Announce List/2010
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Jan 12, 2010Virus Warning on UFoP: Starbase 118 Y!groups
Dear members of UFoP: Starbase 118, We have had reports that some players are encountering a computer virus threat when they visit Yahoo groups. This is not happening on every visit and appears to come from one of the adverts that Yahoo groups is running along the top of their group pages. Obviously, we are at risk since all UFoP: Starbase 118's sims are housed on Yahoo groups. I should stress, however, that you are not at risk simply by visiting the Yahoo groups websites. The adverts on the websites are randomly generated and it is not all adverts that are harmful. You should be aware that if you do encounter this problem then it will appear on your screen as follows: Upon visiting a Yahoo group it may attempt to download malware onto your PC. It will do this by popping up a message stating that your computer may be infected and to click OK to download a cleaner. If you encounter this then UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you do ANYTHING with this window!! Instead, hit CTRL+ALT+DEL on your keyboard and highlight the item (usually called "My Computer" or a piece of the message) and choose END TASK. I would urge each of you to update your virus definitions and scan your systems just in case. We have contacted Yahoo about this problem and I'm sure they will resolve it soon. For now I would advise people to read sims either in their e-mail inboxes or via the RSS feeds that post all sims on your ship's websites. These are always located at: name_of_ship.starbase118.net (e.g. eagle.starbase118.net). Likewise, you can post sims via e-mail to sb118-name_of_ship@yahoogroups.com (e.g. sb118-eagle@yahoogroups.com) Once again, I should stress that this risk is coming from Yahoo (a tool which we use) and not from UFoP:Starbase 118 or any of the websites that we have full control over. My apologies for the inconvenience, Rear Admiral Rocar Drawoh UFoP: Starbase 118 Jan 21, 2010Awards Ceremony 2009
Dear Members of UFoP: Starbase 118,
http://www.starbase118.net/members/index.php?action=fullnews&id=565 Competition was tough this year. Warm congratulations to all our winners and a special word of thanks to all members of the fleet that have been working hard to keep their ships active this past year. Rear Admiral Rocar Drawoh On behalf of the Executive Council Apr 18, 2010Do you have any tech expertise? Our website needs help!
Hi everyone! We're needing some help getting our website updated. Specifically, we need to move to a more manageable content system that allows more people to help keep our website up-to-date. Do you have any tech expertise in one of the following areas?:
If you can knowledge in any of these areas, and can help us by volunteering either your time or suggestions, please e-mail Wolf at t.wolf@...!
Jun 19, 2010Your Opinion counts! Starbase118.net Website Overhaul
Dear member of UFoP: Starbase 118, We are currently in the process of giving the www.starbase118.net website a major overhaul. In addition to updating out of date information on some of the webpages, the site will be made more editable (I hope giving you access to edit your own pages for your crew and ship) and there may be changes to architecture and skins etc. We would value your opinion on what kind of website you would like to see our community use in future. To share your thoughts please visit & post a comment at: Do you have any suggestions or requests? What kind of things are lacking that you would like to see? What improvements could be made? What do you like? What would you like changed? What would you like us to keep the same? What do you use it for and would like more of? It may not be possible to include everything but we'll do our best to include your suggested improvements. So... what do you think can be improved? Warmest regards, Tom Rear Admiral Rocar Drawoh UFoP: Starbase 118 Jul 19, 2010Having trouble accessing the forums?
Hi everyone! A few people have mentioned that they're having a hard time logging in to the forums since we did the upgrade. If you cannot log into the forums, please e-mail me at "t.wolf@..." with your forum username, and tell me what error you're encountering. (i.e.- password incorrect, and cannot retrieve it; not able to see any forums once you log in, etc.) I'll get the problem fixed for you ASAP. Thanks!
Jul 30, 2010Does your character have a Twitter account?
Among many other exciting changes coming soon, one of the projects we're working on is branching into social media like Twitter and Facebook. We have some projects in the works, but right now, we're just looking to find anyone in the fleet who has a Twitter account for their character, or a Facebook page! If you do, please e-mail me your page/Twitter account link to t.wolf@...! I look forward to seeing them soon! :) Aug 3, 2010A new era for UFOP: SB118
Hi everyone! I wanted to talk with you a little about some changes that we're making in the staff department, to help things run smoother around here. First, I want to apologize for being so out of touch in the past year and a half. Thank you to all those people who worked under difficult circumstances to make sure that things kept moving, including Rocar Drawoh, who handled a lot of general administration; Sidney Riley and Toni Turner, who kept our training and personnel departments hustling; Idril Mar, who also did a great deal of Executive Council administrative work and was instrumental in keeping the Ithassa region plots moving; and everyone else who dedicated time and effort to ensure our continued success. Meanwhile, a lot of things have changed for me (no job, for the moment!), and I am dedicating myself to working for the betterment of this community, to ensure that we remain the best RPG on the internet today. I'm sure you will all be happy to hear that our website is on track for a complete upgrade in the coming weeks. As Rocar mentioned a few months back on this e-mail list, we've begun a project to overhaul the site, give it a fresh new look, and most importantly, run much of the site on WordPress, a well-known blogging and Content Management software that's very user-friendly. The new system will allow many more members of our staff to assist in updating the site, so that out-of-date pages are rare. Some of you may already be familiar with WordPress either from personal blogging, or working with our vessel websites. More information will be presented in the coming weeks about this changeover. Next, regarding how our group handles promotions into the staff positions. I realize that there has been some frustration with this process, because of the influx of command exams with a smaller number of people who are able to grade them. The Captains Council has formed a working-group to overhaul and modernize the Commander and Captains exam process. We'll be moving the test themselves onto an enterprise-level distance/internet learning software called Moodle, used in universities across the world. The system will create a more comprehensive educational experience for Lieutenant Commanders and Commanders, to ensure that everyone who commands a ship is fully versed on all the details of not only how to get things done in this group, but how to best facilitate a ship of Star Trek simmers. The system will also take much of the stress out of proctoring exams, to ensure that the grading process finishes faster, and without so much difficulty. So, if you're on track for command, you'll be happy to know that within a few months that system will be much smoother. In regard to some council changes: because of recent retirements among our longest-standing members, I am invoking a clause in the Constitution that allows us to be a little more flexible with how we handle administrative issues. Called the "Federation Command Authority," this clause allows us to move much of our work to the Captains Council until a fully-formed Executive Council can come together again. We will move quicker on procedural items, and institute positive change across the organization. As we expand to a few more ships in the coming year, it will be easier to move deserving staff members onto the Executive Council and return to normal operation. But until then, we'll benefit from the ability to work with the collected wisdom on the Captains Council. Now I'd like to ask for some help. Our group is really in desperate need of all the talent stored in the heads of our faithful and loyal members. At one time, our forums were a cacophony of discussion, our training team was bursting at the seams, and a dozen teams -- Publicity! Podcasts! Community News! Guilds! Duty Posts! Wiki Gnomes! -- were busy at work creating content and brainstorming new ways to get out there and conquer the world of PBEM RPGs. We need that enthusiasm back! EVERYONE, of ANY rank, is welcome (and needed!) in any of our many teams and activities. Check out this link to a thread on the forums, with a quick list of all the places in our community that are looking for motivated and enthusiastic members like YOU:
So finally, let me "re-open" the door to my virtual office. I'm back, and I'm here to help. From Ensign to Admiral, I want to listen, answer questions, point you in the right direction, make things easier, and be your resource. E-mail me directly at t.wolf@... or drop me a line on Instant Messenger with questions: AIM: FleetAdmiralWolf YIM: wolf530 Google: fltadml.wolf Thank you for being a part of an enduring internet community of impeccable creativity. We're now into our 15th year of continuous operation, and I look forward to another 15 years of glorious Star Trek simming! Aug 7, 2010Our diverse community
Members, I want to speak with you about the diversity of our community. It has come to my attention that, sometime over the past 18 months, some members of our organization have been asked to avoid playing characters who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, because it may offend the religious beliefs of other members of our group. This is wrong, and it's not the way we operate in this organization. I apologize sincerely to those who were hurt by these actions. While our community only has jurisdiction over the mediums that pass through our servers or are under our control (Yahoo! Groups, forums, @ starbase118.net e-mail addresses, the wiki, etc.), by giving rank and status to certain members of our organization we inevitably endow them as representatives of this group. All representatives of this group are expected to treat other members of this community with respect, and follow the ethical standards of our shared group Constitution. Those members of this organization who do not adhere to our standards and ethics will not, and should not, hold sway or power within our community, even if they transgress in mediums beyond our control. It has always been my firm belief that this organization be held to the highest standards of openness, diversity, and mutual understanding. Because we are an international community, we have (or have had) members from dozens of countries around the world, of many different national origins or ethnicity, skin-colors, religions, gender, sexual orientations, and personal beliefs. These personal beliefs are sometimes in contrast or conflict of those of other members. Despite that fact, it is critical to the success of our organization that we embrace our differences and learn from others. While we may not necessarily condone the actions or beliefs of others, so long as our fellow members are not hurting, defaming, or seeking to disrupt the lives of others -- using our best judgment and common sense as a guide -- we must find ways to sim together without casting judgment or seeking to silence other people. It is through this communal participation, acceptance, and welcoming of our diverse viewpoints that we can continue to build an international community that builds bridges, and upholds the values of Star Trek. Unfortunately, this will be too difficult for some of our members to accept, and as a result, they make seek to depart our community. Such departures will sadly occur in the spirit of lost opportunities and an unwillingness to learn from each other. While we never wish to see anyone leave our group, this community cannot stand for intolerance, bigotry, or a belief that one's own moral structure is so superior to another person's, that we cannot even participate in this game together. Standing for such short-sightedness and intolerance would shame and belittle the very vision on which this community was built. If, going forward, you encounter a situation in which you believe that the spirit of our community is being undermined by intolerance, or simming is being restricted by one person's particular set of moral values against the values stated in our Constitution, please contact me immediately so that I may seek a suitable resolution to the situation. And again, if you have been in this situation previously, please accept my sincerest apologies. As a reminder, LGBT members of our community have a place to meet each other and discuss simming in the Lambda Alliance area of our forums: http://www.starbase118.net/forums/index.php?/forum/182-lambda-alliance/ Thank you for your continued participation in this community. I look forward to many more years of simming, friends! Sep 18, 2010Website down for upgrading
Hi everyone, Just a quick note: we're preparing to launch a new version of our website. You may have trouble accessing some parts of the site until further notice. We will send an e-mail to this list when the update is complete. The forums and wiki will not be affected. Sep 18, 2010Re: Website down for upgrading
Some last minute concerns about a few of the features on the site just popped up, and it looks like the launch will be delayed by a few days. My apologies - more information once it becomes available. Sep 19, 2010Reminder about e-mail security
We've noticed a lot of instances lately where people's e-mail accounts have been compromised by hackers, resulting in spam being sent to our community's e-mail lists. Please be on the look-out for suspicious e-mails that contain a single link, without any identifying information or context, and do NOT click on them. ONLY click on links from members in this group when you are aware of the context for the link, and the reason why you would be visiting it. Moreover, it is critical to your computer security that you use a modern browser. A modern browser that is frequently updated by the program writers will help protect you from suspicious links, by automatically detecting malicious code and stopping you from viewing those sites. If you are using a version of your browser that has not been updated in over a year (for example: Internet Explorer 6), you are at risk for a security breach that could result in your personal information being stolen. You can check which browser you are using by opening your browser and clicking "Help" and look for something like "Version" or "About". The most recent versions of modern browsers are as follows:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx)
Oct 7, 2010Forums error
Hello everyone, Just a quick note that we are aware of the forum error you are receiving. We have submitted a "Critical" support request to the company that created our forum software, and they will be looking into it ASAP. I will e-mail this list once the problem has been resolved. Thank you for your patience!
Nov 15, 2010Awards Nomination Period Open!
The nomination period for the 2010 Awards Ceremony is now open! Please head immediately to the nomination form, where you'll find a place to nominate your fellow crew and staff, and links to more information about the awards: http://www.starbase118.net/members/forms/awards/ If you need any help with the nomination process, feel free to ask your First Officer, Captain, or fellow crewmates who were here last year. The nomination period closes on Sunday, December 5th at 11:59pm Pacific Time, so be sure to get those nominations in soon! Captain Sidney Riley Commanding Officer USS Independence-A UFOP: SB-118 EC Commandant Training Academy UFOP: SB-118 Nov 23, 2010Preparing for the site re-launch
Hi everyone, We're giving another go at launching the new version of the website. You may have trouble accessing some parts of the site until further notice. The forums and wiki will not be affected. We will send an e-mail to this list when the update is complete.
Nov 24, 2010Our new website has launched!
Well, that went better than expected; the new site has come online successfully! We are aware that some areas of the site are not online, or that there may be some bugs. Nonetheless, the vast majority of the site is working. Please note the following: 1. Vessel websites will be moved onto this system in the coming days. Their URLs will change (i.e.- "http://eagle.starbase118.net" -> "http://www.starbase118.net/eagle"), and you will need to use your new login information to access the admin panels. However, the content and appearances of these sites will remain the same. 2. In the next few minutes, you'll be receiving an e-mail from the WordPress system, notifying you of your login information to the new site. PLEASE save this information, as you will use it to log in to your vessel's website, AND it will allow you to create a character blog on the new website! (more information about this new feature coming in the next few days!) 3. If you do not receive an e-mail from the WordPress system, please go to the following URL and see if your information is on this spreadsheet: http://go.starbase118.net/ykvvp -- If your information is not on that spreadsheet, please e-mail me directly at t.wolf@... with your full character name, vessel you serve on, rank, and duty post. (If your name IS on that spreadsheet, please check your junk/spam folder to make sure your login information didn't end up there!) 4. If there is content which was on the old website, but which you can now no longer find, please let me know at the following link on the forums: http://go.starbase118.net/ltycs 5. We are aware that the UPDS system is not functioning completely, and hope to have this resolved ASAP. However, you can find the complete rosters available at the following URL: http://www.starbase118.net/personnel/ 6. If you find an error, mistake, or general issue, please e-mail me directly at t.wolf@... Let me know what page you were trying to access, and what the problem is. 7. Have general feedback (good or bad)? Let us know, at the following link on the forums! http://go.starbase118.net/evtim Thank you, everyone, for your patience during this (four month?) process. We appreciate your continued support and hope that this new site will help draw more members to our group. I look forward to hearing your feedback, as well!
Nov 25, 2010Awards 2010: new award, new form location!
s a follow-up to yesterday's launch of the new website, we've completely transitioned the Awards area onto the wiki, and moved the nomination form to the new site. You'll need to use the links below to reference award information and submit nominations for 2010 awards:
ALSO! There's a new award that has just been voted-on by the Captains Council! It's called the "Boothby Award" for trainers who go above and beyond their Academy Training Requirements. These trainers display an outstanding example of dedication to bringing new cadets to our community. It's on the new form, and ready for nomination. REMEMBER! The award nomination period for 2010 ends on Sunday, December 5th at 11:59pm Pacific Time. ANYONE can nominate ANYONE ELSE for an award! Help recognize those folks on your crew who are doing great work, by nominating them for an award! Start working on your nominations now, so as not to end up rushing at the deadline. Questions or comments about the 2010 ceremony? Head to the forums at the link below and start a new thread! http://go.starbase118.net/awards-forum
Nov 29, 2010Various website announcements - UPDS back online!
Just wanted to follow-up on last week's exciting announcement about the new website to give you some good news. The "UFOP Personnel Database System" (UPDS) is back online, thanks to the efforts of Victory's Kevin Breeman, who (through some serious web wizardry) was able to fix that area of the site without me having to spend another week updating HTML files! You can access the newly-repaired UPDS at http://go.starbase118.net/upds While you're there, be sure to update your profile! This is the PRIMARY RESOURCE that the staff uses to check when you were last promoted, for example, so if you'll want to make sure you're helping to keep that information up-to-date.
1. Check it out daily on the members page of the site: http://www.starbase118.net/members 2. Subscribe to the news and get it via e-mail whenever it's updated: http://go.starbase118.net/rss2email 3. Subscribe to the news via RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/ufopsb118 4. Browse the forums daily (http://www.starbase118.net/forums) - the Community News forum updates automatically with headlines and links to each article
1. Main site: log in to Facebook. Then, log in to our main website at http://www.starbase118.net/wp-admin with the user name and password you received a few days ago. Click on your user name near the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You'll see a big button about half-way down the page, giving you the option to connect this account with Facebook. Once you've authorized the connection, you'll be able to log in to the site using the "Log in using Facebook" button on the main site log in page from here-on-out. 2. Forums: log in to our forums at http://www.starbase118.net/forums with your normal user name and password. Click on your user name drop-down near the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Select "My Profile" option. On the left-hand side menu, click on "Manage Facebook Connect." Once you've authorized the connection, you'll be able to log in to the forums using the "Log in using Facebook" button.
Twitter is located off-site and has no relation to our web hosting, so you'll be able to access it even when our site isn't responding. If you check the Twitter page, and there's no note about the site being down, please wait 30 minutes and check again. Often, outages are shorter than 15 minutes. If the site still isn't up, and there's nothing on our Twitter page, go ahead and e-mail me to let me know we need to check on something.
Dec 5, 2010New signage for expressing telepathy in sim
Hello everyone! It has come to our attention that, as Yahoo! Groups implements a new look for their website, our way of expressing telepathy in the "less-than" and "greater-than" symbols <<these>> will not show up on the site, due to a new way they are parsing their coding. The Captains Council has decided that the next best way to express telepathy is using the tilde symbol. You will probably find it on your keyboard to the left of the 1 key. Here's what it looks like: ~ So, in sim, telepathy would appear like so: WOLF: ~ Stay out of my head! ~ Personal thoughts still work in oO these Oo symbols. Please make the change going forward, so that we can continue to have access to full sims on the Yahoo! Groups website in the future! Dec 16, 2010Final Round of Top Sims Contest: just 2 sims to read and vote on!
Hope everyone's doing well this holiday season! I wanted to drop a quick reminder on everyone that we're at our final round of the Top Sims Contest, and there are just two sims to read and vote on. You can find the poll, and links to both sims in the following thread: http://www.starbase118.net/forums/index.php?/topic/5333-final-round-of-2010/ Take a read of both, and decide which one deserves the title of Top Sim of 2010! |
