Below are a few tips for how to communicate in the MOO. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and that there are frequently multiple ways to accomplish the same task; for more detailed information, type help communication . Please also note that the MOO output shown below reflects what you will see; the MOO output in each person's client reflects their MOO character's point of view through appropriate use of the word "you." In the examples below, it is assumed that your MOO character name is "jennifer."
The table below really is but a mere start on the possible communications among characters on a MOO. For more useful (and often fun) MOO communications commands (often known as "verbs"), type help carpal tunnel , or help antisocial .
Before you begin communicating on the MOO, it is strongly suggested to read up a bit on MOO etiquette. Type help manners for a good introduction to this topic. Also, remember that while many people are logged into the MOO at any given time, some of them may have stepped away from their desks. If you ask a question and don't receive a quick answer, try leaving your character connected to the MOO for a while (even if you also have to leave your desk from time to time), then, when you return, read the MOO conversations which have accumulated in your MOO client over time (this is commonly referred to as "reading scrollback"). In fact, many of us heavy-duty MOO users leave our characters connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even when we're on vacation.
You may wish to revisit the section on "Conventions Used in this Document" before perusing this table.
Table 2-1. Frequently Used Communications Commands
| Type of Communication | Command | Sample Command | Sample Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking to everybody in the room | " message | "Hello, world! | You say, "Hello, World!" |
| Speaking to a specific person | character-name, message | russ, When will beta2 be ready? | You [to russ]: When will beta2 be ready? |
| Emoting | : message | : goes for coffee | jennifer goes for coffee |
| Whispering (output will only be seen by you and the person to whom you are whispering) | mu character-name message | mu rdo we need more MOO roomss | You whisper to rdo, "we need more MOO rooms" |
| Waving | wa character-name | wa mgh | You wave to mgh. |
| Poking (used to get somebody's attention) | poke character-name | poke lcc | You poke lcc. |
| Heh-ing | h character-name | h bigal | You heh at bigal. |