How Do I?

I have an effect I want to create in AE and need to know if anyone has any ideas for presets that might work for me. Is this how I'm supposed to post a request for how-to ideas? The How-To post seems to presuppose that I'm posting the solution, when actually I'm posting the problem. But if that is the best way to get my question answered, I can repost there. Briefly, though, I have embedded an animation showing the effect I want. Please post a How-To if you know how to do this. Thanks in advance.