Policy Discussion

[singularitymods.livejournal.com]

Some of Singularity's players have questions about the game policies on AU character applications. This post has been put up to allow players to approach the staff to ask questions, offer suggestions, and voice concerns regarding those policies. The moderators are also available via IM/PM [contact information] if any player does not feel comfortable discussing their concerns in public.

As of the end of this application round (August 15th), AU applications will be closed until this matter can be resolved. This ban on AU apps does not apply to the exceptions listed in the AU policies (malleable protagonists and canon AUs).

Comments

[littlest-xman.livejournal.com]

It can be OOC simply for canonmates to not interact, though. For example, if an AU version of John Connor apped, no matter what the change was, it would be very OOC for Sarah Connor to ignore him - whether I as her player was comfortable with the AU or not. Avoiding interaction between canonmates can work in some instances, in the same way that someone can app two canonmates and have them never interact. But if the characters are related or otherwise have close relationships in canon, simply avoiding each other in game sometimes really isn't an option.

I disagree that the comfort of existing players shouldn't be a factor - even, in some cases, a deciding one - in which AUs are accepted. There is a precedent for player comfort being taken into account when looking at dark or controversial apps in Sing, and while I don't think apps should be policed, per say, or that canonmates should always have veto power over what new apps are accepted, I'm also kind of uncomfortable with the idea that any AU should be accepted as long as it's well written enough. I don't think there's anything wrong with the comfort of the existing playerbase, and the feasibility of character interactions once in the game, being considered when looking at apps.

...I'm also not sure why anyone would want to app an AU that made canonmates so uncomfortable/were so radically different than what they could cope with that the muns had to agree to avoid interaction IC. I don't really see the point of apping into a cast that you can't play with.