A real application — about who you are, how you travel, and what you'd bring to GUSTUX. We read every word, by hand, and welcome members in small groups a few times a season.
— Allow 15–20 minutes. You can save your spot in the queue with just an email. —
— APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP · MMXXVI —
Tell us who you are.
Seven sections. We read each one in full. There are no trick questions.
i.
About you
Plain English. Don't list ones you can order coffee in — list ones you can hold a conversation in.
ii.
Background
Gap years, trade routes, and time in the field count just as much as a degree. Be honest, not impressive.
Most recent — institution, what you studied, year. If formal education isn't your story, write what shaped you instead.
Current work, role, industry. If you're between things, say so.
Anything that's served you on the road — diving, mountaineering, wilderness first-aid, sommelier, photography, language.
iii.
How you travel
A short paragraph. Don't curate. How you get around, what catches your eye, what you tend to log along the way.
One trip, real specifics. Where, when, what happened, what changed for you.
The honest one. The board values this answer.
iv.
Why GUSTUX
One paragraph. What part of GUSTUX interests you, and what you'd bring back.
Tick all that apply. Reading and writing are not the same answer.
From the calendar, or one you'd want us to host. One short answer.
v.
How you'd contribute
GUSTUX runs a public-facing journal that commissions and pays members for their writing, photography, and field dispatches. This section helps the board read you as a potential contributor — not a requirement, but a real signal.
Anywhere you currently publish or post — Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok, Substack, blog, a portfolio site. Handles or links. Rough audience size if you know it.
Newsletters, magazines, blogs, anthologies. Anywhere your writing or photography has run, paid or otherwise.
A short pitch — roughly 50 words. If you could file one piece for The Journal today, what would it be? Title, place, the angle.
Selected pieces are commissioned and paid. Pick the honest one.
vi.
Your communities & interests
Tags help us match you with adventures, members, and content that actually fit your life. Tick whatever feels true — leave the rest. There's a free-text field at the bottom for anything we missed.
Outdoor & adventure
Movement & wellness
Food & drink
Arts & creativity
Faith & community
Other passions
Communities you belong to, scenes you're part of, things you do regularly that didn't show up above.
vii.
References
Two people who'd vouch for you. They don't have to know GUSTUX. They have to know you.
Codename or full name, if a member sent you.
— REFERENCE I —
— REFERENCE II —
We write back, by hand, within a week or two. References are contacted only if your application progresses.