Allow Nicknames that follow Rule 3 Precedents

[Admeer]

The current naming rules can be found here: https://tgstation13.org/wiki/Rules

I want to focus on a specific part of the Rule 3 precedents that state the following: "Make a minimum effort to have your name fit in a setting involving a wacky space station in the future."

Looking at the tail-end of that statement - "a wacky space station". Space Station 13 isn't real life and I don't believe should mirror real life - it's a videogame set in an absolutely crazy future. I think nicknames, when they are not exceedingly "OOC in IC" - should be allowed.

Okay, but why?

I think /tg/ has done leaps and bounds to allow for more personalization for every job/department/character - but the fact still stands that the most "personalizing" thing about your character is their name.

For myself, the entire reason I'm making this post is because for the past few years I've occasionally played the chef gimmick Hibachi Grill Master. They sport a full fu manchu and red headband. Typically, as this character, I set the grills right next to the tables and cook in front of everyone, occasionally miming stupid stereotypical "hibachi grill-esque" things. Until recently, this has been fine. But, I received a bwoink earlier this morning basically saying "not fine". Hence, the post.

I think this character is a great example of a "nickname character" that fits within the definition of a "wacky space station in the future" but that also doesn't detract from the round or contribute to OOC in IC - personally, I've only seen crew talking about how the name is funny.

I believe nicknames like these are harmless and allow for players to express their characters with more personality.

My specific example may even be a "admin-by-admin" ruling - the rule precedents even state "Non-standard names are held to higher scrutiny and you may be questioned on why your name breaks these conventions." - I feel like my reasoning is pretty simple: it's funny, doesn't harm anyone, and isn't OOC in IC.

Concluding here, what do I want to change?

I believe nicknames for characters that make sense for a "wacky space station set in the future", that aren't OOC in IC, and that don't detract from the experiences of other players in the round should be allowed within reason.

[Jackraxxus]

This would take away the greatest advantage of playing a moth.

[GamerAndYeahMick]

Your name is a job title, not even a name. I don't want to degrade the naming policy even further than it has fell from grace, Hibachi Grill Master could be a clown name or something maybe

[Timberpoes]

Naming policy allows you to include a nickname or honorific as part of your complete name, not replace your name entirely with a nickname. The name still has to be naming policy compliant with the nickname part removed.

That's all there is to it. I don't want to allow nameless nicknames. It's basically just allowing people to just use their internet handles instead.

The ticket where you were asked to change your name gave you some tips on how you might be able to use it. I'll add on my own suggestion to that: Try a different form of RP instead.

There's nothing in naming policy that prevents you demanding other people call you Hibachi Grill Master before you serve them food, regardless of what your character's actual name is. Nothing stops you getting the name on your ID card changed so you can point to it every time anyone asks for food.

If you're based enough, maybe regulars might actually start calling you by your preferred moniker over time. Like an actual nickname rather than a forced and artifical one. Surely the first time someone remembers you preferred to be called the Hibachi Grill Master can supply the right dopamine hit, especially having had to take a bit of effort to establish yourself first.

[Admeer]

That's all there is to it. I don't want to allow nameless nicknames. It's basically just allowing people to just use their internet handles instead.

The ticket where you were asked to change your name gave you some tips on how you might be able to use it. I'll add on my own suggestion to that: Try a different form of RP instead.

There's nothing in naming policy that prevents you demanding other people call you Hibachi Grill Master before you serve them food, regardless of what your character's actual name is. Nothing stops you getting the name on your ID card changed so you can point to it every time anyone asks for food.

If you're based enough, maybe regulars might actually start calling you by your preferred moniker over time. Like an actual nickname rather than a forced and artifical one. Surely the first time someone remembers you preferred to be called the Hibachi Grill Master can supply the right dopamine hit, especially having had to take a bit of effort to establish yourself first.

Sure - and I even agree with you. I'm not asking for "Admeer" the chef, the example given makes sense for the job - that's the idea behind allowing specific nicknames.

As for your advice - the character is a gimmick - the name ties the entire gimmick together. That's the entire point. There is a reason that all "gimmick characters" use nicknames to solidify their personality.

I'm not interested in playing a static name to "eventually" be called a nickname. I see how you're trying to compromise, but I think even you know those compromises are pretty shit compared to just having your name be what you want it to be. Also, what a really reductive statement calling the nickname "forced and artificial".

[Admeer]

Your name is a job title, not even a name. I don't want to degrade the naming policy even further than it has fell from grace, Hibachi Grill Master could be a clown name or something maybe

I want you to look at this from my perspective: how does the name "Hibachi Grill Master" - which I agree with you, it's a job title - that's the point of the gimmick - how does the name detract from the experience from other players?

It:

- isn't OOC in IC
- Harm anyone
- Is funny

[Vekter]

I want you to look at this from my perspective: how does the name "Hibachi Grill Master" - which I agree with you, it's a job title - that's the point of the gimmick - how does the name detract from the experience from other players?

It:

- isn't OOC in IC

Fair.

- Harm anyone

I'm guessing you mean "It doesn't harm anyone", which can be somewhat subjective depending on the name (though this specific instance wouldn't be likely to offend anyone)

- Is funny

Very, very subjective.

You're also missing "It kills immersion", which is a big deal for some people. I don't mind things like a moth being named Lamp or a felinid named Milk don't bother me, but I can get someone seeing a name like "Hibachi Grill Master" and going "That's too goofy, that's taking me out of the setting".

For the record, I would be fine with something like "Hibachi Grill Master" (last name), as it's more a title than it is anything.

I'm against this just like I am every other attempt to formalize naming policy beyond vibes. Having a non-standard name opens you up to the possibility that an admin sees it and asks you to change it. If you don't like that possibility, don't use non-standard names, or ask one of us first and be open to suggestions or compromise.

[NecromancerAnne]

Hibachi Grillmaster would maybe work as an actual name if you had an explanation that your parents named you the first three words drawn out of a hat.

Can't be worse than Ichiban Kasuga. ('number one low-life')

[Vekter]

Hibachi Grillmaster would maybe work as an actual name if you had an explanation that your parents named you the first three words drawn out of a hat.

Can't be worse than Ichiban Kasuga. ('number one low-life')

I would honestly be fine with this, because at least then you're putting some effort into an IC explanation of it beyond "It's his rank/title!" or "I think it's funny!".

[DATAxPUNGED]

I think you could've gotten away with Hibachi "Grill Master" [LAST NAME], no?

[GamerAndYeahMick]

Your name is a job title, not even a name. I don't want to degrade the naming policy even further than it has fell from grace, Hibachi Grill Master could be a clown name or something maybe

I want you to look at this from my perspective: how does the name "Hibachi Grill Master" - which I agree with you, it's a job title - that's the point of the gimmick - how does the name detract from the experience from other players?

It:

- isn't OOC in IC
- Harm anyone
- Is funny

Actually having it as your name is OOC, it's not in-character it's immersion breaking it's not a believable name, me murderboning the station as a non-antag is also funny

[Admeer]

Hibachi Grillmaster would maybe work as an actual name if you had an explanation that your parents named you the first three words drawn out of a hat.

Can't be worse than Ichiban Kasuga. ('number one low-life')

I would honestly be fine with this, because at least then you're putting some effort into an IC explanation of it beyond "It's his rank/title!" or "I think it's funny!".

Following this logic allows me to play as Hibachi Grill Master where "Grill" is my middle name please god let me

[Deathrobotpunch1]

you could always just use a cardboard ID

[Justice12354]

-snip-

Following this logic allows me to play as Hibachi Grill Master where "Grill" is my middle name please god let me

Naming policy is about rp feels and making sure that the immersion isn't broken by "PP DESTROYER 5000", the Janitor. If we have decided that "Hibachi Grill Master" is not an adequate name, then saying "Grill" is the middle name isn't gonna change a thing. Just accept that an admin ruled your name as naming-policy-breaking (and at least one Headmin has agreed) and go for one of the other options

Lemme put this a bit more into perspective: let's say that we allow "Hibachi Grill Master" because "Grill" is the middle name or whatever BS. Then comes "Wolf Meat Eater", then "Andrew The Destroyer", yada yada, and suddenly you find yourself in a station with a bunch of BS non-sense names and that's mega doodoo for the roleplay environment bc it looks like everyone's names were thought out by a bunch of 5 year olds.

Personally, I feel like the cardboard ID is an optimal idea since you can easily obtain cardboard (by pressing Z with an empty cardboard box in hand) and a crayon/pen, and may even add some spice into your gimmick

[carlarc]

-snip-

Following this logic allows me to play as Hibachi Grill Master where "Grill" is my middle name please god let me

Naming policy is about rp feels and making sure that the immersion isn't broken by "PP DESTROYER 5000", the Janitor. If we have decided that "Hibachi Grill Master" is not an adequate name, then saying "Grill" is the middle name isn't gonna change a thing. Just accept that an admin ruled your name as naming-policy-breaking (and at least one Headmin has agreed) and go for one of the other options

Lemme put this a bit more into perspective: let's say that we allow "Hibachi Grill Master" because "Grill" is the middle name or whatever BS. Then comes "Wolf Meat Eater", then "Andrew The Destroyer", yada yada, and suddenly you find yourself in a station with a bunch of BS non-sense names and that's mega doodoo for the roleplay environment bc it looks like everyone's names were thought out by a bunch of 5 year olds.

Personally, I feel like the cardboard ID is an optimal idea since you can easily obtain cardboard (by pressing Z with an empty cardboard box in hand) and a crayon/pen, and may even add some spice into your gimmick

or possibly even Vlad "The" Hunter