Howdy:
Just my three cents: I find it is very helpful to players to use the first post in the thread to include a complete summary of the game settings including:
1. List of players / nations
2. List of mods
3. List of other settings (e.g., indy strength, research setting, etc.)
4. The map used
5. When the game will start
6. Hosting schedule, if applicable
And so forth.
Okay... I will stop typing now and finish my cake and ice cream.
Pasha