In the other WiR, we do the following :
Private stuff are like letters, so we use PMs
Trade : A treaty is signed, like any other treaty it takes up a order. Usually just a deal to supply weapons or such is enough, but it is possible to buy ships and such.
Trade Agreements are treaties as well.
As to not knowing who is posting...we use colours according to our nation, IE Italy In-Character posts are in green. While the ones from the USA are a certain blue. We also put the (historical) flags on our posts, or at least the most important posts, a basic example :
The kingdom of Italy agrees with their allies position on the American Civil War, the CSA have the right to secede and should have been allowed to do so peacefully.
