Ahhhhhh there is nothing like the smell of a new game. A new release means new skills, new abilities, new graphics, new sounds but it also means new people. Whether they are new to this specific game or new to the MMORPG world, it does not matter.

Like most of you, I also get tired of the begging and hearing: "Can you spare…" or "Do you have extra…" Of course the biggest one, "Can you power level me?"

To most of the already established MMORPG community this is a given to happen. We've seen it develop in MUD's (Multi-User Dungeons) to Ultima Online. From Everquest to DAOC. Also from AC to AC2. Its to be expected that Anarchy Online is no different.

Phrases like those never did make sense to me. Why have someone do the adventuring for you when you are the one that paid for the game? But I digress…

Here are some common etiquette tips for both the veteran and the newbie out there.

Newbie

• Ask for help, but don't beg! Just because you're new does not mean anyone owes you anything. Therefore when you ask for help don't be angry and raise a fit when someone says "No" or ignores you. This could be for a number of reasons, their busy, their AFK or they just don't want to. Most of the people I dealt with are more than glad to help as long as you are polite and courteous to them.
• Yes the /shout command does work! The /shout command does come in handy in certain situations however repeatedly /shouting "Can you help me" or "Does anyone…" can become very annoying. Be respectful and try to avoid doing this at all cost. If you absolutely have to do it, use it sparingly.
• Do you not know your role in groups? Ask! One of the most annoying things is when you are grouped with someone new in the game and they have no idea what their doing but their either to proud or to afraid to ask what to do. For example, you group with an Enforcer who is new to the game. You pull a hard monster and the next thing you know your both dead. Then you look in your chat window and see, "Sorry I didn't know what to do."
• Gotta Go! When you have to leave make sure you let your group know in advance. Example would be, "Guys, I have to log in 1 hour". This gives time to the group leader to plan your replacement and when to go back to town (if needed). Do not just suddenly go, "Gotta Go" with no warning and just close the game. Very bad manners.
• Have Fun!!! Being new to a game can be very overwhelming but most people here are more than happy to help. Don't become annoyed if you do not understand where everything is or what everything does on your first day. Half the fun of the game is learning. Sit back, watch the eye-candy and enjoy yourself.

Veterans

• This is not the Jerry Springer Show! If a new person does get on your nerves do not start private /tells of things that would make a sailor blush. Instead use the /ignore command or politely tell the new person that you are busy and are unable to help them.
• Remember when you were a newbie? All of us were not born in to this world and suddenly knew how to play MMORPG type games instantly. We all had to start from somewhere. Keep this in mind when a new person asks you for help. If you have some time, spare credits or equipment you can not use anymore; let them have it. In another game I gave a new person some equipment and gold that was meaningless to me. Needless to say the next time I saw that person he was higher level than me and in return for my kindness he gave me a very rare item. What goes around, comes around.
• Do not play tricks with the newbs. I've seen this in the past where a Fixer would lead a newb out to a very aggro intensive grounds and then grid back to town. Leaving the newbie in the middle of nowhere with no help. This is very cruel and if you do this your no better than a GM whose abuses their powers.
• Be a teacher! You can quickly meet new people and make new friends when teaching people the basics of the game. Whether it be navigating the menus or the "What to do in this situation.." the newbie will appreciate it very much and will most likely always remember you.