Yup! It’s that time of year again when SpiderForest, that wonderful collective that hosts me, opens up its admissions gates to anyone interested in applying! As of yesterday, an “apply” banner has appeared in our rotating header, though really it’s just priming because applications aren’t accepted until the first! They are then accepted until the 24th! (so don’t apply yet, or things go BOOM!)

Our apply page has all of the necessary info, though please feel free to ask questions here! We’ll get a press release out there soon to make it all legit.

My own experience with SF has been nothing but positive. We have a great PHP-based publishing system that’s easy to use and customize in a webpage, FTP access, cross-advertising, and the ability to grow unconstrained by mandatory ads (you can show ‘em if you want, but here, it’s up to you!) or horrible admin areas (*coughDRUNKDUCKcough*) or juvenile comrades (SmackJeeves, I’m looking at you).

I know a lot of people are iffy about places that make you “apply.” I see that “WTF! Why should I have to PROVE myself to you horrible people?! What if I don’t get in I’ll look like a loser and OMG I just won’t try it because rejection hurrrtsss” look on your faces! The fact is, SF is not a free host like Comicgenesis.  Not anyone can saunter on in and set up camp. People here are dedicated and experienced, and we want more of the same.  We build each other up, based on on what we publish here.  And maybe, we’re looking for YOU.

If you’re wondering if you would be a good fit, check out the other comics here. Are you in any of the same niches? No? Well that might be just what we’re looking for as well! If you are writing up your application, find something PERTINENT and INTELLIGENT to say in “why you would make a good addition to SF” field. Don’t bullshit that. Be honest. Maybe it’s “my readership is in the same vein as _______, so I would bring all my readers here to SF, and all the ones you already have would enjoy my comic as well.”  Maybe it’s “I notice that you don’t have any horror/macabre/historical fiction/etc comics! I would be the perfect addition to make SF a well-rounded place, instead of just catering to the fantasy/sci-fi crowd!” Maybe it’s, “I realize my comic isn’t perfect, but I’m very dedicated to improving my craft and cultivating my audience. In the long haul, not only would my comic be a great addition, I would be a great addition myself. I’m gung-ho, and interested in taking a big role in your community!”

While I’m in the advice-giving mood, re-read the apply page 3 times before you send yours in. Make sure you include all that we are asking for. For the love of sweet, sweet marshmellows, spell check it. I swear, you may have the most awesome comic in the world, but if I catch a really stupid typo when we as a group read your applications (and yes, EVERY member here reads your application, and casts their vote) I’M VOTING AGAINST YOU.  Fair frickin’ warning. (ok, no, I don’t really mean that. I WILL gripe about it very loudly though.)

Treat it like an application to get into a really great school! Would you have a typo on that? NO! Their/they’re/there/thier? Your/you’re/ur? Lol/lolz/lawls? Think about what that makes think about YOU. And don’t give me any “I’m an artist not an edumication writer-person” crap. GET A FRIEND TO READ IT.

Wow, my “advice” session turned into a bit of rant there. Some final things:

No, I will not read your application before you send it in. And any SF member reading this, I recommend you don’t as well.  It would be an unfair advantage.

Being a friend of any member here does NOT guarantee you a spot here. Don’t think that it does.

Put you best foot forward, chip-up, and be CONFIDENT.  Few things are worse than reading through a self-deprecating, “oh, I know this page isn’t the best, the colors are kind of off and the perspective is confusing, but I want you to know I see that and I’ll do better next time I promise please let me iiiinnnnn!” Your comic can speak for itself, so don’t try to talk over it.

And lastly, if you don’t get in, it’s not the end of the world! Not only are applications kept private, sometimes we get a really great application, and the comic simply doesn’t fit well with what we have. Not getting in is NOT a judgment on your ability, or your comic’s content, or you as a person, or your mum, or your pet rock.  Everyone will be notified of their acceptance or decline by June 30/July1. Depends on where you live.

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So! Spread the news, tell your friends, come and try out! Sorry if I sound like a total tyrant here. I’m the bluntly honest sort when it comes to things like this, since I’ve gone through so much bullshit myself when it comes to school applications. Good luck!