================================================== 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 you're thinking about skipping the text below, don't. 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, it's 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 FBI's 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 that's 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 SceneLink's 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. That's 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 they're missing. There will always be lamers, but many people are treatable for lameness. If this all sounds unusual, that's 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 that's 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 group's 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 we're 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. It's 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 you're 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 you're 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 won't 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 it's 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 aren't listed here, then tell us about it. Possible services might include running mirror sites, supervising public relations, or scene research. If you're excited about the opportunity to work for scenelink, but you aren't an artist/HTML designer/writer, then consider applying as an "other." If you're 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 you're not used to filling out an application form with your real name and phone number, that's 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 you're squeamish about putting down your real name and handle, then put down a fake handle. Don't leave any of the questions blank, if you have to just write "none." Please try to return your application by February 20th 1997. If you're unable to finish the application before February 20th, don't worry, we'll 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 you'd like to apply for more than one position, just complete the requirements for both that are listed below. NOTE: updates on the group's 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 it's helpful. Please indulge us) What do you think could be done to improve this application? ================================================== IF YOU'RE 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 it's totally up to you. 3) Design a logo for Scenelink. Please avoid using very many filters like alien skin; it's ok if it's 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 we'd 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 don't 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. It's ok to use quotes, but don't 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 We're looking for people that have a lot of experience, and a lot of creativity. The primary quality we're 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. Scenelink's 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 website's 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. What's 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 can't 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 we'd 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 don't 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