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What is an Open Story Project?
In the programming community there is something called Open Source. It is about writing and developing programs and applications which are 'free to the community' and any body can write for or modify the program as long as they adhere to a general license/standard. The most famous Open Source project is the Linux Operating System.
In the world of writing there are original stories, fan fictions and sometimes collaborations. An Open Story is a step forward on all of these themes. An Open Story is one where anybody can contribute with characters, story/plot ideas or 'episode/chapter' submissions, art work and so on. This story, Star Chasers and the universe it exists in is one such Open Story Project.
How do I submit to the OSP?
The Star Chaser's universe is too large for a single person, or even a group to write in its entirety and to give it the richness it deserves. It requires dozens or even hundreds of people to submit their visions and ideas.
Submitting a piece of material (PoM) to the Star Chasers OSP is easy, simply email follow the steps below for everyone's convenience :
- Outline a proposal for what you plan to submit - e.g.: a chapter/episode , artwork , a character bio , a space-battle video etc, and how it will or should fit into the Star Chaser's story. Email PoM to here. Your proposal will be looked over.
- You will be contacted on the proposal. The reply will explain what, if anything, needs to be changed so it can fit into the Story better.
- Use the reply to make any necessary changes to the completed PoM. Submit the completed PoM to the address given in the reply.
The Administrators of the Star Chasers OSP have the right to reject proposals and 'suggest' any changes as they wish. This is because the Story must be controlled, otherwise continuity and quality will be destroyed. Take the comments provided in the reply as encouragement, rather than criticism. The Administrators have more knowledge of the Story and how it will unfold.
How do I know what to Propose?
Star Chaser's is broken up into three major stories; Restoration; Exploration; and Annihilation. The overall plot outline and timeline for these stories have already been developed. This ensures the stories stay on path and reach their respectable conclusions. Major events that occur during the stories have been noted in their timelines and episode guides.
Use the time lines and episode guides to work on a proposal. For example if there is a piece of timeline which does not have an episode attached to it :
yr2743(08): A transport full of refugees has had its engines damaged as is being pulled into the systems sun by its gravitational pull. The Star Chaser is nearby and responds to its distress call.
You could write a proposal that in more depth described how the freighter was damaged, why refugees are aboard it and how (or if) the Star Chaser succeeds in saving the freighter/refugees from being incinerated by the suns radiation and heat. Minor episodic characters aboard the freighter would be created such as its captain, a crazed refugee, or even a crew member of the Star Chaser who makes a heroic sacrifice to save the freighter. You would also write the actions of the main characters (e.g. Chelsea).
Other ways of finding something to Propose is too read through material already in place. A piece of equipment, a planet may have been partially described but no PoM created for it. You could propose an in depth PoM for it.
People who are already working on PoM's or completed proposals may in the Discussion board or mailing list ask for assistance in their work. Someone could be writing a battle scene and request ship designs from artists, or an opponent to play a game against that would be used to create the story.
No matter how much material exists, there is always room for more. While the three main stories take up approximately ten years, Star Chasers has five hundred years of events to work with.
What not to Propose
As stated, Star Chasers has the arcs for its three stories and many major episodes, characters and technologies outlined. Do not submit PoM's which;
- Introduce a new major character or race or piece of 'story altering' technology
- Kill or seriously injure a major character unless it is already outlined to occur then.
- Do anything that is inconsistent with a major character.
- 'Give away' knowledge (spoilers) before they are known, or supply minor characters that have this knowledge to provide it to major characters where not so outlined.
- PoM or completed proposals with explicit foul language or sex. Language can be used in context (e.g.: hero is upset that villain has just shot his love. Yes he/she can say something quite rude to the villain), and sex is to be implied only (We know it will/has happened, we don't need to know the details). Because this is an OSP, it should be suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Submit a cliche PoM. If something has been done before in other stories or TV series and the PoM does not give it an original twist or enough differentiation, it will not be accepted.
- are downright silly or lame for no apparent reason.
Administrators have the right to accept/reject or suggest alterations to any PoM so it will fit the story better.
What to Propose
PoM's should be;
- Well crafted and detailed.
- Entertaining, with surprises where necessary.
- Things that will blow our, and everyone else's minds.
Remember to have fun when writing your PoM, and put your passion into it. It shows.
Address for PoM submission : primegalaxysubmissions@egroups.com
