Welcome to our fic exchange!

Dec 09, 2010 13:16

Santa's on the way!

West Wing Secret Santa? What about ww_stockings?
Despite the fabulous-ness of last year's ww_stockings, it appears that the comm will not be revived this year (we attempted to check with the mods, but weren't successful). But, we (and we know we're not alone) loved those stockings, so we launched this alternative exchange. It just wouldn't be the holidays without it!

Here's how it works:
Make a post to the comm that includes your wish list and guidelines for your Santa. The other members can then post anonymous comments with stories that tickle your fancies. Stories can be drabbles or epics; there is no minimum or maximum word limit. But since it is the joyous season of giving, please plan to play Santa for at least one other member. We'd love to see as many presents as possible, so you're welcome to write as many as you can, but if you post a wish list, please be ready to wear the Santa hat and write for someone else. Besides, it feels great to give.

Why anonymous?
It is called Secret Santa. ;) But besides that, general secret Santa exchanges are anonymous. It helps ramp up the mystery, the excitement, and the general spirit of giving. It can also serve as a great cover for infrequent or shy writers. In keeping with secret Santa exchanges, there will be a reveal at the end for all those who wish to participate.

How long does it go on?
It starts now (as soon as you post your list) and lasts until January 7th. You can post lists as late as you'd like, but just be aware that the earlier you submit your list, the better. We know Santas are magical, but they'll appreciate as much time as you can give them to create the very best presents for you.

Basic guidelines:
Please try to stick to wish lists. Not everyone loves surprises, so it would be better not to offer something they didn't ask for (even if it's well-intentioned).

Be guided by the ratings people say they're comfortable with - don't write smut for someone who doesn't want anything above PG-13, etc.

A request can be filled more than once, so don't worry if someone has already nabbed 'Josh/Donna' and written about their wedding. You can do something similar with your own spin on it; everyone approaches ideas differently and, chances are, the recipient will love how you wrote it, too. The more the merrier, and everyone likes getting as much fic as possible.

Feel free to get specific in your requests, but make sure you include broad guidelines, too (so don't leave the "favorite pairing" field blank, as that's a good general guideline for writers). Broad requests are easier to fill, but it's fun to throw some specific requests on your list, just in case a Santa out there likes the idea.

As we said earlier (and we don't mind repeating, because it's important): If you post a wish list, please be prepared to write. (And, come on, who doesn't like wearing Santa hats? They're fluffy and make people smile.) If you're self-conscious, remember that it's anonymous.

Please, please absolutely no flaming. This is a happy gift exchange. We don't always get gifts we're completely happy with, but there is always something to appreciate in every gift. If those good aspects are hard for you to see, then say thank you anyway. After all, your Santa was thinking of you and doing their best.

The Wish List (Check it twice. Oh, wait. Wrong list.)
Need some help starting your wish list? Here's a rough template, but feel free to alter it or create your own. (Just copy/paste into an entry, be sure to eliminate the spaces before each "b" and "/b", and fill in the information for your list.)

< b>Favorite Characters:< /b>
< b>'Ships that sail for you:< /b>
< b>Friendships and platonic relationships:< /b>
< b>Tell us, what stories are you just dying to read?< /b>
< b>Acceptable ratings:< /b>
< b>Anything to avoid (e.g. I hate AUs, I'm not much into slash)?< /b>

Questions? Comment here, or PM the head elves: magisterequitum or shutterbug_12

Let the giving begin!

!modpost

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