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There are many alliances in TBG, but before I discuss each of them, I will address the question: "Why should I join an alliance?"

Alliances are like Feline Grace's galaxy guide, except that the information is up-to-date and dynamic. In addition to knowing that you can sell Quad Trees at Castor, in an alliance, you will know how much they are selling for! Of course, how accurate the information is will depend on the size of the alliance, but quantity should never be taken for quality. Here are my totally biased remarks about each:

• FIST-Federation of Independent Space Traders: Small outfit whose original goal was to force "sheepish" players to defend themselves by extorting modules off them. They still do that but are now primarily political, having dominated the Galactic Presidency since its inception. Must be sponsored by a current member to join. Alliance Hallmarks: Aggressive, Cunning, Despised, Political

• FSP-Foundation for Spreading Peace: Medium-sized alliance who's dedication to peace and prosperity have made them the center of almost every alliance war there was. Their recent invention of FIP, the political party opposed to the rule of FIST, brought about conflict between FSP, FIP, and the Galactic President which has since subsided. Alliance Hallmarks: Peace-loving but not pacifist, Principled, Respected, Political

• GIN-Galactic Information Network: Large group of ships that share turn information. Not really an alliance at all. They just share turn information. There is no bond between members that I am aware of. Hail Wolverine to join.

• SIR-Surveillance, Information, and Reconnaissance: Medium Sized alliance devoted to information gathering and mutual protection. They will defend their own and are generally forgiving of transgressions against them. Alliance Hallmarks: Apolicital, Quiet, Hard to Provoke

• SN-Smuggler's Network: Medium-Large sized alliance composed of independent captains that wish to share turn info. This alliance has the least rules of any true alliance and stresses the independence of all its members. While it is primarily information sharing, unlike the GIN, the SN has a very friendly and familial atmosphere and is usually very talkative. Alliance Hallmarks: Friendly, Familial, Independent, Apolitical, Talkative, Secret

• Menudo A small alliance composed of ships under 100 turns old. The alliance is hosted by Borg Prime (maker of the turnulator) and members are generally invited to join, although ships can apply without an invite. Alliance Hallmarks: Secret, Apolitical, Independent, Quiet.

• UPF -Universal Police Force: Small organization formed to enforce conventional wisdom and to stop players from trading in contraband. Members hail from many different alliances. It is unknown how to join. Alliance Hallmarks: Despised, Aggressive

Please take note that all the above mentioned alliances require the divestment of your secret URL. I have been playing since turn 430 something and I have never, ever heard of one incident of webmasters using your URL for the purposes of controlling your ship against your will. The benefits of joining an alliance far outweight the risks associated with giving out your URL.