Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions... or rather, questions that I think you may be pondering such as "What's the difference between 'watching' and 'joining' the community?" and "I’m not a LiveJournal member, but can I still sign-up?" and "How do I submit my exchange fest entry?"
How can I be part of smrw_ficafest?
Sign up here after you read the rules to write and draw a gift and receive one in return. Sign-ups are open from March 15, 2009 to March 31, 2009.
If you can't or don't want to write or draw, you can also volunteer to beta reader. If you're interested in helping, please send an e-mail to smrw.ficafest[AT]gmail.com.
What is a secret gift exchange?
As a SECRET gift exchange, authors and artists are anonymous during posting. Please respect the secrecy component of this community by not posting your gift anywhere else (including your own journal) until after the reveal. Do not write a fic or draw artwork that's related to another fic or fanart that you've created. Previously fics or artwork that are related to your fics and artwork (chapters, outtakes, part of a series, sequel or prequel) are not permitted.
I’m not a LiveJournal member, but can I still sign-up?
Yes, provided you either have an account at another journal site (like Insanejournal or Journalfen) that's older than two weeks OR you have written fanfic/created fanart that is published and can be accessed on the Internet. If you have a DeviantArt account, link us to that. If you have a Fanfiction.net account, link us to that. What we will not accept is someone who has no fanwork published on the Internet and lacks a journal account on LJ or similar sites.
So...if I think I want to do this now, but if I change my mind later, can I back out?
You should think long and hard about whether you can fulfill the required commitments of being in an exchange fest. If you think there's a chance you will not be able to complete your assignment, we ask that you don't join this fest at this time.
When you sign up to receive a gift, you are also signing up to give a gift. If you drop out, that means someone won't get that gift. Before you sign up, make sure you read the rules as well as r_becca's A Guide to Participating in Fic Exchanges, by Someone Who Knows.
Does joining the community mean I definitely have to do this?
To join or watch the community doesn't mean that you have to sign-up, though we hope the people joining will participate.
What are the deadlines?
You can read the dates in the Timetable.
What genre will you be accepting?
Everything! You can suggest genres including comedy, tragedy, fluff, angst, smut, dark, and romance.
Any ratings?
That depends on what your recipient wants. Be mindful of their age and their request; do not give a minor an R or NC-17 rated gift and do not give anyone a gift that is higher than the rating they have specified.
Can I use a chapter of my WIP as my entry?
No. Fics or artwork that are related to your fics and artwork (chapters, outtakes, part of a series, sequel or prequel) are not permitted.
What rating system are we using?
As of now, use this system: G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17.
How do I submit my exchange fest entry?
Mail your submission to smrw.ficafest[AT]gmail.com on or before the due date. The mods will look over your submission to see if it meets the guidelines and is free of any errors. If it is, we will post it to the community when the fest begins.
Follow the submission guidelines here and use the template. We ask that you do the HTML and proofreading for your own submission. You can use Image Shack and other image hosting sites instead of your accounts like Photobucket, which has your account name listed in the URL.
What’s with the "ficafest" term? Why not "ficathon" or "fuh-q-fest" or "exchange"?
The term "ficafest" comes from the original ficafest, hpgw_ficafest, where the terms "fic" and "fest" are merged together. The "a" stands for art.
Is there a way to help pimp the smrw_ficafest?
Why, yes! You can use these banners and post about the Scorpius/Rose Fic and Art Exchange Fest in forums, other LJ communities, your personal LJ and any other place you can encourage more people to sign up.
My question’s not answered here, what do I do?
You can comment below and ask your question or send an e-mail to smrw.ficafest[AT]gmail.com and a mod will respond in a timely manner.