An overview of the application for SceneLink
--Who we are and what we do
--What we produce
--An overview of the positions we are recruiting for
--The application itself
--Information on submitting your material
NOTE: If youre thinking about skipping the text below, dont.
SceneLink is not another Art, H/P/A, MP3, or Warez group. We
are a new kind of a group, and to understand what we do you will
have to read the text. Besides, its not that long anyway.
Who we are and what we do
Greetings from SceneLink. We are a new group which focuses
entirely on promoting unity in the scene. Our goal is to build a
single SCENE out of the existing SCENES. The word scene, as
used by SceneLink, refers to the sum of the smaller Art, H/P/A,
MP3, Warez, and other misc. Internet scenes currently in
existence. At the present time each of these scenes is organized
very efficiently into groups at the lower level, but there is no
effective organization at the top between scenes. SceneLink is
building this top level organization our goal is create a unified
scene in which each type of group is actively involved with every
other type of group in the scene. This mixing of scenes will benefit
each of the scenes, and the increased organization will provide a
core for the emerging scene.
SceneLink is perfectly suited to mix the scenes because as a group
we belong to no scene in particular we are neutral observers and
facilitators. In addition to building this utopian scene, SceneLink is
firmly committed to examining the scene in order to show people
how the scene functions under radically different rules than those
of the mundane world. For example, nobody in the scene was ever
denied a position in a group because they were too heavy, had the
wrong color of skin, or were too poor. Likewise, few people in the
real world ever worked on a daily basis with 20-60 other people
from around the world to create a group that everyone in the group
could be proud of. The scene is different from the real world,
and in many ways the scene is better. The biggest problem for
scenes today is that nobody knows about them in any depth a great
example of this is the recent media hype surrounding the FBIs
Operation Cyberstrike. Of all the articles written on the dangers of
software piracy, not one bothered to talk about the camaraderie felt
by those in the warez scene. To the media these people are nothing
more than simple hoodlums. This conception has to change, but
the only way thats going to happen is if the media and others
come to see the scene as organized. As an organizer of
organizations, SceneLink can do this.
Media outreach is an important aspect of our work, but
SceneLinks primary interest is still the scene itself. Through
examination and evaluation we intended to help bring about a
more unified scene consciousness. People in the scene will realize
that they are all part of something fantastic, something that normal
people never get a chance to be a part of. Groups will come to see
their fellow groups in other scenes as comrades, and a new era of
cooperation and unification will be born. Thats our goal anyway.
A lot of this may sound like SceneLink is attempting to bring
back the good ol days in the scene, back when everything was
underground and members were all elite. Well, those days are gone,
and it would take a lot more than SceneLink to bring them back. What
SceneLink is attempting to do is establish a sort of common ground
between scenes to bring stability back. New groups are lucky if they
last 3 months, and exceptional if they go a year a lot of this is due
to a change in the way the scene operates. Everything is off the bbses
and onto the net, which has resulted in total chaos. Boards used to
provide stability and encourage growth, and we think SceneLink has
a chance to perhaps bring back some of this stability by providing a
central area for people to get scene information.
The old scene is dead. And things are now completely different,
particularly with regard to the fact that the majority of scene members
could be classified as lamers. But part of the reason theses people are
lamers is because they were never introduced to the scene, they just
get dumped into warez666. They are uncivilized because they
grew up without parents SceneLink can show people what theyre
missing. There will always be lamers, but many people are treatable
for lameness.
If this all sounds unusual, thats because it is. People are always
harping about unity in the scene, about getting things done rather
than wasting energy fighting each other, but so far all this bitching
has achieved very little. The reason for this is because up until now
the ones calling for scene unity were either individuals, or groups
within a specific scene such as Art, H/P/A, MP3, or Warez.
Individuals, and even groups, lack the resources to effectively
promote scene unity their main concern is putting out packs,
couriering, etc. so thats where they spend their energy. While
there have been small scale alliances like RIP or the SPA in the Warez
scene, these alliances are never between groups of different scenes.
SceneLink is the first group that is really capable of effectively
promoting scene unity, because as a group, that is where all of our
resources go. Since SceneLink belongs to no scene in particular, it
can bridge the gap between all scenes. Furthermore, since
SceneLink examines the scene, but does not officially endorse
illegal actions, we have nothing to fear from government action.
This allows us to function in ways that many scene groups can not,
we can be out in the open providing a voice for the scene.
What we produce
The primary tool SceneLink will use to promote scene unity is our
website, which is where most of our resources will be directed.
Our goal is to make the website a center for the scene community.
The site will not contain anything more incriminating than what is
listed in most group nfo files, and groups will have the option to
limit the information they want available about them on the site.
What the site will contain is a number of resources designed to
make the scene feel like more of a community, as well as
information designed to educate people from outside the scene
about our lifestyle. The specific content of the site is still being
decided upon, but there will almost certainly be:
An index of every group yes, every single one in each
of the scenes, with links to that group, quick information
on it, and the groups most recent nfo. Every subject in this
index will be updated every 2 weeks to remove dead groups
and to add new ones.
Explanations both short and extended for the
operations and methods of each of the scenes, as well as a
brief summary of its history. This area is designed for those
with little to no familiarity with the scene or scenes.
A place to buy scene memorabilia such as shirts ,
posters, and CDs provided that the CDs do not contain
illegal material.
Bi-weekly updates on each scene. Original content will
include regular features like group news mergers, deaths,
etc., Scene Soap Opera, Best Original Animation Under 5
Megs, and special interviews and articles. The content
section of the site will also include links to articles in the
mass media about the scene, about members of the scene,
or about subjects with particular relevance to either of the
preceding.
SceneLink is capable of succeeding in these ambitious
endeavors because of our unique structure for gathering
information. Instead of going around to each and every group
every two weeks a logistical nightmare we will seek affiliations
with each group. Affiliated groups will be responsible for sending
us the information, which will mean that we can focus our energies
in other areas. The public relations manager will ensure that
affiliated groups understand exactly what has to be submitted, and
the public relations manager will also send out reminders before
each update is due. After we have finished recruiting our production
staff we will begin to work on recruiting groups for affiliations.
So far every group that has been asked about the possibility of an
affiliation has been very enthusiastic, and were confident that with
a dedicated public relations manager in charge we can obtain
affiliations with a majority of existing groups within a month.
Our position as a perfectly legal forum for the distribution of
information allows us to be a center for the scene without worrying
about keeping the website secret. SceneLink will never be forced
to close, and because it will be around next month, next year, and
possibly in some incarnation into the next millennia, the
SceneLink website has the potential to develop into a stable
foundation for the scene. SceneLink can be an incredible resource
for both those in the scene, and those outside it like the mass
media. Its about time that people started writing articles about the
human side of the scene instead of tiresome articles on the
availability of porn on the Internet.
An overview of the positions we are recruiting for
Positions in SceneLink are competitive. Our operations only
require a small staff, and by keeping the group small it remains
somewhat intimate, which helps to foster a very creative
atmosphere. The number of members will probably peak
somewhere around 10-15, but that number may fluctuate.
Organizing the scene is an ambitious and difficult task, which is
why we expect all of our members to act professionally.
Applicants should be 18 years or older, though exceptions will be
made for people with exceptional talent and/or dedication.
As members of SceneLink you receive special benefits like:
1 That your art/page design/articles will be displayed in an area
where many people will see them. If SceneLink is successful with
its negotiations and advertising, then the website will become the
most extensive resource for scene information on the net visitors
could easily reach 5,000 per day within a few weeks. Your work
may even appear in an article in the mass media about the scene.
2 Because SceneLink and its website are totally legitimate, you
can list your work here on a resume. That means that all the effort
put in tweaking your work may eventually end up getting you a
job.
3 You get a good feeling deep down inside knowing youre
helping to make the scene a better place. You may even get free T-
shirts and other cool stuff, depending on how successful the
revenue coordinator is.
So with that in mind, we at SceneLink hope youre looking
forward to the opportunity to join our ranks, and we wish you all
the best of luck.
Right now we are currently accepting applications for all of the
following positions:
ARTISTS 4
Artists are responsible for producing the art and animations which
go on our website. It is expected that you be proficient in either 2D
or 3D art, though experience in both forms is desirable. 2D
illustrators with experience in vector based programs such as Corel
Draw, Freehand, or Illustrator are particularly needed because
animations on the website will be created using Macromedia Flash
formerly futuresplash which uses vector based graphics. 3D
artists should be familiar with 3D studio as well as a variety of
plugins, and both 2D and 3D artists should have an extensive
background in Photoshop. Prior work in HTML design is a plus,
but is not required or expected.
HTML DESIGNERS 2
Designers are responsible for adding and updating pages. Prior
experience running a website is a must. Designers are also
expected to have produced a number of other sites, which can
serve as a portfolio.
NOTE: There are only a few openings for HTML designers because
after the scenelink website is completed we wont need more than
2-3 new pages a week, which can be handled best by a small number
of designers. Applicants should consider applying as an artist in
addition to HTML designer, because its likely that if we have
enough people that overlap, then many of our artists will be
involved in HTML design as well.
WRITERS 5
Writers are responsible for conducting interviews, writing articles
and columns, and gathering information on the scene. Proficiency
with the English language is obviously desirable, but applicants
need not be poets the content editor will take care of minor errors.
The most important qualities in a writer are friendliness,
persistence, and a thorough understanding and love of the scene.
Experience as a member of groups in at least one if the scenes is
expected.
OTHER ?
If you can offer services to SceneLink that arent listed here, then
tell us about it. Possible services might include running mirror
sites, supervising public relations, or scene research. If youre
excited about the opportunity to work for scenelink, but you arent
an artist/HTML designer/writer, then consider applying as an other.
If youre dedicated enough, chances are we can find a job for you.
The application itself
Read the information about how to submit your sample and follow
instructions given. If youre not used to filling out an application
form with your real name and phone number, thats not surprising.
Remember, SceneLink is a different kind of group, and part of
what makes us different from many groups in the scene is that our
actions are all perfectly legal. In SceneLink members refer to one
another by first names, it creates a more friendly atmosphere.
Nicks are still used on IRC, and when doing articles, but within the
group first names are used. If youre squeamish about putting
down your real name and handle, then put down a fake handle.
Dont leave any of the questions blank, if you have to just write
none. Please try to return your application by February 20th
1997. If youre unable to finish the application before February
20th, dont worry, well accept applicants as long as we have space
for them. Of course getting your app in early just increases the
likelihood that space will be available. Applicants will be
notified of our decision no later than February 27th. If youd like
to apply for more than one position, just complete the requirements
for both that are listed below.
NOTE: updates on the groups progress can be found at
http://pantheon.yale.edu/ijd3/
Thanks for reading all of this,
we at SceneLink appreciate your time.
When returning this application, cut out all text above this point
Real name Last name is optional:
IRC nickname:
Email address:
Personal homepage:
Phone number:
City/State/Country:
Who is your favorite artist:
Who is your favorite poet:
What is your favorite website list URL:
List four words that describe who you are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Position you are applying for:
Artist
HTML Designer
Writer
Other
Experience you have in this area
include work done outside the scene as well:
How you would describe your work:
Programs you are familiar with:
Experience you have in the scene:
What is your favorite memory of the scene?
Why are you applying, and how do you think you can contribute to
SceneLink? The questions sucks, but its helpful. Please indulge us
What do you think could be done to improve this application?
IF YOURE APPLYING AS AN ARTIST,
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1 Select 3 or more pieces from your portfolio which you feel are
representative of your work. We are looking for artists who have
range, but also technical ability. Creativity is still the most
important thing though, so the more original your work is the
better. If you have done any work on interface design please
submit samples, since a lot of the initial work on the website will
be in this area. If you have experience in ANSI/ASCII or music,
please submit samples in these formats as well.
2 Draw a 2D or 3D mascot with the name warez puppy. It should
be some kind of dog, but other than that its totally up to you.
3 Design a logo for Scenelink. Please avoid using very many filters
like alien skin its ok if its very artificial looking, but it should
also be very original. It should have a mood, and express what
you imagine Scenelink to be like.
4 If you have any experience in vector based art, or animation,
consider doing an animation in Macromedia Flash. The demo can
be found at http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/ This is
not required for art applicants, but if you have any background in
this area wed like to see it. The animation itself can be about
anything you want, though preferably about something scene
related.
5 Put everything into a zip file, and then either dcc it to neofish9 on
IRC, or email it to IJD3@yale.edu. This zip file should include:
1 finished application
3 or more samples from your portfolio
1 2D or 3D warez puppy piece
1 Scenelink logo
1 or more Macromedia Flash animations optional
IF YOU ARE APPLYING AS A WRITER,
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1 Choose to write an article on EITHER of the two topics. Do not do
both.
TOPIC 1
Interview at least 8 people from warez666 or warez950,
including 2 ops, and ask about what they think will be the effect of
Operation Cyberstrike on the warez scene. Write an article in
which you use these interviews to back up what you are saying will
be the effect, but dont just list what people said. Comment on
their ideas, and only take the most interesting comments which
support some kind of argument about the question. The article
should be at least 750 words.
TOPIC 2
Interview a president or vice president of a group you are not
currently a member of. Ask them about what they think about the
state of their particular scene, about what their group will be doing
in the near future, and what they think makes their group different.
Write your article as an article, not an interview. You should
organize what they have said and then put it into a cohesive format
for your readers. Its ok to use quotes, but dont just list quotes
randomly. In other words, you should say something in your
article, not just send us the log of your interview. The article
should be at least 750 words.
2 Put your article and application into a zip file, and then either dcc
it to neofish9 on IRC, or email it to IJD3@yale.edu.
IF YOU ARE APPLYING AS AN HTML DESIGNER,
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Were looking for people that have a lot of experience, and a lot of
creativity. The primary quality were looking for though is a good
eye for design. Your work should be clear, so that a user knows
immediately what the site offers and how to get there. HTML
designers should be designers first, but it is also expected that
you have some experience with JAVA. Experience with C, C++,
and/or design work in the real world like newspaper, poster, or
misc. production is also a plus. Scenelinks website will be aimed
at users on 28.8 modems, so keep that in mind when selecting
samples and producing your page in step 2.
1 Select a minimum of two websites that you have produced, and
then write a short description of your role in building the sites,
what you learned, and what you think about the final product.
Then put all this into a text file titled websites.txt be sure to
include the websites address.
2 Produce a homepage to replace the lackluster SceneLink News
Center page at http://pantheon.yale.edu/ijd3/ Add new graphics,
change the design, and do whatever else you think will make the
page more interesting and informative. You can keep all the text
on the page now, or just use dummy text to fill in space on the
page. Whats important is that your site be attractive and easy to
navigate.
3 Then write a description of what your goals were in designing the
News Center site layout and selecting art, in other words, why did you
choose to organize things the way you did. Add this information,
along with an address where your prestige replacement site can be
found, to the websites.txt file from step 1. If you cant put the
page up, then just put all the files into a zip file.
4 If you have any experience in vector based art, or animation,
consider doing an animation in Macromedia Flash. The demo can
be found at http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/ This is
not required for art applicants, but if you have any background in
this area wed like to see it. The animation itself can be about
anything you want, though preferably about something scene
related. If you already did this step for the artist application, then
please dont repeat it. If you do an animation, just include it in the zip.
5 Send the websites.txt, and the zip file if you need to, by either
DCC to neofish9, or email it to IJD3@yale.edu
IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR OTHER,
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1 Write a short description of what you can offer the group, and
why you think we would benefit from this service.
2 Put this text, along with your completed app, into a zip file and
then either DCC to neofish9, or email it to IJD3@yale.edu
ABOUT THIS APPLICATION
Scenelink application ver 1.02
Produced by neofish9, SceneLink content coordinator