x.How To....x

[``Constantine]

[glow=red,2,300]If you already know how to make a relationship thread, then don't bother to read this; if you have no idea what I'm talking about, then forge on![/glow]

So, you've joined NIGHT LIFE, and have created a character, maybe started a few role plays. You then decide to poke around the forum, and lo, you discover this board, entitled 'Relationships'. Needless to say, brimming with curiousity, you decide to further explore, and you encounter something odd and unknown.
A Relationship thread is a thread that serves as a sort of guideline for your characters relationships with others (an lo! The reason for the name is revealed!). Whether it's friends and enimies, lovers or family, that you're looking for, there's always something to be had. One of the most fun aspects of doing relationship threads is to decorate them! You might make your categories different colors or make them to the right or left of your thread. You might pepper the threads with pictures of your character, have quotes, or even compose a little poetry about said character! All organized to your preference.
Because a relationship thread is for a members character, the member has full control on who is accepted, and who isn't. Please don't go complaining to an admin.

How to get started:
I. Title: Most everything starts out with a title of some sort, and so should this; Most people want it to be flashy and attention-grabbing, something that catches the eye - and indeed most others prefer something of that sort - rather than simply the name of a character. (For example: I would write something like Master of the City rather than just plain Constantine). Usually the title has something to do with the character, be it a description of thoughts, feelings, rank, or physical attribute, but sometimes it might be something to do with the member, or something else entirely.

II. Categories: Once you have a title, you need to put something else underneath it: the relationships! Often times, people want to have a whole bunch of different relationships, and need to ogranize them in some way. That's where categories come in! My recomendation would be to have at least three of them (Friends, Enemies, & Lovers), but more can always be added! In fact, many people like to add the category 'Family';; if you wish, you can change the names of these, but the new names should have that general idea, so as to not confuse others.

III. Verses: After you get your categories down pat, you need one more thing: that's right, you need the actual relationships. Most people put in lyrics of songs, lines from poems, quotes, or just make them up themselves. But whatever you do, you should make sure that the chosen verse goes with the chosen relationship (ie: you would NOT put "I hope you had the time of your life ~ Enemies"// something you might say would be "Always look on the light side of life ~ Best/Close friends").
In short, to write up a relationship, you put a verse (Lyric, stanza, quote, etc.,) and then you put a relationship (father, mother-figure, acquaintance, best/close friend, mortal-foe, crush, falling);; you can have as many as you want, and may fance it up however you wish.
``If you are having trouble understanding this, then look at the thread which I posted for Constantine. If you still are having trouble, then PM me.


IV. Form: After you get your verses and relationships mapped out, you'll want people to come and fill them in! However, they cannot do this until they have a form that can be used a request one or more relationships. Your form is up to you, but most people have something similar to this:

200x200 avatar of character:
Character Name:
Character Age:
Character Allegience:
Relationship(s) desired:
Reason Why:
IC Thoughts:
Future Relationship(s):

Often times, people will start a new post, and then add the form. A lot of people also choose to put in rules. They might also add things such as "she really likes macho guys" or "If it is a romantice relationship, I will not go beyond kissing" - Really, it's up to the users descretion what they will and won't do, and it helps to illuminate before hand.

V. Accepting: Once someone posts in your relationship thread, you may either post "accepted" or "declined" (or something along those lines). If you have chosen to accept the request, you must then add that member to your member list.
When a relationship which only requires one person to fill it is taken, strike it out (for example once "True Love" has been requested, then put a line through it. If someone has requested "Aquaintance", don't strike it through, as you can have more then one aquaintence).

VI. Member Lists: So, someone has requested a relationship with your character, and you have accepted that request;; now you need somewhere to place the accepted character. Most people will make a post right underneath the Relationship post, and the Rule/Form post;; it'll have two things: a section for male relationships, and female relationships. Often, they'll have catchy names, like "Gentlemen" & "Ladies", or "le Hombres" & "la Mujers";; something to indicate both genders.
Depending on what sort of information you requested, the info you put in there will vary from a little to a lot. (See Constantine's for help)

VII. Now What?: So, you've either accepted a relationship or been accepted. Is there anything more to do now, or was it all for naught? Nope! After you've gotten your relationships accepted, you and the others can go to the PLOTS, PLANS & SCHEMES and discuss exactly how you want your relationships to unravel; if you'd rather that no one beside yourselves know what's going on, then you can PM each other;; or if you really don't care/love surprises, you can plunge ahead and start role playing with out a plan. It's all up to you.

A Reminder for All: No, I did not just make this up on some random impulse; this is actually something that most top-sites are doing [gee, I wonder how they got that way?]. It would probably be for your benefit if you learned how to do this, so that if you ever came across another forum that practiced this, you'll know what to do. If you have any questions, please view Constantine's thread, or PM Constantine.
If you have trouble coming up with verses, categories, titles or relationships, please do not PM an admin. If you must, ask one of your friends, or browse through the other relationships until you obtain an idea.
Do not copy anyone else's relationship thread. It's rude, wrong, and it shows, just how low down you are.

Thank You, and Have Fun!