Hi! is there a way to apply to become a mod? What would the requirements be?
Yes! There are ways to become a mod!
Misc Blurb On The Current Situation
We had an application a while back but it was probably the equivalent of writing an exam on queer studies, and I think it needs some re-doing for that reason, if we opt to make it an application-based thing.
I'm the only person currently active with this blog (though I don't feel alone - the whole ScriptFamily, including inactive folks, have a Discord together and we share memes and talk regularly). So while I yap with the others regularly and often consult folks about things I don't know, I'm kind of the only one logging in. And chronic illness (and a fourth homelessness episode while going back to school, love life reconfiguration, etc) has made it hard for me to
Requirements (Expertise)
The ScriptX family of blogs was specifically started by @scriptmedic more than 10 years ago (jeez that's a long time...). ScriptMedic started the blog to provide information on medical topics for writers from the point of view of an expert on the subject matter.
Other blogs were inspired by ScriptMedic, and followed a similar rule. People who join the ScriptFam and write for these blogs need to be considered experts in the topic. What this meant in this context as laid out by the ScriptFamily, was that you would feel confident in the role of an expert witness in a court of law, on the subject matter you're answering questions for.
So what does this mean for ScriptLGBT? Everyone is the expert of their own personal identity and how they experience things themselves, but the questions we are asked go beyond personal experience. You might be able to recognize 30 different pride flags, but can you answer a question someone has about how to represent a queer parent of a trans child in 1960s Australia? You don't necessarily need to be able to answer that straight up, but, being in this role, you need to be able to research the information you don't know, and form a credible answer for what you can. And acknowledge it when you can't find an answer.
You will be asked about fictional characters, not your own experience, but you'll probably be able to talk about those fictional characters by bringing your own experience into it.
Personally, I think the most important skills here are knowing how to research, and knowing a lot about queer studies and media studies in general. You don't need a PhD in queer or media studies (colonial institutions shouldn't be the litmus test for queer expertise). But you should be at a knowledge level where you could carry a stimulating conversation with someone who might have one, where you learn things from each other. (I'm happy to yap about this if you're unsure! It's more about the effort you've put in to learning about queerness in general.)
Above all, I think it is important to know the limits of your own knowledge, and find joy in expanding them. And knowing how to do that on your own volition and initiative. And having a passion for sharing what you've learned in a digestible way.
Requirements (Other, Training Sort Of)
There are some internal protocols we have around how we answer questions. (Assuming good faith, only posting original content, among others.) We'll talk about this if you join. You'll probably also want to be very familiar with questions we've answered in the past so you can direct people to answers to similar questions, and have a general understanding of what we do here.
Requirements (Capacity)
The bar is low right now for capacity required to be a mod. Which you can probably tell from the bursts of in/activity over the past years. If you feel like you want a trial run of it, or only want to answer a few questions on specific topics you feel expert in, and then bounce if it doesn't work for you, that's totally fine. Just try to let us know if it's something you're just trying on, so we know what to expect.
How To Become A Mod
If all this vibes with you, or you have any questions or want to talk about requirements, reply to this post with what stuff you. I'll reply or DM you from my main Tumblr to ask about it. (Note: It may be months before I get back to you. I would love to be prompt and I might be, I just also know my capacity and distractibility.) I likely won't be able to respond to everyone but will do my level best.
Another Note
This blog is its own account. It has its own login, and is not a sideblog, and cannot be made a sideblog. (I tried!) This has been a hindrance for past mods (and also me) in terms of capacity to be on here and reply to messages in any kind of timely manner, or even at all, since you need to log out of your regular account to log in to this one. This will probably be a barrier for you too if you decide to be a mod. I've kind of worked around it by having my laptop logged in here and my phone for my regular Tumblr, but your mileage may vary. I figure this is important to disclose when you're assessing your own capacity.
ALSO. If you've applied in the past and I was flaky in following up, I am so deeply sorry. Please feel free to ask again anyway if it's still of interest.









