Joining the NBST
!! Note: If you do not know what "scanlation" means, or at least have a general idea of what is a "cleaner" or a "typesetter" in that context, do not read further for now. Go away. You can't do anything helpful here.
In the following text,
"I" refers to the author of this document, i.e, Ketwaroo (unless specified otherwise)
"we" refers to the NBST as a group.
"you" implies you, the reader of this document.
anyone or anything else is anyone and anything else.
"we" refers to the NBST as a group.
"you" implies you, the reader of this document.
anyone or anything else is anyone and anything else.
Many of you read the NBST scans and think, "Wow! This is soo awesome! Wouldn't it be great if I could contribute to all of it!? I wanna help! Let me help! please! please!"
While such sentiments are laudable, do you have what it takes? Do you even know what it is you need to have to have what it takes?
1.0 Situation Vacant
Here's the deal: I need extra help. The NBST has known ups and downs since its inception and I've been keeping the whole thing alive through all of it. I can't keep doing it forever though - The NBST needs your help to survive.
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[ Back to top ]1.1 you should know what you're getting yourself into
The NBST1 is not your average scanlation team. We are rather eccentric. One could say we evolved on a completely different track than other groups doing "similar" work and therefore have always strived to be original. We've also been in activity for quite a while, a consequence of which being that we have developed our own style and quality standards. Standards you will need to be up to before you can be of any real use to us. All of that means that you can't just join and start cleaning/typesetting straight away. There will be on obligatory training phase to acclimate yourself.
The NBST is a quality scanlation group. Even though we work with the weekly magazine raws, we do not content ourselves to serve speed soup scan to hapless masses who are just looking for a quick fix. Nor do we like so-called "HQ groups" who tend to make a mess of the artwork trying too hard. Using magazine raws means equals much harder work.
The NBST is properly badass. We do the scans the way we like them because we like them that way. Not for the fans. We serve no one but ourselves.
We are not fanboys (or fangirls). We like the stories that we edit but we are not religious about them. We respect the authors highly but we do not worship them. We listen to suggestions and criticism from readers but we do not give in to their every whim. We are not fanboys (still not fangirls, although we do accept females in our ranks). I find the following speech, borrowed from elsewhere, very apropos:
The first duty of everyStarfleet officer NBST scanlator is to the truth!
Scientific truth, or historical truth, orpersonal Ketwaroo's truth!
It is the guiding principal upon whichStarfleet NBST is based!
Now if you can't find it within yourself to stand up for the truth,
You don't deserve towear that uniform do whatever it is we do!
We do what we like, we do what we want, we do what we need. It doesn't always please everyone. But we still do it.
The NBST is a pirate crew. There is a crew charter you must understand, agree to, and "sign." The main points go as follow:
Ketwaroo is The Captain
You do not talk about NBST
Your Identity is known to other NBST members
Inactivity and procrastination is not tolerated.
The crew charter doesn't really contain information you wouldn't already have guessed. But, it's a semi-official way of giving your word and making the solemn promise of sticking to it. It's the part whereyou surrender your soul to Davey Jones signify your commitment to the NBST.
[ Back to top ]The NBST is a quality scanlation group. Even though we work with the weekly magazine raws, we do not content ourselves to serve speed soup scan to hapless masses who are just looking for a quick fix. Nor do we like so-called "HQ groups" who tend to make a mess of the artwork trying too hard. Using magazine raws means equals much harder work.
The NBST is properly badass. We do the scans the way we like them because we like them that way. Not for the fans. We serve no one but ourselves.
We are not fanboys (or fangirls). We like the stories that we edit but we are not religious about them. We respect the authors highly but we do not worship them. We listen to suggestions and criticism from readers but we do not give in to their every whim. We are not fanboys (still not fangirls, although we do accept females in our ranks). I find the following speech, borrowed from elsewhere, very apropos:
The first duty of every
Scientific truth, or historical truth, or
It is the guiding principal upon which
Now if you can't find it within yourself to stand up for the truth,
You don't deserve to
We do what we like, we do what we want, we do what we need. It doesn't always please everyone. But we still do it.
The NBST is a pirate crew. There is a crew charter you must understand, agree to, and "sign." The main points go as follow:
Ketwaroo is The Captain
and will be until he gets really fed up. This means that his orders are orders in so far as scanlation is concerned. Now stop being a whiny bitch and get on with it.
You do not talk about NBST
Well, you can talk about the NBST. In fact I encourage you to spread the word all around you. But you do not publicise how it operates. The tutorials, techniques, software and all decisions, events and general proceedings that take place within the NBST ARE NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN! This means you do NOT reveal any of my techniques to the public or other scanlation groups. Even if you decide to leave (desertion is forbidden by the way) you must swear that what you've learnt will not leave the NBST.
If you want a reason, craftsmen like to keep their trade secrets... secret.
If you want a reason, craftsmen like to keep their trade secrets... secret.
Your Identity is known to other NBST members
These are the interwerbs. so we use usually use nicknames2 or some short form name outside the NBST. But between us, I want at least that much truth be known about each other. Don't think of the NBST as some dumb scanlation group that can join and leave in one day. We are, or rather should be, nakama.
Inactivity and procrastination is not tolerated.
Doing either = automatic failure at life.
The crew charter doesn't really contain information you wouldn't already have guessed. But, it's a semi-official way of giving your word and making the solemn promise of sticking to it. It's the part where
1.2 Job description
Obviously, I expect that you know what scanlation is about before you come here but just as a reminder, you're supposed to turn stuff like these:
into stuff like this:
This is a one of the more extreme extreme example but you get the general idea. It's about cleaning scanned pages of japanese manga and make look them nicer. A lot nicer.
The series I want to scanlate currently include One Piece and Naruto. But as we get more people we can expand our repertoire.
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into stuff like this:
This is a one of the more extreme extreme example but you get the general idea. It's about cleaning scanned pages of japanese manga and make look them nicer. A lot nicer.
The series I want to scanlate currently include One Piece and Naruto. But as we get more people we can expand our repertoire.
1.3 A word on the Training
I mentioned training above. There is a compulsory training you must complete irrespective of how much experience you may claim to have. Unlearn what you have learnt, you must. As the short green guy with the hairy ears in the marshes used to say. Well, in truth, it's not that bad. Just re-adapting a bit.
Now, I have written (and still am writing) a few tutorial to teach how you to clean/typeset.
At the time I am posting this recruitment note, the tutorials are still work in progress. However the amount of material available should keep busy for a few weeks. The rate at which the tutorials get written is directly proportional to the amount of interest trainees give to learning the techniques. The more you want to learn, the more I will teach you.
[ Back to top ]Now, I have written (and still am writing) a few tutorial to teach how you to clean/typeset.
At the time I am posting this recruitment note, the tutorials are still work in progress. However the amount of material available should keep busy for a few weeks. The rate at which the tutorials get written is directly proportional to the amount of interest trainees give to learning the techniques. The more you want to learn, the more I will teach you.
1.4 what positions are open
1.4.1 cleaners
Cleaners are the people who take raw manga scans and "clean" them to make them more presentable. As mentioned above, we have certain standards which you will have to learn. There is no limit to the number of cleaners we need - the more the better.
[ Back to top ]1.4.2 typesetters
We need at least one dedicated3 typesetter per series we scanlate. But having a couple of extras who can relay each other will not hurt.
[ Back to top ]1.4.3 raw providers & translators?
Well, it would be nice to have an in-house raw provider and translator. But we've always worked with publicly available raws and translations. To give the other scan groups a fair chance, you see. We know we're the best but you can still try if you want.
[ Back to top ]1.5 What will you gain from joining the NBST?
Nothing at all.
Except maybe, Fame and Glory. The scans made by the NBST are considered to be amongst the best of the best by quite a few people. And even those who read them for the first time are impressed. Of course, all this comes at the price of hard work, as mentioned above. If you do your stuff as you should, or better, you'll be entitled to gloating rights too.
[ Back to top ]Except maybe, Fame and Glory. The scans made by the NBST are considered to be amongst the best of the best by quite a few people. And even those who read them for the first time are impressed. Of course, all this comes at the price of hard work, as mentioned above. If you do your stuff as you should, or better, you'll be entitled to gloating rights too.
2.0 Materials Needed/Skill Levels
Again, know what you're getting yourself into. It would really help if you are a regular reader of the NBST scans. Then, you may at least have a feel for the style in which we do things.
Note that the following requirements are not sorted in order of importance, or in any other order than random possibly. They may all be equally relevant.
You must be familiar about manga/anime culture and scanlation in general
You need a Personal Computer5
Some experience with image editing software is appreciated
You need a working email address.
You need a good command of English
Springtime of Youth
You must be of age 14 and above
Time!
You should not already be part of another scanlation group
Intelligence.
A certain sense of humour...
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[ Back to top ]2.1 some mundane requirements common to all
Note that the following requirements are not sorted in order of importance, or in any other order than random possibly. They may all be equally relevant.
You must be familiar about manga/anime culture and scanlation in general
Yes, I may be stating the obvious, but it really really helps if you know what scanlation is about. there's this you could read: [link] and [link] for a primer. It's also good if you are at least somewhat of a mild Otaku. Again, we're not fanboys but it's fine if you are as long as it will not affect your work.
It should not be for you just a passing fad, like you jumped into the whole manga train just because you suddenly thought "omglol naruto is soo cool liek sasuke is sooo cool omg omgololololol1!!11" after watching one anime filler episode of a 4Kids dub. You should like manga for the art that it is, realising that there are many genres and flavours to this form of story telling. All of which are worth consideration. But more concretely, if you have been lurking/posting around communities themed around mangas (any mangas and not just shonen4) for a while and have absorbed bits and pieces of the consilience, you should understand what I'm talking about.
It should not be for you just a passing fad, like you jumped into the whole manga train just because you suddenly thought "omglol naruto is soo cool liek sasuke is sooo cool omg omgololololol1!!11" after watching one anime filler episode of a 4Kids dub. You should like manga for the art that it is, realising that there are many genres and flavours to this form of story telling. All of which are worth consideration. But more concretely, if you have been lurking/posting around communities themed around mangas (any mangas and not just shonen4) for a while and have absorbed bits and pieces of the consilience, you should understand what I'm talking about.
You need a Personal Computer5
and be somewhat computer savvy. I'm assuming that you are using a desktop PC running Microsoft Windows as your operating system and are reasonably familiar with its operation. If you are using a different OS or a mac, you should at least know about proper emulators and such.
The PC must have a reliable internet connection. Anything above 128Kbps will do if it's the always on type.
A good screen with proper contrast and without funny issues (such as only displaying red and green with a lopsided image). I recommend a CRT over an LCD. Although some laptop screens may be fine. They come in very high qualities these days.
You should have easy access to that PC. I mean it should NOT be a computer you have to share with your 7 brothers and sisters. And definitely not a PC you use in your workplace. You may be called upon on short notice for scanlation duty. We do quality, but we also have to be the fastest.
The PC must have a reliable internet connection. Anything above 128Kbps will do if it's the always on type.
A good screen with proper contrast and without funny issues (such as only displaying red and green with a lopsided image). I recommend a CRT over an LCD. Although some laptop screens may be fine. They come in very high qualities these days.
You should have easy access to that PC. I mean it should NOT be a computer you have to share with your 7 brothers and sisters. And definitely not a PC you use in your workplace. You may be called upon on short notice for scanlation duty. We do quality, but we also have to be the fastest.
Some experience with image editing software is appreciated
Being an MS Paint junkie might almost qualify. We do mostly deal with image editing, be it cleaning or typesetting, y'know.
Ah, also. Adobe's Photoshop is generally taken to be the de facto image editing software, but not in the NBST. So you really should not be a photoshop fanboy. You can use it for whatever else you like, but for scanlation in the NBST, we do not use photoshop. It's far too expensive and too easy/tempting to make a mess of things. I've seen it happen, especially with those who claim to be photoshop pros.
Ah, also. Adobe's Photoshop is generally taken to be the de facto image editing software, but not in the NBST. So you really should not be a photoshop fanboy. You can use it for whatever else you like, but for scanlation in the NBST, we do not use photoshop. It's far too expensive and too easy/tempting to make a mess of things. I've seen it happen, especially with those who claim to be photoshop pros.
You need a working email address.
And some form of instant messaging. Like Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, or Google Talk. I generally use MSN. The reason for this is that we need to communicate a lot while we are working.
You need a good command of English
If you've had difficulties following this document up till now, you're in trouble. If you're a regular reader of the NBST scans, you'll understand the reason why.
Note that English does not necessarily mean it has to be your primary language. This implies that there are no restrictions at all on country of origin. In fact I'd rather have a large diverse panel of scanlators.
Note that English does not necessarily mean it has to be your primary language. This implies that there are no restrictions at all on country of origin. In fact I'd rather have a large diverse panel of scanlators.
Springtime of Youth
You need to be prompt and not shrug off hard work. Thick eyebrows or offworld fashion sense are not required. Although a great deal of self derision is appreciated. Springtime of Youth is also known as the DON!! factor if you are from a Pirate background.
You must be of age 14 and above
Well, obviously I'd rather you be a bit older6 than the usual manga reader. The acceptable age would be around 16 and upwards. Younger may be fine, but definitely above 13. I don't want overexcited little kids running all over the place..
Time!
Training is compulsory. To do that training, you will need time. You really need to stick with us at this point. If you apply yourself and learn everything you need to learn quickly and efficiently, you'll soon be good enough to work with us. If you skimp, you'll perpetually fall behind. The actual scanlation part which comes afterwards is easy enough. It's the training that puts 99.99% of the new recruits off.
If you are still in school, it would work best if you are not overrun by extra curricular activities. If you are working, it helps if you have your weekends off. If you are neither working or in school, then what the heck are you waiting for, you lazy bum? Note that once you are fully trained, you may need only about 3-5 hours per week.
If you are still in school, it would work best if you are not overrun by extra curricular activities. If you are working, it helps if you have your weekends off. If you are neither working or in school, then what the heck are you waiting for, you lazy bum? Note that once you are fully trained, you may need only about 3-5 hours per week.
You should not already be part of another scanlation group
Because of the time requirements, and the fact that the NBST techniques should remain secret. I ask that you are not actively part of another scanlation group. But that can depend.
For example, if you are part of a group that does scans only from tankobon raws, we might get along just fine. But if you are part of a group that scans a series the NBST already does, that's a dead conflict of interests. I'll have to ask you to choose between the NBST and the other scan group, because I know you won't have enough time to work for both. And also I don't want some other team being mysteriously "upgraded" by my techniques.
But as I said it can depend. We'll have to talk.
For example, if you are part of a group that does scans only from tankobon raws, we might get along just fine. But if you are part of a group that scans a series the NBST already does, that's a dead conflict of interests. I'll have to ask you to choose between the NBST and the other scan group, because I know you won't have enough time to work for both. And also I don't want some other team being mysteriously "upgraded" by my techniques.
But as I said it can depend. We'll have to talk.
Intelligence.
Obviously. Now, when asked, I know from experience that most of you will say that you are intelligent, fast learners, super qualified to do anything with anything for all those other things, etc.. but actually, many of you are not. What you really need is the aptitude to learn and understand the basic principles and apply and build on them.
And also some academic qualifications. Believe it. You need them. Even here. Basic passes in O-level mathematics and physics would be appreciated. It is not that you will be needing those knowledges as such while you scanlate7, but the methodology involved is similar. This rejoins the learn and build upon basics principle.
And also some academic qualifications. Believe it. You need them. Even here. Basic passes in O-level mathematics and physics would be appreciated. It is not that you will be needing those knowledges as such while you scanlate7, but the methodology involved is similar. This rejoins the learn and build upon basics principle.
A certain sense of humour...
You cannot not understand why this is a sine qua non to working within the NBST.
2.1.1 specifics for cleaners
There is an entry test for cleaners. You will need to complete it successfully in order to enter the NBST as a trainee.
Now I quote a former NBST cleaner8: "Don't be such an ass tray."
experience with graphic editing software is now required
A good mouse9.
It'll help if you are good with your hands
Good Eyesight
[ Back to top ]Now I quote a former NBST cleaner8: "Don't be such an ass tray."
Don't be a dumbass/moron/prick or some other specimen of blithering idiocy. I need people who are willing to learn. If you think you are too good to be taught, then you have already failed.
experience with graphic editing software is now required
But again, no photoshop fanboys or evangelists. As I've been ranting above, the NBST has standards, using techniques and software of its own. You won't be allowed to go freestyling either. You should know that.. in case some of you tend to fall victim to.. Artistic Temperament..
A good mouse9.
A regular ball mouse if it's not clogged up with dirt. Otherwise a cheap optical one will suffice. That's what I use, anyway. A graphics tablet may not be of much use unless you're very good at it. A mouse is really all you need.
It'll help if you are good with your hands
A good mouse is useless if you can't properly use it. Hand-eye coordination. Are you good with manual tools? How do you hammer in a nail? Can you draw with a pen/pencil on a piece of paper? Things like that. Having a good mouse and being good with it.
Good Eyesight
At least, for the distance between your head and your screen. Again, this is for practical reasons. You may have an awesome screen with perfectly clear image but you're blind as a bat and can't see anything at arm's length in front of you. You can wear glasses, contacts, have only one eye or anything else, it does not matter as long as you can clearly see the screen and all the details you are required to see.
2.1.2 specifics for typesetters
You'll need to have an excellent mastery of English10
Fairly good typing skills
[ Back to top ]Especially if you are to be typesetting the English version of the scans. Again, more that ever, read the NBST scans and you will understand.
The screening process for the English typesetters is somewhat more complex than for cleaners. I haven't exactly figured it out yet. It probably runs along the lines of being wittily charming all the way up to thoroughly erudite. Being good at things such as creative writing or a confirmed fan fiction writer will play in your favour.
Note also: w.r.t to the bit on country of origin in the general requirements, English does not necessarily have to be your first language if you are to typeset in it. i.e. it may be your second language. or third. or more. I've noticed that some people who speak English as their mother tongue tend to assume they can naturally used it properly and end up doing rather terrible things...
For other language translators - because we will be trying to have those - you just need to be good at that other language + English and/or know how to use a dictionary.
The screening process for the English typesetters is somewhat more complex than for cleaners. I haven't exactly figured it out yet. It probably runs along the lines of being wittily charming all the way up to thoroughly erudite. Being good at things such as creative writing or a confirmed fan fiction writer will play in your favour.
Note also: w.r.t to the bit on country of origin in the general requirements, English does not necessarily have to be your first language if you are to typeset in it. i.e. it may be your second language. or third. or more. I've noticed that some people who speak English as their mother tongue tend to assume they can naturally used it properly and end up doing rather terrible things...
For other language translators - because we will be trying to have those - you just need to be good at that other language + English and/or know how to use a dictionary.
Fairly good typing skills
We do not do copy/paste. Typing should come as naturally to you as talking. Or probably more naturally than talking, as it is often the case these days with all 'em fancy text message gadgets... There is no actual minimum word per minute requirement, but higher is usually better as long as you don't typo horribly on the way.
2.3 non-requirements
A monkey
[ Back to top ]You don't need one. So don't worry if you don't have one. Yet.
2.4 why the bloody fucking hell is it so hard to get into the NBST?!
This is a question you may be asking yourself as you read this document. And will definitely be shortly after you send in an application request. Believe me, I'd sign up every single one of you if you could help. I *want* a huge team to support the scanlation effort. But after several failed batches of recruits, I know that most of you simply do not have the endurance for it...
Like pretty much anything, scanlation can be compared to cooking. Anybody can cook. But there is a large majority of people who will always be convinced that they can't and never will.
[ Back to top ]Like pretty much anything, scanlation can be compared to cooking. Anybody can cook. But there is a large majority of people who will always be convinced that they can't and never will.
3.0 Signing the dotted line?
You should chek this [link]. Although, if you have been lead to this here document, you probably already know about that
3.1 Who, Where and How
Obviously, you need to contact me. What you should do is register on naruto-rendan.com and send "Ketwaroo" a personal message via the forum with the pre-required information to initiate the enlisting process.
In all your dealings with me and the NBST, I want you to be absolutely truthful. Do not try to fake some information to try to appear "more qualified". Not that it wouldn't work, but it might mean that you won't do well later on.
[ Back to top ]In all your dealings with me and the NBST, I want you to be absolutely truthful. Do not try to fake some information to try to appear "more qualified". Not that it wouldn't work, but it might mean that you won't do well later on.
3.3 I can still has quesshuns?
yase you can.
Just use the contact form on the site or send me a personal message on the aforementioned forum, especially if you have any suggestions regarding this recruitment notice.
[ Back to top ]Just use the contact form on the site or send me a personal message on the aforementioned forum, especially if you have any suggestions regarding this recruitment notice.
Footnotes
1If you've been wondering what "NBST" stands for, stop. It doesn't mean anything. It's not an acronym. It's just four letters standing on their own. Unsupported. Proud. Majestic. Ineffable. yeah, we are a bit full of ourselves at times.
2Some note about nicknames: These are the interwebs and we use nicknames on the credits pages and for general use. I do not want people with canon nicknames or variations on similar themes. For example, don't come to me and pretend to be called Naruto. Imma kick yo stupid ass fo that (unless that is really your real name.. I'm thinking of all the poor Sephiroths and Bahamuts here).
3Dedicated means that you'll be here week in, week out.
4If you don't know what shonen (or shounen) means then, you don't.
5Commonly called a PC.
6by older, I mean mature.
7Then again, you never know.
8former cleaner whose opinions may engage her alone... but then again, maybe not.
9It's okay if it's getting a bit old or it hasn't got a house or you call it Gerald without knowing why.
10If you haven't noticed yet, the NBST scans are in British English mostly. But we can do with American English too. Same difference.
