(http://www.thecbg.org/e107_files/public/conbadge.gif)
Want a Consultant for your Project?Because everyone needs an idea springboard.
Quote from: 15pxThe New Proposal[/size]
Each member can have a consulting partner. A partner is someone whose goal will be to read every aspect of the project and offer considered feedback on each part in turn--just like a dedicated critique group for writers. I for one, can say I'd be very willing to delve in depth into a single other setting or project, if I knew it would be reciprocated. I think others may feel the same. We are not discouraging out-of-partner reviews (the last thing I want to be divisive), but few members truly read everything written on any setting, much less all of them.
[note=Guidelines]1. The project must be current and continuing to update. Reviewing a defunct setting or one where your feedback doesn't matter is discouraging.
2.The author must be dedicated to maintaining the project. Sometimes members love to write a new setting every month, as new ideas come along. This offers many cool ideas to the community. But it would not work with this method.
3. The reviewer should make a reasonable effort to review or consult on some aspect of the project on a regular basis (at least once a week). While the author of a large setting should understand it takes time to get through it.
4.When we have enough projects in the queue I will ask everything to PM Ish with the list of those you'd be willing to collaborate on--he'll match people up that way. This will avoid people having to ask each other, which is more awkward.
4a. I'd think both partners would want projects of roughly the same intended scope, but that's really a personal call.[/note]
List of Settings Seeking a Partner
If you want a partner for your setting and are willing to dedicate the time to another person's setting, post in this thread and I will put your name on the list. Include the setting name, a link if possible, a description so members know if it's one up their alley. (I can also make a list of whose partnering with whom, so we know who is not available.) I'll throw myself up as the first guinea pig.
(This can also serve as a list of what each member considers their signature, current setting.)
1. Eschaton (http://www.thecbg.org/wiki/index.php?title=Eschaton) - Phoenix
Historical fantasy/alternate history set in the equivalent of the first century BCE. Semi-dark fantasy. Background knowledge of mythology and history would benefit the partner.
2. Dystopian Universe (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?59617) - Biohazard
A futuristic dystopian (or maybe anti-utopian), hard sci-fi/horror setting. Think X-Files set in the year 3221, only with a slightly stronger feeling of dread. General knowledge of all things awesome is sufficient, but knowledge of crazier scientific and conspiracy theories is beneficial!
3. The Ark (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?68777.last) - Wensleydale
The Ark: A setting based on a vast colony ship, several thousand years in the future. The only remaining aliens - and a sizable group of humans - are escaping beyond the fringe of the galaxy. A few problems: The Ark's captain has disappeared, the engines are slowing, various subsystems are damaged or destroyed and the human military fleet are on their tail. The species, waking up from stasis, have no idea what's happened. Fantasy mixed with sci-fi - now with SCIFIESQUE MAGIC!
4. Magical Girl RPG System (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?68862) - Tillumni
The system is inspired by an anime called Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, but can generally be used for any setting or campaign where the players are spell casters, ranging from Harry Potter to Bewitched. Currently at the stage where things gets jotted down stream of conscious style and so far have the basic frame for the game mechanics and some abilities with numbers assigned. Seeking people with interest in game mechanic design, and how to implement spellcasting and magic into numbers. Knowing or interested in knowledge about the setting that inspired the system might help, but not required. Neither are photo.
5. Arunaul (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?67695.last) - Survivorman
Arunaul is an ancient world, populated by new races and cultures that have thrived after a apocalyptic event befell a mysterious super civilization. From the brink of destruction this world thrives like never before, many new peoples and cultures trapped in a peaceful (and sometimes violent) race to the top. This has put science, magic, and technology advances booming like never before. Some will do anything to restore the natural balance as nature intended. Some will make great sacrifices in the name of science. Some will slowly piece together the mystery of the ancients that once walked Arunaul, and why they died. Some will be caught inbetween an elaborate web of things, trying to find a place in a confusing and quickly growing world.
6. Intermitent Brainshowers. (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?67715) - Silvercat Moonpaw
I have no idea where this is going, but you're welcome along for the ride. It mostly seems to be an attempt to mix fantasy and a bit of sci-fi, using designs from nature such as animal races and magic based on environments. Perhaps just one world in a multitude linked by regions of "blended space".
7. Broken Verge: (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?67468) - Cataclysmic Crow
A world awaiting its own destruction or rebirth, the setting of Broken Verge is a fantasy setting where revolutions have started a process that will change the world forever. The world is rich with alternative ideologies, strange faiths and new sciences and both ancient and newly-founded states wait for one of the others to make the first move while engaging in their own schemes. The Broken Verge is a world of nonsensical wars, terrifying plagues, creatures from the plane of abstract thought, tardigrademen and supernatural creatures that steal possibilities.
Really, this is just a mixing pot where most of my ideas end up. Ideally it turns out to become a swampy, anachronistic, indstrustrial WWI-ish renaissance fantasy setting with philosophical, scientifcal and metaphysical elements.
Edit: revised the note for the method of finding partners. Removed the idea that settings should be the same size.
Count me in on this. I'll throw Dystopian Universe in on there... Dystopian Universe (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?59617)
A futuristic dystopian (or maybe anti-utopian), hard sci-fi/horror setting. Think X-Files set in the year 3221, only with a slightly stronger feeling of dread. General knowledge of all things awesome is sufficient, but knowledge of crazier scientific and conspiracy theories is beneficial!
Certainly willing, although The Ark (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?68777.last) is too small at the moment to be paired with Dystopian Universe, I think.
The Ark: A setting based on a vast colony ship, several thousand years in the future. The only remaining aliens - and a sizable group of humans - are escaping beyond the fringe of the galaxy. A few problems: The Ark's captain has disappeared, the engines are slowing, various subsystems are damaged or destroyed and the human military fleet are on their tail. The species, waking up from stasis, have no idea what's happened. Fantasy mixed with sci-fi - now with SCIFIESQUE MAGIC!
I updated the main thread with both of those. They both sound interesting. I've read a little bit of the Ark. Haven't really looked much at DU.
QuoteThink X-Files set in the year 3221, only with a slightly stronger feeling of dread.
That just sounds cool.
I'd like to encourage more people to volunteer. It's hard to make this work unless we have a decent number of people interested :)
quik question. does writting up a system also qualify or is it specificly for world building?
I can add anything to the list you'd like. Partners volunteer--we're not assigning them--so a reviewer interested in a system can offer.
But you'd have to be willing to review their work in exchange, which may not be a system.
Quote from: PhoenixI'd like to encourage more people to volunteer. It's hard to make this work unless we have a decent number of people interested :)
I would except I don't have a setting yet, just a thread of random ideas. I'll come back to this when I actually have one.
Quote from: PhoenixI'd like to encourage more people to volunteer. It's hard to make this work unless we have a decent number of people interested :)
I would love to but I don't have the free time to contribute to my own setting, let alone an in-depth review of someone else's
Well then, count me in!
Magical Girl RPG (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?68862) in making. The system is inspired by an anime called Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, but can generally be used for any setting or campaign where the players are spell casters, ranging from Harry Potter to Bewitched. Currently at the stage where things gets jotted down stream of consious style and so far have the basic frame for the game mechanics and some abilities with numbers assigned.
Seeking people with interest in game mechanic design, and how to implement spellcasting and magic into numbers. Knowing or interested in knowledge about the setting that inspired the system might help, but not requered. Neither are photo.
[spoiler=Vision for the game]To make people who have no idea what they are getting themself into to think this:
(http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/3805769/images/1235486704518.jpg)
okay, perhaps not that extreme...but still... [/spoiler]
I'm in. I would be more then happy to help someone out with their setting, and I have to admit I would like some more reveiws for my own setting.
http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?67695.last (//hyperlinkurl)
Arunaul is an ancient world, populated by new races and cultures that have thrived after a apocalyptic event befell a mysterious super civilization. From the brink of destruction this world thrives like never before, many new peoples and cultures trapped in a peaceful (and sometimes violent) race to the top. This has put science, magic, and technology advances booming like never before. Some will do anything to restore the natural balance as nature intended. Some will make great sacrifices in the name of science. Some will slowly piece together the mystery of the ancients that once walked Arunaul, and why they died. Some will be caught inbetween an elaborate web of things, trying to find a place in a confusing and quickly growing world.
I've been thinking more about this (and talking to Ish), and I think the way we can do this is that once we have enough projects in the queue (say 10), I'll get every to PM Ish a list of those they are most interested working on. Then he'll use those to match people up. Saves on the awkwardness of having to PM a bunch of people to ask if they want to partner on your setting.
Quote from: SCMPI would except I don't have a setting yet, just a thread of random ideas. I'll come back to this when I actually have one.
I don't see that as a real problem, provided you intend to continue working on the project for a while. The idea is to get basically a person you can always consult and bounce ideas off of, and who can read what you wrote. This can work at any stage, I suppose. After Tillumni's idea, I'm calling it "projects" instead of "settings," anyway.
I'll be adding the projects to the list soon.
Quote from: phoenix1. The settings should be roughly the same size (word count), or the smaller setting should be growing fast enough that both reviewers can review at the same rate.
Poop.
Quote from: Lord VreegQuote from: phoenix1. The settings should be roughly the same size (word count), or the smaller setting should be growing fast enough that both reviewers can review at the same rate.
Ironically I just edited that out while you were posting. It seemed to me you wouldn't want to partner with a 2000 word count setting, but that's your choice, not a rule we need to enforce.
Quote from: PhoenixQuote from: http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?67715Intermitent Brainshowers.[/url]
I have no idea where this is going, but you're welcome along for the ride. It mostly seems to be an attempt to mix fantasy and a bit of sci-fi, using designs from nature such as animal races and magic based on environments. Perhaps just one world in a multitude linked by regions of "blended space".
So, might as well add mine to the list as well. Should be noted that I'm a sloooow poster when it comes to my own setting since i experience infrequent surges of creativity which result in most of my written material... So whoever partners up with me will have an easy job :)
I'd love helping out on Arga, or if Leetz doesn't show up, then the Ark by Wensleydale :)
Broken Verge: (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?67468)
A world awaiting its own destruction or rebirth, the setting of Broken Verge is a fantasy setting where revolutions have started a process that will change the world forever. The world is rich with alternative ideologies, strange faiths and new sciences and both ancient and newly-founded states wait for one of the others to make the first move while engaging in their own schemes. The Broken Verge is a world of nonsensical wars, terrifying plagues, creatures from the plane of abstract thought, tardigrademen and supernatural creatures that steal possibilities.
Really, this is just a mixing pot where most of my ideas end up. Ideally it turns out to become a swampy, anachronistic, indstrustrial WWI-ish renaissance fantasy setting with philosophical, scientifcal and metaphysical elements.
(hmm, this actually makes it sound more interesting than most of my other introductions)
Updated the main post with our newest victims. Once we get a handful more we can start the process. Again, we'll call for PMs at that time, where you can list any project you're interested in contributing to. We'll get Ishmayl to match us up that way.
I've been thinking about another thing we can do for this. Previously, most settings had review badges. Maybe we can make larger (or special) versions more like the guildies or other special awards:
Elite Contributor badges.
For example, I tried making the Eschaton badge the same size as a guildy (so it'd probably be spoilered): (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_files/public/eschatonbadge.gif)
I had a different idea on the badge: (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_files/public/conbadge.gif)
Anyone that is a Consultant can add that to their profile somewhere.
If anyone has any ideas to make this project more workable, please speak up. If any of the guidelines seem too restrictive, or we need others, let's hear it!
The CBG has some great settings, but few members can read them all. This project gives a reason to dedicate focus, and should provide feedback to others as well.
Love the conultant thing. Springbaord from there please
Just saying, this is a great idea. Really brings the community together and accomplishes the original goal of the site.
Quote from: Cataclysmic CrowI'd love helping out on Arga, or if Leetz doesn't show up, then the Ark by Wensleydale :)
Well thank ya sir. But right now, Arga seems to be on the rocks (check out the Low-Tech Science Fiction Brainstorm, as that is where my imagination has been pulled towards)
But I have no problem checking out Broken Verge when I remember, I'll try to leave some solid comments.
Well, on second thought, I also don't see why I can't work on two things at once, I'm just afraid the ideas may start to overlap a bit.
Quote from: Lord VreegLove the conultant thing. Springbaord from there please
Okay, so let's brainstorm a bit, then I'll rewrite the main post.
It seems like calling it the Consultant Project gets more to a workable idea than review partnering. We don't just want reviews--we want someone to listen to ideas and give feedback.
And let's be honest, we all like to talk about our settings. They're our passions, that's why we're here.
[ic=The Idea]
You gotta give to get. If you want help on a project, you have to be willing to help someone else.
-It can be hard, but it only seems fair. Anyone disagree with this assessment?
-I think many members would be willing to throw themselves into helping on a project, provided they'd receive the same in turn. Am I wrong?[/ic]
[ic=The Goal]
To give each member that wants one a person they can count on to provide feedback on their latest ideas for a project.
-Anyone think we need a different goal?[/ic]
[ic=Developing the Consulting Project]
-To achieve the goal, I think we need to pair settings. Either we can have volunteers, or we throw things in a queue, then you get to say which things in the queue you'd be willing to work on. Then someone (probably Ish, or if he's too busy me, will pair up projects).
-We want to accommodate anyone that wants to participate
-I think we want to pair projects one-on-one for the highest quality feedback. If everyone in the project has to review a bunch of stuff, all we've done is created a mini-CBG within the CBG.
---My fear is that even consulting on more than one project would become a burden and detract from the help that could be offered on any given one
-Presumably a consultant would offer more frequent and/or deeper feedback than casual reviewers (who should still be welcome).
-Do we need rules or guidelines?[/ic]
[ic=Potential Pitfalls]
So, please sound-out on whether you think each is serious and how we deal with it.
-Getting a consultant then abandoning the project after a couple of weeks
-One partner offering more than the other either because one is more prolific, or one has more time/drive/inspiration/etc.
-Should members be allowed to submit more than one project? (Knowing that would mean consulting one more than one themselves).
-Should a project be allowed more than one consultant? (I'm thinking no because that could leave some settings with several and others with none).[/ic]
[ic=Recruiting]
-If you wouldn't participate, why not?
-What would it take to get your project as a participant?
-What would you want from your consultant?[/ic]
I would love to be a part of this, but I'm more interested in reviewing than being reviewed [right now] on account of time concerns. Converting scratched out notes and maps for Ansolon to electronic form will take me weeks to months. I mean, if you look at my [dormant] Wake setting even the small amount of content there is the product of... 7 years of work?
Granted, I've got a weekly game running that keeps me focused on Ansolon.
Anyway, this is a good idea and I'd like to help it along by helping out. :D
I have always done my best work when I have a sounding board to bounce ideas off of it.
Please, consider me in on this project. Include my setting too:
Three Worlds: Terran is a world much like our own. In this world, though, myth and legend are undeniably true; spirits live within every thing, fantastic beasts and monsters fill the land and sea and sky, the priests wield magic blessed by the gods, and wizards can harness the very element's themselves. Terran is a world where all of mankind's wildest dreams and nightmares come alive in a vivid, but true-to-life fashion.
Terran is a world of dualities, where the struggle between Light and Dark, the Civilized and the Wild, and the New and the Old dominate. The history of the common races is relatively new, but the world abounds with signs of older civilizations, be they the mysterious ancients, the fallen reptilian races, or the antediluvian mad ones. It is where these dualities combine that adventures are found.
AS always, I am available for Krunch work, but don't count me out of story.
Quote from: Kapn XeviatI have always done my best work when I have a sounding board to bounce ideas off of it.
I enthusiastically agree with that statement. At the very least it can be a lot easier to answer a question someone's asked than force it out on your own.
Amen to that dude.
@ Cataclysmic Crow - if you want to partner up Arga/Broken Verge, I would be totally down, I'll just need to learn how to change gears. And be consistent. And punctual. Ugh.
And Silvercat, I'll still drop some stuff on yours too dude.
I've been reading and in love with this idea since the moment it was posted. I haven't responded yet because I've been debating how I want to approach it. Nonetheless, I thought I'd respond to some things.
The Idea
Your idea is completely solid. Give help to return help - it's a perfect system. The "Buddy" system.
...okay, I was going to quote you, but I'm not good with that. I'll just talk.
The Relationship
I see this being almost like an intimate relationship. Is there potential for multiple consultants per setting? Yes, but there are a lot of potential pitfalls with that. I'm sorry for being crass, but this would be akin to a polyamorous relationship. Contrary to popular belief, this can work for some people, but it's not for everyone. It divides attention. If three people were in a consultant triangle, one person could end up getting reviews from both people but only really spend time reviewing one of his consultants. He probably wouldn't even realize it since he feels he's doing what's he's supposed to be doing.
Now, this could work if the more active members had multiple consultation partnerships. For example, a really active member could be the consultant for two other people. Would he be splitting his attention? Yes. But if he can handle it, so be it. Regardless, it would be two relationships rather than a group relationship.
(I apologize for all the relationship analogies. They just work.)
'Bout Me
I'm in a similar boat to the one SilvercatMoonpaw mentioned earlier, just opposite. I would LOVE to be a consultant, but my setting is a company effort and I have writers on staff to do that sort of thing. :P That just wouldn't be fair! I've been thinking about stealing portions of our setting and posting them on the CBG to get a fresh and unbiased view on the setting, but I'm not quite sure yet. In any case, I'm still debating what I want to do.
Regardless, this is a great idea. Best one I've seen in years. Keep it up!
@Jharviss
The poly-amorous analogy made me laugh. I tend to agree that having someone consult multiple places could lead to problems, but I'm curious how everyone else feels. One option is that you can only be an official consultant on one project, but are free to have an informal arrangement on others.
@Xev
Three Worlds is a CBG classic. Glad to see it on our side!
@SCMP
I agree.
@Leetz
I'll start making consultant lists soon, and we'll make you guys the first official ones.
@Eladris
Thanks for the support! Maybe having someone to consult for Ansolon (or Wake?) would help it along? Of course, if you have everything like you want, you maybe don't need a consultant anyway.
Thanks for the responses, all. I'm still wondering what, if any guidelines or rules this project needs to set. I suspect we will need a few as indicated in my earlier post.
Also, there's the question, of how often a consultant should be expected to correspond with the author. Obviously, a reasonable amount, and any definition would have to be flexible. Or maybe we don't need to specify anything, I'd just hate to see an author frustrated if (s)he posts a question and doesn't get a response.
Quote from: Phoenix@Eladris
Thanks for the support! Maybe having someone to consult for Ansolon (or Wake?) would help it along? Of course, if you have everything like you want, you maybe don't need a consultant anyway.
I think Wake development is on hold, for now.
Ansolon would certainly benefit from review, were there anything to review! I've only put up a handful of narrow posts as I write them for my players. I feel like it needs a bit more -- anything, a world map, something -- before it gets some real criticism. I might just build out the Bitter Sea region for the campaign (levels 1-10) and the continent for the next (11-20), rather than spend any effort on a macro level.
One of the things I hope this project can accomplish is to give members that want one a brainstorming partner to bounce ideas off at any stage in the project. But those that already have their ideas fairly developed need that less.
Hence why designers should be paired up at similar stages in the project. (Or, if they'd prefer, dissimilar stages.) I could easily see one person wanting to be a brainstorm springboard and another person wanting to be a heavy reviewer.
Honestly, I think a lot of issues will work out if people simply get the consultants that they want. ^_^
Quote from: JharvissHonestly, I think a lot of issues will work out if people simply get the consultants that they want. ^_^
:-p
But how do we do that and still ensure everyone gets a partner?
Okay, so it sounds like everyone is good with both the idea and the goal.
And it seems no one objects to the method of getting partners, i.e. you submit a list of settings you'd be willing to help with, and get paired up, OR you can ask someone directly if you want a particular project.
So now I'd like to ask everyone the question again about guidelines: Do we need them?
What should they be?
[ic=Specifically, please sound off on]
1. Should a person be able to officially consult on two settings?
2. Should there be any kind of guideline on how frequently a consultant should respond to requests from an author?
3. Is an author asking a consultant to read whatever he feels like and provide feedback a reasonable request?
4. Should an author be expected to maintain his project? (to protect the consultant from working on something he hasn't been informed is defunct)[/ic]
[spoiler=pitfalls]I posted these a while back and no one seemed too worried about them. I just want to make sure before I try to redraft this project.
So, please sound-out on whether you think each is serious and how we deal with it.
-Getting a consultant then abandoning the project after a couple of weeks
-One partner offering more than the other either because one is more prolific, or one has more time/drive/inspiration/etc.
-Should members be allowed to submit more than one project? (Knowing that would mean consulting one more than one themselves).
-Should a project be allowed more than one consultant? (I'm thinking no because that could leave some settings with several and others with none).[/spoiler]
Soon, I will try to post a new draft of the project mission statement. Then we can get started.
1. Should a person be able to officially consult on two settings?
yes. AS long as they stand up to the compact.
2. Should there be any kind of guideline on how frequently a consultant should respond to requests from an author?
there should ne a compact set up by both in the beginning, and a new thread where they reviews they give each other should go.
3. Is an author asking a consultant to read whatever he feels like and provide feedback a reasonable request?
defined per compact.
4. Should an author be expected to maintain his project? (to protect the consultant from working on something he hasn't been informed is defunct) how the fuck are we goiing to enforce this? Have Cheo send depressing email spam at them if they bail? Have the Wandering Portal Repairman ignore service calls until they post?
I think a partner is not responsible for psoting/reviewing on any site that has not seen an update in 3 weeks, but that's just me.
Well I shouldn't think we (the CBG at large or me personally) would be enforcing any guidelines. Only setting up ones people agree with and tending to the honor system to get people to try to follow them (try being the operative word, since real life takes precedence over hobbies).
The idea that the arrangement should be different for each partner pair is interesting and not something I'd considered. Might require slightly more work when accepting a consultant, but probably easiest in the long run. The guidelines could then be replaced with "questions you might want to ask up front."
Quotea new thread where they reviews they give each other should go.
I think a partner is not responsible for psoting/reviewing on any site that has not seen an update in 3 weeks, but that's just me.[/quote]
Also a good idea. I think we could say a month to make give plenty of leeway. But then maybe that's the time when a consultant becomes a free agent?
New Threads
I'm not sure how I feel about having new threads. First (though not necessarily the most important), it would unnecessarily clog the boards. Only the two people would be using the thread, and I wouldn't want those on that lovely main feed on the frontpage.
I think simply sending messages to each other would suffice.
Maintaining
Yes, both people should be maintaining their work. If somebody goes on vacation (from work, for an extended period of time), the consulting partner should be notified. But Phoenix would be right (though I enjoyed how Vreeg put it), this would be on the honor system.
Plus, if you don't think a consulting partnership is work, you could always break up. (This I think could be the bigger issue than anything we've mentioned thus far... what happens when the partnership wants to end?)
I do believe that each partnership will be different from every other, but it's not up to us to designate why or how. It just will be, and the consultantship can decide how so.
So, who wanted to help me/get my help? I am currently at a huge fluff juncture; since I am switching to using Mutants and Masterminds for my setting, I do not need to work on crunch at all (strange, hu?) for a long time (I might end up working on house rules eventually, but that is a big might).
I am working on detailing the history of my main region, as well as detailing each of the races and cultures. One big focus I need to work on is the animistic religion as a whole, as well as specifics for Greater Spirits.
So, if that sounds interesting to you, let me know. As for what I am good at, I am especially good at crunch and other game-balance related things. I have a fair knowledge of classic mythology and epic literature, if you think that is something that could apply. I could help on a setting that is being built from the ground up, or one that needs detailing.
At the moment, I am putting final touches on my race stats (one of the only bits of crunch I need to work on); this is difficult because I am stating out two new races.
-------
I second Jharviss; no new threads.
Rules for this would be bad; as long as both partners feel they are getting their times worth, then this idea can work.
Quote from: Kapn XeviatSo, who wanted to help me/get my help?
I'm open to working on almost anything. Though I've never played M&M.
It sounds like the best idea here is not to have guidelines, but rather to mention a few things you might want to discuss with your partner up front. Working out how often each should expect posting, how to end the partnership for whatever reason, and that sort of thing.