This is a fairly broad topic, so we'll break it down into sections.

Coordinating Plots :

You are not required to submit a plot to the moderators for approval. We do suggest that large plots involving many characters be presented, at least in vague outline form, to the community at large, via the OOC community. Someone may point out that an NPC you wished to use is currently involved elsewhere, or has had its status quo changed. Someone may want to raise their hand and volunteer to get involved. Giving people a hint of what's going on helps things run more smoothly.

Once you've got the list of people who are to be involved with the plot, e-mail can be used to effectively keep everyone coordinated and up to speed.

Methods of Communication :

We use several, and each has their own advantages and disadvantages,

IM - We mainly use AIM, as a group. Some folks have other clients. We occasionally do evening group-chats, where we invite everyone in the game who's online to come and talk. These sessions are generally pretty frivolous, but we occasionally brainstorm plot ideas there. However, since not everyone has or regularly uses AIM, we strongly recommend that any plot brainstorming done be posted in summarized form on the OOC community, so the other folks can participate.

When it comes to talking to the Mods, none of us have a problem answering questions via AIM, but anything that is at all complex - resolving player disputes, or the like - should be sent to us via e-mail.

E-Mail - E-Mail is a great way to reach everybody. Please make sure your e-mail address is kept up to date on the community's OOC contact List, which is visible only to members.

The JLA Watchtower Community - Our main community should be used for In-Character posts only. In a pinch, OOC parentheticals may be used, but we strongly discourage that. They break up the flow of the scene, and there's really very little reason to use them, provided everyone keeps their email address up to date, and provided everyone pays attention to..

The Watchtower OOC Community - Our secondary community is used for OOC communications. We make announcements there, solicit interest in upcoming plots, and generally use it as a catch-all. The OOC Community is set to make posts default to be visible only to members. All members of Watchtower are welcome to post there, and we strongly recommend that you check in with the OOC community semi-regularly. It is our primary method of communication to the playerbase as a whole.

The one thing you should never bring to the OOC Community, though, is a player dispute. Those should be emailed to the moderators or the arbiters.