A Hitchhikers Guide to F7 [F7 INFO + Q/A]

[Dalvius]

Exterminate them? Interrogate them? I don't know your relations with them so go crazy

I hate all of those Koronaverse,especially Korona Alliance.

Well she is gone, so don't complain, please.

I don't like it when somebody continues "kicking the dead horse" and especially when it's about one of my friends. Stop it please.

And to answer your question, that isn't necessary because 1, she'll get deleted automatically, and 2, you might get an innocent deleted.

[The Forsworn Knights]

USEFUL NATIONSTATES LINKS
The Nationstates Website Rules, VERY important.
The current situation on F7 Threads. UPDATE/NOTE!
The website is giving me some technical problem.
The FAQ page did not solve my problem.
I am receiving unwanted telegrams, harassment in my region, or some other infraction off the Forums.
I am being harassed, or some other infraction is occuring on the forums.
I am considering self-harm.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Terminology
What are Location Threads?
Chill Thread? What’s that?
Is there more?
A brief history of Location Threads.
Is it against the rules to take part in this then?
What about thread posting standards?
How can I structure my own Location Thread?
Autoprune
Testimony!
Credits

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TERMINOLOGY

Some terms used in F7 Location Threads differ from elsewhere on NationStates. An example is "OP".

"OP" stands for "Original Poster" in other RP subforums. It stands for "Operator" in F7. Thus an OP "operates" his thread. He might have CoOPs (Co-Operators) to assist him. An OP's role is the same in many regards. OP manage the thread, or sometimes referee the game. They have thread ownership (as defined in the OSRS), and they can make up rules for their game. They can also ban players from participating in a game and, if that player doesn't leave, they can ask Moderation to step in to handle the player. Please respect your OP's rules and wishes.

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WHAT ARE LOCATION THREADS?

A Location Thread or, more properly, a Chat Location Thread (CLT), is a classification of roleplay that takes place in Forum 7 on NationStates. Location Threads are considered primarily chat, thus are not found in P2TM, but are still a form of roleplay allowed on the site. Blanket-bans on Location Threads have been installed and removed in the past. Arkadacia (Formerly Totallynotevilland), made an attempt to turn his CLT into a solid RP in P2TM Chat Location Thread but, due to players wishing to continue with a CLT format, it didn't work. Chat Location Threads run very fast (capable of eating up twenty pages in a day on the more active threads), and can be difficult for one person to manage. Because of this, many OP choose to appoint what is known as a "Co-OP" to help enforce the rules. However, some OP may choose to minimize their presence, making what is called a 'Chill Thread' instead.

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CHILL THREAD? WHAT'S THAT?

A Chill Thread is a Location Thread in which the Operators minimize their presence as much as humanly possible. These threads tend to be extremely popular due to the lack of angry Operators, however they tend to fall prey to the Red-Text wrath of a Moderator's Banhammer.

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IS THERE MORE?

You bet! There are almost limitless ways to run a F7 Location thread, and its ultimately up to your style, with some methods working better than others. There are plenty of ways an Operator can go about it, including serious invite-only Threads like the Liquid Wallaby, where strict post quality and membership rules are imposed to keep the thread under control. A trending fashion among threads is based around Your Nation's Politicians or Personifications Based off of an Anime called Hetalia, rather than any old character you can come up with.

I must stress however that Valar Morghulis applies to your thread, and all threads will fall one day. As an OP you can attempt to delay it by efficiently moderating your thread and keeping the population entertained. The two best ways to kill a thread are Inactivity (OP and/or player) and Modly Wrath, so try to keep both of those at bay.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF LOCATION THREADS

According to Sedgistan, “Location threads flourished in F7 when it was first set up (the most popular being Nanatsu no Tsuki's ”Mama Nana's Bistro") [and ”Nap’s Boozery”]. Moderation was originally very hands-off in F7 (we used to only act on reports), and this lack of oversight led to the location threads going bad - lots of flaming, baiting and obscene behaviour. When stepping up our moderation and punishing the offenders didn't work, we shut down every location thread, and set up the mod-sanctioned ”Flaming Wombat”. Eventually we allowed other location threads.”

In addition to location threads, F7 saw many church threads (such as ”Church of Reppy”), the NSG Senate, standard PBP role play games, and much more. It began to be a cluttered community. Eventually, Portal to the Multiverse was created to house PBP RP. Location threads remained in F7, however.

According to Arkadacia (Formerly Totallynotevilland), the Flaming Wombat carried on for quite some time before finally being shut down in early 2013 by Moderators for turning into a den of borderline Erotic-Roleplay (ERP).

Several months after the fall of the Flaming Wombat, TNEL attempted to revive the same basic style of thread by creating 'The Freezing Roo' which never took off and was unfairly ridiculed by some members of the P2TM, II, and TET communities.

After several more months, TNEL formed what was known as the 'Liquid Wallaby', which to this day is the strictest and most secure Location Thread series on the Website.

After the formation of the Wallaby, several threads rose and fell, with a thread called 'The Hotel Llama' becoming the most popular, and ultimately becoming my first interaction with the Location Thread world, before the Llama eventually died of its own accord. After a brief series of Anti-Democracy League 'Mansion Chill Threads' were opened by the player Transyl died of inactivity due to the limited population, I formed my first Location Thread known as 'The Dorm' which began a long-running series of threads known as the 'Diligens Threads'. After the Diligens Threads had carried on for over a year, they changed hands to the (Now DOS) Co-Operator Lingria, who left the management of the threads largely to a Co-Operator who later Resigned.

After the resignation of the Ozzy (The Co-Operator), the threads were eventually shut down by the Nationstates Moderation team for being a complete nuisance. With the fall of the Diligens Threads, several new ones formed including one based around YNL or 'Your Nation's Leader', Hetalia, and even two threads made by myself and The Danish Confederacy, each claiming to be the legitimate Successor of the Diligens Threads. After I chose to shut down my thread due to the community having gone to TDC's thread, it was discovered that the locking of the original Diligens thread was foreshadowing to an event on May first 2016 known as the 'May Massacre', in which dozens of Forum 7 users were punished after being caught taking part in 'Erotic Roleplay' using the gameside Telegrams feature, finally leading us up to the current state of affairs at the time of my writing this guide.

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IS IT AGAINST THE RULES TO TAKE PART IN THIS THEN?

At the time of writing this guide there are currently no rules against these threads. However practices such as Erotic Roleplay (ERP) and other rules violations may result in punishments to a player or players, and potentially hurt the community at large if enough players take part in the chaos. As such, it is advised that you follow the OSRS and an OP's game rules whenever you hop on a new thread. And remember that an OP's game rules may change from thread to thread, so it’s smart to check every thread you post on in this forum.

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WHAT ABOUT THREAD POSTING STANDARDS?

Now this is a bit of a tricky one to answer, it depends. Who are you RPing with? Who is the Operator and what are the thread rules? In the end it all comes down to what you feel comfortable with and what the thread OP is willing to tolerate.

I personally have a peeve when it comes to players posting things along the lines of 'oiy wub u plz gib clay nd exists', and spammy posts along the lines of 'an imperial elite guard walks into the bar and looks around and yells EVERYONE SHUT UP AND SURRENDER TO THE EMPIRE!'. In fact, that second example will almost always end in the perpetrator getting a barrage of the other players telling them to up their post quality, keep their military out of the thread, and stop being rude to everyone else overall.

In the end, this type of thing is on a case-by-case basis and its really up to you to keep your posts to community standard. It doesn't hurt to follow some RP basics, either, like: no godmodding, no metagaming, etc... unless the OP allows that.

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HOW CAN I STRUCTURE MY OWN THREAD?

As a user who has had their format plagiarized in full or in part a lot since I got into making these threads and seen almost all of those threads fail, I can attest that it is very important that you make your own format and come up with your own setup for setting up your own opening post.

I personally recommend a welcoming title along the lines of "The (Location), come on in!", with some flavor image at the top, with the [horizontal line] code used to separate that from a list of the Operators, before using more [horizontal line] code to separate that from useful links and rules. I would recommend playing with the NS Forum Codes for a bit and figuring what does what, then coming up with interesting combinations to make a simple yet effective thread OP.

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AUTOPRUNE

Yeah, we forgot to mention this. The dreaded autoprune happens when your thread doesn't have any replies for a while. You can ask Moderators to archive your thread, though. Go to the Archive Megathread make your request.

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TESTIMONY!

The following is input from various community members regarding F7 and Location threads.

[Danish Confederacy] My stance on Location Threads

Really, if you can get just a couple of guys or gals that you can trust to uphold the rules, rule taking care of is easy. And if you can tap into certain fan bases, you can get a good bit of people. Also, make the OP half decent. Cause if it looks like sh¡t, then no one really wants in. And give people some freedom. That's the main bit of chill threading. And if anyone wants to start a thread, go ahead. It won't bite 99% of the time. Its a good bit of fun running the one I have now, The Commonwealth. Also, remember to alternate places.
Stay classy F7.

[Low Bloods] How I view the phenomenon

Allow me to describe a location thread as a fire at first.

Ok, well, a location thread is a flame that tells a story. It relies on a few things, some can go in blind and start out with a spark - this could be an idea, but it should be well thought out - that'll make a great flame. The more members of your community you have made the higher the flame will be, the less the people may be the weaker it'll be. One shouldn't make a thread with little thought out story just thinking it'll become the next best thing.

The Host of the thread should be kind but have a sense of justice, if you are hostile to the members they might leave, so try to be understanding. This also reflects on the community if you have a hostile community you might scare ones that are looking to join away. And all must be aware of the rules, because it keeps everything under control. And it's ok if the host is busy from the thread as long as they have someone to watch over things while they are out.

Sure there will be ones that try to extinguish/steal the flame but it's best to ignore them, not letting them get to you. And the community speaks for the leader. If there are corrupt kings rebellions will happen... And everyone should acknowledge each other so no one is left out, I believe this should be even more for newcomers because if someone is ignored they are more likely to cause trouble.

[Ozzy] Its all about knowing the right people

It's all about knowing the right people, man. I had (non-clique) group of friends in role playing regions of their own that would usually be thrilled to join my old iterations of Hotel Llama. Otherwise, I scour the regions with the F7 tag and befriend the people within them.

Friendship between members is what builds a location thread. Sadly, friendship is not immune to nepotistic circlejerk zealousness as we all witnessed in older threads.

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CREDITS TO GUIDE MAKERS

Holy midshipman Batman, someone is reading the credits! In all seriousness of course, thank you for taking the time to read this all the way through and actually read the credits. It means a lot to me, and everyone I am about to list as a content creator for this guide.

The players who authored this guide

Primary Writer
The Imperialist Dominion of The Forsworn Knights

Co-Author who Filled me in on the history of Forum 7 RP.
The Empire of Arkadacia

Co-Author
The Technocracy of Ozzy

Co-Author
The Insane Hallucinations of Low Bloods

Co-Author
The Constitutional Kingdom of The Danish Confederacy

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And everyone on the P2TM Mentor team who has helped me in writing this guide and being a better RPer. You know who you are.

[The Danish Confederacy]

Too Good, but required to snip

Wow.
That is really, really nice.

[Dalvius]

Too Good, but required to snip

Holy mother fuckity fuck did you really need to put THAT much effort into a series of (Albeit very good) F7 roleplays?

[The Laurentian Federation]

42 whales and a bowl of flowers

[Buzzing Bees]

Too Good, but required to snip

Holy mother fuckity fuck did you really need to put THAT much effort into a series of (Albeit very good) F7 roleplays?

Wow you curse a lot

[Dalvius]

Holy mother fuckity fuck did you really need to put THAT much effort into a series of (Albeit very good) F7 roleplays?

Wow you curse a lot

You have no idea.

Also, as a friendly reminder, when the post you're replying to was from over 4-5 months ago or more (around that) don't reply to it. That will constitute as gravedigging, and the mods don't want you to do that.
/notamod

[The Forsworn Knights]

Wow you curse a lot

You have no idea.

Also, as a friendly reminder, when the post you're replying to was from over 4-5 months ago or more (around that) don't reply to it. That will constitute as gravedigging, and the mods don't want you to do that.
/notamod

Considering this is a pinned post that people are supposed to respond to as needed as opposed to a user-posted non-pinned post in while it is active, I dont think that is going a problem.
/Alsonotamod

[Dytarma]

Is this the correct forum to post a topic about how you made your nation's language(s)?

[Kyrusia]

Is this the correct forum to post a topic about how you made your nation's language(s)?

Depends on the format. If it's meant to be some sort of game, then yes; if it's meant to be more of a discussion topic about conlang sources of inspiration, that'd probably be best in F&NI. Beyond that, would have to actually look at the OP.

[Dytarma]

Is this the correct forum to post a topic about how you made your nation's language(s)?

Depends on the format. If it's meant to be some sort of game, then yes; if it's meant to be more of a discussion topic about conlang sources of inspiration, that'd probably be best in F&NI. Beyond that, would have to actually look at the OP.

Alright, I was thinking of heading towards more of a F&NI format, but wasn't sure exactly.

[Zebiddier]

How do you put on images?

[Cerillium]

How do you put on images?

Apologies for the delay. People don't often post here.

For any with a similar question - You use the image code. It's denoted by the button. Click it and drop your image url between the code brackets.

Code: Select all

[img]ImageUrl[/img]

So

Code: Select all

[img]http://i.imgur.com/uSYy8Df.png[/img]

gives you an embedded image:


This is called "hotlinking". You need to be careful because you are responsible for all images you post. Make sure they don't violate NS rules (OSRS).

[Zebiddier]

Ok! Thanks!

[Demoseal]

What a great thread.

[Henadia]

I can't for the life of me find the meaning of AN and the like. Isn't there a page/post with the explanation of these acronyms? Thanks!

[Low bloods]

I can't for the life of me find the meaning of AN and the like. Isn't there a page/post with the explanation of these acronyms? Thanks!

AN = Above nation? I honestly don't remember how I found out at first but I'm quite positive that's what it stands for. I'm sorry but I don't know what the other is, well without giving an answer that might be incorrect.
And I'm not sure if there is a thread that explains it somewhere if I find it I'll try to link it.

[Nilrahrarfan]

I can't for the life of me find the meaning of AN and the like. Isn't there a page/post with the explanation of these acronyms? Thanks!

AN = Above nation? I honestly don't remember how I found out at first but I'm quite positive that's what it stands for. I'm sorry but I don't know what the other is, well without giving an answer that might be incorrect.
And I'm not sure if there is a thread that explains it somewhere if I find it I'll try to link it.

I don't think there is. I've looked throughout all of Forum 7.

[Henadia]

I can't for the life of me find the meaning of AN and the like. Isn't there a page/post with the explanation of these acronyms? Thanks!

AN = Above nation? I honestly don't remember how I found out at first but I'm quite positive that's what it stands for. I'm sorry but I don't know what the other is, well without giving an answer that might be incorrect.
And I'm not sure if there is a thread that explains it somewhere if I find it I'll try to link it.

This helps a lot actually. The other one was YN, which means Your Nation I suppose. Thanks!

[Low bloods]

AN = Above nation? I honestly don't remember how I found out at first but I'm quite positive that's what it stands for. I'm sorry but I don't know what the other is, well without giving an answer that might be incorrect.
And I'm not sure if there is a thread that explains it somewhere if I find it I'll try to link it.

I don't think there is. I've looked throughout all of Forum 7.

Yeah, it's in a way explained at the beginning of this thread actually but doesn't have the actual acronym definition of the two.

AN = Above nation? I honestly don't remember how I found out at first but I'm quite positive that's what it stands for. I'm sorry but I don't know what the other is, well without giving an answer that might be incorrect.
And I'm not sure if there is a thread that explains it somewhere if I find it I'll try to link it.

This helps a lot actually. The other one was YN, which means Your Nation I suppose. Thanks!

No problem. Also yes, I'm vary sure YN means your nation as well, I probably would have explained that but I couldn't think of any other acronyms F7 used at the time.

[Wanasnaswa]

What is the AN?!

[Low bloods]

What is the AN?!

AN=Above nation, just answered that. xD

[Low bloods]

(Past me was passive aggressive AF. Well I seemed that way due to my formatting skills, geez.)

The Introduction
Please allow me to explain that in this common day it seems that the two genres of threads have become dangerously close to each other and it seems to be causing some complication and even the eradication of some threads.

C/LT
Far into the past there was a time in F7 where there were threads that were more RP based.
The community seemed to always be on a chart of ups and downs that were often due to cracks in the community.

Eventually in some time the genre was outright banned for misbehavior in these threads.
Now the only Location thread that stands to this day is:The Ram's head saloon.

This is a mod sanctioned thread now, the only remaining thread of a lost time.
Its creation was shortly created after a large scare purge of many users accounts due to "Sexual Conduct"
This left the community in shambles, leaving it (Nowadays) in a deathly state. If you really want to get a feel for it I advise you to read Forsworn's post

But still! In these threads conversation usually is individual much like it is is YL/YN threads, but now the factor of continuation of conversation rather than a one off comment.
This leads to story building and character development within the universe they inhabit. It use to be a world of endless possibilities.

There was no sign up and most of the time all was well as long as someone wasn't being a major dick, but even then sometimes it was kinda fun.
Some people had one character some had multiple, some decided to use self inserts and OCs while others had amazing narratives and could even play a character from media.
As a closing. The community was great and friendly, it was portrayed in harsh light because of what it did but even these days I meet great people.

YN/YL
Its been about 6 years or so since I've witnessed the spawn of these threads.
So here we are on a relatively close to modern day.
I'll admit I'm more comfortable towards the YL section so I'll be leaning towards that community as I understand them more but all in all its all the same.

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YL Threads
YL threads are threads where your leader does anything its come quite a ways as the leader of your nation can do just about anything with any other leader.
It has a creative aspect as you make up your leader via factbook. Its usually a bunch of one offs that lead to the leaders getting to know each other. A little warning as you might get skipped if you don't have a leader.

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YN Threads
The threads don't involve your leader as much it rather looks more outward towards Your nation as a whole. It could be many different games and topics involving your nation as well as other nations.

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Bonus!: Other Game Threads
Now these threads are fun for users who just want to do something strange or funny. Like control something, build a sky scraper and have watch floor be something else, debates, and so much more!

Do's & Don'ts
This is more of what not to do. As all you really have to do in F7 is have fun and fallow the rules.
These are some things that can occur in game threads and some lingo to help you deal with it along with some other in for that could help you avoid landing in hot water with some others. Even examples on how to use them in a totally not made up game called YL greets AL!

Please keep it one post at a time in game threads.

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/Skip & /Skipme
If you feel the need to comment on a post add /skip or skipme to be polite so it doesn't cause the guy you commented on to be skipped as it implies that you shouldn't mind that post and comment on the original commenter of you.

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example: Me: Hi
You:Hello
Me: How's the day going? /skip
Other user:[Quotes You] Hello there!

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Don't be a spammer
And with that being said if you repeatedly post over someone or something it is called spamming, this is disliked in the community and can even get you in trouble with the mods. Its widely disliked around the site

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example:You:Hi
Spammer:Hi
Spammer:Hi
Spammer:Hi

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Ninjad
And another common occurrence is to be /ninjad. No worries as it means no danger it just means you posted faster than the other guy so you should give them some recognition as well. You can either do both or if you manage to catch it you can change your post to the nation above.

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Example:
Me:Hi
Other user: Hello
You: /Ninjad editing post...

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Above all else fallow the rules.

The Finale

In my final words I would just like to say that when I originally made this post I was really trying to explain how not to merge the two. As I feared it would bring the end to two different genres.
And I must admit the community of F7 have come along way.

(Will add abbreviation dictionary here)

[Vermont of America]

what is a AN
just asking
I'm really confused about it

[The Federation of Kendor]

what is a AN
just asking
I'm really confused about it

It means above nation. A game with AN means that you must post something for the nation abive you according to the theme