::| The Exquisite/Corpse/Reads/the New/Rules |::
Step 1 :: Wait for a list: Wait for a list to arrive via email. A list consists of four or five players and are determined by a secret random process. You will be notified when new lists are being generated through the news mailing list, through the news on this site, or more likely, both.
Step 2 :: Construction: Corpses are constructed from the top down. Each player is responsible for filling a 450 pixel X 200 pixel space. Your space may contain anything that can be contained by a photoshop file. Photoshop is not required, but whatever image manipulation software you are using must be capable of producing a file — .jpg files ideally — readable by photoshop. Scan a drawing. Use photography, clip art, whatever. So long as it the right size and the right format, no imagery is proscribed or prescribed. Unlike some historical examples of Exquisite Corpses we are not using any strict anatomical model. It's pure free form.
When your list arrives you will either (a) be starting a Corpse, or (b) continuing a corpse.
If (a) is true, You are simply required to fill your 90,000 pixels with whatever strikes your fancy, keeping this in mind... DON'T FINISH IT!. By which I mean, don't get to the bottom of yr 200px depth and have everything nice and buttoned up. Because then the person after you doesn't have anything to play off and the whole exercise becomes pointless. leave trailers and things leading off into the nether space that will become the next person's contribution. Because what you are now going to do is snip off a 15 pixel high strip from the bottom of your section and email it to the next player on the list.
If (b) is true, the person previous to you will have composed their segment and snipped off the bottom 15 pixels to get you started on yours. That strip of pixels will now dictate to some degree what you can do with your space. You have to pick up where those tail ends leave off. If you don't, nothing will join up later and what the hell was the point, right? As long as you are employing what was given you, in whatever way you like (that isn't ignoring it), you can do anything you want. You have the option of including and modifying the strip you are sent if you feel that doing so will smooth a transition and benefit the Corpse generally. Or you can only use the strip as a cue and fill you 200 vertical pixels with completely original material. Remember: whether you include the strip or not, you only get 450px x 200px. Do not include the strip and then send me a document 215px tall, because I will call you a big, fat cheater.
About Time Limits: In theory, you have one week, seven little days, to do your work and pass it on. Because we are all responsible adults I rely mostly on the honor system here. Unfortunately, the system has been abused by some in the past and so we here are going to start being a little more enthusiastic about deadline enforcement. When you are so delinquent as to be noticed, you will get an email asking you to account for yourself. If you don't respond to that email within a couple days it will be assumed that you have lost interest in playing, any outstanding Corpse sections will be reassigned and you won't be on further lists. While this is just a game your participating is still a responsibility and other people are counting on you to do your bit and I've lost interest in entertaining slackers. End of lecture.
Step 3 :: Emailing: Email your 15px strip to the next person on the list, including in that email the list you originally received. Unless you're the last person on the list, obviously. Then, email your full, completed Corpse section to assemble@anexquisitecorpse.net. The file you send should be either a MAXIMUM quality jpeg or a FLATTENED photoshop file. It would be greatly appreciated if the number of the Corpse in question appeared in the subject line of the email and an indication of which piece it is. Such as 'EC0062-3' or 'Corpse0062, piece 3' or some variation thereof. Similar naming of the file you send would be appreciated as well.
Finally, do not forget to title your work. The title must be one, two or three words. Not five. One to three. Words. Preferably in English, but I won't make a fuss if they aren't. They do not have to bear any relation to the work itself. Include the title somewhere in the body of the email along with your attached slice.
Step 4: There is no Step 4.
Step 5 :: Waiting again: Wait for your completed Corpse to be posted for your perusal and that of the general public, who can then discuss the amazing symbolism and unconscious synchronicities emerging in the piece. Then we will all be famous.
Questions? Confusion? Problem? Email Corpse Central!
