Sim image

Your Sim's Image

Your sim's image and reputation is something that will be mostly dependent on you as the CO. Ask yourself what kind of image you want to project about your sim. Most likely that it's fun, friendly and is a quality sim. But how do you show that?

What affects the image and reputation of your sim?

• Advertising
• Website
• Players
• You

How (if) you advertise shows the general simming public what your sim is like. What you say and how you say it will speak volumes to people who don't yet know you or your sim. Does the ad and therefore the sim sound interesting? Consider your word choice, does your ad call to action or is it looking a bit submissive? Are there any typos? Have you used words in full or have you used acronyms that not everyone will understand? Yes, people will look at the quality of your writing as it indicates to them the quality of your sim. You are the example here, make sure you're a good one by proofreading.

Websites are a major selling point to prospective players. What do you look for when you visit a new sim's site? Prospective players will look at a variety of different things and not all of them are looking for the same thing. Heck some of them just want an XO or department head position (don't worry about these ones too much for the moment). What you might want to pay attention to on your site though are typos and spelling mistakes, on every page (even bios). If you're not confident in your proofreading skills then ask your XO or someone else to do it. Or just copy and paste the text into word and use their spelling and grammar check.

Your ad might have piqued attention but you want to keep it when they reach your site. They're looking for more information about your sim. Don't disappoint them. Provide it. On your main page you should succinctly explain your sim. Two short paragraphs is usually ideal. If they're still interested then they will delve further into the site.

The discerning applicant will look at the crew manifest and bios, in particular the CO's bio. Do not disappoint them here. Remember, you are setting an example of what you want to see in their application.

They will also want to see the posting archive, the activity and quality of posts. Encourage players to proofread before hitting that send button. It doesn't hurt to do the same yourself, leading by example is a great means of encouragement. Walk the walk so to speak. Everyone will have different preferences on activity, so don't worry about this, that's out of your control.

For heaven's sake, if you post news items on your site make sure you do so regularly. The more up to date these are the more active your sim and community appears to be.

Here's something people don't always consider. When writing rules for your sim try to make them to the point and matter-of-fact. I've seen some sites where they almost accuse the reader of being a bad player, lots of negatives were used and it doesn't exactly instill the idea of a fun and friendly atmosphere. Try to take that edge off. But don't come across as a pushover either. It's a fine line, but I'm sure you'll find something suitable. That goes for all content on your site. Negatives and warnings are a great way to put people off.

You might be wondering how players affect the image of your sim. Well they do. After all they make the sim what it is. Find ways to keep them happy and interacting and not only will your sim become a community but they'll be singing you and your sim's praises to everyone they know. Word of mouth advertising is awesome.

Another thing about players is that like you they come with their own reputation as well. And while a lot of people have good reputations, there are some that have bad reputations. If you are familiar with that reputation then you might need to consider this before you accept them onto your sim. Sadly their reputation may well affect whether some other people join your sim. As CO who you accept onto your sim is completely up to you though. I'm not going to tell you to say no to the person with the spectacular application just because you heard he likes to write graphic sex posts. It's possible that this reputation is incorrect or that this problem can be sorted out in another way. Your call.

Finally, you. Whether you like it or not, you are the face of your sim. What you do or don't do on your sim (news items, OOC chatter, etc), in IRC, IM, on Skype, the forums, in your ads, elsewhere on the internet, will affect not only your image, but that of your sim's. Think about that. If you say something snarky on the Task Force forums and a prospective applicant sees it and disagrees with it... well you might have just lost that prospective player. The reputation you have gained online will follow you to your sim. Consider your actions and what you say wisely. As a CO you are expected to be an experienced player, a quality writer and your example will be followed and watched by more people than you realise. Remember, what you say on the internet, stays on the internet. Forever.

And that's about it. Hopefully it wasn't too much doom and gloom. I hope that you've come out of this with some things to ponder. There are more things which will affect your sim's image and reputation but these are the main ones. Ones that are all within your power to control.

Now I better proofread this before I post it... *attempts to walk the walk*