Voice Communications Etiquette

This page is specific to EVE University. Other corporations or groups in the game may operate differently. For a summary of EVE University's rules and code of conduct, see EVE University Rules.

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Voice procedure  to Voice Communications Etiquette . ( Discuss )

While we all try to be civil and respectful when communicating on voice chat, it can also bring some unique challenges. This page offers some suggestions for how to use voice comms effectively. This guidance covers both public and private EVE University Mumble servers

General etiquette and overview

• You can individually mute anyone else (it will only apply to you, and everyone else will still be able to hear them). But muting a member and forgetting about it creates a lot of cross-talk that is very difficult for others. You can also adjust local volume settings if someone is too quiet or too loud.

• Managers and certain officers (e.g. Personnel and Orientation) have moderator powers and can “Mute”, "Kick" and "Ban" members. These should be used very sparingly.

• Keep in mind that people, including brand new people, enter the chat all the time. We would like people to not be scared away within the first minute! It’s also nice to say hello and goodbye to people.

• Be as respectful as you would (or even more so) over text to others. While some types of text communications can be easily dismissed as silly, voice communications can sometimes be misconstrued and small problems could arise from misunderstandings!

• Players come in all sorts of wonderful forms, sizes, ages, gender identities, sexual/romantic orientations, disabilities, etc; we expect all of our members to treat every player with fairness and respect, at all times. Try not to treat others any differently than you would if you did not know how they identified themselves; try not to assume that their character name and/or avatar represents their identity.

• Always speak clearly, concisely and in a normal conversational rhythm and volume. Putting some forethought into what you want to communicate will often save you from having to repeat, expand on or modify the point you want to get across.

• Keep in mind you will be hearing a lot of different people should you join Mumble. Consider especially language barriers and be prepared to rephrase; remember to stay polite, and try to converse with everyone as clearly as you can! If all else fails, you can clear up ambiguities and misunderstandings using in-game text chat.

• If someone is talking, try to not interrupt them by talking yourself. Be respectful and try not to raise your voice over theirs, as this can eventually make someone upset or cause confusion. Try waiting 30 seconds after joining a channel to ensure comms are open: some University comms channels are sometimes in restricted "combat comms". If using Push to Talk (PTT)—which should be the normal approach in most contexts on Mumble—then try counting to 3 before speaking; this will help reduce talking over someone.

• Zip your lip when it is time to focus, during "combat comms". Keep the channel clear for strategy and coordination during combat and strategy briefings. This lets scouts and fleet commanders (FCs) the ability to give commands and intel to the fleet. There may also be strategic conversations amongst FCs in a command channel.

• Watch your language. Never assume that because nobody has said anything (yet) that they are cool with the blue streak you just cursed up. You are in a public social setting; conduct yourself accordingly and within our Communications Policy.

• Be aware of your airtime and be considerate of the fact that many people wish to participate. In other words, do not hog the channel! The University Mumble has many sub-channels which you can use for lengthier discussions, and it might be possible to create an on-demand channel.

Mumble Specific

• Set-up a "whisper key".
  • This lets people talk to each other in sub-channels without speaking to a whole channel.
  • Being able to "whisper" within a sub-channel means that special groups, e.g. EWAR or logistics squads can communicate within a larger fleet.

• Set up the mumble overlay: this will help you identify who is talking.

Before joining a channel for the first time

• Our members are able to create "On Demand" channels for special events and/or conversations where a channel does not fit the need (or there is not one available). We ask you to not enter such channels unless invited to join.

• Spend time setting up mumble. Make sure your mic is not so close to your mouth that you sound like a warp drive, or so far away that nobody can hear you speak clearly.

• Set up your PTT (Push to Talk) Key. The real world is a noisy place and while we love to hear from you, we do not need to hear you devouring that tasty snack. Make sure that you assign a key that is not regularly used to avoid constant "keying-up". It's probably a good idea to keep instrumental and vocal serenades to a minimum, unless it is open mic night.

When joining a channel

• Wait 30 seconds after joining a channel to ensure comms are open. If using Push to Talk ("PTT"), then try counting to 3 before speaking: this will help reduce talking over someone.

• If you need to relay urgent information, then you may use the phrase "Break-break" or "Check-check" to call for quiet and indicate you have something important and urgent to say.

Mumble Channels

• There is an AFK & Idle (away from keyboard) channel that can be used when someone steps away from their computer (but has chosen to keep mumble open and/or minimized). This will mute the member until they are ready to come out. When a user comes back, they can move back to the voice channel they wish to join. Do not move anyone else to that channel unless they request it.

• Do not "drag" others to channels without their knowledge or permission. This is considered rude!