Omgaosifnoasdrnkner.....

1. The sorting process has changed! All new members will be subject to the new sorting process. The new process may be subject to change. The reason it's been implemented is to help us cut down on the number of Mary Sues/Bad Rpers. Currently, it has no section for RP samples, but may acquire one in the future if deemed necessary.

2. Hogwarts Registry is open for business! Okay, so... technically, it's always been open for business, BUT! The forum for character descriptions is now sporting a new name: Hogwarts Registry. This will help to distinguish it from the Wizarding World section. It was formerly.... Department for the Witch and Wizard Registry. I think. Less of a mouthful now, hm? And apparently, easier to remember. o_O

3. Moderators will be allowed to help with the sortings! Those mods that are still left need to check out the (newly unlocked) Mod forum for guidelines on helping me out with this. It will seem daunting, but trust me... it's easy. I've been doing this for over 2 years now, so I speak from experience.

4. We have a Gateway to The Wizarding World! Only sorted (student) members can see this forum. This is where you will get to apply for a Witch or Wizard character. I had planned it so that those who sent in preliminary applications could get in there and test drive it for me. But then I not only came up with a better way of setting it up (for now), I also decided that it might be better to let everyone help build it up. We'll sort out kinks as they pop up. PLUS, since no one can register a Witch/Wizard account without applying (and being approved for it) first, I can always put a hold on them if need be.

TO THOSE WHO SENT ME AN APPLICATION BEFORE THE OFFLINE PERIOD:
I'll need you to post yours again, according to the new outline. Most of it is the same, so you can copy it, and then add in the bits that were added. It might only be the bloodline part that was added, but you'll also need to choose a residence. I can't even remember all the stuff I've had to do around here the past few days, so please read everything in the Gateway forum, then compare the applications before you post them. Thank you. ^^

5. The Wizarding World side of the site is as built up as it's going to get for now. In other words, it's still under construction, because YOU will get to help build it up from this point forward. Most of this will be done through shop ownership, but I'm open to other suggestions, so if you have any ideas, PM me! ^^

6. Forums have been added! Some of the more "popular" places in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were added as subforums. I have plans in the works for letting students hold jobs in Hogsmeade, which would give us a set of members who would be guaranteed to help keep them active in some way, so there could be more added in the future. As for Diagon Alley, students wouldn't be allowed to work there, but adult Witches and Wizards can and will, which means that you may see more being added to that forum in the future as well.

7. I'm caught up on the old sortings! Newish members who submitted a sorting application via the old e-mail form have been sorted. I've sent you all a PM explaining what you need to do from here, so there should be no confusion.

NOTE TO MODS: Those who were sorted during the offline period will have to use the sorting application to post their character description. They'll be subject to the new outline, but obviously won't need to be 'sorted'. HOWEVER... just because they are sorted does not mean that they can skimp on the details, so get your red-ink quills ready to go to town if need be.

8. I cannot remember! I'm serious. :dry: I've had to cover so much stuff in the last few days, I honestly don't know if I'm covering all of the changes and additions here. The best thing you can do is look around (especially in the Hogwarts Registry, and of course, the new Gateway to the Wizarding World), read all of the new guidelines and such, and educate yourselves! Then go play! It's what I plan to do. :bleh:

If you have any questions, PM me. :happy: