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YUKIRIN
To get everyone on the same page, it has been agreed that this would be made. Everyone feel free to post your opinions or changes that need to be made.
Starting Out:
Before you go grade an app, set aside at least thirty minutes. It may take people longer or shorter, but the minimum time to grade a 4-1 app probably is 15 minutes IF IT IS PERFECT. If you have to correct AU/Canons and techniques, it can take a great deal longer. Timing is everything. Also be sure you have no distractions. Even if the Chatbox is going, it doesn't matter. Unless you are going to submit a correction should you be chatting or playing.
Quantity:
Now to actually start grading the app. First, open a new tab and keep the App Grading Standards on it the entire time you are grading.
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Also open up another tab and keep the Banned Powers List open unless you have it memorized.
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
We count a paragraph as five sentences or around that. Even though people may make paragraphs less or much more than that count. Because of this, you may want to use a word counter if it's tinier paragraphs or over seven/eight sentences. Small two-sentence paragraphs should be quietly counted against for quality.
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Count up the paragraphs. Because the application is lengthy, here is how we break down the sections.
Appearance: (appearance, style/clothing, tattoos/scars/etc.)
Personality: (personality, likes, dislikes, strengths, fears &weaknesses, ambitions/dreams/goals)
** Anything after personality do NOT have to be sentence or paragraphs per point, although if they do it can be counted on to add personality paragraphs.
History: (Self-explanatory. However, some members may put pieces of their history in their personality. Watch out for this. Another thing to be aware of is length. Don't give someone a high grade because they just have a good, long history and nothing else. But don't give someone a sloppy grade just because their history doesn't have as much quantity as others. Since this is one of the hardest parts in writing an app, they should be praised for reaching the highest minimum quota, but having over 1500 words. Also be on the lookout for canon material. NPCs CAN be used, but Ichigo Kurosaki cannot be the character's mentor or father, etc.)
RP Sample: (This can be new or old, as long as it's there. If from another site, request proof they are who they say they are.)
Overall Quality:
** We will work on quality in a moment. For now, just think of it as a general lack of grammatical and spelling errors. In this field you will also give your tier grade thoughts.
Once you've counted every thing up, write it down on a new reply or an MS Word document. Refer CONSTANTLY to the App Grading standards. We are strict, so if a paragraph is missing in appearance but everything else is there, it doesn't matter. You need to tell them to add in that paragraph or accept the given tier. Please enforce this.
Quality:
Grading quality is harder. It isn't just about grammatical and spelling errors. There are many points to getting 'perfect quality'.
The Points:
- Spelling and Grammar
- A balanced character with flaws and strengths.
- Reality. Is this character real enough to maybe be alive right now? Or is it too exaggerated? Any characters that are through and through cold and reserved, maybe mischievous, or even hyper? Unless they are well-balanced and there are traits which can take them out of this, then the character is not real enough for a very high grade. Be especially strict on realism when it comes to tiers in the Third Level. (3-3, 3-2, and 3-1). If the character is not very real or kind of boring even if the app is worth a 3-2 for example, crank it down one.
- Format. Take format into consideration too. Some people who jumble their paragraphs together and make it look un-neat might not reach the tier that their quantity gives. The entire app should be spaced out, easy to read, and pleasing to the eye. If it isn't, you should bump it down a tier or at least hold it against the grade. This in itself is basically a grammar error.
Techniques and Abilities:
This is the hardest part of grading for some people. You should refer to the Banned Power List constantly. Grading techniques can be a bit more subjective, but it is usually where most members will argue with you. Do NOT let them sway you. If a technique is Over-Powered, it's Over-Powered. Don't let a member talk you into thinking it is not.
Here is what you are looking for and what to ask yourself while grading powers. They are graded on a pass or fail basis, so it shouldn't be too hard. If the power doesn't fit the standards, the app cannot be approved unless the ability/technique is removed or altered.
- Picture yourself roleplaying with this person in a battle. Is the power overbearing or godmode? View yourself roleplaying the char you are grading now. Look at the techniques from all points, including entering the thread, using it in the thread, or leaving the thread. Entering the thread with a complete illusion that no one can see or detect would be god-moding. Deny anything that could be unfair at any time.
- Grade abilities and techniques on if the attack DID hit. But be sure to remind the player that people CAN dodge. If someone says "no one can dodge", make them take it out.
- Instant-kill, mortally-wound, or no-dodge techniques are not allowed.
- Know the difference between an ability and a technique. An ability could be ice manipulation, but a technique of that ability would be creating ice mirrors to confuse the opponent, or maybe coating your body in ice for extra defense. That is the difference. Make sure the members understand that too. The only way someone would not need an ability for their techniques are if the techniques are reiatsu, shunpo, cero, sonido, melee-based, or any 'base' or 'default' ability. Once in a while though, an ability may be more of a technique and would need an Effect Chart. Keep an eye out for these.
- Make sure each technique has a post limit for how long they can use it, and a cooldown until they can use it again. Not all techniques need this, but most do. Make sure they have it, and make sure the numbers are reasonable.
- ALWAYS offer an alternative. If a member cannot use a power, explain why and offer something that they CAN do. This is very important. If a member can freeze the area a mile in front of it and is over-powering, offer something they could do, like minimizing the area to a few yards, etc.
- The rest is subjective. If you think an ability is overpowered even though some member may not, get a reassuring from another staffer. If you think making a whole square mile a burning flameyard isn't okay, tell them that and ask them to fix it. However, if you are unsure, get an opinion from someone else who IS General Staff. This should be it.
The Final Grade:
Nope! Techniques weren't the hardest part. Giving your final tier approval is. This is where you tie everything together. If you are having trouble deciding between two tiers, try going for the lowest one, or post both of them up to vote so the second staffer approving can decide. However, one of the best ways to decide is to look at other apps and compare. Not to which app is better, but look at the quantity, quality, format, realism, and all the like of the other app. If it falls below these I am about to give you, it is not worth that tier. The following are about the minimum to take for the tier.
Tier 5-1: Unless it is obvious the person put absolutely no effort in, should they receive this tier.
Tier 4-3: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Tier 4-2: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Tier 4-1: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Tier 3-3: [Only admins are allowed to see this link] (plus most of the Shinigami apps that have been approved for this.)
Tier 3-2: [Only admins are allowed to see this link] (Not biased, I promise. xD I thought it was worth 3-1, but it was given 3-2 which I see now is fair. Here is another example for those who think I AM biased. [Only admins are allowed to see this link] )
Tier 3-1: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Anything higher than Sekhmet's app should be a 3-1. Examples would be Zyzz, Eden, etc.
That's about it. Staff feel free to continue our discussion here. =]
How to Grade an App
Starting Out:
Before you go grade an app, set aside at least thirty minutes. It may take people longer or shorter, but the minimum time to grade a 4-1 app probably is 15 minutes IF IT IS PERFECT. If you have to correct AU/Canons and techniques, it can take a great deal longer. Timing is everything. Also be sure you have no distractions. Even if the Chatbox is going, it doesn't matter. Unless you are going to submit a correction should you be chatting or playing.
Quantity:
Now to actually start grading the app. First, open a new tab and keep the App Grading Standards on it the entire time you are grading.
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Also open up another tab and keep the Banned Powers List open unless you have it memorized.
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
We count a paragraph as five sentences or around that. Even though people may make paragraphs less or much more than that count. Because of this, you may want to use a word counter if it's tinier paragraphs or over seven/eight sentences. Small two-sentence paragraphs should be quietly counted against for quality.
[Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Count up the paragraphs. Because the application is lengthy, here is how we break down the sections.
Appearance: (appearance, style/clothing, tattoos/scars/etc.)
Personality: (personality, likes, dislikes, strengths, fears &weaknesses, ambitions/dreams/goals)
** Anything after personality do NOT have to be sentence or paragraphs per point, although if they do it can be counted on to add personality paragraphs.
History: (Self-explanatory. However, some members may put pieces of their history in their personality. Watch out for this. Another thing to be aware of is length. Don't give someone a high grade because they just have a good, long history and nothing else. But don't give someone a sloppy grade just because their history doesn't have as much quantity as others. Since this is one of the hardest parts in writing an app, they should be praised for reaching the highest minimum quota, but having over 1500 words. Also be on the lookout for canon material. NPCs CAN be used, but Ichigo Kurosaki cannot be the character's mentor or father, etc.)
RP Sample: (This can be new or old, as long as it's there. If from another site, request proof they are who they say they are.)
Overall Quality:
** We will work on quality in a moment. For now, just think of it as a general lack of grammatical and spelling errors. In this field you will also give your tier grade thoughts.
Once you've counted every thing up, write it down on a new reply or an MS Word document. Refer CONSTANTLY to the App Grading standards. We are strict, so if a paragraph is missing in appearance but everything else is there, it doesn't matter. You need to tell them to add in that paragraph or accept the given tier. Please enforce this.
Quality:
Grading quality is harder. It isn't just about grammatical and spelling errors. There are many points to getting 'perfect quality'.
The Points:
- Spelling and Grammar
- A balanced character with flaws and strengths.
- Reality. Is this character real enough to maybe be alive right now? Or is it too exaggerated? Any characters that are through and through cold and reserved, maybe mischievous, or even hyper? Unless they are well-balanced and there are traits which can take them out of this, then the character is not real enough for a very high grade. Be especially strict on realism when it comes to tiers in the Third Level. (3-3, 3-2, and 3-1). If the character is not very real or kind of boring even if the app is worth a 3-2 for example, crank it down one.
- Format. Take format into consideration too. Some people who jumble their paragraphs together and make it look un-neat might not reach the tier that their quantity gives. The entire app should be spaced out, easy to read, and pleasing to the eye. If it isn't, you should bump it down a tier or at least hold it against the grade. This in itself is basically a grammar error.
Techniques and Abilities:
This is the hardest part of grading for some people. You should refer to the Banned Power List constantly. Grading techniques can be a bit more subjective, but it is usually where most members will argue with you. Do NOT let them sway you. If a technique is Over-Powered, it's Over-Powered. Don't let a member talk you into thinking it is not.
Here is what you are looking for and what to ask yourself while grading powers. They are graded on a pass or fail basis, so it shouldn't be too hard. If the power doesn't fit the standards, the app cannot be approved unless the ability/technique is removed or altered.
- Picture yourself roleplaying with this person in a battle. Is the power overbearing or godmode? View yourself roleplaying the char you are grading now. Look at the techniques from all points, including entering the thread, using it in the thread, or leaving the thread. Entering the thread with a complete illusion that no one can see or detect would be god-moding. Deny anything that could be unfair at any time.
- Grade abilities and techniques on if the attack DID hit. But be sure to remind the player that people CAN dodge. If someone says "no one can dodge", make them take it out.
- Instant-kill, mortally-wound, or no-dodge techniques are not allowed.
- Know the difference between an ability and a technique. An ability could be ice manipulation, but a technique of that ability would be creating ice mirrors to confuse the opponent, or maybe coating your body in ice for extra defense. That is the difference. Make sure the members understand that too. The only way someone would not need an ability for their techniques are if the techniques are reiatsu, shunpo, cero, sonido, melee-based, or any 'base' or 'default' ability. Once in a while though, an ability may be more of a technique and would need an Effect Chart. Keep an eye out for these.
- Make sure each technique has a post limit for how long they can use it, and a cooldown until they can use it again. Not all techniques need this, but most do. Make sure they have it, and make sure the numbers are reasonable.
- ALWAYS offer an alternative. If a member cannot use a power, explain why and offer something that they CAN do. This is very important. If a member can freeze the area a mile in front of it and is over-powering, offer something they could do, like minimizing the area to a few yards, etc.
- The rest is subjective. If you think an ability is overpowered even though some member may not, get a reassuring from another staffer. If you think making a whole square mile a burning flameyard isn't okay, tell them that and ask them to fix it. However, if you are unsure, get an opinion from someone else who IS General Staff. This should be it.
The Final Grade:
Nope! Techniques weren't the hardest part. Giving your final tier approval is. This is where you tie everything together. If you are having trouble deciding between two tiers, try going for the lowest one, or post both of them up to vote so the second staffer approving can decide. However, one of the best ways to decide is to look at other apps and compare. Not to which app is better, but look at the quantity, quality, format, realism, and all the like of the other app. If it falls below these I am about to give you, it is not worth that tier. The following are about the minimum to take for the tier.
Tier 5-1: Unless it is obvious the person put absolutely no effort in, should they receive this tier.
Tier 4-3: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Tier 4-2: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Tier 4-1: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Tier 3-3: [Only admins are allowed to see this link] (plus most of the Shinigami apps that have been approved for this.)
Tier 3-2: [Only admins are allowed to see this link] (Not biased, I promise. xD I thought it was worth 3-1, but it was given 3-2 which I see now is fair. Here is another example for those who think I AM biased. [Only admins are allowed to see this link] )
Tier 3-1: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
Anything higher than Sekhmet's app should be a 3-1. Examples would be Zyzz, Eden, etc.
That's about it. Staff feel free to continue our discussion here. =]
although for cannon, we should make sure that whoever is taking on the role is A. going to be active since they will be needed for the cannon main plot and B. is capable of doing the role justice, I think that's fair, isn't it?
