(This document will be updated over time)

So who wants to be a better writer?

Chances are, it's you who is reading this post right now. But perhaps the better question is: what would it mean to be a better writer? Do you want more views on your stories? More upvotes? Do you want people to swoon at your impeccable grammar and word-choice? Do you want to help others to learn the skills you have slaved over for years? Do you just want to help people be happy?

Or are you certain only that you want more out of the whole experience, whatever 'more' might look like? Perhaps you just to try writing for the very first time and need some friendly encouragement?

Either way, the Mastery Engine seeks to provide a safe environment for anyone and everyone simply to get more. More skill, more confidence, more feedback. Whatever it is you need to take one more step towards wherever you want to be, even if that's just learning about where you want to be.

We are not an editing service. We are not your proof-readers. We are not your counsellors. Yet, we will strive to do these things as and when they are needed. In time, you will return those favours to others, because that's what we're asking. This is a community, and there are certain things you can expect, and will be expected of you.

Respect: Civility is non-negotiable. This is a safe space for anyone who wishes to use it. In time, articles on giving and receiving criticism are something we hope to give everyone access to, but more than that we seek to house a community that can discuss matter honestly and objectively. There is no room for name-calling or insults. Mistakes happen and tempers will flare – this is inevitable – but should you do so, you will be expected to apologise and change your ways. This is a place where we encourage you to make mistakes and learn from them, but not at the expense of any other members.

Honesty: We don't expect your life-story or a long list of personal goals, but we do ask you to be honest about what it is you want from the community. Everyone will be different somehow, and it saves everyone time and effort if everyone knows what you are after. It is, however, perfectly honest to say that you don't know. We can help with that.

Participation: We are not going to ask you to do work for us, or do your writing through us. In the end, the voluntary nature of the group is pivotal to a safe environment we want to provide for those that need it. The advantage of working as a group is that participants have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others, both to gain the confidence of knowing that we all makes mistakes, and to polish skills that others are making rather than waiting until you make them yourself. Even so, we do not expect any of our members to participate in a way that they are uncomfortable with. If in doubt, contact one of the group admins to see if there is anything you could help with, or just to let them know you are watching quietly until you build up confidence.

Work together. Fail together. Learn together.

Success is a state of mind.

Scott 'Inquisitor' Mence
-Standing in for Garnot until he returns to the online world.