This list is not a substitute for reading the Breeding Info Thread.
This is a summary of common mistakes and issues that come up when staff is looking through RPs for breedings. A little extra attention and effort can go a long way in making things easier for everybody!
The Breeding SoA must play an active part in the RP.
This doesn't mean they have to control the activity or even say a lot.
The Breeding character must be more than a passing mention in a PRP and especially in a SRP.
In an ORP, post count is more important than making sure you found someone to play with but one-line responses may not fly with some colorists, especially if it's a trend in your RPs.
Tip: A running internal commentary of what's going on is the easiest way to make sure we know a character is really in the situation presented in the RP. If the name is the only text that needs to change to switch out a character, it's not enough.
An RP must be at least 1000 words total to be used for a breeding.
This does not mean 500 words per character/player.
This is the single most confused of the RP rules. Yes, you should aim to do half of the "work" but it's the total RP length that matters and not how much each player or character contributed.
An RP must be completed to be used for a breeding.
Your RP must have a clear ending written into it to be finished.
Fade-to-black or leaving the current location is an acceptable ending!
Cutting an RP off when you hit the 1000 word mark and picking it up in another thread to make "two RPs" is not acceptable.
If the first post of the second RP is the next post of the first RP, it's probably not a good split.
Tip: To "split" an RP into two, make sure you write in a time lapse between the two or that there is a clear reason for the split. Completed change in location, leaving a character behind, searching for a new character to add, etc.
This issue is not always black & white ... if you're not doing it on purpose, it's probably fine!
The Breeding SoA must have 5+ posts in any PRPs and ORPs listed.
There is a 5 post minimum for a character to be sufficiently "present" in any RP.
Keep in mind the first point ('must play an active part') above! Passing mention isn't enough. Silent stares and constant one-liners may not be enough.
For an SRP, word count and character presence matters most!
An SRP must be 1000+ words.
The word count minimum does not change with character number. An SRP with 1 character has the same word requirement as an SRP with 5 characters.
The breeding character must play an active part (see first point).
Since an SRP can be written in a story format (instead of a turn-by-turn format), post count is irrelevant.
In ORPs, try to include your character's name at least once a post!
It can be really difficult to check post counts when it's all "him"s and "her"s.
This is becoming more and more problematic. A colorist should not have to spend 20 minutes deciphering your ORP posts to make sure the character using it to breed is actually in it for five posts.
Alternative Solution: Always use images with your ORP posts.
Don't forget that parents need at least one RP together!
Exceptions: Mix & Match or Staff Points breedings; Special Breeding events.
Example of special event: Al-Hattal
All RPs started and finished before August 9, 2010 are exempt from these rules
These rules were established in 2010, RPs before that are 100% colorist discretion.