`` Please register using the character's first and last name using proper capitalization. If the name already exists - perhaps more than one person is vying for the character or you are picking up one where the inactive account hasn't yet been deleted - simply add a period or exclamation mark to the end. If you make a mistake, don't panic, just pop a pm to an admin to get it fixed.

`` Before you post an application (or even before you register) we strongly recommend you take a gander at the topics in our Glossary - especially the Sorting Guide - and the Accident Tracker. If you are picking up a character who was previously played, the Timeline will help you figure out board history.

`` From the day of registration you will have ten (10) days to put up an application. If no application is seen at the end of those ten day then the account will be purged. The only way to avoid that is to PM WLW Admin ahead of time (but at least 24 hours before your deadline expires) to tell us that you need more time. Applications must be put up in their entirety as we do not allow unfinished/WIP apps to be posted.

`` If changes are required of your application you will have three days to make the corrections unless otherwise specified or else the application will be removed. Missing a corrections deadline will negate a reserve if a reservation is still valid. If your application is removed you have one week to PM a member of staff to place it back up for 24 hours otherwise your account will be purged.




`` Please be mindful of the ratios. Every time that there are seven more of one gender, house or blood status a ban will go into place and last until the numbers come closer together. The only characters exempt from such a ban will be listed as "urgent" on the Most Wanted list.

`` In terms of special abilities, students may have the ambition to become animagi, legilimens or occlumens, but as they are students without the level of training or strength needed, they cannot yet have them. No exceptions. Professors may possess a special ability, but it will need to be declared in the character profile - which will be much more closely scrutinized. At this time we are not allowing were-wolves, vampires or others with creature heritage aside from Rubeus Hagrid and Victoire Weasley.

`` Currently all students should be between the 5th and 7th year. Please consult the canon list to see where your original characters can fit in since certain niches may be more filled in than others. With the exception of Teddy Lupin or Victoire Weasley, all Professors/Hogwarts Staff must be over the age of 25 and Heads of Houses over 30. As well we ask that you attempt to keep your playby looking of age with your character. Please note that scene people/myspace/e-famous people are not considered acceptable playbys here.

`` Please keep character histories within the realm of possibility and remember that actions will have consequences. If taking up a sibling of a character already on the site, please respect the overall timeline that they established - that will be considered site canon for that particular family. We also ask that you respect certain triggers in terms of illnesses, disorders or violence. Such elements may be included in an initial application but if it acts as a trigger for someone or it is not felt that the element is being handled with respect, be warned that you may be asked for changes.

`` For number of characters do not take more than you are able to keep active. However none of your characters should come within certain degrees of affinity such as two in the same family (meaning you get only one member of the Potter/Weasley clan), roommates, quidditch teammates, club mates or two characters in the same subplot. Please be aware if the staff feels overlap between a new character and your other established ones your profile may be turned down.

`` To be eligible for a new character your most previous one should have at least two established and ongoing threads. If we feel one of your characters is being ignored, we reserve the right to ask you to drop that character.

`` If you drop a character, that's fine - we will lament the loss of plots and threads - but it will mean you cannot apply for a new one for two weeks because the first magic word is crimson. This is because we would prefer players to be dedicated to their characters and plots and not pick up and drop them, leaving other players hanging. The staff reserve the right to deny an application based on too many drops or reappearances from hiatus/vanishings.



`` WLW has a word count. Many of the members already here are very wordy and would very much prefer not getting back a few lines when they wind up posting something approaching 1000 words. That being said we expect that all posts be at least 400 words or three bulky paragraphs. (A paragraph being defined as at least five sentences.) We do encourage post reciprocation as well, especially if someone spends time and effort delivering an 800+ word post. If push comes to shove, describe what your character is thinking, feeling or if they're fidgeting to help bolster your post. Please also keep threads and applications in the third person, past tense. For "flying notes" or journals you can use whichever tense and point of view you choose. As well, please refrain from using chatspeak in posts and do your best with spelling and grammar.

`` Language and sexual content. Swearing and sex related innuendos/jokes will be allowed, however please be respectful. If your post makes someone uncomfortable (too graphic, too many swear words/crude language) the staff reserve the right to require an edit or delete a post altogether. When it comes to sex between characters we would prefer use of "fade to black," particularly as that complies to IF's terms of service! If you really want to rp out a more mature thread, tag it with [M] or have a member of staff tag it for you for that members not comfortable can avoid it.

`` Please respect the tag system and in group threads try not to leave anyone behind, no matter how excited you get. Conversely, try not to hold up a thread's progression if you are rping with more than one person.



`` Please make at least one post that is not a plotter or request within the first week after your character gets accepted.

`` Please make at least one post per character every month. If five weeks go by and you haven't logged in/posted you run the risk of having your account placed as "Inactive." Those in the Inactive member group will get a pm sent and if nothing is heard back within ten days of that message the character will be reopened and the account purged.

`` Please let us know about any major absences or vacations in the absence forum! Only these posts (or a PM to the staff) will preserve your account.



`` In terms of graphics, please keep the images tasteful and clean in order to avoid offending anyone's sensibilities. As well for the sake loading times, we would prefer that avatars and signatures be gif free. With signatures, please don't stretch the board and since dohtml is enabled for signatures, preview your codes!

`` Be friendly, be respectful and please leave any offsite issues at the door. If you have a problem with someone, solve it through PM or contact an staff member for mediation. Stirring up OOC drama will NOT be tolerated by anyone. This includes the C-box! Harassment of any kind will also not be tolerated and will be dealt with harshly. Respect the staff, respect each other and respect yourselves! That way we can all have a good time here at WLW

`` If you have ideas for an Accident, site event, subplot or general something, please let us know! Ideas help the site prosper and go round. After all we can't fix something if we don't know it's broken!

`` Last but not least, enjoy yourselves and have fun!