Welcome to The Written Exchange Beacon (W.E.B) Syndicate at Gothe Residency of the Arts!

What is the GOTHE Residency of the Arts Written Exchange Beacon(W.E.B) Syndicate?

In Short: A Secret Penpal Society for dark-spirited artists!

The W.E.B SYNDICATE aims to unite fellow dark spirits who share a passion for and wish to explore the art of the written letter. The W.E.B Syndicate was created as one of our many community enriching efforts. In offering this platform, we aspire to reignite a passion for holistic artful expression amongst dark-spirited artists.


Why Join the W.E.B Syndicate? 

Revitalize your Dark Creative Spirit:

In the course of exchanging letters within the W.E.B Syndicate, our aim is for participants to embark on a unique journey that transcends the digital realm. We firmly believe that—for many—the tactile and personal nature of written letters is an essential component for expressing and exploring one's dark creative spirit. 

Aesthetic Exploration and Tailored Creative Opportunities:

Grounded in the belief that aesthetics play a crucial role in promoting creativity, Gothe Residency of the Arts recognizes the necessity of tailored creative spaces and opportunities in the world. The written letter is a dying art, and the W.E.B Syndicate is our way of keeping the practice alive and tangible to dark-spirited artists.

Fostering Growth and Uniting Visions:

Fostering Growth and Uniting Visions: Through the exchange of letters, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery, cultivating a deeper understanding of their creative selves and finding inspiration in the diverse and unique perspectives of their Penpal. We believe that letter writing is an intimate form of communication that serves as a catalyst for personal and artistic growth, nurturing the seeds of creativity. True to our mission statement, The W.E.B Syndicate aspires to contribute to the collective beauty and existential belonging of our community.

How it Works:

We're excited to announce that the Web Syndicate early experience is now officially open to patrons! As a small team with limited resources, we've decided to initially offer this exclusive access to our dedicated patrons. This strategic choice allows us to focus on creating a robust and engaging experience, while receiving essential feedback directly from our dear patrons.

1. Sign Up: Become a $5+ Patreon member to unlock access to the W.E.B Syndicate sign up page! A password key will be included in your rewards automatically (that you can find under your ‘membership’ page on Patreon) upon signup, with which you will then use to gain access to the signup page on our website, here: SIGN UP.

2. Profile Creation: Fill out a brief (or detailed) profile sharing your preferred name, pronouns, interests, mailing address, and what you are seeking in a Penpal. 

3. Matchmaking: Our visionary team will then review your profile and contact you as soon as a match is available! Please be advised it may take us up to a month to find you a perfect match, but we will contact you and your new Penpal via a provided email address as soon as we find one!

4. Start Writing: Begin your unique journey of connecting with your new Penpal(s) by exchanging stories, experiences, ideas, gifts, and more! Your anonymity will be completely up to you and the way you fill out your application. 


Participation Rules and Guidelines 

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please familiarize yourself with our safety guidelines, rules, and community guidelines.

Safety Measures:

1. Protect Personal Information:

   - Prioritize your safety by avoiding the sharing of sensitive personal information such as home addresses, financial details, or private contact information.

2. Respect Boundaries:

   - Respect your Penpal's boundaries and communicate openly about your comfort levels. If there are any concerns or discomfort, please inform us at grotacommunity@gmail.com.

3. Community Conduct:

   - Uphold a positive and respectful environment within our community. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of harmful behavior will not be tolerated.

4.Reporting Issues:

   - If you encounter any issues, would like to request a different penpal, or feel uncomfortable during any of your interactions, please message our support team immediately at grotacommunity@gmail.com.

Rules and Guidelines:

1. Profile Authenticity:

   - Provide accurate and truthful information in your profile. Unsafe misrepresentation (such as lying about your age) will result in removal from the project.

2. Communication Style:

   - Maintain a respectful and considerate communication style with your penpal. Use inclusive language and be mindful / open to learning about cultural differences/different beliefs. Do not impose your personal beliefs on others.

3. Timely Responses:

   - Aim to respond to your Penpal in a timely manner. Consistent communication enhances the overall experience. Although we understand life often gets in the way, we highly encourage at least one letter exchange every two months, in line with our bi-monthly Discord prompts!

4. Creative Exchange:

   - Encourage and participate in the creative exchange to make the most of your penpal experience! Share your artistic expressions, ideas, and inspirations. You may share physical gifts, artwork, photographs(where appropriate), and more! Get creative, and apply yourself!

5. Reserve External (Digital) Contact/Penpal Etiquette:

   - The W.E.B Syndicate is a platform for traditional, thorough paced connection. To maintain the essence of written letter exchange, and the unique charm they bring, we encourage Penpals to refrain from initiating contact through external digital platforms. Let magic and creative solutions unfold within the pages of your letters! In encouraging this Penpal etiquette, we aim to nurture the genuine and intimate connections that flourish through the artful exchange of pen and paper.


 When and where appropriate, you and your penpal may decide together if you would like to contact each other outside of the project. 

 Correspondence Guidelines:

1. Inclusivity:

   - Embrace diversity and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

2. Encouraging Environment:

   - Support fellow Penpals in their creative endeavors and offer positive encouragement. Constructive feedback is welcome.

3. Celebrate Differences:

   - Embrace the diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and interests within our community. Share and learn from each other's unique perspectives.

By adhering to these safety measures, rules, and guidelines, you will contribute to the health of our community, and the vibrant creative potential of The W.E.B Syndicate. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact our support team at grotacommunity@gmail.com.

Thank you for being a part of the Gothe Residency of the Arts W.E.B Syndicate Penpals community!