Q&A
For those who like their information FAQ-style. This Q&A gets more in-depth into SPBB rules.
What is a Big Bang?
A big bang challenge is a type of fanworks event where authors write long stories (in this case, 20,000 words is the minimum) and artists are assigned to illustrate those stories. For more information about big bangs, please check out the Fanlore wiki.
Who can participate? Must I be established in the SP fandom? Is this an invite-only event?
This is not an invite-only event, and anyone can participate. We hope established SP fans will get involved, but we also hope to meet new people. We encourage everyone who is interested to sign up.
Do I need a LiveJournal account to participate?
No, but we strongly recommend that you make one in order to participate more fully. You can do that here. If you really don’t want to, the mods are willing to post your fic/art for you. To sign up, you can leave a signed, anonymous comment or comment using another service such as Facebook or OpenID.
I hate LiveJournal more than anything and do not want to use the site in any way - but I really want to participate. What do I do?
We’re sorry you feel that way, but we’re glad you still want to participate. Unfortunately, for the logistics involved in this kind of fanworks event, LiveJournal seems to be the best option. To sign up, please e-mail us at southparkbigbang@gmail.com, and we will work with you offsite.
South Park has a fandom?
Yes. It’s amazing.
Is there shipping?
Yes. It’s amazing.
But those kids are, like, 8!
But someday they won’t be! And we usually write/draw about that.
May I write more than one story?
Yes.
May I draw more than one picture?
Yes.
May I write a story and draw a picture?
Yes. You may participate as much as you like and are able.
Is collaboration allowed on one story or picture?
Yes, if you sign up together.
May I collaborate on one work and produce another on my own?
Yes.
When may I start writing?
Any time.
How many pages is 20,000 words?
While it will vary based on font, font size, spacing, density, and paragraph breaks, a single-spaced story with paragraph breaks in 12-point Times New Roman will end up hitting 20,000 words around 50 pages in Microsoft Word.
Do song lyrics or epigrams make up part of the word count?
The 20,000-word limit applies to your original writing. Any song lyrics, poetry, epigrams, or citations used do not contribute to the “official” word count.
What will happen if my fic is under 20,000 words?
You should aim to write at least 20,000. But if you sign up, we’d rather you complete something than nothing.
Can my fic be over 20,000 words?
Oh yes.
Is there a limit?
Oh no.
May I post my story on another site like FF.net or AO3 in addition to LiveJournal?
We ask that you wait one month to post your story elsewhere. But after that, yes, please go ahead.
Should the artwork be incorporated into my story, or posted separately?
It is up to participant writers and artists to decide how to present their creations. Either is fine by us.
Do I need to use a beta?
Yes.
Should I use my own beta, or can you provide me with one?
You may use your own beta if you like. We are recruiting betas to read stories for those who need one.
Why must my story be beta-read?
No matter how good a writer you are, an editor or second reader will make your story better.
What happens if I can’t make my deadline?
Please e-mail us as soon as you know you won’t make your deadline and we may grant you an extension, pending organizer discretion.
What happens if I flake completely?
Whoever you’re collaborating with will hate you, and we’ll ban you from future SPBBs.
Is there a community for SPBB-related chat?
Yes! Participants should join spbigbangtalk. The community is unmoderated (i.e. posting is open) and discussion of all types about SP and SPBB is encouraged. This is also where SPBB mods will post reminders and communicate with participants.
What is the schedule like?
For SPBB 2013, the schedule is as follows:
December 10, 2012-January 2, 2013: Writer sign-ups
February 1: Optional check-in
March 1: Mandatory check-in
April 1: Rough draft + matching info
April 15: Final draft
April 15-May 3: Artist sign-ups
May 10: Art assignments
June 28: Art deadline
Early July-August (depending): Posting
What should I write about?
Literally anything you like! But if you want to talk it out or bounce around ideas, why not come to spbigbangtalk and get some prompts and/or feedback? There is a post located here for that very purpose.
Is there a theme or a prompt?
No.
What if I would like a theme or prompt?
Ask around on spbigbangtalk, or check out this post for ideas. Additionally, South Park story prompts can be found on kink memes here or here. (As with all kink memes, beware of NSFW content!)
May I write a sequel or prequel to a story I have already written?
Yes.
Can my story be a WIP or something that is already written?
Conditional yes. The only requirement is that the story has never been posted anywhere or read by anyone other than the author. The goal of the SPBB is to give the fandom new work.
Are there any restrictions on rating or content?
No. You may write literally anything you like, with one stipulation: The main pairing or character focus most be on a character or characters who originated on South Park or in the film South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut. Otherwise, anything is fine: any rating, any pairing, AU, crossover (so long as the focus is on South Park and its characters), you name it.
If you need further clarification or want to run an idea by the mods, e-mails us at southparkbigbang@gmail.com and we’ll field your question. It’s probably okay.
Must my story have slash pairings?
No. It doesn’t even need to have pairings or romantic content.
Can I write about another project of Matt and Trey’s like Team America or The Book of Mormon?
For this big bang, we ask that you limit your focus to South Park -- unless, of course, you are writing a predominantly South Park crossover with another Matt and Trey project.
Crossovers are okay? I can write about, like, all the boys going to Hogwarts?
Knock yourself out.
What is the difference between a fan video and an animation? Why is the former not a valid artwork, while the latter is?
An animation is your personal work, created specifically for the SPBB, based on the story to which you’ve been assigned, comprising stills and adaptive structure that you’ve created yourself.
A fanvid is composed of video you did not create yourself, generally clips of the show.
Animation represents a major undertaking by an artist in collaboration with a writer to produce a new artwork. A fanvid can be clever, attractive, or well-done, but it uses others’ pre-existing content to build upon a non-original creative property. As we are endeavoring to give the fandom 100 new material to enjoy, submitting a fanvid in lieu of a more traditional artwork would seem unfair.
ETA 12-10-11:
Do artists choose whom to collaborate with? Or do writers choose artists? Or do we get paired up blind-date style, based on our preferences if we have any?
You will be paired up blind-date style based on artists' preferences, which we will ask for at sign-up.
ETA 16-11-11:
How complete should my rough draft be?
Rough drafts don't have to be polished or complete, but you should be well on your way. Your rough draft is what we'll be using to make story/artist match-ups, and artists will be sent the rough draft with their assignment e-mail. So even if there are scenes you haven't fully written out yet, you should include at least a summary/placeholder line so that anyone reading it will have a sense of what happens (that is, what happens in every scene and in the story overall). In more concrete terms, we're asking for at least 85 percent completion.
The more clear and complete your draft, the better a chance we have to match you to the best artist for your work!
FYI, 85 percent of 20,000 words is 17,000.
ETA 15-1-12:
So if I drop out, I'm banned from all possible future SPBBs?
Not at all! If you have to drop out we are sad to see you go, but we would love for you to participate in the future.
Banning is for those who fail to effectively communicate with us, or those who deeply inconvenience their collaborators, their audience, or the mods -- i.e., those who sign up and do not meet any of the check-in deadlines, or who do not in the end manage to produce a fic or artwork. That is flaking completely.
ETA 23-11-12:
Revised to reflect SPBB 2013.
Is banning permanent?
Not necessarily -- we usually offer amnesty to pinch-hitters who complete an assignment on short notice.
Check back for new questions as they are raised, and feel free to post here with queries or feedback, or e-mail your mods at southparkbigbang@gmail.com. Happy creating!
What is a Big Bang?
A big bang challenge is a type of fanworks event where authors write long stories (in this case, 20,000 words is the minimum) and artists are assigned to illustrate those stories. For more information about big bangs, please check out the Fanlore wiki.
Who can participate? Must I be established in the SP fandom? Is this an invite-only event?
This is not an invite-only event, and anyone can participate. We hope established SP fans will get involved, but we also hope to meet new people. We encourage everyone who is interested to sign up.
Do I need a LiveJournal account to participate?
No, but we strongly recommend that you make one in order to participate more fully. You can do that here. If you really don’t want to, the mods are willing to post your fic/art for you. To sign up, you can leave a signed, anonymous comment or comment using another service such as Facebook or OpenID.
I hate LiveJournal more than anything and do not want to use the site in any way - but I really want to participate. What do I do?
We’re sorry you feel that way, but we’re glad you still want to participate. Unfortunately, for the logistics involved in this kind of fanworks event, LiveJournal seems to be the best option. To sign up, please e-mail us at southparkbigbang@gmail.com, and we will work with you offsite.
South Park has a fandom?
Yes. It’s amazing.
Is there shipping?
Yes. It’s amazing.
But those kids are, like, 8!
But someday they won’t be! And we usually write/draw about that.
May I write more than one story?
Yes.
May I draw more than one picture?
Yes.
May I write a story and draw a picture?
Yes. You may participate as much as you like and are able.
Is collaboration allowed on one story or picture?
Yes, if you sign up together.
May I collaborate on one work and produce another on my own?
Yes.
When may I start writing?
Any time.
How many pages is 20,000 words?
While it will vary based on font, font size, spacing, density, and paragraph breaks, a single-spaced story with paragraph breaks in 12-point Times New Roman will end up hitting 20,000 words around 50 pages in Microsoft Word.
Do song lyrics or epigrams make up part of the word count?
The 20,000-word limit applies to your original writing. Any song lyrics, poetry, epigrams, or citations used do not contribute to the “official” word count.
What will happen if my fic is under 20,000 words?
You should aim to write at least 20,000. But if you sign up, we’d rather you complete something than nothing.
Can my fic be over 20,000 words?
Oh yes.
Is there a limit?
Oh no.
May I post my story on another site like FF.net or AO3 in addition to LiveJournal?
We ask that you wait one month to post your story elsewhere. But after that, yes, please go ahead.
Should the artwork be incorporated into my story, or posted separately?
It is up to participant writers and artists to decide how to present their creations. Either is fine by us.
Do I need to use a beta?
Yes.
Should I use my own beta, or can you provide me with one?
You may use your own beta if you like. We are recruiting betas to read stories for those who need one.
Why must my story be beta-read?
No matter how good a writer you are, an editor or second reader will make your story better.
What happens if I can’t make my deadline?
Please e-mail us as soon as you know you won’t make your deadline and we may grant you an extension, pending organizer discretion.
What happens if I flake completely?
Whoever you’re collaborating with will hate you, and we’ll ban you from future SPBBs.
Is there a community for SPBB-related chat?
Yes! Participants should join spbigbangtalk. The community is unmoderated (i.e. posting is open) and discussion of all types about SP and SPBB is encouraged. This is also where SPBB mods will post reminders and communicate with participants.
What is the schedule like?
For SPBB 2013, the schedule is as follows:
December 10, 2012-January 2, 2013: Writer sign-ups
February 1: Optional check-in
March 1: Mandatory check-in
April 1: Rough draft + matching info
April 15: Final draft
April 15-May 3: Artist sign-ups
May 10: Art assignments
June 28: Art deadline
Early July-August (depending): Posting
What should I write about?
Literally anything you like! But if you want to talk it out or bounce around ideas, why not come to spbigbangtalk and get some prompts and/or feedback? There is a post located here for that very purpose.
Is there a theme or a prompt?
No.
What if I would like a theme or prompt?
Ask around on spbigbangtalk, or check out this post for ideas. Additionally, South Park story prompts can be found on kink memes here or here. (As with all kink memes, beware of NSFW content!)
May I write a sequel or prequel to a story I have already written?
Yes.
Can my story be a WIP or something that is already written?
Conditional yes. The only requirement is that the story has never been posted anywhere or read by anyone other than the author. The goal of the SPBB is to give the fandom new work.
Are there any restrictions on rating or content?
No. You may write literally anything you like, with one stipulation: The main pairing or character focus most be on a character or characters who originated on South Park or in the film South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut. Otherwise, anything is fine: any rating, any pairing, AU, crossover (so long as the focus is on South Park and its characters), you name it.
If you need further clarification or want to run an idea by the mods, e-mails us at southparkbigbang@gmail.com and we’ll field your question. It’s probably okay.
Must my story have slash pairings?
No. It doesn’t even need to have pairings or romantic content.
Can I write about another project of Matt and Trey’s like Team America or The Book of Mormon?
For this big bang, we ask that you limit your focus to South Park -- unless, of course, you are writing a predominantly South Park crossover with another Matt and Trey project.
Crossovers are okay? I can write about, like, all the boys going to Hogwarts?
Knock yourself out.
What is the difference between a fan video and an animation? Why is the former not a valid artwork, while the latter is?
An animation is your personal work, created specifically for the SPBB, based on the story to which you’ve been assigned, comprising stills and adaptive structure that you’ve created yourself.
A fanvid is composed of video you did not create yourself, generally clips of the show.
Animation represents a major undertaking by an artist in collaboration with a writer to produce a new artwork. A fanvid can be clever, attractive, or well-done, but it uses others’ pre-existing content to build upon a non-original creative property. As we are endeavoring to give the fandom 100 new material to enjoy, submitting a fanvid in lieu of a more traditional artwork would seem unfair.
ETA 12-10-11:
Do artists choose whom to collaborate with? Or do writers choose artists? Or do we get paired up blind-date style, based on our preferences if we have any?
You will be paired up blind-date style based on artists' preferences, which we will ask for at sign-up.
ETA 16-11-11:
How complete should my rough draft be?
Rough drafts don't have to be polished or complete, but you should be well on your way. Your rough draft is what we'll be using to make story/artist match-ups, and artists will be sent the rough draft with their assignment e-mail. So even if there are scenes you haven't fully written out yet, you should include at least a summary/placeholder line so that anyone reading it will have a sense of what happens (that is, what happens in every scene and in the story overall). In more concrete terms, we're asking for at least 85 percent completion.
The more clear and complete your draft, the better a chance we have to match you to the best artist for your work!
FYI, 85 percent of 20,000 words is 17,000.
ETA 15-1-12:
So if I drop out, I'm banned from all possible future SPBBs?
Not at all! If you have to drop out we are sad to see you go, but we would love for you to participate in the future.
Banning is for those who fail to effectively communicate with us, or those who deeply inconvenience their collaborators, their audience, or the mods -- i.e., those who sign up and do not meet any of the check-in deadlines, or who do not in the end manage to produce a fic or artwork. That is flaking completely.
ETA 23-11-12:
Revised to reflect SPBB 2013.
Is banning permanent?
Not necessarily -- we usually offer amnesty to pinch-hitters who complete an assignment on short notice.
Check back for new questions as they are raised, and feel free to post here with queries or feedback, or e-mail your mods at southparkbigbang@gmail.com. Happy creating!