Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the forum's purpose?
- What is appropriate etiquette?
- What is inappropriate etiquette?
- What are appropriate topics?
- What are inappropriate topics?
- I am concerned about a certain thread or poster, what should I do?
- How do I get a custom title?
- What are Monte's views on Open Gaming Content?
- I have a business question related to one of Monte's products, Malhavoc Press, or other business-related inquiry. How do I contact Monte directly?
- "Can I advertise my (or someone else's) product on this forum?"
What is the forum's purpose?
"Okay, Your Turn..." was founded by Monte Cook in 2001 to exchange ideas with fans of the just-launched 3rd
Edition of Dungeons and Dragons game. Since then, it has developed into one of the most respected forums for discussing all aspects of the world's most
popular fantasy role-playing game as well as such critically-lauded and award-winning products as Arcana Evolved, Iron Heroes, and Monte's deluxe campaign setting
Ptolus. The site is now administered by Tom Lommel (aka
Thrommel) If you have a question about gaming, our goal is to provide a thoughtful,
creative answer.
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What is appropriate etiquette?
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming, level-headed haven in the stormy soup of the internet. As such:
1. Be nice. This means no name-calling, no insulting other posters.
2. Be helpful. This forum is about gaming, there is no officially regulated way to have fun. If you disagree with someone, that is not a reason to shout them down or dogpile on their opinion to prove how "wrong" they are. Chances are, if you are cutting down someone's idea instead of helping them expand and improve it, you're not being a helpful contributor to our community. If their ideas are so different from yours you have nothing positive to add, the best course of action is to just accept that and let it go.
3. Only post once. The site receives steady traffic and attention,
please do not spam the forums with multiple posts on the same topic. If you feel the need to "bump" a topic, stop and ask yourself if there's a
different, simpler way to ask your question.
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What is inappropriate etiquette?
We receive visitors from all over the world, in all age ranges. Excessively coarse language, rude and disrespectful behavior are just a couple examples of
things that will jeopardize your membership in our community. Don't be a jerk.
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What are appropriate topics?
The main focus of this forum is fantasy role-playing games and geek-related culture -- comic books, science fiction, miniatures, etc. Most off-topic posts fall
into the Gamer's Lounge. Note that the forums are not here
for personal communication directed at Monte (business questions, convention requests, permission to use content, etc.) These types of issues should be
channeled through e-mail. See below for information on contacting Monte directly.
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What are inappropriate topics?
While we do have the occasional interesting off-topic discussion, a few subjects are absolutely off-limits and may be
subject to immediate deletion. We will not tolerate posts that are pornographic, racially or sexually
discriminatory, or politically/religiously inflammatory. In addition, this is not a forum for the discussion of pirating movies, music, or electronic versions
of gaming products. The only advertising allowed is gaming-related and that's within specific limits outlined later in the FAQ.
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I am concerned about a certain thread or poster, what should I do?
Report your concern to one of our moderators via PM or email and we will decide how to deal with the situation. The current moderators are Pevishan, Thrommel,
Varianor, and Wiz of Ice.
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How do I get a custom title?
Usually about once a year, we have a 'pledge drive' to support the operating expenses of the site. Contributors receive a custom title of their
choosing. Other titles are determined by careful astrological consultation with extraplanar cthuloid deities.
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What are Monte's views on Open Gaming Content?
Here's my thoughts on open material. If you're looking through anyone's legal statement in their d20 book to see what material you can use, stop and do two other things first.1. Go to www.opengamingfoundation.org. Read about how it all works. Open content is not "free" content--there are rules for how it can and cannot be used.
2. Contact the publisher in question via email. Tell them what you want to do and what material of theirs you would like to use in your product. Not only will they have a good idea already of what is and is not open, but they are in a position to grant you the right to reuse material even if it is not open. Also, do not assume that if you are posting content for free on a web site as a 'public service' that you do not have to ask permission. At a minimum that's impolite and at worst it may be illegal.
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I have a business question related to one of Monte's products, Malhavoc Press, or other business-related inquiry. How do I
contact Monte directly?
Any requests for convention appearances, business queries, legal questions about Malhavoc Press intellectual property, or other personal communication with
Monte should be conducted strictly via e-mail. To do so, simply solve the Riddle of the Spambusters -- email: Monte's first name [AT] Monte's firstname lastname .COM Please do NOT use
yuku private messaging, Facebook, Livejournal, Livejournal comments or means other than email to contact Monte.
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Can I advertise my (or someone else's) product?
Promotions for game-related products should be posted in the Other Companies' Products forum only. All other advertising will be deleted. Exceptions may be
granted by Thrommel on a case-by-case basis.
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