A lot of people who are new to SIMing in general and PBEM Role Playing in particular often have questions to ask about the Oberon. But this should contain some really helpful information even for current crewmembers and veteran SIMers. Please take a look at our FAQ section to see if it answers any questions you may have.

If you don't see your question answered here please e-mail the ship's commanding officer, Lt.Cdr Harris at ChrisBarnett_99@Yahoo.Co.uk and he'll answer your question and post it here if it turns out to be common.

Q: I'm curious, just what is this?

A: The USS Oberon is a PBEM (Play By E-Mail) Role Playing Sim. For a complete explanation of what this means and exactly what we do please visit our Overview Page and continue to peruse this FAQ after doing so.

Q: How do I post?

A: Reading and writing good, quality posts is what SIMing is all about. For a complete answer to this question please look at our 'How To Post' Page. Don't worry if you have no previous experience with anything like this. Most people don't when they begin and no matter how skillful a writer you are you'll get better with practice.

Q: This looks interesting. Can I join and how do I do so?

A: Yes, of course you can join! We're always looking for interested new members. To sign up you'll need to create a character and get in contact with the Oberon's Commanding Officer, Lt.Cdr Harris. To learn all the details go to the 'Overview' Page before proceeding. And always feel free to refer other people that you know and think will be interested in joining.

Q: What is Bravo Fleet and how does the Oberon fit into it?

A: Bravo Fleet is a larger organization that the USS Oberon is a part of. Bravo Fleet has no control over the storylines or activities on any ship, they just provide the leadership and infrastructure for the fleet. There are fleet-wide Awards given out each month to recognize excellence on each ship and honor those who participate frequently. Bravo Fleet also allows captains to exhange ideas and advice easily and to organize joint sims. If you'd like more information be certain to visit the Fleet's website: Tast Force Website.

Q: What is the plotline of this SIM?

A: We have no one set storyline. We go on different "missions" which each have their own story, basically like an episode of Star Trek on TV. They can last from a week or so in real time to over a month, it all depends on how we make the story unfold. Each mission is new and exciting and its always interesting to see how the plot develops.

Q: I have a great idea for our next mission, can I start it?

A: It is the job of the Commanding Officer to start all new missions. On the Oberon that means Lt.Cdr Harris. If you have a good idea e-mail him (ChrisBarnett_99@Yahoo.Co.uk) and let him know what it is. He's always open to new suggestions on anything, especially creative, new mission ideas.

Q: I want a promotion, how do I get one?

A: In our SIM rank is indicative of how much a person contributes to the story and the ship overall. Promotions are at the descretion of the Commanding Officer (That's Harris again) who sometimes seeks the input of other crewmembers, especially the Executive Officer. If you want to get promoted here's what you gotta do: Post Often and Post Well! So, in general, bugging the Commanding Officer for a promotion won't work.

Q: What is the maximum fail-safe electro/thermal ratio that the Oberon's back-up secondary impulse thrust generators have been field tested for?

A: 24.9996:1

Q: How often can I post and how often should I?

A: In general, you can post again after three other posts have been sent since your last post. So, if you sent Post #160 you'd have to wait for three posts to be sent (#161, #162, and #163) before you could submit your next addition to the story, Post #164. This is to keep just one or two really active people from taking too much control over the story. This is a collaborative effort that we're all working on together.

As to the second part, you should probably post at least once per week. If only a few people are adding anything to the storyline things get lopsided and uninteresting. The more people who are active the more fun this becomes for all involved. Also, if you want to see your character included more in the action you've got to take the first step by posting and getting yourself noticed.

Q: I'm going on vacation/out-of-town for over a week and won't be able to post. What should I do?

A: Obviously, real life comes before online Star Trek roleplaying. But if you know that you'll be unable to post for more than a week please notify the commanding officer (Yep, that Harris again) via e-mail just to let him know that you won't be posting for a while and will resume activity after you get back. That way it's not assumed that you've quit and your character isn't written out of the story.

Q: Just what is this "Star Trek" you keep talking about?

A: If you really need to ask that question please visit this site.

Q: I'm still not sure if I'll like this. What should I do?

A: You should join! As one faily well known Star Trek character once said, "For everything there is a first time." So if you enjoy Star Trek, reading or writing, and have any spare time, give it a chance. We think you'll have a lot of fun and the more members and diversity we have the better SIMing becomes.

Was your question answered? If not, please e-mail the ship's CO for an answer (and to possibly have the question included in this FAQ). Harris's e-mail address, again, is ChrisBarnett_99@Yahoo.Co.uk. He'd love to hear from you with any queries or suggestions for this FAQ. New members are always welcome!