From: jkp@cs.HUT.FI (Jyrki Kuoppala)
Subject: Information on MU*s
Reply-To: jkp@cs.HUT.FI (Jyrki Kuoppala)
Organization: Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1992 07:16:12 GMT

Earlier there was talk about using MU*s (virtual places) for UU.  For
information on what exactly they are, here's MicroMUSE's Charter.  It
is available on chezmoto.ai.mit.edu, port 4201, and the login page
reads:

jkp@nic '/pub/unix/security/crypt' 307: telnet chezmoto.ai.mit.edu 4201
Trying 18.43.0.102 ...
Connected to chezmoto.ai.mit.edu.
Escape character is '^]'.
=============================================================================
 .----.    .----. .--.      Welcome! MicroMUSE is our vision of the 24th
 `-. . \  / . .-' `--'      century, a blend of high technology and social
   | |\ \/ /| |             consciousness with emphasis on education, concern
   | | \  / | |  .---.    .---. .---.----.  .---.      for the environment,
   | |  \/  | |  `-. |   / ___ \`-.  __  | / ___ \     and communication. Our
   | |      | |    | |  | |   `-' | |  `-'| |   | |    charter is available
   | |      | |    | |  | |___,-, | |     | |___| |    by anonymous ftp to
 .-' `-.  .-' `-..-' `-. \     /.-' `-.    \     /     michael.ai.mit.edu
 `-----'  `-----'`-----'  `---' `-----'     `---'      (18.43.0.177) in the
                               .----.    .----.     file mud/tinymuse/charter.
* Commands available:          `-. . \  / . .-'     Visitors and colonists
                                 | |\ \/ /| |       are encouraged to read it.
* connect <name> <password>      | | \  / | | .---.  .---.  .----.   .---.
* connect guest                  | |  \/  | | `-. |  | .-' /  ___|  / ___ \
* WHO                            | |      | |   | |  | |   \ `--.  |  ____.'
* QUIT                           | |      | |   | |__| |    `--. \ | |____
                               .-' `-.  .-' `-.  \     /   .---' |  \     |
          - At M.I.T. -        `-----'  `-----'   `---'    |____/    `----'
=============================================================================
For info on a new character, connect as guest and type: help register
=============================================================================
Please enter your command:




The charter is actually on muse/info/charter:


==============================================================================

                          The MicroMUSE Charter
                              December 23, 1991  

==============================================================================
     
MicroMUSE is chartered as an Educational MUSE, with preference toward
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural content.  MIT in Massachussets provides
the computing resources for MicroMUSE with the understanding that these
resources are used in accordance with the University's general policies and
guidelines for propriety and relevance to MIT's Educational Mission. Since MIT
is funded in part by Federal taxes, we have an obligation to ensure that those
taxpayer dollars are not used to support activities of a questionable or     
objectionable nature.                                                    

MicroMUSE computing resources, including CPU time and DataBase memory, may be
allocated to Educational, Scientific, Cultural, Social, and Recreational
purposes, with preference for fullfilling the Primary Educational Mission of
MicroMUSE as spelled out in the Charter.
==============================================================================

I.    Purpose of MicroMUSE          
      A.  Educational:  MicroMUSE allows the cooperative exploration and
          construction of simulated worlds, past, present or futuristic.
	  The educational aims of the Muse are as varied as the people who
	  use it.  Some such uses include learning basic programming
	  techniques, producing simulation models of real-life phenomena,
	  exploring such simulated models to learn about the systems that
	  were modeled; learning by teaching others; classroom projects;
	  meeting people from other parts of the country or the world;
	  reading and learning to write clear, understandable prose.
      B.  Recreational:  Provides a congenial atmosphere and comfortable 
          environment for socializing and exchanging ideas.             
      C.  Visionary:  MicroMUSE models an optimistic possibility for a future 
          world inhabited by a productive worldwide community of people and
          of the tools and machines they have built.
      D.  Communication and transfer of ideas:  MicroMUSE is geared towards
          the promotion of communication and the transfer of new ideas.

II.   Setting of MicroMUSE
      A. Time
         Sometime in the 24th century, AD.
      B. Place
	 The primary location of MicroMUSE is  Cyberion City II, a large
         space city, cylindrical in shape, that spins on its axis to produce
	 artificial gravity (people inhabit the inner curved surface of the
	 city) and that orbits the earth.  MicroMUSE extends throughout our
	 solar system and into other parts of the galaxy.
      C. Other Sentient Species
         Non-human species are allowed on MicroMUSE as long as that species'
         description and background history is logical and consistent; i.e.,
         biologically sound with some thought as to the evolution and home
         environment of the species -- and historically consistent with
	 MicroMUSE's Virtual history.  Maas-Neotek Robots are also welcome.
      D. Political Set-Up of Earth
	 Currently a single United Nations government, the world is at
	 peace.  There is a strong emphasis on cultural preservation.
      E. Cities
         Cyberion City is the largest space city in the Solar System.  More
         information is available in the document "Cyberion City II -- Inside
         and Outside," written by David Albert (a.k.a. Aslan). (SEE
         CybCity.Txt, available through anonymous ftp to Michael.AI.MIT.EDU)
      F. Environment
         Much of Earth's natural environment was saved when the fruits of
	 space technology permitted the building of undersea living
	 environments and mining of the asteroids.

III.  Technological Advances Since 1990 and Current Limits of Technology.
      (Note: This section is intended as an exercise in creative scientific
      thought.  Feel free to discuss new ideas with the executive council).

      A. Space Travel
         1. Interplanetary vessels use fusion drives or ion drives.
	    Spaceships may be built and registered and may then travel in
            our Solar System or, with the appropriate drive, between systems.
         2. Planetary vehicles use an advance propulsion device to overcome
            gravity.  All starships use this technology to land and lift off.
         3. Interstellar space craft use a hyperdrive (Upgrades available only
            from Space Administration). The hyperdrive doesn't work near large 
            masses, so a short-range matter transmission system is required to
            bring  starships into a star system from interstellar space. 
      B. Matter Transmission (Teleport)
         1. A matter transmission system was developed almost 50 years ago. 
            Currently, it requires an enormous amount of power to operate. 
            Teleportation on a planetary scale would require about 500 credits
            for a person.  Teleportation of a ship on an interplanetary scale
            would require about 100000 credits (about 50000 credits for a
	    single person).  Teleportation is limited by theory to an
	    interplanetary scale.  The result of this is that regular use of
	    teleportation is generally limited to distances less than a single
	    Earth diameter except for the starship cages.
            The Teleportation technology uses a positron emission scanner to
            analyze the makeup of the item to be transmitted.  A complete
            blueprint is then transmitted to the receiving station, where a
            duplicate of the teleported item is fabricated from raw materials.
      C. Communications
         1. Earth technology includes the ansible, a device which allows near
            instantaneous communication anywhere in the galaxy. This
	    technology was discovered at about the same time as the
	    hyperdrive.
         2. Computers of small sizes are in use everywhere.  
      D. Holographics
         1. Computer-generated holographics are almost perfect, though
	    generally too expensive for personal use.
      E. Finances
	 1. To encourage explorers as well as builders, every player will
 	    receive a 250 credit allowance each day he or she connects.
            This allowance, along with the 2000 initial credit allotment to
            new players, should be sufficient for most uses.  Additional
            grants are available to qualified builders engaging on large
            public projects.
	 2. The quota system for keeping the database at a reasonable size
            is intended to promote constructive building and efficient use
            of available resources.  Builders engaging on large-scale
            projects should ask a Director to inspect their work-to-date,
            and can then ask for quota increases as needed.
       F. Rules for Technological Breakthroughs          
	    Technological Breakthroughs must be approved by the Science and
            Technology Council.  Innovation *is* encouraged, and all new
            ideas will be carefully considered.


IV.   Cultural and Evolutionary Achievements Since 1990
         A major advance of civilization occurred when homo Sapiens learned to
         regulate the primitive instinctive drives of the subcortical brain. 
         Humans have been able to transcend their emotional predilection
	 toward violence, and replace it by cognitive communication,
	 negotiation and creative problem-solving (primarily, violent behavior
	 includes the use of force to manipulate or coerce another individual
	 to behave contrary to their will, conscience, or better judgment). 
	 This achievement models the successful example of Artificial Sentient
	 Beings who routinely demonstrate the superiority of their enlightened
	 strategies for conflict resolution.


V.    Guidelines and Standards for Building (The MicroMUSE Building Code)

      A. All rooms must have detailed descs; all exits should be described,
         and MUST have an osucc if the exit is unlocked (this is the minimum
         requirement so that it is possible to tell which way people are
         going).  Exits should also have succs, fails if the exit is locked,
         and odrops so that it is possible to tell which way people are
         coming from.  Objects should be locked down if they are a permanent
         part of the landscape, and should all be described in detail.  The
         desc on an exit is a good place to put a detailed description of the
         outside of a building, room, or the special shape of a door; it can
         also be used to describe what you see by looking down a street, etc.
 	 Abandoned (and unfinished) rooms or projects will be destroyed and
	 recycled after the builder has been given a month's notice, unless
         the builder indicates s/he is still working on the area.
      B. All planets must use at least the same level of detailed
         realism as Lord_Soth's Mars, while displaying their Builder's
         individualistic creativity.
      C. No *obvious* exits between two rooms which are not logically
         connected will be allowed.  The one exception to this will be
         projects currently under construction.  However, in this case,
         access to these exits must be limited to Builders involved
         in the construction.  Use of non-obvious exits set DARK to avoid
         continuity problems should be discreet.
      D. Recreational and entertainment facilities which are not suitable for  
         minors shall not be established in MicroMUSE public areas. 
	 Proprietors of any establishments hosting activities suitable for
	 mature audiences shall be responsible for regulating and protecting
	 from harm any players who might encounter therein any discussions or
	 materials unsuitable to their age.  Complaints or violations shall be
	 taken up by Council and remedial measures may be undertaken to
	 protect the propriety and dignity of community members adversely
	 affected by exposure to sensitive thematic material.
      E. Only personal rooms and classrooms may be set ABODE (to discourage
         frivolous teleportation).  The one exception to this will be projects
         currently under construction.  This rule may later be changed
         depending on how the Zoning concept works out.
      F. The Research and Development Section in Cyberion City is the place to
         temporarily link up projects.  Research Centers may be leased for
         1000 credits.
      G. Players wishing to Build something that will conform to this micro
         universe are advised to consult with one of the active Directors
         prior to construction to assure that their creation will have a place
         to be linked upon completion.  
      H. Machine technology must conform to current technological levels.
         All creations on microMUSE must have some easily discernable
	 rationale.
      I. Another note on detail - Builders should be aware of and make strong
         efforts to take into account the natural phenonena of their systems.
         For instance, players should not be able to walk about on a planet
	 with crushing gravity without some explanations. These "explanations"
	 should consist of some form of technological innovation, as long as
	 it conforms to MicroMUSE's level of technology. Another example is
         teleportation, which will no doubt become the craze as people
         begin to link several projects together. Some detail should be given
	 to the system performing the teleportation, and realistic effects
	 such as time delays, "special effect" messages, and so forth are a
	 must.  If the builder makes no effort to explain their construction,
	 its continuing existence will be subject to possible destruction.
      J. These guidelines are intended to facilitate the logical
         continuity of MicroMUSE.                        


VI.  Code of Conduct        
   A. The letter sent to New Users describes guidelines for appropriate
      behavior on the Muse.  This letter is now available online and by
      anonymous FTP. Read 'news New Users Guidelines' online.  This letter
      should be considered a part of the charter.

   B. Conduct of All Officials -- the letter sent to all Officials is now
      available online and by anonymous FTP. Read 'news Officials Guidelines'
      online.  This letter should be considered a part of the charter.


VII. Administrative Hierarchy
      MicroMUSE is guided by its Executive Council, assisted by the Inner
      and Outer councils, and by all interested Citizens. Read 'news Council'
      for the current list of council members.  The Executive Council is
      responsible for legislating policy.

      Leadership is open to those who choose to participate in the process in
      a respsonsible and conscientious manner.  Vision, commitment, energy,
      creative problem-solving, and a constructive attitude are all essential
      elements in leadership.  Leadership is not about power and control.

      A. Prime Director of MicroMUSE
         1. Jin............<Chief Administrator of MicroMUSE>         
      B. Directors of MicroMUSE -- provide assistance where needed, help
         maintain order, and initiate positive growth of the MUSE while
         protecting our limited resources.
         1. Michael........<Code Development & Builder of Earth>
         2. Moulton........<Chief Justice; Science & Tech Council; Education>
         3. Ender..........<City Department>
         4. Erk............<Space Administration & Code Hacker>
         5. Koosh..........<Principal Code Developer>                
         6. Aslan..........<City Department; Science & Tech; Education>
	 7. Priam_Agrivar..<Space Administration>
      C. Administrators of MicroMUSE -- assist the directors to run the MUSE.
         1. Laura <Pernth>             
      D. Builders -- Builders are generally special project characters
         which require specific building powers not normally available.
         There are also some individuals engaged in many large public
         works requiring similar powers; these individuals may also have
         Builder status.
         1. JustJohn.......<Head of Entertainment and Recreation>
         2. TourGuide......<responsible for the TourCar system>
         3. Garion.........<computers and communications system>
         4. Mama.Bear......<helpful soul, one of the original wizards>
	 5. Falryx.........<Moscow>
         6. Meteorologist..<Weather System>
      E. Officials of MicroMUSE   
         [Public Relations Department] -- assist new arrivals to MicroMUSE;
         provide help where required by citizens of MicroMUSE; help maintain
         peace and order.
         1. Sword..........(Head of Public Relations Department)
         2. Virgil.........(Assoc. Head of Public Relations Department)
         3. Lanya..........(Public Relations Official)
         4. Aries..........(Public Relations Official)
                                      
         [Electronic News Department] -- facilitate the flow of information
         on MicroMUSE.  To accurately report newsworthy events and stories;
         help the administration in keeping everyone informed.
         1. Calliope.......(Head of News Department)

         [Code Development Department] -- upgrade MicroMUSE's code and
         to update the documentation.
         1-4: Michael, Erk, Jin, Koosh
         5: Virgil (MUSE manual)
                                   
         [Space Administration] -- organize all of Outer Space and coordinate
         all Building there; provide means to the exploration of Outer Space.
         1-3: Erk, Michael, Koosh
         4. Space_Builder..(Builder of Space)
         5. L'pus..........(Builder of Wolf 359)
         6. Falcon.........(Director of the Cyberion City Observatory)
                                             
         [Education Department] -- provide information and instruction to
         those who wish to learn about various aspects of MUSE technology;
	 coordinate various educational efforts.
         1. Aslan..........(Head of Education Department)
         2. Moulton........(Director of the Cyberion City Museum)
	 3. Kaneda.........(Educational Materials Developer)
	 4. Calvin.........(Materials Evaluator; Programming Teacher)

         [Justice Department]
         1. Moulton........(Justice and Chief Counselor)
         2. Defender.......(Prosecutor and Investigator)
         3. Michael........(Prosecutor and Investigator)
         4. Erk............(Prosecutor and Investigator)

         [Business Department] -- monitor and guide the flow of funds on
         MicroMUSE.  To provide for a working economy which encourages good
         Building, rewards innovation, and restricts wasteful use of our
         limited resources.
         1. ...............(Economist--vacant)
         2. Cyborg.........(First Galactic Bank Builder)
         3. Sword..........(Director of the Employment Office and Think Tank)

         [Science and Technology Council] -- devise and develop systems to
         support the technology infrastructure of Cyberion City and the Solar
         System. To grant approval to those new technologies which fit
         MicroMuse's goals and improve the quality of life.
         1. Moulton........(Chair of the Science and Technology Council)
         2-6: Jin, Erk, Ender, Michael, Koosh, Aslan

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: This document will be subject to further revisions as MicroMUSE develops.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Index of MicroMuse Charter.
---------------------------

I.    Purpose of MicroMUSE
II.   Setting of MicroMUSE
III.  Technological Advances and Limits
IV.   Scientific, Environmental and Political Achievements
V.    Rules for Technological Breakthroughs
VI.   Guidelines and Standards for Building
VII.  Code of Conduct
VIII. Administrative Hierarchy

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guidelines For New Users (Letter to all new users)
============================== Introduction ============================

This document contains a brief introduction to the MicroMuse environment.
A longer and more detailed description is available in MicroMuse's Charter.
The full charter is available by anonymous FTP to michael.ai.mit.edu, in
the file /mud/tinymuse/charter.  Extensive online help and news is available
on MicroMuse itself. Type 'help' and 'news' when you are connected to get
started with those tools.

Since the best way to learn about MicroMuse is to use it, we hope you will
connect soon and begin exploring.  Before you do, however, take a few minutes
to read this document, which contains a discussion of what constitutes
appropriate and inappropriate uses of the Muse. We expect everyone who
connects to the Muse to be familiar with this document.  By connecting, you
agree to abide by the guidelines it sets forth.

================================== MicroMuse ============================

MicroMUSE is chartered as an Educational MUSE, with preference toward
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural content.  The Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT) provides the computing resources for MicroMUSE with the
understanding that these resources are used in accordance with the
University's general policies and guidelines for propriety and relevance to
MIT's Educational Mission.  Since MIT is funded in part by Federal taxes, we
have an obligation to ensure that those taxpayer dollars are not used to
support activities of a questionable or objectionable nature.

The purposes of MicroMUSE are manifold, as described in the charter. We strive
to provide an environment for educational exploration and construction of
simulated realities, present and futuristic; a recreational and congenial
environment for socializing and exchanging ideas; a visionary model of an
optimistic possibility for a future world inhabited by a productive community
of people and machines; and a place where people can work cooperatively on
new ideas in an atmosphere of trust and free communication.

======================== Administration of MicroMuse =====================

The Directors of MicroMuse are the volunteers who work behind the scenes to
ensure the smooth running of the MicroMuse environment.  They are assisted
by a small group of Officials.  All of the Administrators and Officials of
MicroMuse are ready to help you at any time with any questions or concerns
you may have.  If the person you approach is not able to resolve your
question, you will be referred to someone else who can.

At the present time, the Directors of MicroMuse are Jin, Koosh, Moulton, Erk,
Ender, Michael, Priam_Agrivar, and Aslan.  Questions of general policy are
decided on a consensus basis by the directors, and such questions should be
directed to them.

Officials are people who have been nominated by the directors to perform
public service work on the Muse.  They are all available to help you any
time they are connected.  The list of officials changes from time to time,
but in general Officials (as well as Administrators) can help you with
questions about how to use the muse, what resources and activities are
currently available, and how to build your own areas.  Officials and
Administrators are identified as such in the list you see when you type
'WHO' to see who is connected.

We also strongly encourage players to help each other.  Feel free to ask
other players if they have time to help you.  Most of our players learned
from others, and are happy to help you get started if they have extra time.

==================================== Rules ===============================

MicroMuse is a virtual community, and players are expected to conduct
themselves in an appropriate manner at all times.  Specific guidelines are
listed here, but the basic intent is that people will observe the general
norms of social interaction, which include respect for other people and
for their rooms and property.

1) In public areas of MicroMuse, players should conduct themselves as a
   polite person would in real life.  This applies in private areas of
   MicroMuse as well unless you are given permission otherwise by the
   owner of the private area you are in.

2) You are responsible for your character.  That is why we are strict
   in requesting registration. Guard your password well.  We have seen
   cases where friends or roommates use another person's character and 
   comport themselves irresponsibly.  You are responsible for your
   character no matter who controls it.

3) Abuse of other players will NOT be tolerated. In particular, respect
   other player's requests for privacy.  Continued pages or visits to a
   player after that player has expressed their wish for privacy shall
   be considered harassment.

4) Unwanted advances of hostile or forward nature are unacceptable.  As in
   real life, if you wish to form a new relationship you are expected to
   begin first as friends.  If you think someone might be interested in 
   developing a closer personal relationship, it is your responsibility
   to make absolutely sure of this before saying or doing anything that
   would be considered inappropriate in real life.  Such inappropriate
   behavior includes, but is not limited to, suggestive remarks; violation
   of the other person's space; forward, intimate or suggestive conduct.

   People on MicroMuse are of all ages and backgrounds. Some are young
   children; some are in high school or college; some are older.  Some are
   married.  Most are not here specifically to form intimate relationships,
   and it is inappropriate to assume that someone is so interested unless
   you have received clear indications of it. If you are unsure whether your
   behavior is appropriate, STOP, and ASK.  Many people are hesitant to say
   'go away' in so many words because they do not wish to be rude.  It is
   your responsibility to make sure they are saying 'yes' before pursuing
   a close personal relationship.

5) If you experience harassment in any form, you should speak privately
   with a Director.  All communications will be kept completely confidential
   if you so wish.  With your permission, the Director will discuss the
   situation with the other person involved, and usually such situations can
   be resolved quickly.  In more serious cases, if you wish to press formal
   charges, the Director you approach may ask your permission to discuss the
   case confidentially with one or more of the other Directors, as well as
   with the other person involved.  Whatever the course you select, the
   Director will work with you to ensure that the harassment stops.

6) In general, players may assume that they can wander freely into any area
   that they can reach through unlocked exits.  Players should not teleport
   uninvited into other people's houses.

7) It is not appropriate to 'spoof', that is, to @emit an utterance when
   there is a reasonable expectation that someone might think the utterance
   was performed by somebody other than yourself, and with the intent to
   confuse or deceive.

8) Objects created by a player belong to that player.  It is not acceptable
   to move other people's property without permission.  The one exception to
   this rule is that objects left in a room you own may be sent home if you
   do not want them.

9) Keep track of the objects you create. Leaving your objects in public
   places or in other people's space without permission is considered
   littering and should be avoided.

10) Unless you have been invited to remain in someone else's space, it is
    considered polite to go 'home' before disconnecting.  Also, players
    should avoid disconnecting in public areas.

11) There is an online help page on the topic of Privacy that explains to
    what extent your communications with other players on the Muse are kept
    private.  Rules and regulations aside, reading that help topic will give
    you a better understanding of how 'safe' your privacy is.  To read it,
    type 'help privacy' while connected to the Muse.

================================ Conclusion =================================

We hope you will enjoy exploring and contributing to the ever-growing world
of MicroMuse.  When you first connect, type 'help getting started' for a
brief list of helpful commands.  Then, after you have started exploring,
read more of the online 'help' and 'news'.  You may also ask other players
for help getting started, finding your way around, or doing some building.

See you online!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guidelines for Officials

====================== Information for New Officials =====================

Congratulations on your new job!

This document contains a general introduction to the responsibilities of
being a MicroMuse Official.  It includes a description of some of the powers
you may have been given in order to fulfill your responsibilities, and
contains guidelines on the appropriate and inappropriate use of these powers.

You have already spoken with other Officials or Administrators about the
specific role for which you have been nominated.  If you have any questions
about them, you should of course feel free at any time to discuss them
again with your Department Head or with any Director.  If, after you have
been invested as an Official, you find that other commitments do not leave
you enough time to discharge your responsibilities, please let us know and
we will understand.  We can restore you to your status as Citizen and keep
you in mind for an Official job should your time free up again.

========================= General Responsibilities ========================

As an Official, you represent MicroMuse to the other players, many of whom
will view your behavior as a model for their own.  You should, therefore,
be especially aware of the guidelines and expectations for the Muse, as
described in the introductory letter to all players and in the Charter.

Your name appears in the WHO list as an Official.  This means that players
may contact you for help.  If you are not available to help, please consider
setting yourself @hidden.  Otherwise, you should be prepared to answer general
questions, and to refer players to the appropriate person for help you cannot
personally provide.

Officials should always be on channel _ocu.  This channel is used for
communications to all officials.  Players who are not officials may broadcast
to this channel but cannot listen to it.

All Public Relations officials are on channel _pr.  This channel receives
messages each time a guest or new player connects, and additionally whenever
a player (generally a guest) uses a PR Intercom.  Other officials are urged
to join this channel if they have the time to provide general PR help.

========================== Using Official Powers ===========================

The purpose of granting an Official the power to use 'official' commands is
to enable that person to perform his or her services to the players on the
Muse.  If, after reading this section, you have any questions about the
appropriate or inappropriate use of the official commands, please ASK.

Announcing:
    The '@announce' command is intended for use only when it is important
    for everyone currently connected to hear your message.  For general
    'hello's and 'goodbye's and other queries, use '+com public' or another
    appropriate '+com' channel.

Joining players:
    Public Relations officials have the power to 'join' (or 'meet') other
    players.  Except when meeting new arrivals in the Main Transporter
    Lobby, you should obtain permission from the person you are joining
    before using that command.

Summoning players:
    Most officials do not need the summon command. If for some reason you
    need that command, you must be cautious when using it.  It is a gross
    breach of ethics and politeness to summon people without their consent
    except in an emergency.

Examining objects:
    Some officials have the power to examine registers on other people's
    objects. It is expected that you will not examine objects unnecessarily.
    Still more importantly, it is expected that you will keep confidential
    anything you see regarding other people's things.

Changing objects:
    A few officials engaged in building projects may have the power to chown
    or modify other people's objects.  If you have this power, it is vital
    that you be extremely careful with it.  Especially when referring to
    objects by number, a small typo may inadvertently cause you to change or
    destroy an object belonging to someone else.  It goes without saying
    that this is a serious error and one you must take great pains to avoid.
    If despite all precautions, you find that you have changed or destroyed
    something not yours, notify the owner or a director *immediately*.

Seeing hidden players:
    Some officials can see everyone on the WHO list, including players who
    are hidden.  Avoid disturbing such players; presumably they have set
    themselves hidden to avoid being paged. Under no circumstances should
    you tell anyone else who the hidden players are.

Setting the Haven and Slave flags:
    Some officials have the ability to set the haven and slave flags.  The
    reasons and procedures for doing so are described in the next section.
    Setting these flags when the reasons in the next section do not apply
    may constitute a serious abuse of power.

Once again, we would like to emphasize that the powers you may have are
given in order that you may properly fulfill your responsibilities, and
are granted only to the extent that you need them.  We do not give out
powers as a reward or for any other reason.  We do give out powers because
we trust that you will use them in a manner appropriate to the job for
which you have been nominated.

======= Helping players deal with runaway objects and other problems =======

1) Runaway objects:

At times, a player may approach you and explain that one of his or her
objects is causing trouble -- generally, that it is in an infinite loop.
You should find out the object number (using @find, if the player can
only give you the name) and set the object 'haven'.  Then help the player
understand the problem with the object, if you can, or refer the player
to another official or administrator for help.

At other times, you may come across a runaway object on your own.  If the
player who owns the object is connected, notify them of the problem before
setting the object 'haven'.  If the player is not connected, and the
object is causing trouble, you should set it 'haven' and notify a director.

2) Harassment

At times, a player may approach you and explain that he or she is being
harassed by an object and/or another player, or that an object owned
by another player has caused trouble.  In general, you should refer such
problems to a director if at all possible.  If no director is available,
and the problem is immediate, you may take one of several actions depending
on the scenario:

  a) If an object is causing trouble, verify that the object is indeed
     the source of the complaint, and then set it 'haven', determine
     who owns it, and notify a director as soon as possible.

  b) If a player is harassing another, begin if possible by getting both
     players together to discuss the matter.  If you can verify that the
     harassment is occurring, and the harassing player is uncooperative,
     you may set the player 'slave' to stop the harassment, join the player
     (since he or she will no longer be able to page you), tell the player
     what is going on, inform them that they can communicate with you only
     with the 'pose' command, and tell them what they need to do to remain
     in good standing.  If the player agrees, you may unset the 'slave' flag.
     Any time -- and we expect these incidents to be extremely rare -- that
     you set the slave flag on anyone for any reason, inform a director as
     soon as possible thereafter and explain the circumstances and what, if
     anything, was resolved.

If you find it necessary to deal with a complaint of harassment, be sure to
inform both parties that no formal action, beyond what you do in the immediate
term to help resolve the problem, will be taken until both have had ample
opportunity to explain the situation to the directors.

============================== Conclusion =================================

We hope that this guide to official powers and responsibilities has helped
to make clear your important role in the development and maintenance of
the Muse and in the guidance of its players.  We are grateful for the time
and effort you put into making the Muse a better place for everyone.

We look forward to your continued presence on MicroMuse!
Newsgroups: alt.uu.tools,alt.uu.future