The Rules, Dudes and Dudettes

First, the post MUST be primarily about an invertebrate creature. We had in mind insects, arachnids, molluscs, etc. when we got the idea (actually more like butterflies, dragonflies and snails, based on the people involved). But i see no reason why it can't include lice and gutworms. But a cat with lice is not a subject for us (send it to the cat carnival folks . . . just kidding).

Second, there will be two categories for submissions: a) writing about inverts; and b) pictures of inverts.

Category a) will be for original posts that actually discuss the biology of, tell a story about, or relate important information about, some species or group of species of spineless critters. These posts may include pictures, including ones "borrowed" from elsewhere (copyright issues are yours to deal with).

Category b) will be for posts that are basically about the picture -- some text may be included, but is usually just descriptive of the individual in the picture -- like a caption, or an extended caption. In this category only pictures taken by the author (or a family member, or someone taking a pic at your request, etc.) are allowed -- see, the category is about the photograph. Please make it a good picture -- trying to just gain traffic with fuzzy snapshots is bush.

The host will make the decision about what goes in which category (but see rule #6).

Third, while we'd like this to be about learning something about inverts, we won't be averse to using lighter posts. We do want well-written, spell-checked, entertaining, educational posts though. We're looking to read something that will make us want to return to your blog.

Fourth, we reserve the right to NOT include anything that doesn't meet our simple guidelines. The writing must be excellent work -- we want to showcase the best on the web.

Fifth, and this is just common blog sense, but we've seen a lot of blog carnivals lately where the participants either don't live up to their end of the unspoken community contract, or else are just oblivious to what's going on . . . BUT, we expect that if you submit posts to the carnival that, when the carnival is posted, that you then post an encouraging note on your blog about the carnival and provide a link. If you want us to blare your link to the world, then you should help up the traffic by blaring the link to your personal community of readers. That also keeps the hosts smiling.

Sixth, until further notice (that is when submissions surpass our ability to handle them), you may submit up to two entries (which is waaaay more generous than the usual carnival, but then we're monthly too . . .). And we might make exceptions for more if you have some truly excellent pieces to offer.

Seventh, there'll be more rules when we think of them . . .

Potential hosts should contact tony g at milkriverblog