RULES

• Time is always assumed to move forward (e.g. events progress in time).
• The interaction between entities is illustrated within an arbitrary timeframe that best explains the significant events and/or interactions which occur. 2-Dimensional representations divide timeframes into Schemas. 3-Dimensional representations divide timeframes into States.
• Interactions between entities can occur synchronously and/or asynchronously.
• A Neutral entity cannot effect a transformation by itself, but can serve as a catalyst for the creation of a positive or negative entity.
• Transformation cannot occur if it can affect the entity that produced the transformation within the same Schema or State.
• Duplication (or replication) can only occur as a result of positive transformation and/or error-free transmission.
• An originating entity cannot be transformed by a copy of itself within the same schema or state.
• An entity may, or may not, make an "internal" transition from one mode (positive, negative, or neutral) to another. Transformations are always an external power which actively seeks to force an entity to change its mode.
• If colors are used to identify entities then shapes identify their modes (positive, negative, or neutral). If shapes (and/or lables) are used to identify entities, then symbols ("+" for positive, "-" for negative, and "/" for neutral) identify their modes; and colors can be used to identify their condition (fully functional, partially functional, or terminal). Any self-consistent variation of symbols, interactions, and colors is allowable.
• A Legend should always accompany an LMSL illustration.