Welcome to the Star Wars fanfiction board! It's really great to have you. But, you must understand, like everything else in life there's some rules to follow. Now, if you are a member of the Jedi Council Forums, this will be just that much easier for you, because we follow mostly the same rules, just worded differently, because I felt like a cheat when I even contemplated copying and pasting all their hard work.

Just one thing you absolutely must remember, these forums are open to a slightly younger audience. Not by much, but just so you know. Plus, there's bound to be those little kiddies that lie about their age.

In these forums, we allow G and PG rated fics. If you have a mild PG-13 rated fic, feel free to ask one of the Mods if it will be acceptable. But please ask! But how, you may ask, do I know what rating my fic is?

Rating G: This will be sutable for kids. No swearing, no violence, and no sexual references.

Rating PG: Some violence (maiming at the very most, and non-descriptive), no swearing (we don't allow it here, although, you can make up swear words within your story), few subtle innuendos, kissing (non-descriptive), hugs, holding hands.

Rating PG-13: More descriptive violence, death, in universe swearing, kissing (more descriptive), hugs, holding hands, leading up to the act, but we don't allow the act itself.

Rating R: Very descriptive instances of violence and sex, where they are not the focus of the story, strong course language that occurs once or twice.

Rating NC-17: Very descriptive instances of violence and sex (having these as the focus of the story), heavy swearing.

I. Diving in, or Taking the Step Ladder

Well, I'm glad you want to take that step and start posting. Whether you jump write in with a full length novel, or just take the step ladder and post short one-shots, there's some more rules. Yeah, I know, they're everywhere, aren't they?!

Well, like the Jedi Council Forums, we don't allow slash in any form. Yeah, sorry, I know some of you might want to post it, but you'll have to restrain yourselves, and find another site. These forums are for everyone, so vivid torture is not allowed. Non-vivid torture MUST be labeled as such. If there isn't room in the topic subject, post it at the top of your story, and make sure it stands out.

If, for some reason, you've forgotten the rules because you've been here for a while and your memories are growing cobwebs, and you've posted something that may be a little borderline, or needs a label of some sort, you'll be asked to edit it. Or if it's completely inappropriate, a PM will be sent to you outlining what is wrong with the story, and it will be removed. If you have a problem with this, or need some clarification feel free to PM the Mod who sent you the PM, or if you don't feel comfortable approaching them, feel free to PM one of the other Mods.

Unlike the JC boards, the only Earth swear words allowed here are damn and hell. Everything else needs to be starred out eg. ******* ***. Don't be silly and think that a word that when by itself is a swear word, has to be starred out when part of another word. eg. cockpit.

So, you've written your story, and you think you're ready to post. But you think, how are people going to know what my story's about until they read it, that might turn them off. Well, here's a little form that you can put at the top of your story, and go from there.

Title:
Author:
Timeframe:
Characters:
Genre:
Keywords:
Summary:
Rating:
Notes: (Warnings and disclaimer.)


Please visit the Fanfic Resource. It's basically the community for this section of the boards. You can get to know your fellow fanficcers, get tips on writing, exchange plot bunnies, and generally make a nuisance of yourself, which is always fun! But don't spam. There'll be more on what constitutes as spam in the introduction thread over there. But remember, ONLY post stories here. Thanks.

II. Becoming Multi-lingual.

You're probably thinking, What in the world is she talking about? Well, if you've been here for a while, you've probably realised that the people here seem to have their own language. If you're new to fanfic, it can be awfully confusing. But never fear! Here is a quick link to what will probably become your best friend until you become multi-ligual.

III. Surrounded by... Guidelines?!

Yeah, not rules per se, but guidelines to being a liked poster, and a good reader.

1. So this author's written a really awesome story, with really believable characters, but you've never heard of them before. Chances are, the character is an original character that the author made themselves. But you really like this character and want to use them in your story. You have to ask! I know it might sound weird that we don't have to ask George Lucas, but would you want to be asked by millions of fans everyday if they can use your characters? Yeah, I didn't think so. All that matters is, he doesn't sue us, so long as we say we don't own Star Wars. But, unlike someone who has millions of fans, your average fanfiction writer, won't have people constantly emailing them to ask permission. So, guess what? You have to ask. Trust me nine times out of ten, the author will let you use their characters.

2. Don't constantly post in story threads to get them updated. I know if that was happening to me, I'd probably delay updating just to get back at the person doing it. Seriously, though, typing the same thing over and over for one chapter of a fic, or just typing 'UP' (See the thesaurus in the link above), is seen as spamming, and you will be warned.

3. Yeah, don't go shamelessly advertising another site. We had to do that to get you here, don't do it to us! Joking. What I mean, is, don't start a brand new thread that only has a link to another site that contains your story. Please, post your story here. It's slightly easier for your readers. Of course, the site that you link to must conform to the rules that we have here.

4. Some authors want constructive critism, while others don't. I'll encourage any authors that do to say so at the outset of their story. Otherwise, dear readers, just assume that they don't want constructive critism. However, if you believe that someone desperately needs some help, but they haven't posted in their story that they want constructive critism, just send them a friendly PM offering some help. If they still don't want it, don't worry yourself over it.

5. Label spoilers. I can't be any more clear on that one. If a movie or book has been out for about 18 months, just say something like, 'If you haven't seen/read this movie/book, be warned that there will be spoilers for it.' But if the movie, or book has been out for less than that, state, that the story contains spoilers. Make sure it's BIG AND BOLD so people can see it.

6. Readers don't usually like to be threatened with no posts. It's not a good way to get replies, because, chances are, if you aren't getting the replies, there may be few people reading, and not many people will get the threat anyway. Also, don't post threads in Resource begging for readers. That's another form of spam, and will be dealt with accordingly. If you really need readers, you can go to the advertising thread.

7. If you don't like it, don't read it. Don't take it out on the author. That's just mean!

8. The final and most important rule: Have fun and report anything you think violates any of the rules/guidelines.