Instruction Manual
The Y-Files’ S.A.C.s/
A.S.A.C. have put together this basic Instruction Manual to help ALL agents do a
better job while participating on a case. The
guidelines are based on our experiences in writing and preparing a case to be
posted on the Y-Files web site. We
found we were literally spending DAYS editing and adjusting a case before
posting it to the official Y-Files site. Your
adherence to these guidelines will make the life of your S.A.C./ A.S.A.C. more
pleasant. And a happy S.A.C./A.S.A.C.
is a good person to have on your side when in a heated battle with the bad guys,
aliens or vampires!
1)
Please leave spaces between paragraphs and dialogue between different
characters.
For example:
"OMG!
We've just found incontrovertible proof that aliens DO exist!" exclaimed
Jadzia.
"That's
split pea soup, not alien blood," said Elisheva, rolling her eyes.
2)
Please omit signature lines. We have to edit them to keep the file size
as small as possible, which makes for quicker download time from the site.
3)
Please use quotes to designate dialogue between characters (see example
for #1) and the arrow brackets (< >) to designate thoughts. I've seen
different symbols used on and off these boards to indicate thoughts, but these
brackets seem to be the most widely used.
4)
I would strongly recommend that any new writers read a few pieces from
the Y-Files site before writing and using another person's character to carry
your story line. Be familiar with who has a good working relationship with whom
and what their personality traits are like. It make for much more believable
reading for all.
5)
If you have a question about where to go with a plot line, or if you're
stumped about what to have your character do next, you can always write to the
SAC or ASAC who is running the case. They almost always can give you a clue or
possibly even have you help write the next vital chunk of the story!
6)
If you want to jump in on a case, be aware that you should have read the
story thus far. If you don't know what to do, e-mail the SAC, and let them write
you in. Try to give them some info on yourself so they can put you in character.
7)
Be aware of the style of case you are signing up for. We have a few
distinct kinds:
·
The funny ones, (where
anything goes apparently).
·
The Mytharc ones, where
shadow conspiracy people block our every move, and
·
The Monster of the Week (MOTW)
dramas. These are the ones that require you to be really aware of the plot, so
as not to totally screw the storyline.
Pick the style that makes you fire as a writer, if you end up in the wrong kind
of case, it can get crazy pretty fast.
8) If you are coming into a case that already has a number of Agents on it, try not to turn it into your own story. Use it as an opportunity to feel your way into the Y-files.
9)
Keep the number of chat posts to a minimum. If you can't use the e-mail,
fine. But be aware that some poor sod somewhere has to edit out every extra post
and message to get the story on the site.
10)
Don't bring on a whole bunch of extra characters and then expect the others to
write for them. That includes Agents who want to work on a case but not write.
If you aren't writing, then you aren't on the case. (Unless you are away for a
while, then just let us know).
11)
If you do write another character, please describe them so that we know what to
write regarding the character in future messages.
For
Example:
Detective
Jansson was older, maybe mid-forties, short and stocky with salt and pepper
hair. His smile was kind, and he had a friendly air to him.
That
means that everyone else can put him in scenes without too much trouble.
12)
If you post late, and want something to go back in time, write a note so
the cut & paste person knows where to put it.
13)
Don't critique story on the thread, use e-mail. If you missed a case wrap
up, or something got lost, be inventive or let it go.
14)
Unless you are the story originator or the SAC, you shouldn't be ending
the case anyway. If you have a brilliant plan, let them know and they are bound
to work it in for you.
15)
Even the villains need to
make sense sometimes. You should contact your SAC, Morley Cigs, for advice. If
you thwart every move made, then the story can't go ahead. (Although the
fighting has been very entertaining...lol).
16) Once you have participated on a few cases and you want to submit an idea for own of your own, contact S.A.C. Jadzia by either posting a thread in the 'Interactive/Fanfic' folder or send her an email. She will help you make your idea a reality!
Sincerely,
S.A.C.
Jadzia Reyes
S.A.C.
Samantha Jaythree
S.A.C.
Foxphile
S.A..C.
Sara Zeuty
S.A.C.
Elisheva Toews
A.S.A.C.
Kiwi Malone