Application 2007 2008

(INCONSPICUOUS) Staff Application The first issue of Inconspicuous was distributed January 19th, 2006. The vision of Inconspicuous was of an outlet for students to publish their thoughts and ideas outside of a classroom setting and the restrictions imposed on writers of the Axe. Today, we follow that tradition and extend that vision to you. Inconspicuous wishes to give all unheard student voices the opportunity to write about whatever they desire and to silently watch as people appreciate their hard work. If you want to be a part of Inconspicuous, email [email protected] with the subject “2008 Application Request,” and we will reply with an application for you to fill out. Inconspicuous also has a facebook account, if you would rather message us (and tell us your email) there. Keep in mind that, because you may be writing for Inconspicuous next year, wall posts requesting applications are discouraged. All applications should be sent in before the end of June. This means that you should request an application soon. If you suddenly desire to be a member of Inconspicuous after the deadline has passed, check in with us. We may still choose to accept you. Tell your friends. -The Inconspicuous Staff

This, like most posters at South, has NOT been approved by South ASB.

Part 1 - Info Name: ___________________________________ Pen Name: ________________________________ Age: ____ Grade in the fall: _____ Phone Number: (___)-___-______ ______________________________

e-mail address:

If there is any point over this summer during which you will not be able to respond to a phone call or email, please give us those dates: ___________________________________ Time Commitments (Extracurricular Activities, Community Service, etc.): ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ What do you like to write? Preferred Subject matter (check all that apply): Comedy/Satire Fiction [ ] Non-Fiction, Informational [ ] Opinion [ ] Politics [ ] Philosophy [ ] Other: ______________________ [ ] [ ]

Do you have any non-writing skills that would be useful for Inconspicuous? Examples could include, but are not limited to, website design, photography, artwork, layout, and being in possession of a nice printer.

Part 2 – Short Answer Keep in mind that ‘short’ answer is subjective. If you have something more interesting for one of the prompts, write as much as you desire. All of your answers should be at least a sentence or two. 1. What is your favorite quotation? 2. What is your greatest fear? 3. How would you want to die? 4. What would your last words be? 5. What is your favorite word? 6. Who is your greatest inspiration? 7. How would one of your friends describe you? How is this different from how you would describe yourself? 8. What is your favorite subject at school? 9. What is your favorite book / author / series? 10. Why does Inconspicuous want you? 11. Why do you want to join Inconspicuous? 12. Tell us something amazing. 13. Make us laugh.

Part 3 – Essays Word process an answer to one (or more, if you want) of the following prompts. It should not be longer than 750 words, but don’t feel pressured to write the maximum amount possible. We’re looking for quality, not quantity. The idea here is to make us think that you are creative. That also means that if you think of an “easy” way rather than a fun way to write one of the below topics, think again. 1. Write a persuasive essay that defends the thesis “[applicant’s name here] should not be allowed to join Inconspicuous.” You are allowed to put that in your own words, but it should not deviate from the idea that you should be rejected. 2. You were born without opposable thumbs. Write an excerpt from your autobiography. 3. Write a persuasive satire in defense of one of the following opinions: a) armed vigilantes (think people on the border shooting immigrants) are good b) a preemptive nuclear strike by the U.S. against China or the U.K. would be good c) all hospitals in the U.S. should be immediately shut down d) the U.S. should, within the next year, transition to a police state and suspend all democratic rights and civil liberties. Keep in mind that you are actually defending this position. It should not be obvious, aside from the subject matter, that you are not serious: you need justifications. Think “A Modest Proposal.” 4. Write a tutorial on walking. It should be funny. You are not allowed to use the letter “W.” 5. Write a story that ends with the words “Please, take my blanket.” 6. You are writing a sci-fi novel where the primary plot-driving difference between our reality and the novel’s reality is one recent invention. This invention may not, in the traditional sense, involve space travel, teleportation, nanotech, generic cyborgs, or anything directly used to kill people. Write the introduction.