destroy the believability of the scenario). Violating these rules and attempting to impose actions on another player's character without that player's consent is usually referred to as "god-modding" and most administrators have explicit rules prohibiting this practice. Rules and Etiquette Systems Though there are countless different rules systems and game-specific rules, there is a single universal criterion that separates role-playing from collaborative writing — there must be a variable under the control of one or more players that some other players cannot control. The most common example of this is for each player participating in the activity to have their own characters that no other participant may write dialogs or actions for. Most separate textbased gameworlds have their own set of rules or TOS by which all users must consent to abide. In addition to rules there is usually a universal set of mores and a terminology common to text-based role playing games, that more or less constitutes gaming etiquette. Some common examples of these rules are: Enforcing a specific genre or theme on another that is not relevant to them i.e. their location. Sticking to a certain 'point of view' without plausible reason to do so. Observing correct grammar and spelling and use of a certain, default language to the best ability of the player. Observing the rating of the game. Mature games may contain no restrictions on adult content. Restrictions on or requirements to work together outside the story over plot and other elements. Restrictions on: who can contribute, and how often, when the work is being put together in an open area such as an online forum or mailing list. Killing off or otherwise permanently changing a major character owned by another player without it being plausible or within the realism of the scenario. Powergaming, twinking and/or godmoding. Creating Mary Sues or characters with a set of characteristics or stats too beneficial to the player as to give them an unfair and unrealistic advantage over others. Various forms of gaming that developed within these media, such as sparring (see below), have garnered their own cult following and developed their own sets of norms and subcultures over time. Sparring Sparring is a form of online role-play that deals with combat between two or more characters, usually conducted on play-by-post media. Two or more players take turns in writing a joint-narrative battle, each one attempting to defeat his or