Here at ExpansionFleet, we try to maintain a standard style for posting, so that others who may not be familiar with a specific form do not become confused between thoughts, actions, speech, communication channels, etc. Here are a few of our recommended posting keys, and will be universally accepted here.
---Type 1: ASCII Form---
Normal text:
Admiral Karelia stepped onto the Operations Deck.
Speech:
"Lieutenant, please charge the main deflector."
Communications:
=A= Karelia to Vorak =A=
"Sir, could you meet me in the conference room?"
=A= Karelia out =A=
Alternate Communications:
=A= Admiral Vorak, could you please meet me in the conference room? =A=
NOTE: For alien communications, substitute the =A= symbol with @.
Thoughts or telepathy:
~"I really hate writing these god-awful reports."~
~"Don't worry, they cannot hear us. I am speaking directly into your mind.~
Sound Effects:
"I was just reading the report and then..."
*clunk*
"What was that?"
---Type 2:Novel Form---
Normal text:
Admiral Karelia stepped onto the Operations Deck.
Speech:
"Lieutenant," the admiral said, "please charge the main deflector."
Communications:
Karelia tapped his communicator. "Admiral Vorak," he said, "could you please meet me in the conference room?"
Thoughts or telepathy:
"I really hate writing these god-awful reports," the captain thought to himself.
"Don't worry, they cannot hear us," the Betazoid said. "I am speaking directly into your mind."
Sound Effects:
I was just reading the report," Karelia said, "and then..."
There was a sharp clunk noise coming from within the ceiling. "What was that?" the admiral exclaimed.
BONUS - Italic station/starship names:
Captain Taurik stepped proudly onto the bridge of the Rivendell.
NOTE: It is not expressly required that you post in one of these forms, but failing to do so will not only piss people off and make them more reluctant to acknowledge you, but will also severely curtail your chances for a promotion or for an assignment on an exciting mission, because no one wants to work double-duty just to read your post.