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.

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

General etiquette and overview

• 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 minimised). 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 to that channel unless requested to do so by them.

• You can individually mute anyone else (it will only apply to you, 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/loud.

• Managers and certain officers (e.g. Personnel and Orientation) have moderator powers which can “Mute”, "Kick" and "Ban" members. This power should be used VERY sparingly, with great power comes great responsibility.

• 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 respectful as you would (or even more so) over text to others, while text can be easily dismissed as silly, voice can sometimes be misconstrued and small problems could arise from miscommunications!

• Very important! In today's society one may choose how they identify themselves, be it homosexual, heterosexual, male, female, transgendered and so on. Try not to treat others, any differently than you would if you did not know how they identify themselves. Gamers who talk want to do so just as anyone does, and are generally not aiming for extra attention. Be courteous and treat them like any other player.

• 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, especially when you consider language barriers; remember to always be polite and try to converse with them the best you can! if all else fails, just go back to text.

• If someone is talking try to not interrupt them by talking yourself, be respectful and try not to raise your voice over theirs, it is grounds to eventually make someone upset or cause confusion over too many people talking at once. Try waiting 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.

• Zip your lip when it is time to focus. Keep the channel clear for strategy and coordination during combat and strategy briefings. This allows 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. Merely waiting for your chance to speak, as opposed to listening actively. In other words, do not hog the channel, use a sub channel or create an on-demand channel for lengthy discussions.

Joining Channels

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, use Comm Check channel to hear what you will sound like to others. 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". Its probably a good idea to keep instrumental and vocal serenades to a minimum, unless it is open mic night.

• Do not barge into channels where players may be focused on their own events. Listen carefully when you first enter to make sure you're not interrupting, again wait 30 seconds before speaking. For urgent interruptions use "Break Break" at the start which is a sign that you have urgent intel, do not use this for random info, however, keep it relevant.

• Set-up a 'whisper key' if you need it.

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

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 urgent then you may use the 'Break Break' que to indicate you have something important and urgent to say. Bear in mind though that what you have to say may already be known, try using text instead.