So, you're new to the SoS?

Well, welcome and come on down! We just have a few guidelines that may help you. :)

If you haven't noticed already, the boards can be extremely quick-paced and quite insane. Plexiglass walls? Rafters? Chocolate lakes? What is this madness?!

At first, the SoS may seem intimidating. But, don't worry! That's perfectly normal. (whatever normal means in the SoS xD)

Introduction

SoS is short for Shenkuu Official Supporters. We are a chat group, made up of Neopians who banded together during the ACII! Most of us were Shenkuu Supporters then, but everyone has always been welcomed to join, regardless of team option. (:

SoSers are characteristically known for being crazy, random, and often injury-prone! xD But, don't be scared!

SoS doesn't have an official leader. Some older members, called "the regulars," take care of the board, guild, and the various petpages. (like this one!) Of course, everyone is considered to be equally important.

And, in case you are wondering... all the important decisions are taken after being properly discussed and voted among the members. ^-^ Yes, we are an organized anarchy! ;D

This page will contain the most 'rules' you will ever see on the SoS! While this may seem like a brain overload, hopefully, you'll be able to learn and feel more comfortable on the boards. :)

Links

Below are some pages you should check out before you leave. ;) They are essential in reading to better understand the SoS.

We will not read them for you. If you keep asking questions about content on those pages, be prepared to be fish slapped. ;D


Main Page -- This page is appropriately named. :) Here, you will find the central and most 'official' SoS page, as well as important news updates!

Guild -- While SoSers are usually on the boards, sometimes we post important announcements... or just funny polls on here. Check it out if you have a free account!

Supporter List -- As customary, we have kept a Shenkuu supporter list since the ACII! Is your name on it yet? ;D

Board Titles List -- Board titles are an important part of the SoS boards! Each new board has a unique name and adds to our history each day. Take a stroll through memory lane, or take a look at some quirky and fun titles we've used before!

Page Pwn Guide -- Making a new board may sound terrifying! But, never fear, the page pwn guide is here! :D


~♥~

Adoption Agency -- Established mostly in part to many lab-crazed SoSers (coughcough), the agency has grown to include many pets at a time! Perhaps, look and see if your dream pet is there... or list any pets up-for-adoption as well!

Pet Lends -- Ah, if you're an avid avatar collector, we're more than happy to help! However, keep in mind that our pet lends are restricted to regulars, or older SoSers, and will only be lent to people at the discretion of the pets' owners.

Support Page -- This is a random page that follows its name, as well. Need a font? Banner? Everything SK is here!

~♥~

Get to Know the SoS! -- This page is still under construction.. :~ But be sure to check it out! It'll help you get to know both newbies and regs. :)

Regulars -- Ever wanted to know who our current regulars are? Click and see. :) If you have any questions about the SoS, feel free to mail us!

Random Facts -- This page contains everything you didn't know about the SoS. B) And perhaps some things you didn't want to know... :K

SoS Content -- Over the years, the SoS has grown a lot! Take a look at the many things lurking about in the boards. ;o

SoS Armies -- Ahem. If the SoS wanted to, we could take over Neopia with our pets...

Chibi SoSers -- Aww, this is an old page that holds many cute chibi drawings of SoS regs! :)

The Boards

Getting Adjusted

All the regulars were once newbies before. In fact, it has taken us over two years to cultivate such close friendships and family ties. Yes, we didn't become this close in a month.

As much as you want to jump in immediately, we're afraid that life doesn't work that way. Please do not act as if everyone is your best friend right off the bat. It takes time to win our respect… not just a month.

As a group, the SoS has gone through many hard and good times. To better understand our past, we highly recommend you read the many SoS pages created for your viewing pleasure. Yes, for you!

Am I being ignored?

Now, if people do not immediately respond to your posts, do not fret! It takes time to get to know new people. Also, we might be busy or too distracted with other things! Remember, SoSers multitask all the time. ^.^ If you pop in frequently enough, we will recognize your username and will most likely reply more.

Also, as we mentioned earlier, the boards move fairly quickly. Sad to say, we do sometimes miss people's posts. No one is ignoring you on purpose! Sometimes, even regulars can't keep up with the massive amounts of posts!

I want to make a board! 8D

Well, you'll need to get acquainted with the page pwn rules.

A Quick Run-Down:
During the AC season, whoever pwns (posts first) on page 23, gets to make the new board. During off-season, when it's slower, the pwn is on page 24.

You will need to follow a set format when creating the board. This is where the above petpage comes in handy. ;)

However, please avoid spamming for the pwn! This would include things like:
- PAGE PWN PAGE PWN PAGE PWN
- HIHIHIHI
- OMG DID I PWNN?!
- I WANT TO MAKE THE NEW BOARDDDD!!1!!!
- etc.

Of course, sometimes these posts come out naturally... but we can tell when you spam on purpose. ;)

We all know that making your first board is exciting and such, but you must not pwn unfairly! :)

We have a right to take the pwn and pass it if your post is deemed to be spam among the majority of the people present. So, play nicely, and everyone will get a chance to make a new board. ^_^

The boards need to follow a certain format so they stay organized. Please refer to the page pwn guide for more information, and do not edit the first post format, unless a regular instructs you to. :)

SoS Mannerisms

Patience, Young Grasshopper

As a newbie, you must learn to be patient. It might take a while for you to feel at home in the SoS. However, you must never scream for attention; it doesn't work. And, it usually causes you to drift further from the group. :/
We probably saw your post the first time. As stated earlier, it takes a bit longer to get to know you… and think of witty replies! In the mean time, feel free to play with our sloth mini-clones or swim in the chocolate pool! ;D

Remember, you absolutely don't need to force yourself into all the conversations or join every trend that comes by. Just because you jump on bandwagons does NOT make you any cooler. Again, the real key is patience and understanding the intricacies of the SoS.

Respect Your Elders

Of course, we do keep our craziness in check. In other words, SoSers must still be kind and respectful to everyone. Being rude is definitely a no-no!

If you are not respectful, there is no way you will be accepted into the family. We WILL NOT reply to overly rude posts. This includes: whining, trash-talking (especially on public boards… *facepalm*), begging for items, offending others, etc. You know what it means.

Inside jokes are only funny if *we* know what you're talking about. So don't expect everyone to 'lol' at your every post. Also, rude or offensive jokes won't be taken lightly. Please do not use sarcastic or satirical language, unless you know us well enough.

Now, there is a difference between jokes/play and offensive speech. For instance, saying, "OMG GIMME YOUR ITEMS!" is very rude in comparison to, "Wow, that item is cool! Could you let me borrow it for a bit?"

Also, acting smart-alecky will get you nowhere. We assure you. B)

Whiners – We Eat Them for Breakfast

Another cardinal rule: DO NOT WHINE.
You whine; we won't listen to you. Period.

Please do not constantly post, "Why didn't you say hi to me? Why didn't you reply yet? Did you read my post yet?" This gives off a rather annoying and/or whiny opinion of yourself. Remember, the world does not revolve around you. As stated above, we will reply to your posts in due time.



Also, we will not give you free items, draw you pictures, code a petpage, etc. on a whim, if you constantly pester us about it. In fact, it will only cause others to ignore you more.

So, if you are an attention seeker, beware. You will feel very deprived on the SoS. ;)

Regulars v. Newbies

Despite the stigma we may give off, SoSers are not power-hungry, meanie-heads. :P We simply want to keep the boards happy, organized, and in top SoS-ness!

Regardless, please keep in mind that the regulars did create the SoS. It has been a lot of work to maintain both the boards, guilds, and numerous petpages. If you do not agree with a policy, please mail us. We do not appreciate any derogatory name-calling behind our backs. :/

For instance, if you are having a problem with a SoSer, please talk it out with him/her, or seek advice/help from others regs. Forming a '___ is a meaniehead' group won't help the situation. :C

In essence, that is how an organized anarchy works. The SoS strives for minimal rules, but, all rules are established with good reason. Some rules may be more regularly enforced in the future, if newbies do not pick them up instictively like past SoSers have. This is why reading petpages helps. ;)

Another frequently asked question is,
How long does it take to become a regular?

The answer isn't clearly drawn at all. The amount of time needed for someone to become a reg varies, depending a lot on the individual. But we encourage you NOT to think about that and just enjoy your time with us! Soon enough you'll be a part of our family and share the board care with us. ;D

(aka, petpage managing! 8D)

Thanks for reading!

This page was written with help from Joshy, Blanch, Chibs, Jeffy, Zei, Starye, Mid, Mojo, Takara, Rai, and other cool people. :P

If you have any questions, mail Mid, Chibs, Joshy.

Credits

Layout by nienkju.
Click here to get your own.