FAQ 2013 (original) (raw)

Frequently Asked Questions. Or, rather: Stuff People May Have Asked Had We Not Already Written it Down, With A Few Additions of Things People Really Did Ask About Last Time

General Questions

What is a bigbang?
There are many different types of bigbangs, all varying slightly, but usually a bigbang is a process in which authors write long fics and artists make art for them. In this case, the primary form of fanwork can be fic, podfic, art, or vids and our word count/work goal will be in the 20k range. See The Rules Post for detailed specs or check out last year's challenge, which includes fic, podfic, art, and vids.

Can I join this comm?
Absolutely! Feel free to join and watch the comm even if you aren't signing up. If you ARE signing up you need to join the comm ASAP. Some important reminders and posts may be members locked.

How do I sign up?
When sign-ups start, there will be a post for Primary fanworks and Complementary fanworks where you can sign up for the challenge.

What kind of timeline will I be under?

2013 Schedule:
Sign up starts March 11, 2013
Sign up closes March 31, 2013
Chat 1 - April 20, 2013
Checkpoint 1 - May 18, 2013
Chat 2 - June 1, 2013
Checkpoint 2 - June 15, 2013
Chat 3 - July 13, 2013
Checkpoint 3 - July 20, 2013
Chat 4 - August 3, 2013
Rough drafts of primary works due August 25, 2013
Summaries for complementary works creators due August 25, 2013
Complementary works creator's claims open August 30, 2013
Final primary works due October 7, 2013
Final complementary works due October 7, 2013
Go-live starts on Canadian Thanksgiving, October 14, 2012

Where will the works be hosted?
We are using AO3 for this challenge. If you need an invite, please contact a mod.

What’s a Complementary fanwork?
This would be a fanwork based on the Primary fanwork you claim. The requirements for secondary fanworks are spelled out in The Rules Post

What's a checkpoint?
They're something to give you a feel on where a typical creator should be at in their process. They're used for encouragement and motivation only, and are in no way mandatory.

What about chats? Do I have to do those?
Nope, but we encourage you to participate in them. Last year’s chats were excellent for brainstorming, moral support, a lot of hilarious tangents, group therapy, commiseration and everything else you're going to need to get through this.

I've got two ideas in my head ... can I work on both?
Yes you can, as long as you think you'll be able to finish both within the specified minimum requirements by the deadline.

If I am doing more than one Primary fanwork, do they both have to be the same medium and fandom?
Absolutely not! For example, if you want to write a 20k Flashpoint story and do a series of Hard Core Logo drawings, that’s perfectly fine.

Can I write/podfic with someone else?
Yes, you may co-author your bigbang if you want to. However, the word minimum for co-authored/podficced works is 25,000.

What should my rough draft look like?
Please see The Rules Post for specific guidelines. While your fanwork does not need to finished by this time, we do need to be able to reasonably verify that you are going to be able to post by the deadline.

What if I have to drop out?
There are no penalties for dropping out. RL happens, writer's/artist’s block happens – we totally get that. If you drop out, we'll give you a hug and hope to see you the next round.

That said, we ask that if you know you need to withdraw from the challenge, please do so before the Complementary claims post.

Can I have an extension?
As we are letting the deadline go right up to the go-live date, no extensions will be allowed.

Primary Fanwork Requirements

What type of requirements are there for fic/art/podfic/vids?
Please see The Rules Post for a complete list of requirements.

I've already been writing a story -- can I use that?
You are allowed to use a WiP in this bigbang, but at least 20k must be entirely new and unseen for it to qualify. Furthermore you are not allowed to post updates to the story (since it’s now for the challenge) until the completed work is revealed on the go-live date.

What genres/fandoms are allowed?
All genres are allowed. For a partial list of C6D fandoms, go HERE. If your fandom is not on the list, contact a mod – odds are we’ll say it’s good.

Can I do a crossover, and if so, do both have to be C6D?
Yes you can, and no, the crossover fandom does NOT have to be C6D. However, the primary fandom MUST be C6D. For example, if you were writing a due South/White Collar crossover, the main POV must be from a dS character’s perspective. The C6D fandom cannot be a cameo. It could, however, be set in New York, with dS characters going to work with the White Collar unit.

Does my art have to tell a story?
Not necessarily, but there should be something there for the Complementary creator to work with.

Complementary Fanwork Requirements

How do I know what I'm making a fanwork for?
When the creators turn in their rough drafts, we'll make a claims post. In this post we'll include the story summary or some sort of description of the fanwork, the pairing, and any warnings the creator gives. You can choose which piece you'd like to create a fanwork for, and then that person's piece will get crossed off the list.

How do I make a claim?
Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis. We will be putting up a f-locked post and those who have signed up to create a complementary fanwork will reply to it with the piece they claim to do a fanwork for (so make sure you are a member of the community).

The time of claims will be announced in advance so everyone can know what time to be online.

What happens if the number of Primary creators doesn't match up with the number of Secondary creators?
We will do several rounds of claiming so that EVERY fanwork has a complementary creator. In the event that Primary fanworks outnumber Complementary creators we will allow folks to make a second claim. If it's the other way, we may open up the Primary pieces so that more than one creator is assigned to the same piece. Either way, everyone who wants to participate will get to participate.

Can the Complementary fanwork be done in the same medium as the Primary fanwork?
Yes and no. The only Primary fanwork that can have a Complementary piece that is in a similar medium is Art. But there’s a caveat – the artistic medium CANNOT be the same as the Primary, i.e. no pencil drawings for pencil drawing, manips for manips, etc. However, if someone’s painting inspires you to do a series of drawings, or a quilt, that would be fine!

How will I get in touch with my Primary fanwork creator?
We will provide you with contact information once you are committed to that individual. From there you can contact them to find out more about their fanwork.

We would like to encourage you to be in contact with them and to share what you make for them throughout the process, if possible.

Posting Requirements

What types of requirements are there for me to post my fanwork?
Detailed instructions will be posted closer to the go-live date.

Can I post it to my journal a few days early to show my friends?
No. The first time your fanwork will be publicly seen for this bigbang must be on your reveal day.

Where can I upload my graphics?
Tinypic is recommended for images or .gif files, along with Photobucket. Both have their pros and cons.

Anything we didn’t address? Post a comment, PM mizface or hazelwho, or email us at dsc6dbbmod@gmail.com with any questions.