Project Ferret was started by a group of people who originally wrote for the Potter Project, a fan-fic contest sponsored by Snitchseeker.com. We wanted to continue writing in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. The name for the project came from a twist in the plot of the Potter Project, in which Hermione transforms Draco into a ferret.

Here are the general board rules (each section of the Project also has rules of its own):

1. All registered members start out as Ickle Fiersties.If a member wishes to participate in discussions around the site but not write fiction, they will be automatically promoted to the Stoat member group after making 10 valid, on-topic posts in the Welcome Category forums. Members wishing to be Fantastic Ferrets, and able to post fiction at Project Ferret must submit to one of the Joining Challenges ("So You Want To Be A Ferret?"). Once they submit a writing sample indicating a good grasp of English spelling, grammar, and syntax, they will be promoted by an Administrator.

Member groups:
* Ickle Firsties: Can only reply to topics in the Welcome Category, but can read topics all over the site.
* Stoat: Can read and reply anywhere and start topics in most areas, but cannot post fiction in the Fiction Category forums (The Ferret Wheel, Order of the Ferret, The Ferret Duel and The Ferret Pensieve).
*Fantastic Ferrets: Can read and reply anywhere and start topics in most areas, including posting fiction in the Fiction Categories.
* Ferret Fuzz: Are Global Moderators and have special magical powers in addition to being able to read, reply and start new topics anywhere.
* Administrator: Have special super magical powers in addition to being able to read, reply and start new topics anywhere.

2. All authors retain the rights to their original work. Collaborative work may not be reposted outside this forum without permission from all participants.

3. K+ Rule: Obscenity will not be tolerated. Overtly graphic violence and sexual content is prohibited. The Administrator maintains the right to remove such material and to ban users who post such material. Please refer to this link for a complete guide to the new ratings system for fan fiction.

4. Spamming and flaming will not be tolerated. Any personal problems between members should be resolved though Private Messages. The Administrators maintain the right to remove users who repeatedly insult or publicly flame other members.[LIST]
* S.P.A.M. = Short, Pointless Annoying Message. Unecessary double posting, short messages with nothing to add to the topic of conversation and other meaningless dribble are considered spam and will be deleted. Repeat offenses may result in a suspension or ban from the site.

5. Most of all, be kind to one another and have fun. This is meant to become a helpful and nurturing community. Make your criticism constructive, not destructive. Be aware that others will give your work constructive criticism - expect it. We aren't here to insult one another or peoples' work - we're here because we enjoy writing and are interested in exploring the collaborative creative process.


Navigating the site:

There are 4 fiction-writing categories in Project Ferret: Each category has it's own set of guidelines which must be followed therein. These guidelines outline the type of work that should be posted as well as any rules in addition to the main Project Ferret rules.

The Ferret Wheel: Collaborative work only; parameters set by author of previous chapter; written on a first come, first served basis, all Ferrets may participate, Stoats may only comment.

The Order of the Ferret: Collaborative works by small groups, only those who sign up may participate.

The Ferret Duel: Collaborative; a member presides over a group challenge, including parameters; winners declared by polling

The Ferret Pensieve: Solo work only. Project Ferret's newest feature, this category is for Ferrets to post their own work and receive feedback. This is not for collaborative projects.

Each of the four categories contain a forum for stories that adhere to HP Canon, one for Alternate Universes and one for Parody works. The Ferret Pensieve also has extra areas just for song-fics and Potter/song parodies, and one for Fan Art.
Please read the guidelines for each major category before posting. Any future changes made to the guidelines will be announced by the Administration.


A 5th section, Ferret Fun: includes

* Norbert and the Theory of the Moment: Every so often, members will tackle a new character, recent theory or group of theories and discuss them at great lengths. Only real Potter Geeks need participate. XD

* Witch Weekly: Periodic columns or articles by Staff Members and invited guests. These topics will vary in subject. They may be about cooking, writing, publishing, jewelery-making, webmastering or care of creatures (magical and not).

* On Writing: We could all use resources to help us become better writers, and better writers of Harry Potter Fan Fiction. Here is where you'll find help with proper Grammar or Latin spell names, and where you can find someone to beta-read your work before you post.

* Ferret Lounge: Chat off-topic with other members in this area, or discuss music, books, swap recipes and just visit.

* Project Ferret Site News: Staff will post new topics when something important is going on here, members can comment if they like. Topics posted in this forum show up on the Splash Page under "Latest Project Ferret News".


All members are subject to these rules in all forums.

If you have any questions about Project Ferret, please post your question in the Questions about Project Ferret topic.