* SJL Joining FAQ - Wanna join? Click here! *

[Guest crusen86]

(Revised and updated, 03/05/12)

 

Welcome to the Smartmarks Wrestling Federation! If you are new to E-Wrestling, read this section. If not, and are yet to read this, read it anyway. Yes, read it. You heard me.

 

This the Smarks Junior League's Frequently Asked Questions document. An idiot's guide to who we are, and what you have to do to join, as it were.

 

Okay... so who are you guys, anyway?

 

The SWF is one of the more popular E-Wrestling Federations on the Internet. It is a matchwriting/angle driven fed, where writers create their own storylines, and write competitive matches to further their place on the card and to further their angles. Well over 200 people have joined since its creation in October 2000. In fact, I couldn't give you an accurate number. The roster got so big that we were forced to create subdivisions and lesser leagues for the people who wished to be involved with the SWF. This resulted in the SJL, the Smarks Junior League.

 

The SJL is a part of the Smartmarks Wrestling Federation. This league is the starting point for anyone who wants to be part of the SWF.

 

October 2000, eh? Not bad. Where does this fed trace its roots to?

 

Back in the day, there was the IGNWF message board. You see, we were a part of IGN.com, basing ourselves on their board system. Unfortunately, as you may or may not know, the boards went completely subscription-only. With over half the roster without Insider, the fed was thought to be dead. However, thanks to a contact with Jeremy Botter, the Smarks were nice enough to take us in. Regardless, this was where everything took place. At first there was no board. The IGNWF was a small federation based on IGN’s WWF board. It got started by Jayson G - the author of the legendary Scoop Slam Post. The subject line said "I haven't done this here yet so I'll start..." and in the post he said "*Scoop Slam*" It started a mass brawl among the posters, spawning a huge thread that somehow managed organize itself into staged matches. Eventually, the newly-dubbed IGNWF got their own board and things skyrocketed from there.

 

A few days of the Board's existence and the stats post (People who wanted to join put their stats there.) went up to 30, then 50, and now it's lost in the annals of history. However, Jayson had a brilliant idea: Split the fed into two. Have one main fed (IGNWF) and a minor fed (IGNJL). The idea was accepted the IGNJL was made. Soon after, the IGNJL got too big as well. Therefore, we had to split it into two halves, the IGNML and the IGNJL.

 

After rash of retirements by WFers and JLers, the ML was removed, because it was no longer needed. The rosters were merged back into the IGNJL.

 

And now, as you can see, we’re the SWF, and the SJL with our own boards. Go the Smartmarks.

 

OK, I understand now. So, how do I go about joining up?

 

If you are new, this the profile the application reviewer, Thoth, who is also one of the JL bookers. Once there, send him a private message. In the message send him a completed stats form, filled out vertically. IE: Moves not in one long line, rather, listed one under another. It goes without saying, but use proper grammar as well. Don't bother applying if you're not going to make an effort. The stats template is listed at the bottom of this document.

 

Thoth will soon get back to you, and tell you if you're in or not. Once he does, and only once he does, post your stats in the stats thread on the JL board. From there, wait patiently until the card for the next show is posted.

 

Alright, I've sent my stats in, I've been approved, and the next card is up. What now?

 

Naturally, note your opponent and refer to the stats thread to find their specifics. Adhear to the stipulations, if there are any, detailed for your match in the card. There should also be a "word limit" and a "marker" attatched to every match. THE WORD LIMIT IS THE MAXIMUM LENGTH A MATCH CAN BE. GOING OVER THE WORD LIMIT CAN AND WILL GET YOUR MATCH DISQUALIFIED, so pay attention to it. Newbie matches usually range from 3000 to 3500 words. This may sound like a bit, but once you get the hand of it, you'll realize this is hardly enough to construct a simple match. When you finish writing, PM the match to the listed "marker." Markers are the people who read through you and your opponents matches to choose a winner, and are always experienced fed veterans, and have a good sense of the various things that make a good written match.

 

I see... I'm kind of confused. I've never been in a fed like this before; could you explain match writing in more detail?

 

It's actually a very simple premise. The fed is, basically, a creative writing contest. Using the character you've created, and using the stats from your opponent's character, you write your own wrestling match. Essentially, you write out longer and more detailed action scenes from literature, using the stats you've created for your character, and the stats that your opponent has made up. The spots, the finish, the story you tell... granted, some of it is limited by the characters and the match stipulation, but how you go about plotting your own **** matches is up to you. The match writing competition is the heart of the fed, and thusly important to constantly improve on.

 

I shouldn't have to explain the actual details of writing a match, but if you're still a bit lost, refer to any of the recent JL shows. Read it through, and you should understand what the matchwriting aspect is.

 

Interesting. Does this fed include any additional RP (roleplaying) aspects, like most e-feds?

 

Yes. Although matches are the main competitive part of the SWF, the fed is, in essence, driven on angles. We refer to RP's as "Promos" around here, and unlike writing matches, they aren't necessary to do to stay part of the fed. However, promoing is recommended, as it's how angles/storylines/character progression/et cetera is done. Anything from interviews, lockeroom conversations, backstage confrontations, an attack on another wrestler (provided you have their permission), a speech, viginettes, a challange... whatever style comes to mind. And, of course, the locales of your promos are completely up to you. Lord knows bar promos are a staple of this fed.

 

Anyway, there are two ways to have a promo seen. Post it on the JL board (And JL promos should ONLY be posted on the JL board), or have it included in the next show. If a board promo, make sure to entitle the post "PROMO: <title>", so that everyone knows it's a promo. Board promos should at least be 500 words. If they're shorter, it's reccomended you go with the second option, and send the promo to whoever is posting the next SJL show, making sure to specify where abouts in the show it should be added.

 

Much like writing matches, if you're having trouble with promos, just read some of the other ones that have been posted, to give you a good idea of what everyone else does.

 

I'd like to run an angle with someone in the JL. How do I go about doing this?

 

Simply get in contact with them, via PM, and explain what you'd like to do. I would classify anything as big as a feud or as small as an appearence in a promo/match run-in an "angle" that requires permission from a person to use their character. They should get back to you with a yes or a no, and you can work out further details from there.

 

Simple angles and feuds don't require clearance from the JL bookers, although we would prefer if you keep us informed of anything you plan to do, so we can book the shows more efficiently for everyone.

 

How are tag matches written?

 

Unless specified somewhere on the card, tag matches are to be written together with your partner. As in, they should write one half of the match, and you should write the other half. Contact them via PM right after you see the card, so you can work out the details.

 

I'd like a specific kind of match against a specific person on the next show. How do I get it?

 

PM the booker of the next SJL show, and explain to them what match stipulation you'd like, and against who. They should be able to fufill your request for the next card.

 

What is the show schedule, anyway?

 

The show schedule runs on a two week, 4-5-5 day rotation. This may sound a bit unusual, but once you begin writing, you'll understand the logic behind it. There are shows every Sunday (Wrath), Thursday (Crimson), and every other Tuesday (Metal).

 

Who books what show?

 

Pete (Longdogger_Pete) books Wrath, Thoth (Thoth) books Crimson, and the SJL's head booker, Z (realitycheck) books Metal.

 

I can't write for the next show/I need to take an extended break. Who do I tell?

 

If you can't write a match for whatever reason, PM your match marker and let them know ahead of time.

 

If you need to take an extended break from the fed, PM Z with the amount of time you'll need off. He'll let the other bookers know you aren't avaliable.

 

Help! I keep losing my matches! What can I do to try and start winning?

 

Everyone goes through spells where they can't seem to buy a win, don't worry. Firstly, politely PM your match marker, and ask them how they came to their decision on your loss, making sure to ask them for feedback on how you could improve. They should get back to you right away with suggestions.

 

You can also post in the losing match thread, which is invariably started after every show, and ask for feedback from people there. SWF'ers and more senior SJL'ers shouldn't have a problem giving you a few pointers.

 

Lasly, read other SJL and SWF matches. Learning from what others do is, without question, the easiest way to improve.

 

What is "bumping?"

 

Bumping refers to when the writers at the top of the SJL get promoted to the senior league, the SWF. Every 6 weeks, approximately, there is an SWF PPV, where any number from 1-4 JL'ers is added to the roster. In very, very rare cases, bumping may also occur before PPV's.

 

Why can't I start out in the SWF right away?

 

The SJL is more or less a conditioning league. Learning how to write matches can take some time, and that's why the SJL exists: So new guys can face other new guys, and hone their skill. The SWF is full of experienced veterans who've been doing this for a while... a lot more is expected of the people in the SWF, and starting there right away would just be unfair to new writers. Therefor, EVERYONE starts in the SJL. Even the current SWF world champion was down here, at one time.

 

So, is there anything else to do in this fed, besides writing matches?

 

Naturally. There is a Community/General board at the top of the SWF forum index. This is where all of the conversational topics and etc are posted, to keep the SJL/SWF forums neat and tidy, and focused mainly on fed-related things. Don't be shy about joining in on the conversation or introducing yourself, even if your brand new to all of this.

 

We've also got a chatroom! Click here to access the thread that lets you download the SWF MiRC script. Or, alternatively, you can access the chatroom through the JAVA applet. There's almost always someone in chat, regardless of the time of day.

 

Alright, I think I've got everything, now. Anything else I should be aware of?

 

Just some basic rules...

 

1. Only write matches you’re assigned to. Obviously.

 

2. If you do not want to be part of the SWF, don't post messages about how much you think it sucks. Keep your opinion of it to yourself.

 

3. Don't get too out of hand. The old IGNWF used to have midgets fighting at McDonald's. Try to stay away from that and keep it in the ring.

 

4. Have fun, but make sure you don't stop anyone else's fun. We don't want anyone leaving SWF/SJL due to badgering, so try to keep personal comments to yourself.

 

5. Be Original. Don't use "If you smell..." As your catchphrase. Try to come up with your own material. Also be realistic. Don't be "Hardcore Extreme Guy" or something like that. Try to portray your character in a real way.

 

6. When sending matches to your marker, carefully entitle it "SJL Crimson: Zutroy vs. Johnny - Zutroy's Match" or the like. Stuff like "my match" don't cut it.

 

7. Don't send the bookers a PM with "hey” in the title. That really annoys them. When sending them a PM, make sure what you want is carefully put into the title. For example, if you want leave, put a "Leave of absence" in the title, not "Hey Z". That really annoys them.

 

8. Show up for your matches! Let whoever is posting the show and marking your match if you aren't.

 

9. If you are going to forget about the fed a week after joining, don’t bother. The fed is to be taken seriously, not for people to jack ass around with.

 

And most important... enjoy yourself! This is meant to be fun.

 

Stats Template

 

Alright, so now that you've read the FAQ, here is the stats template you should submit if you'd like to join.

 

FILL THIS OUT WITH CARE! If there is no grammar in this or it looks untidy, you will not be accepted. Obviously, delete the huge descriptions seen here.

 

Preliminary Question: How did you find us/hear about us?

 

Smarks Board Name:

Wrestlers Name:

Height:

Weight:

Hometown:

Age:

Face/Heel:

Stable:

Ring Escort:

Weapon(s):

Quote:

 

Looks: [Description of how your character usually looks inc. ring attire.]

 

Ring Entrance: [How you come out to the ring, music, etc. No need to be extremely specific.]

 

Stats:

¯¯¯¯¯

Strength:

Speed:

Vitality:

Charisma:

 

[Can not exceed 20 points in total... NB: Strength, speed, vitality and charisma play a vital part on what moves your wrestler is capable of. Keep this in mind when you write your move lists. See the guide down the bottom of this thread. Maximum of 10 per catagory.]

 

Style: [is your wrestler technical? Power based? Fast? Put it here.]

 

Signature moves: [Maximum of 10. Minimum of 6. The moves that make your wrestler famous. Most of the things people have in there top 10 can be considered signature moves.]

 

Common moves: [Maximum of 20, 15 preferable. Minimum of 10. The more mundane stuff that your character might use. This is outside of scoop slams, clotheslines, etc, but could include the more stylised suplex, and the like.]

 

Rare moves: [Maximum of 5. No minimum needed. The moves your guy might use every once in a blue moon. He's capable of them perhaps, but might not fit his style, or he may only go up against people he can use these moves on once in awhile]

 

Finishers: [2 preferred. 3 at the absolute most. Minimum of 1. EG, 1 power move, 1 submission, 1 top rope, etc... Try not to use the same finisher as somebody else. AN ANKLE LOCK IS NOT A FINISHER! Don't have two finishers if you don't need them.]

 

Notes: [A general description of fighting style and ethic. Anything you want to say about how your character comes across.]

 

Bio: [Optional. A bit of backround information about your wrestler.]

 

Stat's Points Guide

 

A bit confused about what the stats mean? Here is a rough outline, using the numbers so that you can more easily imagine exactly what those stats mean... if you're anything like me, you might be sick of being suplexed by guys with a 1 strength. Keep in mind this is a very rough outline, and many will disagree with it. This is not canon, nor is it official rules.

 

Strength: 1 - Here we're talking the level of an untrained manager, ref, or valet. Someone like... the Kat.

2 - Here are the majority of women wrestlers, as well as many male wrestlers. Examples would be Lita, or some of the smaller cruiserweights. Minimum strength to do a suplex well.

3 - Here is the low end of average strength for wrestlers. I would put Mankind here.

4 - Here we get into an extraordinarily strong female, like Chyna. Or an average strengthed male wrestler, like the Rock.

5 - Here we have the guys who can do the occasional big power move, and look sort of scary. Say, HHH, Billy Gunn.

6 - We begin to get into the realm of the big men now. Can do many BIG moves. People like Test.

7 - Sickeningly strong small guy, or average big guy. Scott Steiner, Mark Henry, or the Godfather.

8 - Strong big guy. Undertaker.

9 - Sickeningly strong big guy. Kane, or Albert.

10 - The biggest, baddest, and strongest. Combines leverage with being freaking huge. Big Show.

 

Speed: 1 - Slug. Painful to watch. Earthquake, Tugboat, those guys.

2 - Still in the realm of the large men, but able to move, maybe even climbing to the top rope. Big Show.

3 - Low end of average speed. Somebody who can move, but doesn't often. Say, Stone Cold.

4 - Here, once again, we're talking average female speed, like Chyna. Capable of some acrobatics. Shane O'Mac.

5 - Acrobatics begin to show, and can do some high risk moves well. End of trail for agile big men. Shawn Michaels. Edge.

6 - Fast! Better be a cruiserweight bud. Some springboard stuff. X-Pac. Sean O'Haire.

7 - Faster! Springboard moves are no problem! Jericho. Lita. Hardyz.

8 - Yowza!!! Suicide springboard here we come!! Eddie Guerrero, Rob Van Dam.

9 - Which way did he go? Super Crazy, Nova.

10 - What can't you do? Rey Mysterio Jr. before his injuries.

 

Vitality: 1 - Can't even work a whole match. Mae Young.

2 - Weak. Average valet level. Torrie Wilson. Stephanie McMahon.

3 - Low average level. Can work a whole stip match. Trish Stratus.

4 - Average stuff. Can do a Last Man Standing Match. Jericho. Angle.

5 - If you want an Ironman match, you'd better be at least this good. Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, the Rock, HHH. Or, can chain wrestle obscenely well. Benoit.

6 - Presented as tougher than dirt, but will still go down to a finsher. Albert.

7 - Wrestles hardcore all the time, and doesn't mind. Al Snow, Undertaker. Capable of brief bouts of no-selling. The ring bell doesn't hurt.

8 - Can you say Mick Foley? Sure you can. Masochist. Can take a hellacious beating.

9 - Seemingly impervious to pain, can continue without higher brain function. Terry Funk.

10 - No-selling bastard. Old Kane, back when he premiered. Bastard took three tombstone piledrivers.

 

Charisma: 1 - Ew. What's that on your face? Acid burns? Do you know English? WWF Jerry Lynn.

2 - Farthest you can get without talking. Old Kane.

3 - Minimum babe charisma. Torrie Wilson. Low average wrestler charisma. Bull Buchanan.

4 - You have some merchandise, and can talk when you get the mike. Val Venis. Steph.

5 - You have a cult following, even if it's just for your ring presence and ethics. Benoit. Shane O'Mac.

6 - People love you and they don't know why. Tajiri. APA.

7 - You have thousands of Jerichoholics. Jericho. Lita. So over, it's scary... Angle.

8 - You are the Game!!! HHH. Great merchandise sales. William Regal.

9 - People love you, or hate you with a passion normally reserved for Hitler. Stone Cold. Vince McMahon.

10 - You own the fed. The Rock.

 

IDIOT'S GUIDE TO JOINING THE SJL!

 

1. Read this page, top to bottom.

 

2. Neatly and with correct grammar, fill out the stats form on this page. Be original. Send them to Thoth, and wait paitently for a reply. You may be required to alter your stats. If not, proceed to step 3.

 

3. Post your stats on the stats thread. Do NOT do this before this stage.

 

4. Watch the Metal/Crimson/Wrath cards. You will be almost definitely booked on the next card after your stats are cleared. Write, or you will be gone.

 

That was the idiot's guide to joining the SJL.

 

- END -

 

If you have any more comments, questions or inquiries not presented in this FAQ, PM Z (realitycheck).

 

This guide was originally written by DT_Spike of the IGN boards. It was revised by crusen86, and had parts contributed by emilvandro. It was revised again by realitycheck.

 

Posted on both the JL and CB boards.

Edited September 24, 2003 by realitycheck

[Guest Low Brass]

betcha 5 bucks somebody still posts a new thread.  

[Guest AnnieEclectic]

Oh, you might also want to edit that little bit where at the top of the topic you tell newbies how Axis and Edwin are the announcing team, then at the bottom the second number 12 says that announcing is done by Axis and Bobby Riley.

 

 

We can't confuse the little fellers can we?

 

 

-A.E.

 

Edwin note!!!: Being an egomaniac who likes to see my name wherever he goes, I fixed it.  Kiyahahahahaha!

[Guest Shawn]

Hey guys, put the link to this in your signatures so we can attract some new blood. Just watch out for the 150 character limit...

[Guest]

Guess who has returned...

[Guest]

hey man, that link to pm 'crusen' doesn't work .... for me anyway .. ?!?!

[Guest Chuck Woolery]

OH MY GOD!!!  IT'S THE GUY WHO TOLD ALL OF RED STORM RISING TO WAIT, ALL BY HIMSELF, AND THEN SAID ALL YOUR TITLES ARE BELONG TO T-BONE!

 

Go away.

 

- Mike Van Siclen

[Guest Thoth]

EternallyAspired, if the link doesn't work, just send a message directly to crusen86 - everything will work the same way.

[Guest]

MVS...don't mess with me...or you will become just another...marinade.

[Guest Renegade]

A message to the n00bs, when you post your stats, thanks to the smark board you can actually edit them once you wish to make changes, so please dont stats over and over again.....it makes the page take longer to load

[Guest]

Yeah *cough CUTTHROAT cough*

[Guest DiabloIIFreak1010]

betcha 5 bucks somebody still posts a new thread.  - Low Brass

 

I owe you five dollars.

[Guest]

hey this efed stuff sounds pretty kewl. i'm goin for it.

[Guest ErekT2k]

Just a note: On the Joining thread, it still has Eddie Mac and Axis as our commentators. Someone forgot to edit in the great Suicide King!

[Guest]

Well, this thread was posted on Mar. 03 and (I think) that King wasn't a annoucer at that time. Oh and Oni Link, I know you came from the IGN boards. Good boy you are...  

[Guest ManKinnd]

What's the email?

[Guest]

At the bottom of the first post on this, click the "Send MSG" button.

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

It keeps saying "The page can't be displayed" !What the fuck!

[Guest Coffin Surfer]

Hmmmmm the links in the post isn't working. Oh well, just click on Crusen86's actual name and pm him from there.

[Guest dr-smogz]

Great, I have to start my match ALL over again! When did oyu add this Justin thing in?

[Guest heat32]

Weren't you JtR?

 

CT vs JtR...

 

GOLD~!!

[Guest DiabloIIFreak1010]

Actually, that happened Heat.

 

Jack won.

[Guest heat32]

*shudder*

 

Eek...um...

 

PC +1?