RS_Games 2011
About Our Theme:
“Life is a journey, not a destination”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Yes, we know that Aerosmith said it, too, but that hardly makes it less true. (It just makes it more filled with scarves.)
This year’s Games theme is all about journeys. Travel, whether physical or psychological, mental or spiritual, can be the heart of any work of art or fiction. Of course, there are physical journeys, but there also journeys of the heart, of the soul, and of the mind. French writer Marcel Proust once created a questionnaire that is now used as an interview on the final page of Vanity Fair magazine. Famous people from all walks of life are asked to answer, and one of the questions is: What is your favorite journey? Some choose to answer literally (New York to London), but many see it a different way. Past answers have included: reading a novel, returning home, painting a fresh canvas, falling in love, learning a new skill, raising a child, and getting to know another human being.
Yes, journeys are far more than mere travel. Narrative itself is a journey, as is exploring and creating a work of art. Though this year's theme may explore modes of transportation, holiday trips, maps, and other such tangible things, the true journey of life is inside us all - and inside your characters. Life is meant to be explored, so go ahead and explore it through words and images, stories and art!
We are all on a journey, though we may know not where we are going. It not about where we end-up, but about how we get there and what happens along the way.
General Overview:
Get ready everybody, for RS_Games 2011! New, improved, and better than ever with changes based upon your suggestions.
The Games are about having fun, spreading the love of our favorite ship, friendly competition, and, of course, going for Puppyshippers’ gold. Sure it’s a competition between teams, but it’s really more about making friends and having fun. So feel the love, baby.
Here is how it works: One team will be Team Sirius and the other is Team Remus. Each team will compete by creating the best stories and artwork possible for readers to vote upon. Works will be posted anonymously each day during the run of the Games, and readers will vote on each work. As with last year, there will be just one round to decide it all!
At the end of the Games, the winning team will be revealed but, as we see it, everyone is a winner. The public at large gets to read, view, and vote on the best fics and art works around, but the real fun is in the process of creating some wonderful R/S pieces to share!
About Our Teams:
And this year’s teams are a little different, too. RS_Games 2011 is proud to welcome Team Remus v. Team Sirius. Of course, since The Games are all about Puppy Love, the true test is how they work together, but the divisions this year are based upon simple things like emphasis, focus, and point of view. Do you think of yourself a “Sirius person” or a “Remus person?” Who do you most resemble? Whose narrative voice inspires you most? Who would you choose as a real life friend? Who is sexier? Whose canon story speaks to you? All these are fair questions when choosing a team, but, in the end, it really doesn’t matter. We’re here to have fun and to work together. Our boys are generally a couple, so it’s really about interplay, connection, and being together.
Of course, just because you choose Team Remus, it does NOT mean that you absolutely must write a story entirely from Remus’ point of view or create a piece or art that is only about Remus. You are welcome to do so, but it simply means that it needs to be mostly Remus-centric. As in the past, there is only one voting question involving teams, and it is the smallest one: worth up to two points. This year the questions simply asks if your Team Character is most prominently featured.
In the case of art, this may seem slightly more difficult, but it’s easily managed. Even if you choose to draw the boys together, the focus should be on your Team Character. Is he in the foreground? Can the viewer see more of his body? Is he in brighter colors, larger, or more centered? Perhaps it’s even a multi-frame comic. Anyway you choose to do it, it’s perfectly fine. Just think about drawing the viewer’s eye to your Team Character. Again, it’s just one question worth two points, and, like all voting, it’s very much up to the reader/viewer.
Time Line:
Sign-ups begin on Wednesday, May 25th and last through 11:59PM EST (like NYC) on Saturday, June 4th. Watch the RS_Games site for the sign-up post.
Teams will be announced Wednesday, June 8th.
Prompt table goes up Thursday, June 9th and closes at 11:59PM EST (like NYC) on Friday, June 17th. (If, for some reason, you will be out of reach of a computer during that time, please let the Mods know and we will be happy to accommodate you.) You may begin creating your work as soon as you choose your prompt/receive your prompt confirmation. The prompt confirmation should appear within 24 hours of when you post your prompt selection, but, in all practicality, you may begin working as soon as you choose. It’s not like we’re going to deny you your prompt.
Works are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 23rd EST (like NYC). This gives you fourteen to fifteen weeks (depending upon when you choose your prompt) to create your work, and you are welcome to turn in your work early, if you wish.
Posting begins Saturday, October 1 and runs throughout the month. How many days will be determined by the number of participants, etc.
The winning team will be revealed in early November.
Sign-up process:
Sign-ups begin on Wednesday, May 25th and last through 11:59PM EST (like NYC) on Saturday, June 4th and the sign-up post will use the following information:
User name:
Real name (optional):
Email contact/best contact:
It is VERY important that we be able to contact you. If you have issues with email, please be sure that we can contact you by LJ PM.
Country/City/State (just to get an idea of your time zone):
Team Choice:
Note: No matter how hard we try to accommodate everyone, there is no guarantee that you will get the team of your choice. Obviously we will make every attempt to give players the team they want, but that is not always possible. If you are willing to play on either team, please note that and the Mods will be happy to assign you to the team who needs you most!
If we should get too many applicants we will hold a lottery (using a random number generator) to choose participants. Artists and writers will be held in separate lotteries and, as each name is chosen, we will fill up the teams based on the participant’s preference. If your first-choice team is filled when we draw your name, you will be placed on the other team.
Also, we will hold a list of up to six alternates (or Pinch Hitters) for each team, so if you do not get chosen the first time, you may still get a chance to have your work displayed in regular play. (If not, your work will be displayed as exhibition during the vote-counting process.) Pinch Hitters are full members of the Team Community, have full posting access, and will create a work just like everyone else. Please note, last year virtually all the Pinch Hitters were offered a spot, so don’t think you’re not playing just because you a PH. You’re important. In fact, you’re probably the one who comes in to save the day.
General Game Rules:
1. The stories will be a minimum of 1,500 words and, while there is no maximum, please know that if you choose to go over a certain size (around 50,000 words) your story may need to be divided into smaller sections to accommodate DreamWidth size restrictions. We ask that you establish the line of division yourself.
2. Art has no size requirements, but keep in mind the size of most people’s computer screens, etc. If it’s too big it can become unwieldy, and some people may have trouble viewing it.
3. A list of prompts will be posted and each participant must choose one prompt from the list. The prompt table will appear on Thursday, June 9th and you have until 11:59PM EST (like Toronto or Atlanta) on Friday, June 17th to make your choice. If you are going to be out of computer range during that time, please see a Mod and we would be happy to work with you. If multiple prompts inspire you, so much the better, but you need to pick only ONE that will be used for voting.
4. Whether you are Team Remus or Team Sirius, works should be labeled as one (or more) of the following genres. Please note, these categories will be used for Mod organizational purposes only and not used as a basis for voting.
a. Angst
b. Fluff/Romance
c. Hurt/Comfort
d. Horror/Adventure
f. Humor/Crack
e. Smut
f. AU or canon
Please note, any and all of these categories are welcome. Stories may be canon or AU, crack or angst or pretty much anything you want. And, yes, sometimes these things are hard to categorize, but remember, it is ONLY for organizational purposes, so please just do your best.
5. All works must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 23rd EST and will be screened and posted by Mods. If you think that you are going to miss the deadline, please see your Team Captain or a Mod to arrange a Pinch Hit. Missed deadlines will result in elimination.
Or, if you wish, you may apply for an extension. But there is a catch: one point will be deducted for each day you are late. So if your work were to earn an overall eighteen (out of twenty) points, it would only be worth seventeen and so forth.
6. All fics and art must be rated. Ratings in the community will go from "G” (or “all ages") to "NC-17” (or “18+”). Obviously, this community will contain fictional works involving same-sex relationships between fictional characters. If you are bothered by that concept please do not enter. While there are no official rules against (properly labeled) adult themes and material, please be aware that this is a game opened to everyone and the more general the access, the more votes you will get. Due to LJ and DW posting requirements, choosing to write NC-17 might seriously decrease readership. The same is true for non-consensual sex and other controversial themes. Please see the “Ratings Guide” section” below for more information.
7. All fics should be beta’d and, to be fair, it is best that all fics appear similar in format. We prefer that you use either Arial or Times New Roman in a plain, 10-point font. However, if font appearance or size is somehow integral to the story, please just let us know that, but remember that stories that are hard to read garner less votes. Obviously, letters, notes and other text-within-text situations are exceptions, but please put in the coding yourself. Proper coding is essential; if you have questions about how to code we will happily provide a guideline or you can ask a Mod or community member.
8. Posts will be accomplished by the Mods and all you have to do is prepare your work and email it to: rs_games1@yahoo.com. You may submit any time before the deadline, and you should receive a confirmation email within twenty-four hours of submission. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact a Mod.
When you send your email please include your user name, team, and the title of your work in the subject line. This makes it easier for the mods to organize. Also, please include the text of the story and/or a copy (or link) to the artwork . You may send it either as an attachment or in the body of the email. Please use the following form as a header both in the work and in the email. Remember, as in the story itself, you must include the coding in the header. Coding is important and coding errors can make or break a story. Also, fixing coding errors can easily drive the Mods into an early grave - and nobody wants that!
Your user name (will be deleted before posting):
Team:
Title:
Rating:
Warnings:
Genre(s):
Word Count:
Summary:
Notes:
Prompt: PLACE PROMPT NUMBER HERE
Fic/Art Below:
Your name and team will be removed before posting and a general disclaimer will appear on the site.
The “warnings” space is mostly optional, especially for “G” rated fics (please see Ratings Guide), but it is best if you warn your audience about anything that might be potentially adult-related. Warnings might include everything from swearing to frottage to character death to non-consensual sex. However, for the sake of expediency, let’s just assume that things like “boy kissing” and “same-sex romance” are givens. This is Remus and Sirius, after all! Also, keep in mind that warning can also be advertising for other people’s kinks. Bondage? Drug use? Llamas? Sometimes people will read something just because you’re creative here.
Under “Notes” you can give bits of background, explanation, etc. You may also thank a beta or someone else who helped you, but please use initials only, etc. For example, if your beta is cacklesthewitch you could call her “C.” or use the first initial of her real name. This is only because some people always use the same beta and it can become very obvious who is who.
9. Entries will be judged in the following manner:
• Is the Team Character (Sirius for Team Sirius and Remus for Team Remus) most prominently featured? Yes/No vote ("yes" is worth 2 points, "no" is worth 0)
• How well did the author/artist use their Prompt? 1 to 9 (1 being the least)
• How much did you like this story/art overall? 1 to 9 (1 being the least)
Your final score will be an average of all the votes and poll results will remain hidden. You will not get to see your scores, but you will be allowed to see all comments.
Flaming is not allowed and all offensive/hurtful comments will be removed. If, as a participant, you find a comment that you consider hurtful or rude, please let a mod know immediately. Again, flaming and rudeness will not be tolerated. We really mean it! Trolls are only Magical Creatures and the only flaming allowed is Sirius swishing around in glam make-up and tight leather pants. SIRISULY!
Voting is open to the public, but team members and Mods cannot vote. We do, however, encourage all participants to comment on works and pimp the Games as much as possible. Remember, all works are posted anonymously, so we ask you to honor that and not pimp your work on your own journal by revealing what you created. Pimp the Games, pimp works you love, encourage people to read your team’s works, but please do not cheat and reveal yourself before Reveals. All votes are averaged so it does not matter as much how many people vote for any particular story or artwork, but it is nice to get as many votes as possible.
Overall team scores will be posted by the Mods at the end of the Games, but individual scores will not. The latter is simply to avoid hurt feelings. This isn’t about competition amongst your teammates, it’s about competition between teams.
10. Each team will have a home community in which to gather, socialize, have fun, and make decisions. (The first of these decisions is to choose and vote on a Team Captains.) This community is also your place to plan battle strategies and support each other as teammates. Such support can come in the form of brainstorming, canon/AU discussions, posting work samples, cheerleading, beta help, and the collective support needed to win the PuppyShippers Gold. The teams can also use these private communities to enlist the support of and ask questions to our most excellent Mod team.
For more details, please refer to the community profile.
“Life is a journey, not a destination”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Yes, we know that Aerosmith said it, too, but that hardly makes it less true. (It just makes it more filled with scarves.)
This year’s Games theme is all about journeys. Travel, whether physical or psychological, mental or spiritual, can be the heart of any work of art or fiction. Of course, there are physical journeys, but there also journeys of the heart, of the soul, and of the mind. French writer Marcel Proust once created a questionnaire that is now used as an interview on the final page of Vanity Fair magazine. Famous people from all walks of life are asked to answer, and one of the questions is: What is your favorite journey? Some choose to answer literally (New York to London), but many see it a different way. Past answers have included: reading a novel, returning home, painting a fresh canvas, falling in love, learning a new skill, raising a child, and getting to know another human being.
Yes, journeys are far more than mere travel. Narrative itself is a journey, as is exploring and creating a work of art. Though this year's theme may explore modes of transportation, holiday trips, maps, and other such tangible things, the true journey of life is inside us all - and inside your characters. Life is meant to be explored, so go ahead and explore it through words and images, stories and art!
We are all on a journey, though we may know not where we are going. It not about where we end-up, but about how we get there and what happens along the way.
General Overview:
Get ready everybody, for RS_Games 2011! New, improved, and better than ever with changes based upon your suggestions.
The Games are about having fun, spreading the love of our favorite ship, friendly competition, and, of course, going for Puppyshippers’ gold. Sure it’s a competition between teams, but it’s really more about making friends and having fun. So feel the love, baby.
Here is how it works: One team will be Team Sirius and the other is Team Remus. Each team will compete by creating the best stories and artwork possible for readers to vote upon. Works will be posted anonymously each day during the run of the Games, and readers will vote on each work. As with last year, there will be just one round to decide it all!
At the end of the Games, the winning team will be revealed but, as we see it, everyone is a winner. The public at large gets to read, view, and vote on the best fics and art works around, but the real fun is in the process of creating some wonderful R/S pieces to share!
About Our Teams:
And this year’s teams are a little different, too. RS_Games 2011 is proud to welcome Team Remus v. Team Sirius. Of course, since The Games are all about Puppy Love, the true test is how they work together, but the divisions this year are based upon simple things like emphasis, focus, and point of view. Do you think of yourself a “Sirius person” or a “Remus person?” Who do you most resemble? Whose narrative voice inspires you most? Who would you choose as a real life friend? Who is sexier? Whose canon story speaks to you? All these are fair questions when choosing a team, but, in the end, it really doesn’t matter. We’re here to have fun and to work together. Our boys are generally a couple, so it’s really about interplay, connection, and being together.
Of course, just because you choose Team Remus, it does NOT mean that you absolutely must write a story entirely from Remus’ point of view or create a piece or art that is only about Remus. You are welcome to do so, but it simply means that it needs to be mostly Remus-centric. As in the past, there is only one voting question involving teams, and it is the smallest one: worth up to two points. This year the questions simply asks if your Team Character is most prominently featured.
In the case of art, this may seem slightly more difficult, but it’s easily managed. Even if you choose to draw the boys together, the focus should be on your Team Character. Is he in the foreground? Can the viewer see more of his body? Is he in brighter colors, larger, or more centered? Perhaps it’s even a multi-frame comic. Anyway you choose to do it, it’s perfectly fine. Just think about drawing the viewer’s eye to your Team Character. Again, it’s just one question worth two points, and, like all voting, it’s very much up to the reader/viewer.
Time Line:
Sign-ups begin on Wednesday, May 25th and last through 11:59PM EST (like NYC) on Saturday, June 4th. Watch the RS_Games site for the sign-up post.
Teams will be announced Wednesday, June 8th.
Prompt table goes up Thursday, June 9th and closes at 11:59PM EST (like NYC) on Friday, June 17th. (If, for some reason, you will be out of reach of a computer during that time, please let the Mods know and we will be happy to accommodate you.) You may begin creating your work as soon as you choose your prompt/receive your prompt confirmation. The prompt confirmation should appear within 24 hours of when you post your prompt selection, but, in all practicality, you may begin working as soon as you choose. It’s not like we’re going to deny you your prompt.
Works are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 23rd EST (like NYC). This gives you fourteen to fifteen weeks (depending upon when you choose your prompt) to create your work, and you are welcome to turn in your work early, if you wish.
Posting begins Saturday, October 1 and runs throughout the month. How many days will be determined by the number of participants, etc.
The winning team will be revealed in early November.
Sign-up process:
Sign-ups begin on Wednesday, May 25th and last through 11:59PM EST (like NYC) on Saturday, June 4th and the sign-up post will use the following information:
User name:
Real name (optional):
Email contact/best contact:
It is VERY important that we be able to contact you. If you have issues with email, please be sure that we can contact you by LJ PM.
Country/City/State (just to get an idea of your time zone):
Team Choice:
Note: No matter how hard we try to accommodate everyone, there is no guarantee that you will get the team of your choice. Obviously we will make every attempt to give players the team they want, but that is not always possible. If you are willing to play on either team, please note that and the Mods will be happy to assign you to the team who needs you most!
If we should get too many applicants we will hold a lottery (using a random number generator) to choose participants. Artists and writers will be held in separate lotteries and, as each name is chosen, we will fill up the teams based on the participant’s preference. If your first-choice team is filled when we draw your name, you will be placed on the other team.
Also, we will hold a list of up to six alternates (or Pinch Hitters) for each team, so if you do not get chosen the first time, you may still get a chance to have your work displayed in regular play. (If not, your work will be displayed as exhibition during the vote-counting process.) Pinch Hitters are full members of the Team Community, have full posting access, and will create a work just like everyone else. Please note, last year virtually all the Pinch Hitters were offered a spot, so don’t think you’re not playing just because you a PH. You’re important. In fact, you’re probably the one who comes in to save the day.
General Game Rules:
1. The stories will be a minimum of 1,500 words and, while there is no maximum, please know that if you choose to go over a certain size (around 50,000 words) your story may need to be divided into smaller sections to accommodate DreamWidth size restrictions. We ask that you establish the line of division yourself.
2. Art has no size requirements, but keep in mind the size of most people’s computer screens, etc. If it’s too big it can become unwieldy, and some people may have trouble viewing it.
3. A list of prompts will be posted and each participant must choose one prompt from the list. The prompt table will appear on Thursday, June 9th and you have until 11:59PM EST (like Toronto or Atlanta) on Friday, June 17th to make your choice. If you are going to be out of computer range during that time, please see a Mod and we would be happy to work with you. If multiple prompts inspire you, so much the better, but you need to pick only ONE that will be used for voting.
4. Whether you are Team Remus or Team Sirius, works should be labeled as one (or more) of the following genres. Please note, these categories will be used for Mod organizational purposes only and not used as a basis for voting.
a. Angst
b. Fluff/Romance
c. Hurt/Comfort
d. Horror/Adventure
f. Humor/Crack
e. Smut
f. AU or canon
Please note, any and all of these categories are welcome. Stories may be canon or AU, crack or angst or pretty much anything you want. And, yes, sometimes these things are hard to categorize, but remember, it is ONLY for organizational purposes, so please just do your best.
5. All works must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 23rd EST and will be screened and posted by Mods. If you think that you are going to miss the deadline, please see your Team Captain or a Mod to arrange a Pinch Hit. Missed deadlines will result in elimination.
Or, if you wish, you may apply for an extension. But there is a catch: one point will be deducted for each day you are late. So if your work were to earn an overall eighteen (out of twenty) points, it would only be worth seventeen and so forth.
6. All fics and art must be rated. Ratings in the community will go from "G” (or “all ages") to "NC-17” (or “18+”). Obviously, this community will contain fictional works involving same-sex relationships between fictional characters. If you are bothered by that concept please do not enter. While there are no official rules against (properly labeled) adult themes and material, please be aware that this is a game opened to everyone and the more general the access, the more votes you will get. Due to LJ and DW posting requirements, choosing to write NC-17 might seriously decrease readership. The same is true for non-consensual sex and other controversial themes. Please see the “Ratings Guide” section” below for more information.
7. All fics should be beta’d and, to be fair, it is best that all fics appear similar in format. We prefer that you use either Arial or Times New Roman in a plain, 10-point font. However, if font appearance or size is somehow integral to the story, please just let us know that, but remember that stories that are hard to read garner less votes. Obviously, letters, notes and other text-within-text situations are exceptions, but please put in the coding yourself. Proper coding is essential; if you have questions about how to code we will happily provide a guideline or you can ask a Mod or community member.
8. Posts will be accomplished by the Mods and all you have to do is prepare your work and email it to: rs_games1@yahoo.com. You may submit any time before the deadline, and you should receive a confirmation email within twenty-four hours of submission. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact a Mod.
When you send your email please include your user name, team, and the title of your work in the subject line. This makes it easier for the mods to organize. Also, please include the text of the story and/or a copy (or link) to the artwork . You may send it either as an attachment or in the body of the email. Please use the following form as a header both in the work and in the email. Remember, as in the story itself, you must include the coding in the header. Coding is important and coding errors can make or break a story. Also, fixing coding errors can easily drive the Mods into an early grave - and nobody wants that!
Your user name (will be deleted before posting):
Team:
Title:
Rating:
Warnings:
Genre(s):
Word Count:
Summary:
Notes:
Prompt: PLACE PROMPT NUMBER HERE
Fic/Art Below:
Your name and team will be removed before posting and a general disclaimer will appear on the site.
The “warnings” space is mostly optional, especially for “G” rated fics (please see Ratings Guide), but it is best if you warn your audience about anything that might be potentially adult-related. Warnings might include everything from swearing to frottage to character death to non-consensual sex. However, for the sake of expediency, let’s just assume that things like “boy kissing” and “same-sex romance” are givens. This is Remus and Sirius, after all! Also, keep in mind that warning can also be advertising for other people’s kinks. Bondage? Drug use? Llamas? Sometimes people will read something just because you’re creative here.
Under “Notes” you can give bits of background, explanation, etc. You may also thank a beta or someone else who helped you, but please use initials only, etc. For example, if your beta is cacklesthewitch you could call her “C.” or use the first initial of her real name. This is only because some people always use the same beta and it can become very obvious who is who.
9. Entries will be judged in the following manner:
• Is the Team Character (Sirius for Team Sirius and Remus for Team Remus) most prominently featured? Yes/No vote ("yes" is worth 2 points, "no" is worth 0)
• How well did the author/artist use their Prompt? 1 to 9 (1 being the least)
• How much did you like this story/art overall? 1 to 9 (1 being the least)
Your final score will be an average of all the votes and poll results will remain hidden. You will not get to see your scores, but you will be allowed to see all comments.
Flaming is not allowed and all offensive/hurtful comments will be removed. If, as a participant, you find a comment that you consider hurtful or rude, please let a mod know immediately. Again, flaming and rudeness will not be tolerated. We really mean it! Trolls are only Magical Creatures and the only flaming allowed is Sirius swishing around in glam make-up and tight leather pants. SIRISULY!
Voting is open to the public, but team members and Mods cannot vote. We do, however, encourage all participants to comment on works and pimp the Games as much as possible. Remember, all works are posted anonymously, so we ask you to honor that and not pimp your work on your own journal by revealing what you created. Pimp the Games, pimp works you love, encourage people to read your team’s works, but please do not cheat and reveal yourself before Reveals. All votes are averaged so it does not matter as much how many people vote for any particular story or artwork, but it is nice to get as many votes as possible.
Overall team scores will be posted by the Mods at the end of the Games, but individual scores will not. The latter is simply to avoid hurt feelings. This isn’t about competition amongst your teammates, it’s about competition between teams.
10. Each team will have a home community in which to gather, socialize, have fun, and make decisions. (The first of these decisions is to choose and vote on a Team Captains.) This community is also your place to plan battle strategies and support each other as teammates. Such support can come in the form of brainstorming, canon/AU discussions, posting work samples, cheerleading, beta help, and the collective support needed to win the PuppyShippers Gold. The teams can also use these private communities to enlist the support of and ask questions to our most excellent Mod team.
For more details, please refer to the community profile.