It is important to the integrity of this site that all members be dedicated to their projects, and for that reason there is a simple application process to join.

Because most creative people have started new projects only to run out of steam, or get another idea, later on and let their creations fall into neglect, I ask that all applicants convince me of their dedication to their project.

I ask that you prepare a small presentation of the project, almost as if you were pitching the idea to an agent or creative director. It will help me see how far your process has taken you so far, and to judge how likely you are to continue. It is also excellent practice for pitching your idea, for future interviews.

Your presentation should include as much as possible of the following. Not all are required, but how much material you have is directly connected to how dedicated you appear to be to the project.

Concept statement: Nothing as sinister as a thesis statement, this is just a handful of sentences describing your project in general terms.
Format Intent: How do you see this project coming to life? As a printed novel? Syndicated internet comic? Hollywood blockbuster? If you hope for more than one format, mention it here.
Story Synopsis: What's your plot? If your project is more abstract than a narrative, try your best to describe what message will come across to your audience. Try to keep it to a page or less, if possible.
Characters: In written and/or visual formats, introduce your main character(s) in detail.
Additional process work: For visual artists, this can be character/setting/object development drawings, actual illustrations or pages from your work. Writers can provide me with passages from their text, or companion paragraphs to help set moods and plots. Essentially, any work you've done on the project is appropriate and suggested for this area.
Deadline: This is a scary word, and while I won't force you to stick to it (life has a way of screwing with our plans), please give a realistic date in the future when you hope to complete at least the first stage (if there are many) of your project.

Please note I am not reviewing the applications to make value judgements of your work. I simply judge whether you appear to be willing to put in the work that it will take to carry your project to its goal. I will, however, be watching to make sure that your own writing or drawing styles are consistent, to ensure the consistency of your work's quality. For instance, if a comic artist's first page is full-color and well-rendered, the last page should not be sketched and sloppy, except where appropriate to the concept (ie, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes).

The project concept you are working on must be fully your own creation. Any elements that are created by persons other than yourself require that person's written permission to be included on this site, and their name will also be listed on the project page.

Accepted members have a choice for their affilation with this site. By default, all members have access to:

Member area - FAQs, Forums, Site Projects, Tips & Hints, etc.
Profile Page - One HTML profile page to showcase your project briefly, with up to three hotlinks and five samples of your work, along with artist and contact information.
Shop Feature - A link to any products you may have available for your project

By donating $10 annually to the maintenance costs of the site, members may also receive:

Site Hosting - Bannerless hosting for your own site at http://yourname.autochthonic.com
Full Email account - 3MB POP email account (membername@autochthonic.com)
Top Listing - Large banner link on the Projects index