Round 2: FAQ Post
Rules and FAQ are beneath the cut. Any further questions, please drop us a comment!
What is a Big Bang?
A Big Bang is a challenge where you write a long fic (word counts vary by challenge) in a given fandom, and once the fics are in, artists claim a fic to illustrate.
So in the end you get wonderful new fics with gorgeous pictures in the fandom. Which means that everybody wins right?
When are the deadlines?
Check out the schedule post
Is there any restriction when it comes to genre or pairings?
No. Feel free to write any genre, rating or pairing that you like. There is no restriction whatsoever.
Can I write RPS?
No. This is a Big Bang challenge based on the characters in Dark Angel, not the actors that play them.
Can I write a crossover?
Yes, you can. As long as your story focuses on at least one character from Dark Angel who plays an integral role in your story, crossovers are absolutely okay.
What is the word limit?
The minimum word count for all fiction is 10,000 words. There is no upper limit.
Why is there a deadline for a rough draft and one for a final draft?
We want you to hand in a rough draft so that artists have something to work with when creating their art. It also gives us an assurance that the fic will be finished in time for posting.
Does my story have to be finished?
Yes. Your first draft must be a complete draft: mostly finished with only the editing left to do. This does not mean 80% finished with vast numbers of notes saying 'insert scene X here'.
What if I don't make the deadlines?
If you cannot finish your fiction within the set timeframe, we're still going to be very happy that you wrote something at all - this fandom needs all the love it can get. There won't be any repercussions and you'll still be eligible for future rounds. You just won't be able to post as part of the challenge or get any art.
Can my story be part of a series?
It can be, as long as your story can be understood on its own as well.
Do I need a beta?
Beta'd stories are definitely preferred, but as the fandom is getting older, we understand that it's getting harder and harder to find a good beta who knows canon. We've got a Beta Request/Volunteer post that you can use. If you cannot find one, your story will still be accepted, provided you have done the best you can to proofread/grammar/spellcheck it yourself.
Can I post my story on my LJ/DW/website etc?
Of course! The only thing we require for your Big Bang fic is that you make a post here, and we ask that you link back to the comm when you crosspost elsewhere. :)
Will I get art?
We will try our hardest to make sure everyone gets some art of some form (your mods will even beg). However, we cannot guarantee it because fandom has far more authors than artists, which is why we'll be allowing artists to claim multiple fics in an effort to bridge the gap.
Will there be mandatory check-ins?
No. There will be posts to encourage you, but we will assume everyone is still with us until the rough draft deadline. Then we will assume that anyone who doesn't submit a draft has dropped out.
Can I sign up as an author and an artist/vidder?
If you think you can cope? Then please do! The more the merrier. :)
Can I sign up to write more than one story?
Because our word count is lower than other Big Bangs, and because Dark Angel writers are amazing, and because the more fic the better - if you think you can do it, go for it! (In other words, yes, you can.) :D
What kinds of art are allowed?
Traditional art, illustrations, digital paintings, book covers, photo manips, fanvids, graphics, icons, wallpapers, sketches, cartoons, comic book art - whatever you're best at. If it's art, it's allowed.
Are fanmixes allowed?
Yes, absolutely fanmixes are allowed, but they can't be the only thing you make. If you present them as part of a collection of other art, like a nicely done cover for the story, then they're fine.
Can I join the community?
You are more than welcome to watch the community, but only the artists and authors that signup will be able to join. This is for ease of organising!
What if I have more questions?
Comment to this post and we'll get back to you with the answers as soon as we can!
What is a Big Bang?
A Big Bang is a challenge where you write a long fic (word counts vary by challenge) in a given fandom, and once the fics are in, artists claim a fic to illustrate.
So in the end you get wonderful new fics with gorgeous pictures in the fandom. Which means that everybody wins right?
When are the deadlines?
Check out the schedule post
Is there any restriction when it comes to genre or pairings?
No. Feel free to write any genre, rating or pairing that you like. There is no restriction whatsoever.
Can I write RPS?
No. This is a Big Bang challenge based on the characters in Dark Angel, not the actors that play them.
Can I write a crossover?
Yes, you can. As long as your story focuses on at least one character from Dark Angel who plays an integral role in your story, crossovers are absolutely okay.
What is the word limit?
The minimum word count for all fiction is 10,000 words. There is no upper limit.
Why is there a deadline for a rough draft and one for a final draft?
We want you to hand in a rough draft so that artists have something to work with when creating their art. It also gives us an assurance that the fic will be finished in time for posting.
Does my story have to be finished?
Yes. Your first draft must be a complete draft: mostly finished with only the editing left to do. This does not mean 80% finished with vast numbers of notes saying 'insert scene X here'.
What if I don't make the deadlines?
If you cannot finish your fiction within the set timeframe, we're still going to be very happy that you wrote something at all - this fandom needs all the love it can get. There won't be any repercussions and you'll still be eligible for future rounds. You just won't be able to post as part of the challenge or get any art.
Can my story be part of a series?
It can be, as long as your story can be understood on its own as well.
Do I need a beta?
Beta'd stories are definitely preferred, but as the fandom is getting older, we understand that it's getting harder and harder to find a good beta who knows canon. We've got a Beta Request/Volunteer post that you can use. If you cannot find one, your story will still be accepted, provided you have done the best you can to proofread/grammar/spellcheck it yourself.
Can I post my story on my LJ/DW/website etc?
Of course! The only thing we require for your Big Bang fic is that you make a post here, and we ask that you link back to the comm when you crosspost elsewhere. :)
Will I get art?
We will try our hardest to make sure everyone gets some art of some form (your mods will even beg). However, we cannot guarantee it because fandom has far more authors than artists, which is why we'll be allowing artists to claim multiple fics in an effort to bridge the gap.
Will there be mandatory check-ins?
No. There will be posts to encourage you, but we will assume everyone is still with us until the rough draft deadline. Then we will assume that anyone who doesn't submit a draft has dropped out.
Can I sign up as an author and an artist/vidder?
If you think you can cope? Then please do! The more the merrier. :)
Can I sign up to write more than one story?
Because our word count is lower than other Big Bangs, and because Dark Angel writers are amazing, and because the more fic the better - if you think you can do it, go for it! (In other words, yes, you can.) :D
What kinds of art are allowed?
Traditional art, illustrations, digital paintings, book covers, photo manips, fanvids, graphics, icons, wallpapers, sketches, cartoons, comic book art - whatever you're best at. If it's art, it's allowed.
Are fanmixes allowed?
Yes, absolutely fanmixes are allowed, but they can't be the only thing you make. If you present them as part of a collection of other art, like a nicely done cover for the story, then they're fine.
Can I join the community?
You are more than welcome to watch the community, but only the artists and authors that signup will be able to join. This is for ease of organising!
What if I have more questions?
Comment to this post and we'll get back to you with the answers as soon as we can!