While I agree with your sentiments of wanting a completely blank canvas on which to play, I have to disagree. There needs to be some basic structure around which we play. To do otherwise is to invite so many different styles and incompatible stories, that the whole thing feels patchy, incomplete, and just plain awkward. Yes, having some GMs to arbitrate things will help it all fit together. But even so, I don't think it will be enough. I would greatly appreciate even a basic map that shows the continents, general landscape, cities, the north/south dividing line, etc.
