How to Become an ATH Setter
1. Setting Expectations
The task of setting a Logica 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 Logica 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 a Logica Armchair Treasure, you should make contact with the ATH website owner in the first instance, who will put you in touch with the relevant authorities.
3. How Long is the Waiting List?
After a fairly lean period, we are currently very lucky in that we have Hunt Setters confirmed up to and including the 2009 Hunt, and have also received a number of expressions of interest to set a subsequent Hunt. However, please don't let that put you off getting in touch, since anything can happen when planning so far ahead.
Our ideal is to have Setters confirmed for the next two Hunts. So after each Hunt, we would hopefully be able to confirm the next but one setter from the Waiting List. This time lag does at least give those who have expressed an interest time to progress their ideas before deciding whether they wish to commit to setting a Hunt.