FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bigbang?
There are many different types of bigbangs, all varying slightly, but generally a bigbang is a process in which authors write long fics (10,000, 15,000, or 20,000 words) and artists make art for them.
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 the characters and/or actors in the X-Men universe. (Yes, RPF is allowed)
I've already been writing an X-Men story -- can I use that?
You are allowed to use a WIP in this bigbang, 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).
What genres are allowed?
All genres are allowed as well as crossovers.
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 stories is 20,000.
~Artist Requirements~
TRACK ONE
TRACK TWO
Tradtitional format where collaborative effort begins once author has submitted fic summaryAlternative format where authors and artists are friends who share a common idea for the final project and sign up togetherAuthor posts fic summary (with warnings) anonymouslyFic summaries are NOT posted for claiming because the team has been formed at the very beginningArtist claims summary that interests them Artist creates graphics/fanmixes/videos to accompany ficArtist creates graphics/fanmixes/videos to accompany fic
PLEASE NOTE:
• In order to ensure a friendly and non-competitive environment, in no situation are ANY participants allowed to comment on sign-up posts in order to form partnerships
• Nor should participants contact certain authors or artists they want to work with (based on quality of work or prompts) unless they are already friends, or have a pre-existing idea for the project
Bear in mind that we have no way of knowing whether participants who sign up as a team actually are friends, or whether they have a pre-existing idea for the project. We expect everyone to act in good faith.
How do I know what I'm making art for?
(For Track One) - When the writers turn in their rough drafts, we'll make a claims post. In this post we'll include the story summary, 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.
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 put into their stories.
You are only required to make a minimum of one piece of art for the story you claim but you can make more.
How do I make a claim?
Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis. We will be putting up a f-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 or mixers?
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~
What kind of timeline will I be under?
Author sign ups open - August 1st, 2012
Author sign ups close - October 1st
Checkpoint #1 - August 18th, 2012
Checkpoint #2 - September 22nd, 2012
Checkpoint #3 - October 26th, 2012
Rough drafts due - November 12th, 2012
Artist claims up - November 17th, 2012
Artist checkpoint (MANDATORY) - December 10th - December 17th, 2012
Final fic and art due - January 4th
Posting schedule up - January 7th
Posting starts - January 14th
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 but it is advised authors take advantage of them. The artist checkpoint however IS mandatory.
Will artists get checkpoints?
Yes, and its required of all artists. This checkpoint is to make sure artists have been in contact with their authors and have a draft of the story.
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.
~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 an example header, with the things you could include.
Title:
Author(s):
Artist:
Disclaimer:
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.
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 mayb also post your for to Archive of Our Own or Dreamwidth if you prefer that.
Where can I upload my graphics?
Tinypic is recommended for images or .gif files, along with Photobucket and Imgur. They all have their pros and cons.
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.
What is a bigbang?
There are many different types of bigbangs, all varying slightly, but generally a bigbang is a process in which authors write long fics (10,000, 15,000, or 20,000 words) and artists make art for them.
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 the characters and/or actors in the X-Men universe. (Yes, RPF is allowed)
I've already been writing an X-Men story -- can I use that?
You are allowed to use a WIP in this bigbang, 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).
What genres are allowed?
All genres are allowed as well as crossovers.
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 stories is 20,000.
~Artist Requirements~
TRACK ONE
TRACK TWO
Tradtitional format where collaborative effort begins once author has submitted fic summaryAlternative format where authors and artists are friends who share a common idea for the final project and sign up togetherAuthor posts fic summary (with warnings) anonymouslyFic summaries are NOT posted for claiming because the team has been formed at the very beginningArtist claims summary that interests them Artist creates graphics/fanmixes/videos to accompany ficArtist creates graphics/fanmixes/videos to accompany fic
PLEASE NOTE:
• In order to ensure a friendly and non-competitive environment, in no situation are ANY participants allowed to comment on sign-up posts in order to form partnerships
• Nor should participants contact certain authors or artists they want to work with (based on quality of work or prompts) unless they are already friends, or have a pre-existing idea for the project
Bear in mind that we have no way of knowing whether participants who sign up as a team actually are friends, or whether they have a pre-existing idea for the project. We expect everyone to act in good faith.
How do I know what I'm making art for?
(For Track One) - When the writers turn in their rough drafts, we'll make a claims post. In this post we'll include the story summary, 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.
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 put into their stories.
You are only required to make a minimum of one piece of art for the story you claim but you can make more.
How do I make a claim?
Claims are done on a first come, first serve basis. We will be putting up a f-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 or mixers?
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~
What kind of timeline will I be under?
Author sign ups open - August 1st, 2012
Author sign ups close - October 1st
Checkpoint #1 - August 18th, 2012
Checkpoint #2 - September 22nd, 2012
Checkpoint #3 - October 26th, 2012
Rough drafts due - November 12th, 2012
Artist claims up - November 17th, 2012
Artist checkpoint (MANDATORY) - December 10th - December 17th, 2012
Final fic and art due - January 4th
Posting schedule up - January 7th
Posting starts - January 14th
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 but it is advised authors take advantage of them. The artist checkpoint however IS mandatory.
Will artists get checkpoints?
Yes, and its required of all artists. This checkpoint is to make sure artists have been in contact with their authors and have a draft of the story.
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.
~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 an example header, with the things you could include.
Title:
Author(s):
Artist:
Disclaimer:
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.
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 mayb also post your for to Archive of Our Own or Dreamwidth if you prefer that.
Where can I upload my graphics?
Tinypic is recommended for images or .gif files, along with Photobucket and Imgur. They all have their pros and cons.
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.