roleplay section and above the Databank/Archive. This will be for random non-canon events, why not check it out?

And that’s the main parts covered, there are few shuffles that I haven’t mentioned but I believe they’re pretty obvious from looking at the board.

I’m sorry to announce that due to a mysterious incident we lost most of the files that had been moved to the Archive section. We are not sure what happened but we are sorry for any pieces of work this may have lost you. It will not have meant the loss of any character applications as they were not moved near that area. Once again, I’m sorry for any trouble this may cause you.

On a more pleasant tone, I would like to thank PSF and our three still new and well tested staff members Halmtier, Zarkan and JK. Without their help I doubt any of this would have come to fruition. Now they’ve just got to get used to reviewing applications.

So, what now you ask? Well, now we have to advertise like crazy. But first, I believe we deserve a little rest, it did take 5 hours and 45 minutes in total.

Also, a thread will be put up for you to point out any mistakes, spelling, grammar or coding, that there may be with the updates.

Thank you for being patient with us,

~Jenno

[Jenno]

Announcement time, since we hardly use this thing at all.

Now, some of you may have noticed that there is a slight difference with the main page. Not noticed? I suggest you check again, just under the 'Member of The Month'.

Now you see it? Yea, that's right, 'Thread of The Month'. This was something that hit me during a period of boredom and writer's block. I've seen the same kind thing on other forums and I think it would be a great way to spark up interest in reading other people's roleplay threads.

Now, this wont be started until the 1st of September, when the Member of The Month and Activity Thread will both be posted up and in a similar fashion to Member of The Month, you'll have about a week to vote for your favourite thread. There will be a number of rules of course, but they'll be posted up with the voting thread.

And that's your updates for a little bit.

~Jenno

[Jenno]

Alright, it’s the first of September, three threads have been posted up in the announcement section:

September Roll Call
August Member of The Month
August Thread of The Month

Try and vote in all three if you can, the last two will only be up for about a week, the roll call thread will be open for the month.

Thank you,

~Jenno

[Halmtier]

Due to the number of people asking about locations, cities, and the like, I have added a SWU 'Maps' thread to the Database.

Currently it only contains Galaxy map links, but I will be gathering maps from all over the Starwars setting that would help users with their RP's and planning.

You can find the said post HERE.

[Jenno]

As some of you may have noticed, the site has been growing and growing. However, with September rolling around, the time the staff members have to dedicate to this site is becoming less and less. Each staff member has a reason for either being on very little or even not at all on some days. Therefore we have decided to promote two new members to our team; the staff feels that both will be able to help out a great deal.

First of all we have Meira, she’s hasn’t been around for a great deal of time, but she has been helpful, active and always trying to get the ball rolling in roleplays. We think that she will be a great and positive edition to the team.

Next there is Hammer, although it appears he’s a new and unknown member but he’s actually one of the veterans from Prime (for those of you who don’t understand this reference, I suggest you try and find out this site’s history a little bit). He was actually a staff member on Prime as well, which is why we feel that he will also make a great addition to the team.

So, Meira and Hammer, welcome to the staffing team.

~Jenno

[Jenno]

No doubt some of you are aware of Projectsunfire’s absence due to real life events. Also, Phoenix is unable to get on much due to real life issues in the form of a foreign exchange student. Therefore that means that we’re short on hands, in one case maybe for the long term.

And so I brought up the case with the rest of the staff and we all seem to be of the opinion that an extra pair of helping hands would not go amiss. The problem is that there aren’t really many options when it comes to older members. Therefore we’ve stuck our necks out and chosen a relatively new member to join the ranks of the luminescent green. He’s only been around for about a month yet he’s managed to make a good impression amongst the staff members and we all seem to be of the same mind on this issue.

Therefore I would like to welcome iota to the staffing team. Hopefully this will allow us to get through your applications at a quicker rate.

Don’t forget, as we continue to grow we will always be on the lookout for potential staff members to help with the ever increasing workload. We’re always watching.

And a second announcement, there will only be a few more days for everyone to post in the September Rollcall Thread, I would like to remind you all that those characters not listed will be removed from the active characters section and also they will be removed from the active character list in their respective section.

Linking in with the above announcement, due to Kay’s busy life, her character will be removed from the position of Grand Master. The position will not be open, however, as Vreem Took’s self entitled character will be taking the position in order to try and keep the Jedi active. Don’t forget that positions on the Council are open for anyone who wants to try their hand at creating one of the important members of the Jedi order.

Thank you,

~Jenno

[Zarkan]

Today ladies and gents of SWURP2 we have a new section for your viewing enjoyment: DROIDS This is a place for all of you to post the details of your droid companions or evil assassin droid's class and the information for them.

[Jenno]

It is time to remove the layer have dust which has started to cover this board to bring you a number of thrilling announcements. The main thing to talk about is the new mods we will be promoting and the new system we are bringing in to prepare potential moderators for the future. First of all, there are a number of upcoming demotions. Phoenix will be demoted almost immediately after this because he has not been on for over a month and has not provided a reason as to why he has not been on. Halmtier has up until the 27th of this month to log on to keep her place on the staff and Iota has until the 3rd of February.

Now, promotions, taking up the civilian section will be Mara, she has not been here too long but she has contributed to some of the profiles and she has a lot of experience on other boards and so she will be taking control of the civilian sign-ups.

Next we have Talau; she is one of the oldest vets around. She was on Prime longer than myself and joined the second incarnation of the site as well, she knows how we work and has experience with staffing on other forums, many of which she has run. So she seems like an obvious choice for the positions on the staffing team. She will be moderating the military sign-ups.

Finally, the third moderator will be Jace Beleren, who has been around for a couple of months and has been actively roleplaying and getting involved with many of the Jedi and Dark Jedi events. He has also commented on some of the profiles and thusly he will be taking over the Dark Jedi sign-ups. Remember that it will most likely take a while for them to adjust to the job, but eventually they will get there so please be patient.

A new group we will be bringing into play is the ‘Next Gen Team’, this will consist of members chosen by the staffing team, they will actively comment character bios, but have no power to actually approve them. They will also help with the duels section. Basically this is a group that the staff will primarily look to when we are considering new moderators. This doesn’t mean that other members are not allowed to make comments, in fact we encourage it and they might push us to offer you a position on the NG team. Hopefully we will be creating a new user group for these guys and giving them a nice new colour to go with the position. Our first two members of the NG team are Kay and Squee; both have experience on the board and will hopefully show us what they can do.

But there is still one more promotion yet to dish out. There will be another joining the rank of admins. I would like all of you to congratulate Zarkan as he ascends the ranks to take on the role that awaits him. Hopefully this wil prove tol be enough for the admin team before Projectsunfire returns or Xaojii becomes more active.

Now, other than promotions there are a couple of things that will be done. For example, a new rule will be coming into play regarding character creation. As you know, we only allow one character in each section/faction. However, we will be changing the rule so that you can have multiple Fringe characters and multiple Civilian characters. Of course, you will still have to remain within the overall character limit.

A number of rules will be written up, in order to confirm a lot of the verbal rules that we have. Hopefully this will help us to avoid confusion with the newer members.

Finally, I advise that you check the pm I sent and that you please do as instructed on there.

Once again to all our new staff members and NG recruits, welcome.

~Jenno

[Mara]

Hello there:

To avoid any future confusion there may be and to allow more fun in this area of the story, a new board 'Blast from the Past' has been added for your roleplaying pleasure. It is located just above the Parody board.

Here you can travel back ten years in the past and experience what your various characters were doing at that time and interact with other characters. Perhaps establish relationships that exist in the present timeline. Or just use it as a way to bolster an empty area of your bio.

Whatever it is, this board is just all about fun, within the confines of our canon story, of course.

Enjoy!



-Mara

[Zarkan]

I'd like everyone to give a round of applause to our two newest members of the new* gen team Dire Wolf and Gusha.

JK EDIT: Next Gen Team, excuse the zarkanism

[Jenno]

One small ammendment to one of our applications. For the Grey Jedi applications, I have now editted the last part of the Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices description.

Previously it was:

'Light side jedi can not have a Destruction skill higher then 5, and Dark side jedi can’t have a healing skill over 5.'

Now it is:

'Grey Jedi cannot have a Destruction skill or Healing skill higher than 5 due to their undefined alighnment.'

Basically this is to put a clear limit on Grey Jedi. They are not wholey dark or light and therefore cannot use the extent of those Forces. If they were able to get up to a 10 in healing then they would be a Jedi and if they were able to get a 10 in destruction they would be a Dark Jedi by definition of their alignment.

This is susceptible to change at a later date.

~Jenno

[Jenno]

Another announcement for you all, this time concerning the character limit.

As you most likely know, we have a limit of four characters per person on here as standard with a fifth slot available to those who request and are approved another by the staff. We are going to be making a slight amendment to this.

For those of you with four characters who don’t want any more then this wont really affect you. The four character slots are the same, you may speak to any member of staff in order to see about acquiring a fifth and even sixth slot (you will have had to have been using the fifth for a bit before we approve the extra slot). Basically any moderators or admins can allow you this extra slot given the discussion and approval by a few of us.

But there is more, there is the possibility for some of you to expand even further, to seven and even eight character slots. However, to get both of these last two, you must ask an admin (not a moderator) and it will be solely the admins who make the decision after they have all talked about it amongst themselves. If we give permission to your request this does not mean that you can use both slots, only one, you will have to request for the other at a later date once we’ve been able to witness how you are doing with your current number of characters.

The same rules apply as to the limit on Jedi, Dark Jedi and Grey Jedi, only one each per user. The same for the military. But don’t forget that the number of civilians and fringe characters you can make is only determined by your total number of character slots.

Check out the rules for the edit which incorporates these changes.

Thank you,

~Jenno

[Jenno]

If you're worrying about our sudden decrease in total members, then stop. Upon recommendation of the staff we have deleted the accounts which had 0 posts and had not been on in the last six months. This way perhaps we wont give off too much of a false impression.

Thank you,

~Jenno

[Jenno]

Ladies and gentlemen, another announcement for you. Once again the time has come to make some alterations in our staffing team. Many of you may have noticed that JK has disappeared; he did warn me that life for him was getting very hectic. And so, we will not be removing his moderating privileges, but we will be filling his position on the Fringe section so that things can get back to running smoothly.

For this task the staffs has decided to promote Dire Wolf from our Next Gen Team to full moderator position. We’ve felt that during his time on the Next Gen Team he has proven that he is capable and well adept at making critical assessments of various different profiles; hence we feel he will do well in his new position. However, he is currently away, after warning us as such, so do not expect a hasty respond in the Fringe section until he has had time to properly return.

Now then, this leaves us with an open slot on the Next Gen Team, one which the staff also discussed about filling and we did eventually come to a decision. We have decided that sparrow will take his position. Of course, for all the members out there looking to get on the team, don’t forget that we do not discourage you trying to help people with their applications and doing well in such a task, along with maintaining a mature and respectable air across the board, will put you in a good position for when we consider the next new recruits for our Next Gen Team or for a moderator position.

I hope both Dire Wolf and sparrow luck in their new duties and pray that you will all try and be supportive of their ascent into a more demanding position.

Thank you,

Jenno

[Jenno]

As you may have noticed over the past few weeks, there have been a number of additions to the Galaxy/RP section of the forum, there have been additions with a Deep Core section and a number of worlds added in the Core Worlds section, Mid Rim section and Outer Rim section with a couple of additions for the Colonies section.

Now, whilst I feel the larger of those section have enough additions for now, the staff and myself will be working on other worlds for the Colonies section, the Inner Rim section and the Wild Space section. If any members would like to suggest worlds for me to look over then please pm me the name of the world and I will reference your suggestion with wookieepedia to see if it is eligible for addition.

We hope that this will open a number of doors for you all when it comes to roleplaying, giving you more options to choose from and a number of different environments for your characters to interact in. When Proboards v5 is released there will be a number of changes to some worlds, for example, the addition of new Jedi/Sith temples and such.

Now onto a separate note, advertising. As you might be aware, Star Wars Universe is, currently, a fairly successful site which attracts a number of members at a rate which slowly causes our base number to grow. I would like you all to try and make a bit of a push in order to attract more members to our site, there are a number of different ways you can do this. The first option would be your friends, most of us will have similar likes and dislikes so if you like this place perhaps send them this way, see if they enjoy the environment and scenery. Most likely a number of you roleplay on other boards, if this is the case then see if they have an advertising section, I have a standard advertisement which I can give you if you pm me asking for it. Or maybe just talk to a couple of members on those boards, those you think are more likely to join, just send them a link and talk about us briefly.

Next there are affiliates, we’re always looking for new affiliates here, it doesn’t matter if the site is large or small, talk to the staff (most probably the head admin) to see how one would go about affiliating with the site. Then, talk to me about it, I can either give you the information to exchange as a third party or I can simply go to the board and sort it out with the site’s admin.

Also, we here at SWU have started along a form of advertisement which few websites can boast, word of mouth. I’d suggest that the best way to go about spreading this, apart from amongst friends, would be to follow the idea of one our absent members Halmtier, her advertising suggestion can be found here:

swrponline2.proboards107.com/index.cgi?board=feedusbackyothots&action=display&thread=1812

I hope that if we all work together we can really expand our community here at SWU, making this place more popular than it already is. Also, if we do progress further and grow then I am still wiling to carry out the suggestion proposed here as well:

swrponline2.proboards107.com/index.cgi?board=feedusbackyothots&action=display&thread=127&page=1

Thank you and get advertising!

~Jenno

[Jenno]

To the members of Star Wars Universe Roleplay, here is an announcement for your fair ears. In order to combat the workload of the site, the staff have decided to promote three more members to the Next Gen Team. I would like all of you to welcome Valadin, Arheim and Starwarsgirl008 to the fold. All three have shown dedication to the board as well as an aptitude for reviewing profiles. We hope that they will continue their work with the official backing of the SWU Staffing team. Of course, this does not mean their word is final; Moderators and Admins still have the power to override what a member of Next Gen Team says. But still, we like what we see. Welcome to the fold you three.

Now, the second part of this announcement is also to do with staff, although a bit more different than usual. As we expand here at SWU and look to broaden our member base, this will undoubtedly mean more profiles and more work for our staffing team. The Next Gen Team is the first step to help ease the Mod’s workload somewhat; it also provides the first step in the ladder for staffing roles. I know there are a number of members who would like to help this board and become one of the staff and so they can see what they might need to work on I have written up a guide which might help all of the potentials out there.

You can find the link to the guide here:

swrponline2.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=boardrules&thread=4846

Thank you,

~Jenno

[Jenno]

After much debate and discussion the Staffing team has decided to alter one of the rules on our 'Unallowed Aspects' list. We are now allowing the creation of near human hybrids, you no longer need proof of the combination existing in canon. However, the moderators will be considering aspects of the combination to make sure the hybrid is not overpowered. It would be best to allocate time and space in the bio to explain the pros and cons of your character's particular hybrid combination.

Thank you,

~Jenno

[Jenno]

SWU's Official Art Competition is now open, all members are welcome to try their hand and designing a banner for the forum, a small affiliate banner or some of the customized images that will be used across the board. Each of these is important for SWU's appearance to potential members and to those of us who visit regularly.

For more details see the official thread:

swrponline2.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=artwork&thread=5029&page=1

The closing date has yet to be decided and also the decision making process is still undetermined.

Good luck to everyone who enters!

~Jenno

[Jenno]

Alright, I've made a few adjustments to faction tags on each rp board to signify who owns/controls what exactly. Having the Republic as red didn't seem quite right to me and it meant that there was only one listed red-ish colour for both the Sith Empire and the Sith Order.

So, here's the list as it currently stands:

Republic Space - Signifies territory controlled by the Republic.
Jedi Territory - Signifies territory controlled by the Jedi.
Sith Empire Space - Signifies territory controlled by the Sith Empire.
Sith Territory - Signifies territory controlled by the Sith Order (most of these will merge to become Sith Empire Space soon).
Mandalorian Space - Signifies territory controlled by the Mandalorians.
Corporate Sector - Signifies territory controlled by independant enterprising businesses.
Hutt Space - Signifies territory controlled by the Hutts.
Neutral Space - Signifies territories which fend for themselves or are not controlled.

I hope people think this goes well and that the above can make things seem more defined.

Thank you,

~Jenno