Game Update:
With the arrival of the Player's Guide I figure I can put a more definitive timetable on things.
March 7 (as the ad stated) will be when I select the players. As indicated I won't count participating in our little adventure against you. It was only meant to a) entertain, and b) give you all an idea of the players/characters/GM before committing.
Please indicate by March 6 if you have lost interest (easiest way I guess is in your application thread)
Once selected there will be a 2 week period to have your character rounded out and sheet finalized. During this time I'll finish off the side-trek and get you to the starting point for the AP. Those not posting in the side-trek will 'conveniently' be at that point as well. The pace of this side-trek has intentionally been kept slow so as not to burn anyone out. It will pick up once the AP starts.
As a plot-twist and something to assist with character development I was thinking of having something rather . . interesting . . happen to those in the side-adventure. Something that will help with the atmosphere of the game.
Finally, the side-trek did serve one purpose for me and that was to gauge player interest. The one doubt I have as a GM is 'Oh crap, I've bored them to death.'