(no subject)

[ninja-mod.livejournal.com]

NEW APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Hi-hi ~ !

Since we’re given to understand that a number of you would like to get an early start on your January applications, we figured it’d be best to make this information available as soon as possible. As you know, we’ll be following a new application format as of January 20, 2008 - for a brief intro to the new system, scrooooooooooll down at your leisure:

[name/nick]: whatever name you want to give yourself, and not your character, for the duration of your POLYchro trials and tribulations. For archive purposes, please try to be consistent; don't change nicks if you have already declared a particular one when taking other characters with polychromatic please understand, we really want your soul ;.;

[personal LJ name]: your eljay, again.

[other characters played]: try to aim for a [character name :: series :: characterlj] format. Please make mention of all your active characters. Characters formerly played at polychromatic or played in other games should not be referenced.

[e-mail]:

[AIM/messenger]: all messenger alternatives are welcome.

[series]: If you’re applying for a character that appears in several issues of the same creative universe [ DC / Marvel comics, we’re looking at you], please specify.

Likewise, we realize that several characters simultaneously suffer from very different adaptations in a number of environments. If you have a character depicted in various ways, depending on the comic / manga / book / movie / animation / TV show / radio book format? Please specify which version you are applying.

Presently, we do not accept applications for character interpretations that mix various environments. Example: no applying a manga character with some anime personality traits.

There are exceptions, if seldom met. In the past, we’ve made allowances for characters such as the two [manga and anime] Fullmetal Alchemist Wraths, who have very little in common in terms of character history, relationships and personality. If you feel this is the case for the character you want to apply, it might be cautious to contact and ask a moderator. As a matter of courtesy, we will encourage you (and ask whether you have done so) to contact the player of the other version of the applied character, and get their opinion on how things stand.

We also do not presently accept applications for characters:

that pertain to informal / associated works (works that are not officially connected with the canon of a series, or whose are not recognized as part of their timeline. Example: certain Star Wars novels.)

that hail from works of fanfiction / exclusive fanon

that are clear Mary Sues / male equivalents thereof

that have already been applied / taken within the game from a later / earlier point in their timeline (example: no Sumeragi Subaru from Tokyo Babylon, if there is already one from the ensuing manga, X / 1999). While we have made exceptions to this rule in the past, we are now unprepared to deal with similar circumstances.

[character]:
A. [character history/background]:
B. [character abilities]:
C. [character personality]:

! We understand that a number of applicants benefit from online resources they can link us to; we welcome them to do so as a substitute for sections A and B. However, please keep in mind that if we find the provided information to be insufficient, we will have to ask you to fill out sections A and B for us anyway.

While a link to outside information might lead to relevant input, we will have to ask that you nonetheless fill out section C for us. Please do not C/P from other sources, there’s a good chance we’ll find out.

If the character you want to apply does not have all that much information for you to cover these fields for us, please consider using the Original Character application for them. Apply in the adequate section, while clearly emphasizing in your application which facts are canonically supported, as opposed to being your personal input.

[canon chronology]: From which point of the timeline are you picking your character? Make sure to have this particular choice reflect on the rest of your application. For example, imagine you are picking character M of comic X, up to issue Y. If after issue Y, he develops a sudden personality change, we expect to see the old M reflected in your application. It’s essential to keep things cohesive.

[journal post]: [ALL applicants.] First person RP sample. This will help us observe how your character voice comes through in regular eljay posts.
[third person rp sample]: third person RP sample – for the logger in you!

For both samples, we encourage:

strong grammar skills, and some TLC for syntax. Please choose a verb tense and stick with it.

always keep in mind who you’re applying. It’s very easy to get distracted and include the point of views of other characters, or to focus on them overly. Understand that the more you center on anything else, the more you detract from your applied character’s spotlight.

introspection is key. When writing your application, you might want to answer some of the following questions: what are the main drives in your character’s life? What are the most powerful points of their personal philosophy? What would they never do? Who or what is the thing they most care for? What life event changed them? What is their ideal? What makes them who they are? [Naturally, you shouldn’t try to answer them all. That might, in fact, turn out rather ugly. But keep these issues in mind for potential inspiration!]

try avoiding excessive amounts of dialogue or action. Unless it particularly shows why character X is X, a lot of action will only drive your application into anonymity. Likewise, it’s better not to incorporate overwhelming amounts of dialogue; this rule is obviously overruled if you have a definite voice you’re working with, and are fully confident that you can make it stand out. We want a definite feel of your character, and will therefore have to advise moderation with action and dialogue.

if your character is especially multi-faceted or complex, please make a point of showing the various sides of his or her personality. Putting only one facet for display might mislead moderators into thinking that you don’t have a proper grasp of the character. If you feel that you can’t adequately portray the different aspects of your character in the same sample, feel free to provide more.

while it might sometimes fit the app bill, it’s usually best not to provide fanfiction excerpts for your application sample.

please don’t write your application about character A from the point of view of character B, who is describing A.

We’re going to be sticking this up in our brand new APPFLOSS eljay yes, we were oh so creative again, which will hereon be hosting all your app needs: Canon Character Applications, Original Character Applications, Character Request Thread, App Slot Thread, and App Peer Review Thread.

There’re two novelties up there, so let’s try to cover’em adequately:

I. Peer Review Thread :: APPS

THIS THREAD involves the application process, and has nothing to do with the Character Complaint Threads. Essentially, it will be a thread with screened comments, where people will get to fill in an oh-so-shiny template for us if they want to provide an opinion about certain applications submitted during the current app week. This will help us with applications, in case we don’t know the fandom firsthand, or happen to be at a loss for a definitive verdict. It will also help you with getting the best suited crew member you might want.

! We however want to underline that at no point will peer review comments veto moderator verdicts. They will be there for support and counsel, not decision making.

Please take the time to look over its template before reading further.

Is this obligatory?
Not in the least. It’d definitely help us in case we were unfamiliar with a particular fandom, or were at a mod tie – but we’re not forcing people in the know to give their 0.02.

Why do I have to provide both PROs and CONs?
There’s no such thing as an application that is either perfect, or perfectly flawed. There really isn’t. Even if your verdict proposal sways in one direction, you are expected to judge fairly. More to the point, the presence or absence of pro / con details will help us weed out those comments that are clearly biased.

Do I have to provide arguments, or can I just label ( ex: "very IC," "guh, phails")?
Arguments, please. We’ll be looking at your material while we make our own judgments, and labels are too ambiguous for us to work with.

Should I worry about length?
Neither spam, nor tl;dr will do us much good. Aim for concision, while revealing the essentials. If you’re into word limits: try for 350 ?

How much of a time window do I have to submit my comment?
There’s no specific window, though you are free to submit as soon as the application in question has also been submitted, and not before, even if you have somehow been privy to its content. We understand that some of you will not have the time to submit your comments before a verdict is passed, and we cannot guarantee you a time slot to do so – the only way we’d be able to do that is if we delayed application verdicts again, which is something that the community would not greet warmly.

The mods will play favourites and place verdicts on apps of their choice faster than regularly, so we can’t get our (rejecting) opinions in! They’re only making this thread to make it seem like we’re being heard.

Conspiracy theory aside, Mister Gibson, that’s a bit unrealistic. If apps are given a verdict very soon after their submission, it’s likely a coincidence. Moreover, it’s not like the so-called cheating can’t go both ways: people can talk to friend about their providing comments in favour of their apps too. It comes down to a question of trust and investigation. Like with the former app system: we’ll try it, and if it doesn’t work, we have no qualms about changing.

II. App Slot Thread

A number of you have been asking that we should restore the RESERVE Thread to its former shine and glory – we considered it, but a clear issue was the fact that some people would place reserves, then never actually carry out with the application (hence delaying things significantly).

The App Slot Thread is our alternative to this. Basically, it will be a thread where you will get to submit your application before the actual application week. Therefore, you will be guaranteeing both yourself priority, and us that you are serious in your endeavour.

Although we provide this opportunity for early / priority submission, please keep in mind that we will not be returning you a verdict until the actual application week. It’s only fair towards the people following the regular application procedure. Since there is no competition for OCs, we wouldn’t exactly encourage you to use the App Slot Thread for early OC submission.

A character that has been applied in the App Slot Thread can still be applied through regular procedure, with the note that the application in the App Slot Thread will be reviewed first. If and only if the application in the App Slot Thread is rejected will we look at the application in the regular app thread. At the same time, if your application in the App Slot Thread is rejected, you lose the right to apply regularly for that week.

As with the former RESERVES, an applicant may only submit an application in the App Slot Thread for the same character a total of three consequent times.

Finally: CHARACTER REQUEST THREAD has been cleaned, so please give it a look!

Comments

[dark-butler.livejournal.com]

Soooo... would humping you for this be inappropriately sexually harassing?

[ninja-mod.livejournal.com]

WHERE IS MY CAKE.

[jollygoodform.livejournal.com]

Whoa, shiny!

^^ Love it. Absolutely.

[ninja-mod.livejournal.com]

Hope it works!

[banditfox.livejournal.com]

Wow ... Here's hoping it works out for everyone.

[crone-mod.livejournal.com]

We're always in beta as it were. If you have questions/concerns, feedback is always needed.

[better-third.livejournal.com]

Unf unf for the new app format~

[ninja-mod.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, don't get it hot and bothered!

[halfed.livejournal.com]

Okay, let me try to get this straight cause my brain? she is slooow

You can post your app early in the app slot thread to secure your place. You post in the app thread (once it's open), and others can post in the reviews thread with their opinions. And decisions go from there (with input from the reviews thread if needed)?

I'm...kind of concerned about how the app slot and peer review threads are going to go down though. =/

[ninja-mod.livejournal.com]

OK, chief, tell me if this is better:

You can post in the App Slot Thread if you wanna turn in yours quickly. Once people see it, it's game for peer review. You only get your verdict in once app sessions open regularly.


Alternatively, you can post in the regular app thread, peer review also game once you do so, and verdict during the app session.

[ninja-mod.livejournal.com]

Peer review isn't something I'd worry about - you know all those " waaaaaah" some apps get, and all that? It'd be amazingly helpful for us if those same comments were a wee bit more substantial and told us what was so good about the app - so we too could get an additional opinion spectrum.

[venomouselle.livejournal.com]

Oh snaps ♥

[ninja-mod.livejournal.com]

Snaps is whar?

[hooksandmirrors.livejournal.com]

Looks good ♥ Here's hoping it works out |D

[ruxi.livejournal.com]

Despair peace sign!

I wonder if she cuts the V on her arm >>

[number1gal.livejournal.com]

I just LOVE how you guys keep mentioning my Birthday~!

[ruxi.livejournal.com]

...awwwww, well, a lot of people will be looking forward to it?

[thexgoblinxking.livejournal.com]

As with the former RESERVES, an applicant may only submit an application in the App Slot Thread for the same character a total of consequent times.

Should there be another word between "of" and "consequent", or am I misunderstanding? ^^;;;

Otherwise, I think it sounds quite nice.

[ruxi.livejournal.com]

Three! Thank you!

[quackingly.livejournal.com]

Presently, we do not accept applications for character interpretations that mix various environments. Example: no applying a manga character with some anime personality traits.

Okies, I've got a bit of a question about this one...

I've been considering apping a character that appears in two canons: A TV show that ran for two seasons, and a comic book. The comic book was started about the same time as the show was beginning to air, and it was heavily influenced by the show. However, when the TV series was canceled, the comic book continued to be published (and is still published today, even though it's been a good ten years or so since the show was canceled).

I haven't kept up with the comic book in years, but I just recently got the TV series on DVD, so I've been planning on rewatching the entire series and apping the character once applications started back up. Since the show was canceled instead of truly finished, there were some things that were never really explained in the show that the comic book later decided to do some elaborating of its own on.

The character's personality is the same in either version, so I don't really have to worry about that, but--if I apply for the character and later hit a curse day or plot point where I'd have to come up with something that wasn't touched on in the show, would it be fine to borrow from the comic book version as long as it didn't contradict the show? I can't think of a particular example, so I don't know if I'd ever really need to, but it's something I've been wondering about while considering apping the character, so I figured I'd better ask before I run into that problem while playing her. ^^;

...Hopefully this all makes sense, I'm a little scatterbrained today.

Anyway, besides that (...rather long-winded) question, thumbs-up on the new app system. I love the idea of the Peer Review thread, too.

[crone-mod.livejournal.com]

Right-o. You'll note that we do have exceptions set out on a case by case basis. Without knowing the full details, we agree that we would accept your character as described, and close out the option for anyone apping the TV canon. Because there is not much divergence in the actual characterization between the two canons, we would accept your using both for background information.

We must stress that this is not something we can give a blanket ruling on, nor are we giving you a final ruling without knowing more about your application and character. However, based on what you're telling us, we can agree on the general principal.

[thunderwitch.livejournal.com]

I object. ♥ This is too well thought out and organized.

[icepetals.livejournal.com]

So we can post apps in the App Slot Thread during the weeks apps aren't open to ensure that it gets looked at first during app week where we post it into the real App Thread?

Weird scenario time:

What if say... someone happens to post their app to the App Slot Thread but the next week, they happen to be away until Friday and then post their app into the real app thread then and in the meantime, person B has posted their app on Monday for the same character. Would the person A still get their app looked at first even though they ended up posting it on Saturday or Sunday? Or would it be given to Person A now?

[crone-mod.livejournal.com]

Short answer: Person A gets their app looked at first because it was already posted in the App Slot thread.

Long answer: Actually, once an application is in the App Slot thread, it does not have to be reposted in the Application thread. Instead, we will urge people to post a link to the App Slot application in the App Thread for our recordkeeping purposes only. The application in the App Slot thread counts. It just will not be looked at for application review by the mods until the app week opens.

[veryancient.livejournal.com]

Question. For movie characters that were memorable but nothing or very little of their background was revealed, would that mean an OC app would need to be used?

I'm asking cause I got two characters I would like to apply for at some point, but very little background is known on them. The reason for this because neither character was a lead character. They were merely supporting characters in their respective movies.

[burnsaway.livejournal.com]

That would have to go on a case-by-case basis, I think, especially when confronted with the meaning of 'memorable' in each scenario, since that can mean something different depending on the character and movie/game/etc.

[pinkikemenhero.livejournal.com]

That's.. kinda complicated for me little ol' brain. @_@;; Good thing I haven't gained any new muses lately.

[ruxi.livejournal.com]

Wah... well, ummm. I honestly think that the only thing that's really changed is the addition of the personality section? I mean, er, the char background / abilities thing is only there in case people can't find an info link - because we'd had some problems with it being a bit unfair for people who were applying things from small series, and who couldn't get any information for us...

[redex.livejournal.com]

what, stalking, me?

Look forward to it. ♥ *c/ps it aaaalll*

[ruxi.livejournal.com]

Aaaaah! Hi-hi ~ ! You can find just the format in the regular app thread, if you'd like!