general

Everyone should know the basics by now (don't be a dick, no plagiarizing, ic =/= ooc, etc), so we won't go into that. We would like to say, however, that it's likely this gpsl will be full of spoilers! So if you have not seen Stranger Things 2 and don't wish to be spoiled, we may not be the best option for you at this time. If you decide to join anyhow please do not get upset with us or anyone else.

characters & pbs

All characters must be canon, are 18+, and are not deceased. We did previously accept premades, but after reviewing feedback from both current and potential members we've decided to remove the element entirely. Though we feel that this shouldn't cause issue for potential members as there are plenty of characters to pick from, including background and unnamed persons, for everyone to pick through. In the spirit of diversity and personal creativity, if you'd like to use a poc for a white character that is definitely fine by us! We'd like to encourage it, actually. Using white pbs for poc or raceswapping, however, is not and will never be allowed. If your character is part of a family please be sure to first check the taken list to make sure that your pb choice's race matches that of any family that is already active.

applying

We ask that you have an ooc journal (no extra letters, numbers, underscores, etc), postdated ic and ooc contact posts, and anon turned off. However, given the time period, we ask that instead of a typical friend's only post you have in its place a phone/radio post. PBs must be within five years of the characters age. We'll allow some exceptions to this case if they're off by a year or two but look closer to the character's age. For examples we'd like to see one entry/narrative and one scene with four or more replies. Please remember to leave a link to these in the dropbox. Do not PM or copy/paste them into a comment!

1990s culture

Please be mindful of the fact that strangely takes place in 1994 and not 2017! This means that typical means of interaction, typical conversation topics, and pop culture are not going to be the same. Starbucks was barely branching out at this time, Netflix hadn't been founded yet, and cell phones were clunky, unattractive, and not as frequently seen as they are now. Acknowledgement of this should be reflected not only in interaction but in characterization and icons (which are borderline ic) as well. This is also why we ask that, in lieu of a typical f/o post, everyone make use of a phone/walkie talkie post where characters may call or radio one another. Obviously there will be creative leeway and some fair amount of fudging reality, it'd be too difficult to stay precisely on the nose with details, but the overall attempt should be to keep up the appearance of being 1994. Posts on the fp, in particular, are where the most leeway might be seen. AOL was making its mark on the world by this time so, with that in mind, posts on the fp could be seen as extensions of this new technology if necessary. However, given that the internet at this time was painfully slow and unreliable, it'd stand to reason that the characters would view phones and radios as an easier and more desirable form of communication and would be in primary use. As of 11/17/2017: We implemented the plot-related Hawkins Network to make things easier.

activity

There is only one update requirement but you will still be expected to maintain a certain level of activity! Let's face it, the greatest comm killer is a too lax attitude, so we're hoping to cut through the issue. Once every activity period, you must update your journal. it doesn't matter what it is, we just want to see you on the fp! Once a month, we will also do a check in to where you must comment the post if you'd like to stay in the community. Make sure that you also keep your friends list updated regularly and try to be present on the fp! If you're in need of a hiatus or struggling in any manner you can always comment our dropbox! As rigid as this all sounds we are quite accommodating and understanding, so please do not hesitate to come to us. As of 1/1/2018: Though it is not an actual requirement, we will be monitoring the fp to check that members are commenting and interacting with others. We will be looking for a minimum of two instances wherein characters make appearances on plot posts, ic posts, activities, or anything else and replying to comments. We feel that this shouldn't be an issue if people are present and willing to put in even minimal effort but, of course, we will take into account holidays or hiatuses. This is a hobby and should be, above all else, fun but the harsh truth is that a gpsl cannot survive without the combined efforts of all.