Saecula Novae Is Now Open

Saecula Novae, a forum for speculative evolutionists, is now open. We are a new, friendly community that is just starting up and looking for more members. People are encouraged to share this entry, and link back. Hopefully we can spread the word!

What Is Speculative Evolution?

Broadly defined, speculative evolution is the practice of coming up with fictional evolutionary histories for alternate Earths and other worlds, as well as discussing topics that influence these fictional evolutionary history, such as how gas-filled aeroplankton might be made to work, and under what conditions it could exist, if it could exist at all.

Speculative evolution is both an art and a science--speculative evolutionists are expected to conform to established scientific principles (though there are exceptions: for instance, exercises in how life would evolve if exposed to an environment that was unlike anything we might expect to see, such as a world where things fell upwards; however, in these cases the evolutionary history is still expected to be realistic and well-done), but they are also expected to be able to come up with new and novel ideas. Examples of speculative evolution include Snaiad, the Speculative Dinosaur Project, The Future of The World, The Future is Wild, After Man, and Man After Man. Several projects are closely related to speculative evolution, though not strictly falling under its aegis--for instance, All Tomorrows is a book that deals with what happens to humans over millions of years as they evolve into a multispecies galactic civilization, with more focus on historical and social aspects than evolutionary aspects.

What's Unique About Saecula Novae?

Two main things:

1. Community projects. At Saecula Novae, we have a staff dedicated to promoting community projects. If you wish to start a community project, we will help you create the subforum, give you advice, and, if you so desire, give you moderator abilities over that specific subforum. We also have a community project, The Future of The World, already started.
2. User-directed. At Saeculae Nova, we believe that the will of the community is one of the most important things. Therefore, we are determined to respond promptly to user concerns, and do everything in our power to ensure that everyone on Saecula Novae enjoys their experience on the forum and is able to make maximum use of the resources we provide.
3. Staff as servants. The point of being a staff on Saecula Novae is to help other people. As staff, we promise to put the needs of the user base first, to put in the time and energy to make the forum as welcoming and useful a place as possible, and to encourage the highest quality of speculative evolution.
   

How Can I Join?

Simple. Click on the link at the beginning of this journal entry, fill out the required information under the register tab, and introduce yourself! We greatly appreciate new members, and our staff and senior members will help you get started if necessary.