Frequently [and Potentially] Asked Questions
If you're confused or unsure about anything, check here first. Got a question that hasn't been answered? Comment, and it will be promptly addressed.
What is this, anyway?
Why Valentine's Day? Isn't that totally lame and not metal?
How does it work?
So, it's anonymous, you say?
Are there any rules for content and participation?
Is het allowed? What about crossovers? OCs?
If I hate my assignment, do I still have to do it?
How do I know I won't get a crappy gift?
Okay, great. Sign me up!
Can I submit something other than regular art or fic?
Can I collaborate with another person?
What happens if I can't complete my assignment?
What is a pinch-hitter? How can I become one?
I want to help another way. Can I be a beta?
I've finished my submission! Now what?
Why can't I join the community?
You guys have all the fun! Can I be a moderator too?
Can mods participate in the exchange? Won't that be unfair?
I see a mistake/typo/something wrong with the community.
Why do you only have Toki/Skwisgaar? I prefer Skwisgaar/Toki! *
What are bonus requests?
I'm not a writer or an artist. Can I still participate?
I missed the sign-up deadline, oh noes!
So, what makes YOU so metal that you're worthy of running this exchange?
What is this, anyway?
This here is an anonymous fic and art exchange. If you're not familiar with the concept, some similar ones are: yuletart, hp_springsmut, and btvs_santa. This particular exchange is for fans on the animated comedy Metalocalypse on Adult Swim, and is based around Valentine's Day. [ top]
Why Valentine's Day? Isn't that totally lame and not metal?
As our slogan states, we're here to make Valentine's Day metal. But seriously... there are several good reasons why this particular holiday was chosen:
1. Lots of people love Valentine's Day. If you're one of them, then you know that adding a bit of metal to your merriment can only make it better!
2. Lots of people hate Valentine's Day. If you're one of them, then what better way to protest all the lovey-dovey crap than with the help of Dethklok?
3. Since the idea is based on Secret Santa, most other such exchanges take place around Christmas. Which makes it a busy time for all. We figured that picking a different holiday would give those of us with more than one fandom a little breathing room.
4. We just thought the name "Hearts and Guts" sounded pretty great. [ top]
How does it work?
You sign up with a request for art or fic (or either one), and someone is randomly assigned to fulfill it. In turn, you yourself will have to fulfill another participant's request. People will be matched up according to their preferences, so no one is stuck with an assignment they hate. [ top]
So, it's anonymous, you say?
Yup. Only the mods have posting access. Gifts must be submitted via email, and will then be posted with no author/artist name given. You can guess, but authors and artists may not disclose their true identity until the Big Reveal. At that point, all fic/art posts will be edited with the name of the creator, and a masterlist of gifts will go up. [ top]
Are there any rules for content and participation?
Yes, they can be found here.
You are not obligated to read those rules that don't apply to you; for example, if you're just singing up for the exchange and you're not interested in being a pinch-hitter or beta, or in submitting/claiming a bonus request, then you don't have to read the "Betas and pinch-hitters" or "Bonus requests" sections of the rules. [ top]
Is het allowed? What about crossovers? OCs?
It's all in the rules, baby. Check part 6 of the "Content" section. [ top]
If I hate my assignment, do I still have to do it?
Participating in Hearts and Guts is a commitment, so please don't sign up unless you're going to take it seriously. That said, if your assignment is too difficult or you feel you've been mismatched, let us know, and we'll do our best to reassign you. But please tell us ASAP; the longer you wait, the harder it will be to find someone who's willing to switch with you. [ top]
How do I know I won't get a crappy gift?
There are no guarantees, of course; but basic standards of quality will be enforced, and submissions that do not meet those standards will be returned for further edits. In the worst case scenario, a pinch-hitter may be asked to replace a poor submission. [ top]
Okay, great. Sign me up!
Easy, tiger. Sign-ups for 2014/2015 are currently open; just fill in the form. But please be sure to read the rules first!
[ top]
Can I submit something other than regular art or fic?
You'll have to ask the mods; please do so privately (try emailing us or sending one of us a PM).
If it's a non-traditional form or art, such as photography, sculpture, digital graphics (e.g. desktop wallpapers), etc... we may say yes. But it will depend on several factors, so it's gonna have to be case-by-case. If it's something way different from art or fanfiction, like a fanmix or LJ icons, we'll probably say no. But you can still ask. [ top]
Can I collaborate with another person?
Sure, why not. You can sign up to co-write a story, work on a piece of fanart together, or do an illustrated fic with another participant. When you sign up as a pair, each of you is free to also sign up individually; but if you do, please be certain that you can handle more than one assignment. (If you sign up only as a pair, you will receive one gift for both of you.) If you're a writer and an artist, you can also say "I'll do art on my own, or write fic with so-and-so." And vice versa.
For now, we're limiting it to one collaboration per person, and two people per collaboration. We'll see how that goes, and may vote to change it in the future. [ top]
What happens if I can't complete my assignment?
Everyone is encouraged to try their best; after all, someone is working hard to fulfill your Valentine's wish. But we all understand that life happens. If you're a little late with your submission, extensions may be given (see rules for details). If you can't finish at all, pinch-hitters will be standing by to make sure no one is left without a gift.
But! You must notify the mods ASAP if you need more time or have to drop out. Those who bail on their assignments without any notification will be banned from participating in future exchanges. It may sound harsh... but it's the best way to avoid no-shows. [ top]
What is a pinch-hitter? How can I become one?
A pinch-hitter is someone who is ready to write fic or draw art, usually on short-notice, in case anyone has to drop out. Oftentimes they are not needed, but they keep the exchange running smoothly by being available just in case. Pinch-hitters may not always receive art or fic as a reward, but they do get the mods' heartfelt gratitude.
Want to volunteer? Great! Just take a look at the rules, then you can apply. Pinch-hitters are of course welcome to be regular participants as well, but only if you're sure you can handle two assignments in one round; so please use your best judgment. [ top]
I want to help another way. Can I be a beta?
Absolutely! (For those who don't know, a beta is someone who checks your work for mistakes; sort of like an editor.) We're looking for both fic and art betas, so check out the rules if you'd like to volunteer. [ top]
I've finished my submission! Now what?
Instructions on how to turn in your work are in the first email you got from us, the one containing your assignment. But if you lost it, or if you have questions/problems not covered in that email, just contact the mods and we'll gladly assist you.
One important thing to remember: you are to stay ANONYMOUS until the Big Reveal. That's the whole point! Which means: (1) do not post WIP or finished versions of your submission anywhere, (2) don't publically discuss it with others, (3) don't sign, watermark, or otherwise include your name in your work, (4) and of course, don't show it to your recipient or tell them that you're the one who made it.
Your identity, along with everyone else's, will be revealed once all gifts are posted; after that, you're free to crosspost your submission and do whatever else you want with it. :) [ top]
Why can't I join the community?
As mentioned, only the mods have posting access - so only the mods get to be members. Sorry. But you can still follow along so you don't miss out on all the goodies! And if you want to keep up with all the comments you receive on your submission, it's easy. Just use the "track" button: [ top]
You guys have all the fun! Can I be a moderator too?
If you're interested in being a "helper mod" - basically, an assistant to the head moderators - we'd love to have you! Please go here for more information. We'll be really grateful for your help. <3
We're not openly looking for new full-time mods right now; but that doesn't mean we won't expand our team in the future. If you have your heart set on being a full mod here (bad pun very much intended), drop us a line. We'll keep you in mind if we do go looking for additions to our moderator staff. [ top]
Can mods participate in the exchange? Won't that be unfair?
Yup, the mods will sometimes participate in the exchange themselves. Though it may seem potentially unfair because we could pick our own Secret Valentines, this won't be the case. When one of us chooses to be a participant, we'll split up the requests between the mods before assigning them - that way no one gets to assign their own request. [ top]
I see a mistake/typo/something wrong with the community.
If you spot a typo, broken link/image, or similar mistake made by the mods, you are encouraged to point it out. Do so by either commenting here or on the post in question, and we will fix it as soon as we can! If the problem is with the community userinfo, the main layout, or another area that isn't a post, you can comment about that here as well.
When commenting here about a problem elsewhere, please include a link.
If you find a mistake or something you need to change in your own submission (after it's already been posted), just send us an updated copy with a link to the original, and we will replace it. [ top]
Why do you only have Toki/Skwisgaar? I prefer Skwisgaar/Toki!*
* This likewise apples to Charles/Nathan vs. Nathan/Charles, Seth/Pickles vs. Pickles/Seth... you get the picture.
We apologize for any confusion; as far as we're concerned, Toki/Skwisgaar is Skwisgaar/Toki. In other words, this community will NOT be differentiating between pairings by whose name is listed first. We will pretty much always label a pairing the same way, regardless of who (if anyone) is dominant.
This is a choice that we know some of you may not agree with. But we do have our reasons: for one, in a lot of fic and art it's difficult or downright impossible to determine which character is more dominant than the other. We also feel that the essence of a pairing is who is paired with whom, not which one of them is "on top."
You can go here for a more in-depth explanation of our stance on this issue. [ top]
What are bonus requests?
See next question. [ top]
I'm not a writer or an artist. Can I still participate?
You can read, comment, and recommend this community to all your friends - especially those who are writers or artists. You can also volunteer as a beta ( see above).
If that's not enough, a small number of people on a first-come basis will be allowed to submit "bonus requests" without participating. You will not be guaranteed a gift, but these requests will be up for grabs to pinch-hitters and anyone who finishes their assignment early. Bonus requests are closed indefinitely due to lack of interest, but will reopen if people ask for them. [ top]
I missed the sign-up deadline, oh noes!
Sorry, we can't accept late sign-ups; it might upset the space/time continuum. But don't worry! There'll be another one of these next year. [ top]
So, what makes YOU so metal that you're worthy of running this exchange?
Nothing, really. We don't have any "special credentials," and we're far from the most brutal and metal members of the fanbase. We're also not squeeing prepubescent fangirls, if that's what you're afraid of. We're just a couple of people who love this show and its characters, and think that our fandom deserves to grow stronger and continue to thrive instead of dwindling. For the love of music, and comedy, and the genius that is Small and Blacha's creation.
If you feel the same, join in, and let's make this project one of the many things that will keep the Metalocalypse fandom going strong! It's not us who can make this thing great, it's all of you. [ top]
Screw you, I'm not signing up then!
Okay! Suit yourself; more fun for the rest of us. :)
What is this, anyway?
Why Valentine's Day? Isn't that totally lame and not metal?
How does it work?
So, it's anonymous, you say?
Are there any rules for content and participation?
Is het allowed? What about crossovers? OCs?
If I hate my assignment, do I still have to do it?
How do I know I won't get a crappy gift?
Okay, great. Sign me up!
Can I submit something other than regular art or fic?
Can I collaborate with another person?
What happens if I can't complete my assignment?
What is a pinch-hitter? How can I become one?
I want to help another way. Can I be a beta?
I've finished my submission! Now what?
Why can't I join the community?
You guys have all the fun! Can I be a moderator too?
Can mods participate in the exchange? Won't that be unfair?
I see a mistake/typo/something wrong with the community.
Why do you only have Toki/Skwisgaar? I prefer Skwisgaar/Toki! *
What are bonus requests?
I'm not a writer or an artist. Can I still participate?
I missed the sign-up deadline, oh noes!
So, what makes YOU so metal that you're worthy of running this exchange?
What is this, anyway?
This here is an anonymous fic and art exchange. If you're not familiar with the concept, some similar ones are: yuletart, hp_springsmut, and btvs_santa. This particular exchange is for fans on the animated comedy Metalocalypse on Adult Swim, and is based around Valentine's Day. [ top]
Why Valentine's Day? Isn't that totally lame and not metal?
As our slogan states, we're here to make Valentine's Day metal. But seriously... there are several good reasons why this particular holiday was chosen:
1. Lots of people love Valentine's Day. If you're one of them, then you know that adding a bit of metal to your merriment can only make it better!
2. Lots of people hate Valentine's Day. If you're one of them, then what better way to protest all the lovey-dovey crap than with the help of Dethklok?
3. Since the idea is based on Secret Santa, most other such exchanges take place around Christmas. Which makes it a busy time for all. We figured that picking a different holiday would give those of us with more than one fandom a little breathing room.
4. We just thought the name "Hearts and Guts" sounded pretty great. [ top]
How does it work?
You sign up with a request for art or fic (or either one), and someone is randomly assigned to fulfill it. In turn, you yourself will have to fulfill another participant's request. People will be matched up according to their preferences, so no one is stuck with an assignment they hate. [ top]
So, it's anonymous, you say?
Yup. Only the mods have posting access. Gifts must be submitted via email, and will then be posted with no author/artist name given. You can guess, but authors and artists may not disclose their true identity until the Big Reveal. At that point, all fic/art posts will be edited with the name of the creator, and a masterlist of gifts will go up. [ top]
Are there any rules for content and participation?
Yes, they can be found here.
You are not obligated to read those rules that don't apply to you; for example, if you're just singing up for the exchange and you're not interested in being a pinch-hitter or beta, or in submitting/claiming a bonus request, then you don't have to read the "Betas and pinch-hitters" or "Bonus requests" sections of the rules. [ top]
Is het allowed? What about crossovers? OCs?
It's all in the rules, baby. Check part 6 of the "Content" section. [ top]
If I hate my assignment, do I still have to do it?
Participating in Hearts and Guts is a commitment, so please don't sign up unless you're going to take it seriously. That said, if your assignment is too difficult or you feel you've been mismatched, let us know, and we'll do our best to reassign you. But please tell us ASAP; the longer you wait, the harder it will be to find someone who's willing to switch with you. [ top]
How do I know I won't get a crappy gift?
There are no guarantees, of course; but basic standards of quality will be enforced, and submissions that do not meet those standards will be returned for further edits. In the worst case scenario, a pinch-hitter may be asked to replace a poor submission. [ top]
Okay, great. Sign me up!
Easy, tiger. Sign-ups for 2014/2015 are currently open; just fill in the form. But please be sure to read the rules first!
[ top]
Can I submit something other than regular art or fic?
You'll have to ask the mods; please do so privately (try emailing us or sending one of us a PM).
If it's a non-traditional form or art, such as photography, sculpture, digital graphics (e.g. desktop wallpapers), etc... we may say yes. But it will depend on several factors, so it's gonna have to be case-by-case. If it's something way different from art or fanfiction, like a fanmix or LJ icons, we'll probably say no. But you can still ask. [ top]
Can I collaborate with another person?
Sure, why not. You can sign up to co-write a story, work on a piece of fanart together, or do an illustrated fic with another participant. When you sign up as a pair, each of you is free to also sign up individually; but if you do, please be certain that you can handle more than one assignment. (If you sign up only as a pair, you will receive one gift for both of you.) If you're a writer and an artist, you can also say "I'll do art on my own, or write fic with so-and-so." And vice versa.
For now, we're limiting it to one collaboration per person, and two people per collaboration. We'll see how that goes, and may vote to change it in the future. [ top]
What happens if I can't complete my assignment?
Everyone is encouraged to try their best; after all, someone is working hard to fulfill your Valentine's wish. But we all understand that life happens. If you're a little late with your submission, extensions may be given (see rules for details). If you can't finish at all, pinch-hitters will be standing by to make sure no one is left without a gift.
But! You must notify the mods ASAP if you need more time or have to drop out. Those who bail on their assignments without any notification will be banned from participating in future exchanges. It may sound harsh... but it's the best way to avoid no-shows. [ top]
What is a pinch-hitter? How can I become one?
A pinch-hitter is someone who is ready to write fic or draw art, usually on short-notice, in case anyone has to drop out. Oftentimes they are not needed, but they keep the exchange running smoothly by being available just in case. Pinch-hitters may not always receive art or fic as a reward, but they do get the mods' heartfelt gratitude.
Want to volunteer? Great! Just take a look at the rules, then you can apply. Pinch-hitters are of course welcome to be regular participants as well, but only if you're sure you can handle two assignments in one round; so please use your best judgment. [ top]
I want to help another way. Can I be a beta?
Absolutely! (For those who don't know, a beta is someone who checks your work for mistakes; sort of like an editor.) We're looking for both fic and art betas, so check out the rules if you'd like to volunteer. [ top]
I've finished my submission! Now what?
Instructions on how to turn in your work are in the first email you got from us, the one containing your assignment. But if you lost it, or if you have questions/problems not covered in that email, just contact the mods and we'll gladly assist you.
One important thing to remember: you are to stay ANONYMOUS until the Big Reveal. That's the whole point! Which means: (1) do not post WIP or finished versions of your submission anywhere, (2) don't publically discuss it with others, (3) don't sign, watermark, or otherwise include your name in your work, (4) and of course, don't show it to your recipient or tell them that you're the one who made it.
Your identity, along with everyone else's, will be revealed once all gifts are posted; after that, you're free to crosspost your submission and do whatever else you want with it. :) [ top]
Why can't I join the community?
As mentioned, only the mods have posting access - so only the mods get to be members. Sorry. But you can still follow along so you don't miss out on all the goodies! And if you want to keep up with all the comments you receive on your submission, it's easy. Just use the "track" button: [ top]
You guys have all the fun! Can I be a moderator too?
If you're interested in being a "helper mod" - basically, an assistant to the head moderators - we'd love to have you! Please go here for more information. We'll be really grateful for your help. <3
We're not openly looking for new full-time mods right now; but that doesn't mean we won't expand our team in the future. If you have your heart set on being a full mod here (bad pun very much intended), drop us a line. We'll keep you in mind if we do go looking for additions to our moderator staff. [ top]
Can mods participate in the exchange? Won't that be unfair?
Yup, the mods will sometimes participate in the exchange themselves. Though it may seem potentially unfair because we could pick our own Secret Valentines, this won't be the case. When one of us chooses to be a participant, we'll split up the requests between the mods before assigning them - that way no one gets to assign their own request. [ top]
I see a mistake/typo/something wrong with the community.
If you spot a typo, broken link/image, or similar mistake made by the mods, you are encouraged to point it out. Do so by either commenting here or on the post in question, and we will fix it as soon as we can! If the problem is with the community userinfo, the main layout, or another area that isn't a post, you can comment about that here as well.
When commenting here about a problem elsewhere, please include a link.
If you find a mistake or something you need to change in your own submission (after it's already been posted), just send us an updated copy with a link to the original, and we will replace it. [ top]
Why do you only have Toki/Skwisgaar? I prefer Skwisgaar/Toki!*
* This likewise apples to Charles/Nathan vs. Nathan/Charles, Seth/Pickles vs. Pickles/Seth... you get the picture.
We apologize for any confusion; as far as we're concerned, Toki/Skwisgaar is Skwisgaar/Toki. In other words, this community will NOT be differentiating between pairings by whose name is listed first. We will pretty much always label a pairing the same way, regardless of who (if anyone) is dominant.
This is a choice that we know some of you may not agree with. But we do have our reasons: for one, in a lot of fic and art it's difficult or downright impossible to determine which character is more dominant than the other. We also feel that the essence of a pairing is who is paired with whom, not which one of them is "on top."
You can go here for a more in-depth explanation of our stance on this issue. [ top]
What are bonus requests?
See next question. [ top]
I'm not a writer or an artist. Can I still participate?
You can read, comment, and recommend this community to all your friends - especially those who are writers or artists. You can also volunteer as a beta ( see above).
If that's not enough, a small number of people on a first-come basis will be allowed to submit "bonus requests" without participating. You will not be guaranteed a gift, but these requests will be up for grabs to pinch-hitters and anyone who finishes their assignment early. Bonus requests are closed indefinitely due to lack of interest, but will reopen if people ask for them. [ top]
I missed the sign-up deadline, oh noes!
Sorry, we can't accept late sign-ups; it might upset the space/time continuum. But don't worry! There'll be another one of these next year. [ top]
So, what makes YOU so metal that you're worthy of running this exchange?
Nothing, really. We don't have any "special credentials," and we're far from the most brutal and metal members of the fanbase. We're also not squeeing prepubescent fangirls, if that's what you're afraid of. We're just a couple of people who love this show and its characters, and think that our fandom deserves to grow stronger and continue to thrive instead of dwindling. For the love of music, and comedy, and the genius that is Small and Blacha's creation.
If you feel the same, join in, and let's make this project one of the many things that will keep the Metalocalypse fandom going strong! It's not us who can make this thing great, it's all of you. [ top]
Screw you, I'm not signing up then!
Okay! Suit yourself; more fun for the rest of us. :)