Confused? Well don't be. This is the Institute, where we work to increase the quality of writing in our own unique and special ways. The motto of the institute is:

"Anyone can write, but a guiding hand can help one write well."

In order to accomplish the goal of increasing writing standards, "Mentors" will teach "Students" different techniques they employ, and teach them about their own particular writing style. Now, note, a Mentor is not there to teach you to be like them. Mentors are simply people who you believe are the best at helping you become better at something you enjoy. They provide challenges, guides, C'n'C, and other services to their students, and possibly others. It is also to be noted that every mentor works differently, has different styles, specializes in different aspects, and most importantly, are not perfect. Just like students, mentors are constantly learning and evolving their techniques and styles. Just because you study under them once, doesn't mean that they won't have something new another time!

The Institute works by having students choose their mentor from the list of available mentors. Some mentors prefer one student, some can handle multiple. As long as they are on the available list, you can see if they'll accept you. After a student has chosen a mentor, they must contact the Institute Administrator (that would be me, Shaq-of-All-Trades) to let the mentor know that they have an interest in learning under them. It is then up to the mentor to accept or decline. If they decline, do not try to hassle them. Simply try another mentor, or try again at a later date.

Once a student and mentor are paired, the mentor has free range over the student's learning process. They can teach how they want, and they will not be asked to teach otherwise. If you think your mentor is too harsh, simply ask me to remove you from their roster. The mentor will then be contacted, and informed that you are no longer their student. Students, however, are expected to treat their mentor with the utmost respect, unless their mentor specifies otherwise. Any attempts at hassling, harassing, threatening, or any other negative actions taken by a student towards a mentor will be reported. Similarly, if you feel your mentor is being purely negative with no purpose, then simply PM me proof and I'll handle the situation accordingly.

Mentors are expected to periodically give their students "tests," which will be used as a way to measure their progress as well as the successfulness of the program and pairing. Test topics will be given by me, and mentors may then create their own format/twist for that topic, which they will present to their student(s). The student(s) will then write about the topic provided, and PM it to their mentor. The mentor will look it over and provide me with the test, as well as their opinion and a score of 1-10. Scores will not be posted, but they will be used (as previously stated) to test the effectiveness of this program. All students will be informed of their own individual scores after all tests have been checked over and discussed.

To apply to be a mentor, please send to me a PM entitled "Mentor Application" along with a document symbol (the dog-eared paper). Any applications without this will be immediately deleted. The format for the actual PM will be as followed:

Username: (What is your username?)

Time Zone: (What time zone do you live in?)

Preferred Title: (What would you like students to call you?)

Preferred Genre: (What type of stories do you write the most/ excel at writing?)

Writing Style: (Do you prefer detailing each aspect vividly, or giving simplistic and slightly mysterious descriptions so the reader forms their own image? Explain here.)

Audition Piece: (The actual auditioning story, please write a short story that shows off your talent. Please look over at least twice before sending in, this determines if you're in or not.)


Please be serious about applying, and be sure you have time to work with your student. Mentors are to be looked up to, so if you apply and put forth no effort, YOU WILL BE KICKED.

If you wish to be a student, please inform me in a PM, not on the actual thread. This will help keep the thread clean and professional looking. It is also encouraged that you provide your time zone so that you can be placed with a mentor that best matches schedules. If you are unsure who you wish to be mentored by, send in a short piece, and you will be assigned to the mentor who is deemed best for helping you improve in the aspects you need work in. For those unsure what this means:

Name:

Who you want to be your mentor:

(optional) A piece demonstrating your skill: This is only if you don't want a specific mentor.

These rules are provided to keep a smooth running operation, and a clean page:

1. The thread is meant for discussion on improvement, and on matters involving The Institute, as well as its actual operation. Any conversations not relating directly to The Institute will be reported.

2. Do not try to have more than one mentor at once. Mentors lessons differ depending on who they are and how they prefer to do things. Trying for more than once can and will lead to chaos and more difficulty improving. If you are done with your current mentor, kindly let me know, and you can transition to another in a calm and orderly manner.

3. Do not harass or make harmful comments. Racism, threats, and general intolerance will result in you being reported and banned form the program. This is not a joke.

4. We all make mistakes, but that doesn't mean you can complain about them. Students, if your mentor makes a mistake, discuss it with them. It might not be a real mistake, or they could have missed something. Don't try to act superior with them, you'll just look like an ass and get into unnecessary trouble. Mentors, if your student keeps making mistakes, don't try getting rid of them. You're their mentor, and you're there to help them learn.

5. You have only one extra chance. Break any rule once, and you'll be on probation. Break any rule again, and you're out of the program permanently unless the mentors have majority consent to allow you back in. Best thing to do is avoid breaking a rule in the first place.