Coalition BBCode Guide: Formatting, Research Blocks, Sources, and Messages
Welcome to the Coalition BBCode guide.
BBCode is the forum markup system used to format posts, replies, research notes, field reports, citations, and private messages. It works in both public threads and private messages unless a specific feature is restricted later by moderation settings.
This guide explains the supported tags and gives copy-paste examples.
1. Basic Text Formatting
Use these tags for ordinary emphasis.
Example:
Bold text
Italic text
Underlined text
Strikethrough text
2. Headings and Text Size
The site supports named sizes and numeric legacy-style sizes.
Recommended heading style:
Numeric sizes are bounded to prevent layout abuse.
3. Alignment
Example:
4. Horizontal Rule
Use this to divide long posts into sections.
Example:
5. Quotes
Basic quote:
Named quote:
Expanded quote format:
Example:
6. Code Blocks
Use code blocks for commands, scripts, logs, structured notes, and raw BBCode examples.
[/code]
Language label example:
[/code]
7. Links
Automatic visible URL:
Labeled link:
Use labeled links when possible so readers know what they are opening.
8. Images
Use image tags for externally hosted images or approved image URLs.
For private messages, image/file attachments may also be sent through the message attachment button if available.
9. Lists
Unordered list:
Ordered list:
Example:
10. Color
Named color example:
Hex color example:
Use color sparingly. It is best for warnings, labels, or emphasis.
11. Spoilers
Basic spoiler:
Labeled spoiler:
Use spoilers for long side notes, sensitive plot/details, or optional evidence.
Coalition Research BBCode
The Coalition supports advanced research-composition tags. These are designed to make posts clearer by separating claims, evidence, inference, uncertainty, sources, and synthesis.
12. Claim
Use
13. Evidence
Use
14. Counterpoint
Use
15. Inference
Use
16. Unknown / Open Question
Use
17. Sources and Citations
Basic source:
Linked source:
Citation:
Archive reference:
Example:
Coalition Domain Tags
Use domain tags to mark which research domain a post belongs to.
18. Occult Science Domain
Example:
19. Militaristic Science Domain
Example:
20. Modern Science Domain
Example:
21. Cross-Domain Synthesis
Use
Structured Research Post Tags
These tags help turn a thread into a clean research artifact.
22. Abstract
23. Method
24. Findings
25. Conclusion
26. Timeline
27. Step
Use
Example: Research Post Template
Copy this when starting a serious research thread:
Example: Field Report Template
Example: Debate Reply Template
BBCode in Private Messages
Private messages support the same basic formatting style. Use BBCode in messages when clarity matters.
Good message uses:
Example private message:
Best Practices
[list=1]
[*]Use [claim] for what you believe is true.
[*]Use [evidence] for what supports it.
[*]Use [inference] for what you reason from the evidence.
[*]Use [unknown] for what is not verified.
[*]Use [source] or [citation] whenever possible.
[*]Use [spoiler] for long optional sections.
[*]Use
Closing Note
BBCode is not only for decoration. On The Coalition, it is a way to make posts easier to read, easier to verify, and easier to build on.
Use formatting to clarify your reasoning.
Separate facts from inference.
Mark uncertainty.
Cite sources.
Build knowledge carefully.
Welcome to the Coalition BBCode guide.
BBCode is the forum markup system used to format posts, replies, research notes, field reports, citations, and private messages. It works in both public threads and private messages unless a specific feature is restricted later by moderation settings.
This guide explains the supported tags and gives copy-paste examples.
1. Basic Text Formatting
Use these tags for ordinary emphasis.
[b]Bold text[/b]
[i]Italic text[/i]
[u]Underlined text[/u]
[s]Strikethrough text[/s]
[strike]Strikethrough text[/strike]Example:
Bold text
Italic text
Underlined text
2. Headings and Text Size
The site supports named sizes and numeric legacy-style sizes.
[size=small]Small text[/size]
[size=large]Large text[/size]
[size=xl]Extra large text[/size]
[size=130]130% heading[/size]
[size=150]150% heading[/size]Recommended heading style:
[b][size=150]MAIN SECTION TITLE[/size][/b]
[b][size=130]SUBSECTION TITLE[/size][/b]Numeric sizes are bounded to prevent layout abuse.
3. Alignment
[left]Left aligned text[/left]
[center]Centered text[/center]
[right]Right aligned text[/right]Example:
Centered Notice
4. Horizontal Rule
Use this to divide long posts into sections.
[hr]Example:
5. Quotes
Basic quote:
[quote]This is quoted text.[/quote]Named quote:
[quote=Mabel]This is quoted text from Mabel.[/quote]Expanded quote format:
[quote author="Mabel" post="#12"]This references a specific post.[/quote]Example:
This is a quoted passage.
6. Code Blocks
Use code blocks for commands, scripts, logs, structured notes, and raw BBCode examples.
[code]
echo "Hello Coalition";[/code]
Language label example:
[code=php]
<?php echo "Hello Coalition"; ?>[/code]
7. Links
Automatic visible URL:
[url]https://example.com[/url]Labeled link:
[url=https://example.com]Example Source[/url]Use labeled links when possible so readers know what they are opening.
8. Images
Use image tags for externally hosted images or approved image URLs.
[img]https://example.com/image.jpg[/img]For private messages, image/file attachments may also be sent through the message attachment button if available.
9. Lists
Unordered list:
[list]
[*]First item
[*]Second item
[*]Third item
[/list]Ordered list:
[list=1]
[*]First item
[*]Second item
[*]Third item
[/list]Example:
- Prepare the claim.
- Add evidence.
- State the inference.
- List open questions.
10. Color
Named color example:
[color=gold]Gold text[/color]Hex color example:
[color=#cda85c]Custom gold text[/color]Use color sparingly. It is best for warnings, labels, or emphasis.
11. Spoilers
Basic spoiler:
[spoiler]Hidden text goes here.[/spoiler]Labeled spoiler:
[spoiler=Research Notes]Hidden research notes go here.[/spoiler]Use spoilers for long side notes, sensitive plot/details, or optional evidence.
Coalition Research BBCode
The Coalition supports advanced research-composition tags. These are designed to make posts clearer by separating claims, evidence, inference, uncertainty, sources, and synthesis.
12. Claim
Use
Claim
for the statement you are arguing or proposing.
Example:
[claim]
A repeated symbolic pattern appears across several independent traditions and may indicate shared transmission or convergent development.
[claim]
The central claim goes here.
[/claim]Example:
[claim]
A repeated symbolic pattern appears across several independent traditions and may indicate shared transmission or convergent development.
13. Evidence
Use
Evidence
for observations, records, citations, measurements, examples, or documents that support a claim.
Example:
[evidence]
The same geometric motif appears in three manuscripts from different regions, each dated to a separate period.
[evidence]
Supporting evidence goes here.
[/evidence]Example:
[evidence]
The same geometric motif appears in three manuscripts from different regions, each dated to a separate period.
14. Counterpoint
Use
Counterpoint
to include opposing interpretations or alternative explanations.
Example:
[counterpoint]
The similarity may be coincidental or caused by later copying rather than a shared origin.
[counterpoint]
A different interpretation is possible.
[/counterpoint]Example:
[counterpoint]
The similarity may be coincidental or caused by later copying rather than a shared origin.
15. Inference
Use
Inference
for conclusions that are reasoned from evidence but not directly proven.
Example:
[inference]
The pattern is strong enough to justify further comparison, but not strong enough to prove direct historical contact.
[inference]
Reasoned conclusion goes here.
[/inference]Example:
[inference]
The pattern is strong enough to justify further comparison, but not strong enough to prove direct historical contact.
16. Unknown / Open Question
Use
Unknown / Needs Verification
when something remains unverified, uncertain, or unresolved.
Example:
[unknown]
The original date of the second manuscript is uncertain and needs independent verification.
[unknown]
What still needs verification?
[/unknown]Example:
[unknown]
The original date of the second manuscript is uncertain and needs independent verification.
17. Sources and Citations
Basic source:
[source]
Book, paper, archive, interview, or dataset.
[/source]Linked source:
[source url=https://example.com]Visible source label[/source]Citation:
[citation]
Author, Title, page number, archive code, or publication details.
[/citation]Archive reference:
[archive]
Archive identifier, manuscript number, file ID, or collection reference.
[/archive]Example:
Source
Example Archive Record
Citation
Example Author, Example Manuscript, p. 42.
Archive Reference
AETERNA-LIBRARY / MANUSCRIPT-042 / SCAN-B
Coalition Domain Tags
Use domain tags to mark which research domain a post belongs to.
18. Occult Science Domain
[domain=occult]
Hermetic, esoteric, symbolic, ritual, historical, or metaphysical material.
[/domain]Example:
Occult Sciences
This section examines symbolic cosmology and ritual pattern transmission.
19. Militaristic Science Domain
[domain=militaristic]
Doctrine, strategy, operational history, command theory, intelligence, logistics, or systems of applied force.
[/domain]Example:
Militaristic Sciences
This section examines strategic doctrine and operational decision-making.
20. Modern Science Domain
[domain=science]
Physics, cybernetics, engineering, AI, cognition, materials, biotechnology, or future infrastructure.
[/domain]Example:
Modern Science
This section examines cybernetic feedback systems and applied cognition.
21. Cross-Domain Synthesis
Use
Cross-Domain Synthesis
when combining multiple domains.
Example:
[synthesis]
The same feedback pattern appears in ritual systems, command theory, and cybernetic control loops. This suggests a useful comparative model.
[synthesis]
Cross-domain conclusion goes here.
[/synthesis]Example:
[synthesis]
The same feedback pattern appears in ritual systems, command theory, and cybernetic control loops. This suggests a useful comparative model.
Structured Research Post Tags
These tags help turn a thread into a clean research artifact.
22. Abstract
[abstract]
Short summary of the post.
[/abstract]Abstract
This is a short summary of the research topic, main question, and expected direction.
23. Method
[method]
How the information was collected or compared.
[/method]Method
Sources were compared by date, terminology, image pattern, and historical context.
24. Findings
[findings]
What was found.
[/findings]Findings
Three recurring patterns were identified across separate source groups.
25. Conclusion
[conclusion]
Final interpretation or current best answer.
[/conclusion]Conclusion
The evidence supports further investigation, but the claim remains provisional.
26. Timeline
[timeline]
- 1901: Event one
- 1924: Event two
- 1950: Event three
[/timeline]Timeline
- Phase 1: Source collection
- Phase 2: Comparison
- Phase 3: Verification
- Phase 2: Comparison
- Phase 3: Verification
27. Step
Use
Step
for instructions or procedures.
[step]
Collect primary sources before making a claim.
[step]
Step instructions go here.
[/step][step]
Collect primary sources before making a claim.
Example: Research Post Template
Copy this when starting a serious research thread:
[b][size=150]THREAD TITLE[/size][/b]
[abstract]
Brief summary of the research question.
[/abstract]
[claim]
Main claim or hypothesis.
[/claim]
[evidence]
Evidence supporting the claim.
[/evidence]
[counterpoint]
Alternative explanation or objection.
[/counterpoint]
[inference]
Reasoned conclusion based on current evidence.
[/inference]
[unknown]
What still needs verification?
[/unknown]
[source]
Sources, links, books, archives, or files.
[/source]
[synthesis]
How this connects to broader Coalition research.
[/synthesis]Example: Field Report Template
[b][size=150]FIELD REPORT[/size][/b]
[abstract]
What happened?
[/abstract]
[method]
How was it observed, recorded, or tested?
[/method]
[findings]
What was found?
[/findings]
[unknown]
What remains uncertain?
[/unknown]
[source]
Photos, documents, links, or witnesses.
[/source]
[conclusion]
Current conclusion.
[/conclusion]Example: Debate Reply Template
[quote=Name]
Point being answered.
[/quote]
[claim]
My position.
[/claim]
[evidence]
Evidence for my position.
[/evidence]
[counterpoint]
What the opposing side may still be right about.
[/counterpoint]
[inference]
Reasoned conclusion.
[/inference]BBCode in Private Messages
Private messages support the same basic formatting style. Use BBCode in messages when clarity matters.
Good message uses:
- Bold for clear labels.
Quote
when replying to a specific point.
for commands, logs, or exact text.Code- for references.
- or the attachment button for screenshots and files.
- for optional or sensitive details.
Spoiler
Spoilers
Example private message:
[b]Subject:[/b] Screenshot Review
I attached the screenshot below.
[evidence]
The issue appears near the lower-right message floater.
[/evidence]
[unknown]
I am not sure whether this is CSS overflow or JavaScript state drift.
[/unknown]
Please check when available.Best Practices
[list=1]
[*]Use [claim] for what you believe is true.
[*]Use [evidence] for what supports it.
[*]Use [inference] for what you reason from the evidence.
[*]Use [unknown] for what is not verified.
[*]Use [source] or [citation] whenever possible.
[*]Use [spoiler] for long optional sections.
[*]Use
for logs, commands, snippets, and raw formatting examples.
[*]Do not overuse colors or large text.
[*]Do not post private personal information.
[*]When uncertain, label uncertainty clearly.
[/list]
[hr]
[b][size=130]Recommended Research Standard[/size][/b]
A strong Coalition research post should include at least:
[list]
[*]A clear claim
[*]Evidence
[*]A source or citation
[*]A statement of uncertainty
[*]A reasoned inference or conclusion
[/list]
Example minimal structure:
[code]
[claim]
What I think is happening.
[/claim]
[evidence]
Why I think this.
[/evidence]
[unknown]
What I have not confirmed yet.
[/unknown]
[source]
Where the information came from.
[/source]
[inference]
Current best conclusion.
[/inference]Closing Note
BBCode is not only for decoration. On The Coalition, it is a way to make posts easier to read, easier to verify, and easier to build on.
Use formatting to clarify your reasoning.
Separate facts from inference.
Mark uncertainty.
Cite sources.
Build knowledge carefully.