Posting "In Character"

[Klythe]

    Over the first and second lives of the forums there has been occassional but serious difficulties resulting from posting "in character", or in the voice of their Klingon personas.  Sometimes offense is given when none was intended.  This has been and continues to be a problem.  Without some sort of policy in place it only will continue.

     Let me state now that I am not singling out any individual poster.  As a frequent in character poster I have caused more than my share of discord with a careless mistake or three.   I wish your help to establish some system to minimize misunderstandings in the future.

    Some influential people in Klindom extoll the virtues of Klingon directness.  In doing so they make the mistake of failing to explain what this really means.   To mean blurting out what is on your mind without thinking of the consequences, is simple foolishness...  Directness must be tempered with strategy, to prevent loss of honor.  Those who deliver their words forcefully must choose them carefully, mindfull of the possible outcome.  This includes the effects their words may have on other posters.  Many who come to the Forums are new to Klingon customs and behaviors.  They come here to learn, and are often taken aback by the apparent rudeness of Klingon replies.
 
    Because this is a Klingon-themed board, discussions, debates, and arguments can get intense.  However, these forums are sponsored by the Klingon Imperial Diplomatic Corps.  As such, everyone regardless of species, affiliation or persona must strive to remain civil to one another.   Remember that wars of words are won by attacking ideas, not the person to put them forth.

    For some, roleplaying can be the highlight of Forum discourse.  There may always be misunderstandings, and some poeple can seem determined to take offense regardless of the original intent.  But those who wish to should still be able to continue to post in-character without unnecessarily burdensome restrictions.
 
    I want to ask everyone for any ideas they may have on this issue.  I do not wish to leave the matter unresolved for long, but I don;t doubt that many of you have wisdom to offer from participation in other forums, newsgroups, clubs or other interactions between in-character people and out-of-character people.

 

[qoSagh]

On the (now long forgotten) AOL Klingon Bulletin Board the rule was to type *ROLL PLAY ON* at the begining and *ROLL PLAY OFF* at the end of posts or more importantly sections of posts that would be considered In Character. That is all well and good, if we had a role playing game going on here. Since these forums lead to more scholarly pursuits, and the stating and restating of opinions, the line between being in character andout of character becomes a bit more fuzzy.

I know I am at least as guilty as anyone else in thos aspect, but Klingons and the people that play them (us) are pationate about thier ideas. However I can't think of a single post of mine that has been 100% in or out of character. I think the only reasonable way to approach this is to simply make the rule that one can dispute amy or all of the ideas presented here, but never insult openly insult the poster/author of that idea.

I have posted that in the past that I think Klingons have raised arrogance to an artform, but really one never sees this towards other Klingons, it is mostly manifested towards foreigners (Humans, Romulans, Vulcans, ect.) two Klingons meeting for the first time will assume each other to be equals until proven otherwise. That is most likely the assumption we should make here on the Boards.

If someone were to post the opinion that the homeworls was entirely mountainous and very cold, I t would be perfectly appropriate to dispute that by saying no it is hot and level. It would not however be appropriate for me to say, fool, of course it isn't cold on the homeworld, but I should expect such ignorance from one with as little skill as yourself. Each of those replies disseminates the same concepts, however one hurls personal insults in as a bonus feature, which unless I am wrong here, is what we are trying to avoid.

[weslipuqlod]

I too have created my fair share of conflict within this Forum.  Some intentional yet other times unknowingly.  This has caused me to run damage assessment and control to maintain relationships.  

More importantly, it has also allowed me to express ideas and receive poignant feedback that has permitted growth of personal beliefs.  Something that would not have been possible without the openess of this Forum and the resolve and dedication of those who make it what it is.  

I agree wholeheartedly with qoSagh that it would be difficult to differentiate between character writing and not.  When one makes the Klingon Way a part of them it is ever present.

Lady K'Zin and Kesvirit have created and publicized the posting etiquette and I am not certain that any additional rules should be necessary.

As indicated, one of the most significant behavioral traits of Klingons is their straightforwardness.  Such a trait should be applied in all directions.  Yes, we should endeavor not to intentionally fire off insults unless mu'QaD veS has been declared, still when someone is offended it is their responsibility to immediately address the issue and not let it create problems.

Those incapable of doing so directly have the moderators to assist in mediation.  Moderators too can monitor and directly address when those of us stray from the established etiquette and reminders may be hurled with whatever force deemed appropriate for the violation.

Interpersonal interaction and debate of issues will always bring conflict.  There will always be those that can dismiss it for what it is just as there will always be those with thin skin that will become offended at the slightest disagreement.

We threaten creativity and passionate involvment in the growth of the Forums if bureaucracy and politics are allowed to constrict imagination.  

 

[K'Gor tai Reshtarc]

I have found that if I weigh my words against the truth, I offend little. What i mean by this is that to call some one some sort of name or attribute qualities or faults to them without weighing the entire individual is foolishness. No one is completely wrong or right. While one may make a foolish statement, this does not mean the person is a fool. Treat all as a potential ally until they prove you wrong.

Qapla'!

[J'Maq]

Unless OOC/Out Of Character is posted, it is generally assumed that one's Klingon persona is speaking.
If, however, J'Maq acts dishonorable--it is Jesse who suffers the consequences. Therefore, all of us should
not settle for anything less than exemplary behaviour on our parts. Are we perfect?
Certainly not. Should we aspire to perfection? I believe we all know the answer to that.

[Kesvirit]

quoth K’Gor: I have found that if I weigh my words against the truth, I offend little. What i mean by this is that to call some one some sort of name or attribute qualities or faults to them without weighing the entire individual is foolishness. No one is completely wrong or right. While one may make a foolish statement, this does not mean the person is a fool. Treat all as a potential ally until they prove you wrong.

Therein lies the problem. With the many different conceptions of Klindom that cross these boards, some are bound to collide. An example is the above post: I see not wisdom but foolishness in the proverb “Treat all as a potential ally until they prove you wrong.”

Klingons are not a trusting bunch, and everyone is a potential enemy, obstacle or pawn unless and until they can proove themselves otherwise. Many Human posters mistake Klingon defensiveness, arrogance, and bold speech for belligerence.  It is this sort of misunderstanding that I seek to minimize.

quoth J’Maq: Unless OOC/Out Of Character is posted, it is generally assumed that one's Klingon persona is speaking.

Having been here since the boards’ inception I can tell you that this is not the case. These were established as message boards, not a Sim or RPG. Curious aliens wander in and several have felt attack where none was intended. Such situations have required extensive off-board diplomacy to calm ruffled feathers and get blades back in scabbards. This is the sort of thing I had hoped to avoid in the future with a definitive in-character posting policy. I am pleased that most of our active members are also eager to avoid unnecessary bloodshed as shown by their posting behaviour.

[J'Maq]

It makes no difference to me if this isn't an RPG/SIM. Treat people with respect--and
if there's a difference of opinion on a matter--agree to disagree in an honorable fashion. As I stated,
what J'Maq does reflects on Jesse. The core of what I am was established long before my "trek"
into this fandom. Adherence to the positive aspects of the Klingon culture only reinforces
a personal code of honor/ethics that I've tried to cultivate my entire life. And I suspect
that may be true of a large segment of "Klingons" who support this kind of forum.

[Qeytok]

One option may be one I have seen used to prevent spoilers, we have the quote option where this happens..

Quoted text is found here, different font and colors

Now if it's possible to have a button for Either IC (In charecter) or OOC (Out of Charecter), depending which you feel is the less often used (Probably OOC by the sounds of it as many tend to stay in charecter from you comments), Which people can use to define which persona is speaking.

Although a general rules to follow for me will be if it can be taken 2 ways read the nicer, post thoughts, comments not insults, and be generally respectfull. If after that you I feel a thread is having an OOC go at me Lee, then PM the person As me Lee and just aks if I'm taking it right, chances are I'm getting my underwear in a knot for no reason .

Anyway thats my thoughts (Lee)
ATB
Lee with a hint of Qeytok

[Kehlan]

I have to say that whether I post as Kehlan or Charlotte, I do not approve of deliberate rudeness. As a Klingon, Kehlan is more than capable of expressing herself forcefully without making personal attacks (carefully ignores her online batleth fight with a certain furry friend a while back - at least, I hope he doesn't mind me claiming him as a friend).

In or out of character, admittedly, mostly in character, we will continue to post with respect for the people who may be reading it.

Charlotte and Kehlan

[Abbot Nej vIt]

I Dunno... I have myself, and frequently seen others around here (And on most every board which includes a Non SIMM specific area{s}), steeping in and out of Character... Especially once some "Familiarity" is established...

That in particular is where the *****IC/OOC***** or ::::::::RP-On/RP-Off::::::::: Kinds of cues can be very useful...

Also it is (In my less than humble opinion), possible to be Stern, Stoic, even Gruff, without being "Rude"... Distinctions which sometimes require practical experience and a little empathy to recognize... The fact is, questions such as "Is it or Isn't it legitimate Klingon behavior to do ________," is highly subjective. And what is said in and out of RP or Character falls into the same general category.