How to Become an ATH Setter
1. Setting Expectations
The task of setting an Armchair Treasure Hunt is not to be taken on lightly. Even if you are a team of Setters, it is still a significant undertaking that will probably take at the very least six months from start to finish, more likely closer to a year for first time Setters. So think carefully before volunteering!
If you are interested in setting a Hunt, consider first the following points:
- Most importantly, you should have a good idea for an Armchair Treasure Hunt. This would certainly include the main themes and outline structure, and also probably the general location of the treasure. It is worth double checking in the ATH Archive that your proposed themes and treasure location have not been used before.
- You should probably have entered at least 2 or 3 previous Armchair Treasure Hunts, so that you have a good grasp of the concepts and mechanics involved, and also understand what you are taking on.
- You should be sure that you can commit to the significant time needed. Realising in October that you have not got the spare time available to complete your Hunt will severely disgruntle a few hundred eager Hunters!
- Consider the format of your Hunt. Will it be a traditional desktop published document, or are you thinking of producing a web-based Hunt? Regardless of the format you choose, make sure that you have an idea of the tool(s) you will need, and are happy that you either have sufficient competency in using them, or sufficient time to learn!
These are essentially the criteria that an esteemed panel of ATH elders will consider in response to your proposal. If you think you largely satisfy these guidelines, then please read on...
2. How Do I Apply?
A loose grouping of ATH luminaries, largely made up of former setters, occasionally gathers to consider proposals from young hopefuls. If you are serious about setting an Armchair Treasure, you should make contact with the Past Setters here. Note, you should NOT describe or disclose details about your proposed hunt in any way. If approved you will be placed on the waiting list to set a hunt.
3. How is the Waiting List Managed?
Our ideal setters pipeline is a confirmed setter for the current year and the next two. See the Latest ATH News on the home page for the currently confirmed list of setters.
Once a year, shortly after the current hunt has finished, the past setters select from the waiting list of approved setters with the objective of maintaining our pipeline. Setters on the waiting list are given an opportunity to pitch their case to the past setters. The past setters are keen to enlarge the setting gene pool so it is likely that virgin setters will be given priority.
However, even if there is a full pipeline and a waiting list, please don't let that put you off getting in touch, since anything can happen when planning so far ahead.