Round 4 FAQ
Round 4 sign ups coming after this. First, an updated FAQ for the new round.
Round 4
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a big bang?
A big bang is a challenge where authors sign up to write a complete story (minimum word length varies from 10,000 to 50,000) in set time period.
How do I sign up?
When sign-ups start, there will be one post for authors and one for artists where you can sign up for the challenge.
~Writing Requirements~
What type of requirements are there for a fic?
Your fic must be at least 15,000 words long and, preferably, beta-read before the posting date. It must focus on or revolve around Supernatural crossed over with any other fandom, fandoms can be RPF (so SPN RPF counts as well as American Idol, or others shows).
I've already been writing a Supernatural crossover story -- can I use that?
You are allowed to use a WIP in this big bang, but half the words in the fic must be entirely new and unseen for it to qualify. Furthermore you are not allowed to post updates to the story (since its now for the challenge) and you might be asked to take down whatever you already have up.
What genres/fandoms are allowed?
All genres and fandoms are allowed, anything you want to cross over with Supernatural.
I've got two ideas in my head ... can I write both?
Yes you can, as long as you think you'll be able to finish both stories by the deadline (if you submit two stories we will do our best to make sure there is a good amount of time in between the posting of each fic).
Can I write with someone else?
Yes, you may co-author your bigbang if you want to. The word minimum however for co authored works is 20,000.
Are fusions allowed?
Yes, as long as you use the Supernatural characters you can write them into another universe.
Usually we would say no to fusions where the characters from Supernatural replaces the characters from another fandom (since that is not really a crossover). We prefer if someone signs up to write a fusion that they attempt to make it more of a crossover (either reference characters or facts from that world).
Basically, if spn_j2_bigbang won't accept it (they don't allow crossovers) then we will.
~Artist Requirements~
How do I know what I'm making art for?
When the writers turn in their rough drafts, we'll make a claims post. In this post we'll include the story summary, the crossed over fandom, the pairing as well as any warnings the author gives. You can choose which fic you'd like to create art for, and then that person's fic will get crossed off the list.
Then withing 48 hours you will be emailed the author's username and contact information.
What are the requirements for art?
You can make whatever kind of art you feel like, in whichever medium. Drawing, painting, digital, manips, anything you can think of. We just ask that you put some time into it, as our authors have.
You are also required to make a minimum of two pieces of art for the story you claim.
How do I make a claim?
Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis. We will be putting up a member's locked post and the artists will reply to it with the story they claim to do art for (so make sure you are a member of the community)
What happens if the number of authors doesn't match up with the number of artists?
We will do several rounds of claiming so that EVERY fic has an artist. In the event that fics outnumber artists we will allow artists to make a second claim. If it's the other way, we may open up the fics so that more than one artists is assigned to the same fic. Either way, everyone who wants to participate will get to participate.
~Schedule and Other Information~
What kind of timeline will I be under?
Author Sign Ups - January 13th to February 27th
Checkpoint #1 - February 11th
Checkpoint #2 - March 11th
Checkpoint #3 - April 8th
Rough Drafts Due - April 17th
Artist Claiming - April 21st
Art and Fics Due - May 25th
Posting Schedule Up - May 28th
Posting Starts - June 1st
What's a checkpoint?
These aren't mandatory. They're something to give you a feel on where a typical author should be at in their writing process. They're used for encouragement and motivation only.
Will artists get checkpoints?
We will be making sure everyone's on the right track and are able to finish their art before the deadline, but these checkpoints will be less formal, as there is no wordcount for a piece of art.
What should my rough draft look like?
It needs to be at least 10,000 words, or 80% of your fic. You do not need to have your fic finished by this time however, you may still work on it and get it beta-read until your final fic and art is due. We just need to be able to reasonably verify that you are going to be able to post on your assigned date.
Can I have an extension?
We will be granting extensions on a case-by-case basis for rough drafts as long as your final fic or art is in by the due date. We would hope, however, that you use the checkpoints and all your available writing time to it's fullest.
If you think at anytime you need an extension (whether fic or art) contact a mod right away so we can begin working it out with you.
What if I'm not sure I can finish?
If, when rough drafts are due, you are unsure you will be able to finish you can still send your story in Unofficially. This means your story won't go into claims but if you are able to finish by the final due date we will arrange an artist for you (either out of the pinch hitters or volunteers).
What if I need to drop out?
Before rough drafts are due there will be a post where people can drop out. Comments there will be screened and once you comment there you will be taken off the spreadsheet.
~Community Requirements~
Can I join this comm?
Absolutely! Feel free to join and watch the comm even if you aren't signing up, if you ARE signing up you need to join the comm ASAP. Some important reminders and post will be members locked.
~Posting Requirements~
What types of requirements are there for me to post my fic?
You must include a header with all regular information on it. This includes warnings. Not all of our readers like the same thing, so you are required to warn them. Besides that, you must include the fandom you're writing in, as we have multiple here at this bigbang.\
Here is the header you will be posting with:
Title:
Author(s):
Artist:
Crossover:
Disclaimer:
Type: (Gen, Het, or Slash)
Word Count:
Characters/Pairings:
Warnings:
Spoilers:
Summary:
Author’s Notes:
Link to Story Master Post:
Link to Art Master Post:
Can I post it to my journal a few days early to show my friends?
Yes you can post your fic in advance but not to show your friends, the first time you show your fic for this bigbang must be on your reveal day. If you post in advance please lock the post for your eyes only. You can however show your story to your beta and any cheerleaders who help you along.
My fic exceeds the character limit for a single post, what do I do?
Most people choose to break their fic up into 2 or more parts (whatever is best for you) and then create a master post that links to all the parts, the art, and the mix from one place. You may also post your for to Archive of Our Own or Dreamwidth if you prefer that. (Dreamwidth currently has open registeration, and if you would live an AO3 invite please PM chosenfire28.
Where can I upload my graphics?
Tinypic is recommended for images or .gif files, along with Photobucket. Both have their pros and cons. Feel free to use any other hosting site you choose.
How will I get my graphics to my author?
We will provide you with contact information once you are committed to an author. From their you can contact them to find out more about their interests, or simply send them the links to your final mix/art.
We would like to encourage you to be in contact with them and to share what you make for them.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask them below or contact a mod. The moderators for this challenge are chosenfire28 and dhfreak.
Round 4
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a big bang?
A big bang is a challenge where authors sign up to write a complete story (minimum word length varies from 10,000 to 50,000) in set time period.
How do I sign up?
When sign-ups start, there will be one post for authors and one for artists where you can sign up for the challenge.
~Writing Requirements~
What type of requirements are there for a fic?
Your fic must be at least 15,000 words long and, preferably, beta-read before the posting date. It must focus on or revolve around Supernatural crossed over with any other fandom, fandoms can be RPF (so SPN RPF counts as well as American Idol, or others shows).
I've already been writing a Supernatural crossover story -- can I use that?
You are allowed to use a WIP in this big bang, but half the words in the fic must be entirely new and unseen for it to qualify. Furthermore you are not allowed to post updates to the story (since its now for the challenge) and you might be asked to take down whatever you already have up.
What genres/fandoms are allowed?
All genres and fandoms are allowed, anything you want to cross over with Supernatural.
I've got two ideas in my head ... can I write both?
Yes you can, as long as you think you'll be able to finish both stories by the deadline (if you submit two stories we will do our best to make sure there is a good amount of time in between the posting of each fic).
Can I write with someone else?
Yes, you may co-author your bigbang if you want to. The word minimum however for co authored works is 20,000.
Are fusions allowed?
Yes, as long as you use the Supernatural characters you can write them into another universe.
Usually we would say no to fusions where the characters from Supernatural replaces the characters from another fandom (since that is not really a crossover). We prefer if someone signs up to write a fusion that they attempt to make it more of a crossover (either reference characters or facts from that world).
Basically, if spn_j2_bigbang won't accept it (they don't allow crossovers) then we will.
~Artist Requirements~
How do I know what I'm making art for?
When the writers turn in their rough drafts, we'll make a claims post. In this post we'll include the story summary, the crossed over fandom, the pairing as well as any warnings the author gives. You can choose which fic you'd like to create art for, and then that person's fic will get crossed off the list.
Then withing 48 hours you will be emailed the author's username and contact information.
What are the requirements for art?
You can make whatever kind of art you feel like, in whichever medium. Drawing, painting, digital, manips, anything you can think of. We just ask that you put some time into it, as our authors have.
You are also required to make a minimum of two pieces of art for the story you claim.
How do I make a claim?
Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis. We will be putting up a member's locked post and the artists will reply to it with the story they claim to do art for (so make sure you are a member of the community)
What happens if the number of authors doesn't match up with the number of artists?
We will do several rounds of claiming so that EVERY fic has an artist. In the event that fics outnumber artists we will allow artists to make a second claim. If it's the other way, we may open up the fics so that more than one artists is assigned to the same fic. Either way, everyone who wants to participate will get to participate.
~Schedule and Other Information~
What kind of timeline will I be under?
Author Sign Ups - January 13th to February 27th
Checkpoint #1 - February 11th
Checkpoint #2 - March 11th
Checkpoint #3 - April 8th
Rough Drafts Due - April 17th
Artist Claiming - April 21st
Art and Fics Due - May 25th
Posting Schedule Up - May 28th
Posting Starts - June 1st
What's a checkpoint?
These aren't mandatory. They're something to give you a feel on where a typical author should be at in their writing process. They're used for encouragement and motivation only.
Will artists get checkpoints?
We will be making sure everyone's on the right track and are able to finish their art before the deadline, but these checkpoints will be less formal, as there is no wordcount for a piece of art.
What should my rough draft look like?
It needs to be at least 10,000 words, or 80% of your fic. You do not need to have your fic finished by this time however, you may still work on it and get it beta-read until your final fic and art is due. We just need to be able to reasonably verify that you are going to be able to post on your assigned date.
Can I have an extension?
We will be granting extensions on a case-by-case basis for rough drafts as long as your final fic or art is in by the due date. We would hope, however, that you use the checkpoints and all your available writing time to it's fullest.
If you think at anytime you need an extension (whether fic or art) contact a mod right away so we can begin working it out with you.
What if I'm not sure I can finish?
If, when rough drafts are due, you are unsure you will be able to finish you can still send your story in Unofficially. This means your story won't go into claims but if you are able to finish by the final due date we will arrange an artist for you (either out of the pinch hitters or volunteers).
What if I need to drop out?
Before rough drafts are due there will be a post where people can drop out. Comments there will be screened and once you comment there you will be taken off the spreadsheet.
~Community Requirements~
Can I join this comm?
Absolutely! Feel free to join and watch the comm even if you aren't signing up, if you ARE signing up you need to join the comm ASAP. Some important reminders and post will be members locked.
~Posting Requirements~
What types of requirements are there for me to post my fic?
You must include a header with all regular information on it. This includes warnings. Not all of our readers like the same thing, so you are required to warn them. Besides that, you must include the fandom you're writing in, as we have multiple here at this bigbang.\
Here is the header you will be posting with:
Title:
Author(s):
Artist:
Crossover:
Disclaimer:
Type: (Gen, Het, or Slash)
Word Count:
Characters/Pairings:
Warnings:
Spoilers:
Summary:
Author’s Notes:
Link to Story Master Post:
Link to Art Master Post:
Can I post it to my journal a few days early to show my friends?
Yes you can post your fic in advance but not to show your friends, the first time you show your fic for this bigbang must be on your reveal day. If you post in advance please lock the post for your eyes only. You can however show your story to your beta and any cheerleaders who help you along.
My fic exceeds the character limit for a single post, what do I do?
Most people choose to break their fic up into 2 or more parts (whatever is best for you) and then create a master post that links to all the parts, the art, and the mix from one place. You may also post your for to Archive of Our Own or Dreamwidth if you prefer that. (Dreamwidth currently has open registeration, and if you would live an AO3 invite please PM chosenfire28.
Where can I upload my graphics?
Tinypic is recommended for images or .gif files, along with Photobucket. Both have their pros and cons. Feel free to use any other hosting site you choose.
How will I get my graphics to my author?
We will provide you with contact information once you are committed to an author. From their you can contact them to find out more about their interests, or simply send them the links to your final mix/art.
We would like to encourage you to be in contact with them and to share what you make for them.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask them below or contact a mod. The moderators for this challenge are chosenfire28 and dhfreak.