HELP: Contributing out of missions

[Kirok]

HELP TOPIC: Contributing out of missions

You may have seen the term "contributing out of missions" in various topics across the forum, particularly when it comes to the promotion criteria. But what does it mean? And what can you do to gain that extra credit?

Posting/commenting in other topics

By posting and commenting in other topics, such as news announcements and polls - and to a lesser extent, the Ten Forward general discussion boards - you are showing your superiors that you wish to fully immerse yourself in the Shadow Fleet community. While not compulsory, posting in other topics besides your normal missions also allows other users to get to know you and your opinions on subjects that affect the entire fleet. It also shows that you want an active part in the fleet's future development. Furthermore, commenting on news items and posting in the Ten Forward general discussion boards all goes towards your forum post count, which is important if you're just starting out.

Participation in extra-mission events

Occasionally, Shadow Fleet will run a featured mission that allows all of the members of fleet to interact on a mission. This may be in the form of a "special" mission - a fun and unusual story with a different setting or alternate timeline or a unique plot that you would not typically see on a regular SIMM. Whatever it is, your participation in it will not go unnoticed. By joining in, you are again showing your superiors and the fleet admins that you are serious about getting involved in fleet events.

Contributing to your SIMM

Your SIMM command staff have a lot on their plate. While they may make it look easy, there is a lot of planning and organization that goes on behind the scenes in order to make an interesting and effective SIMM. By volunteering your services for some of the more mundane jobs on the SIMM, you will free up their time to focus on the more important stuff, thereby getting yourself noticed. While you may not like some of the jobs you are given, remember that it is all a part of attaining that next rank.

Your command staff are also open to any ideas you may have to improve the SIMM. This may include ideas for upcoming missions or arcs, a suggestion for an interactive event, or even a new way of doing something! Remember, your suggestion or idea may not be accepted, but even if it isn't, your effort will not go unnoticed.

In addition to helping your command staff out, you can actively post on your in the public areas on your individual SIMM to earn credit for contributing out of mission.  You can write Personal Logs in the Crew Quarters area, interact with ship mates in the Mess Hall, or run a fun adventure on the SIMMs holodeck!   Furthermore, you can reply to promotion announcements or introductions of new shipmates on your SIMMs WAR (Welcome & Recognition) Board.

Recruitment

By recruiting people to join Shadow Fleet, not only are you showing your commitment to the fleet and your SIMM, but you are helping us to expand. The more members we have, the more SIMMs we can open and the more promotions we can make. By recruiting people to the fleet, it will not only show your dedication, but it will also make you eligible for the Recruitment Ribbon.

Welcoming new members

As you progress through the ranks, you will gain more knowledge and experience of how Shadow Fleet operates. By using this knowledge to help those beneath you, you are showing that you have no qualms about putting in the extra time to help others settle into the fleet, a great quality to have and one that is highly sought after for those senior positions. This is a must for those wanting to become either a Command Level Officer or a Senior Enlisted Commander.

These are just a few examples of what you could do to show your superiors you deserve that next promotion. From posting in news topics to getting involved in mission planning, it all helps you to stand out against the crowd.

Even if your idea or suggestion gets turned down, you will still get noticed as someone who is not afraid to put in the effort. And that's the kind of player we want running our SIMMs. Who knows? Maybe you could be a future Captain?

Just remember - We are always on the lookout for talented individuals!