FAQ, Rules and Regulations, Schedule (Round 5)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a big bang?
There are many different types of big bangs, all varying slightly, but generally a big bang challenge is where over a period of 3-4 months (some are longer) authors write a complete story. Artists then claim stories they want to work with to make collaborative art, and both pieces are posted together on the community for everyone to enjoy.
What is polyamory?
The definition of polyamory this challenge is operating under is "consensual non-monogamy that goes beyond sex" (to borrow wording from woldy).
Jack and Jill can be together, and Jill and Jane can be together, but Jack and Jane don't have to be together. Jack and Jane can both have other partners as well, and none of these partners have to be romantically or sexually involved with each other. That's all still polyamory.
If Jack, Jill, Jane, and John are all in a happy quad together, though, that is obviously more than okay, and also polyamory.
Polyamory also doesn't have to include sex. The relationships can be purely romantic in nature, your characters may be asexual but not aromantic, etc.
Amazing! 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 10,000 words long and beta-read before the posting date. It must focus on or revolve around a polyamorous relationship.
I've already been writing a poly story -- can I use that?
Your story for this challenge has to be completely new and/or unposted anywhere on the internet (so if you have been working on a story but haven't posted it feel free to sign up with it here). You need to add at least 10k of new words to your WIP for it to count.
What genres/fandoms are allowed?
All genres and fandoms are allowed in this challenge, including RPF and original fic :) We won't be allowing RPF featuring graphic underage sexual content for legal reasons, but anything else is fair game, as long as you use warnings/content notes appropriately.
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 big bang if you want to. The minimum for co-authored works is 15,000 words, however.
Can my fic be the sequel to something else I've written?
Yes, as long as it can stand alone (e.g. no cliffhangers or ~to be continued~). Please link to the prequel fic in your header.
Does my fic have to be beta'd?
Yes! Before you post your story needs to be read by a beta (someone to help with everything from spelling and grammar to plot and character development). If you are unable to find a beta, let us know and we may be able to help.
~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 fandom, rating, characters and relationships, 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 when your claim has been approved by the check-in mod.
What are the requirements for art?
You can make whatever kind of art you feel like, in whichever medium. Drawing, painting, digital, manips, fanmix, podfic, whatever strikes your fancy. We just ask that you put some time into it, as our authors have. You are also required to make a minimum of one piece of art (mixes to have front+back covers and min. 8 tracks) 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 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 so you don't miss anything awesome!). We hope to be doing previews again this year.
Can I claim more than one fic for art and/or mixing and/or etc?
Yes, but only after a 48 hour as passed to give other artists/mixers time to claim a story. There will be a post letting you know when that's an available option.
Can more than one artist/mixer claim the same fic?
Yes, but only once every fic has already been claimed once. There will be a post letting you know when second-claim-to-an-already-claimed-story are available.
If I'm already writing a story, can I also create a mix/art/etc? Can I sign up both as a mixer and an artist?
Absolutely, as long as you're not claiming your own story and you're sure of your ability to get everything done on time :)
Do we post our fics/mixes/art directly to this community, or do we just link them?
Since there is a very high probability that fics will exceed the character limit and span multiple posts, to avoid spam we'd prefer it if you posted your fic to your own journal and just linked it in one post from here. As for mixes and art, those also needed to be uploaded to the artist/mixers journal and linked to from the fic post and masterpost to the community.
If I've made my own art/soundtrack for my story, can I include it?
Sure! The more the merrier is the whole point, right? ;)
What if I need to drop out?
There will be a post where you can drop out, if need be, right around the time when story rough drafts are due. If you would like to drop out earlier please PM one of the mods or email us at the mod email to let us know.
~Schedule~
What kind of timeline will I be under?
Sign ups open - 8th July, 2013
Checkpoint #1 - 6th August, 2013
Checkpoint #2 - 18th September, 2013
Fic rough drafts + art summaries due - 4th October, 2013
Artist claims up - 7th October, 2013
Artist checkpoint - 23rd October, 2013
Posting date claim - 30th October, 2013
Posting schedule up - 1st November, 2013
Posting starts - 4th November, 2013
What's a checkpoint?
The author checkpoints 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?
Yes, the artist checkpoint will be to make sure they are working on the art and are in contact with their author. This checkpoint is mandatory for artists and will be open for a week, if artists do not comment or respond to any of the reminder emails to do so they will be removed from the story they claimed and a pinch hitter will be assigned.
What should my rough draft look like?
It needs to be at least 8,000 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 creative 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 posts 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 for potentially triggering material. Besides that, you must include the fandom you're writing in, as we have multiple here at this big bang. A sample header will be posted with instructions on posting, later in the round. You also must include a link to the art made for you in your masterlist.
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 big bang must be on your posting 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/mix from one place. You may also post your fic 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, use what you are most comfortable with.
How will I get my graphics to my author?
We will provide you with contact information once you are committed to an author. From there, 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. It's more fun with a friend!
And hey, look, we have a support comm for participants to post to during the challenge. It's at omgpolybigbang. Feel free to join, watch, post, or comment :)
If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask them below or contact a mod. The moderators for this challenge are unavoidedcrisis and chosenfire28. You can also email us at polybbmods@gmail.com.
Mirrored post on Dreamwidth.
What is a big bang?
There are many different types of big bangs, all varying slightly, but generally a big bang challenge is where over a period of 3-4 months (some are longer) authors write a complete story. Artists then claim stories they want to work with to make collaborative art, and both pieces are posted together on the community for everyone to enjoy.
What is polyamory?
The definition of polyamory this challenge is operating under is "consensual non-monogamy that goes beyond sex" (to borrow wording from woldy).
Jack and Jill can be together, and Jill and Jane can be together, but Jack and Jane don't have to be together. Jack and Jane can both have other partners as well, and none of these partners have to be romantically or sexually involved with each other. That's all still polyamory.
If Jack, Jill, Jane, and John are all in a happy quad together, though, that is obviously more than okay, and also polyamory.
Polyamory also doesn't have to include sex. The relationships can be purely romantic in nature, your characters may be asexual but not aromantic, etc.
Amazing! 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 10,000 words long and beta-read before the posting date. It must focus on or revolve around a polyamorous relationship.
I've already been writing a poly story -- can I use that?
Your story for this challenge has to be completely new and/or unposted anywhere on the internet (so if you have been working on a story but haven't posted it feel free to sign up with it here). You need to add at least 10k of new words to your WIP for it to count.
What genres/fandoms are allowed?
All genres and fandoms are allowed in this challenge, including RPF and original fic :) We won't be allowing RPF featuring graphic underage sexual content for legal reasons, but anything else is fair game, as long as you use warnings/content notes appropriately.
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 big bang if you want to. The minimum for co-authored works is 15,000 words, however.
Can my fic be the sequel to something else I've written?
Yes, as long as it can stand alone (e.g. no cliffhangers or ~to be continued~). Please link to the prequel fic in your header.
Does my fic have to be beta'd?
Yes! Before you post your story needs to be read by a beta (someone to help with everything from spelling and grammar to plot and character development). If you are unable to find a beta, let us know and we may be able to help.
~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 fandom, rating, characters and relationships, 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 when your claim has been approved by the check-in mod.
What are the requirements for art?
You can make whatever kind of art you feel like, in whichever medium. Drawing, painting, digital, manips, fanmix, podfic, whatever strikes your fancy. We just ask that you put some time into it, as our authors have. You are also required to make a minimum of one piece of art (mixes to have front+back covers and min. 8 tracks) 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 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 so you don't miss anything awesome!). We hope to be doing previews again this year.
Can I claim more than one fic for art and/or mixing and/or etc?
Yes, but only after a 48 hour as passed to give other artists/mixers time to claim a story. There will be a post letting you know when that's an available option.
Can more than one artist/mixer claim the same fic?
Yes, but only once every fic has already been claimed once. There will be a post letting you know when second-claim-to-an-already-claimed-story are available.
If I'm already writing a story, can I also create a mix/art/etc? Can I sign up both as a mixer and an artist?
Absolutely, as long as you're not claiming your own story and you're sure of your ability to get everything done on time :)
Do we post our fics/mixes/art directly to this community, or do we just link them?
Since there is a very high probability that fics will exceed the character limit and span multiple posts, to avoid spam we'd prefer it if you posted your fic to your own journal and just linked it in one post from here. As for mixes and art, those also needed to be uploaded to the artist/mixers journal and linked to from the fic post and masterpost to the community.
If I've made my own art/soundtrack for my story, can I include it?
Sure! The more the merrier is the whole point, right? ;)
What if I need to drop out?
There will be a post where you can drop out, if need be, right around the time when story rough drafts are due. If you would like to drop out earlier please PM one of the mods or email us at the mod email to let us know.
~Schedule~
What kind of timeline will I be under?
Sign ups open - 8th July, 2013
Checkpoint #1 - 6th August, 2013
Checkpoint #2 - 18th September, 2013
Fic rough drafts + art summaries due - 4th October, 2013
Artist claims up - 7th October, 2013
Artist checkpoint - 23rd October, 2013
Posting date claim - 30th October, 2013
Posting schedule up - 1st November, 2013
Posting starts - 4th November, 2013
What's a checkpoint?
The author checkpoints 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?
Yes, the artist checkpoint will be to make sure they are working on the art and are in contact with their author. This checkpoint is mandatory for artists and will be open for a week, if artists do not comment or respond to any of the reminder emails to do so they will be removed from the story they claimed and a pinch hitter will be assigned.
What should my rough draft look like?
It needs to be at least 8,000 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 creative 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 posts 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 for potentially triggering material. Besides that, you must include the fandom you're writing in, as we have multiple here at this big bang. A sample header will be posted with instructions on posting, later in the round. You also must include a link to the art made for you in your masterlist.
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 big bang must be on your posting 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/mix from one place. You may also post your fic 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, use what you are most comfortable with.
How will I get my graphics to my author?
We will provide you with contact information once you are committed to an author. From there, 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. It's more fun with a friend!
And hey, look, we have a support comm for participants to post to during the challenge. It's at omgpolybigbang. Feel free to join, watch, post, or comment :)
If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask them below or contact a mod. The moderators for this challenge are unavoidedcrisis and chosenfire28. You can also email us at polybbmods@gmail.com.
Mirrored post on Dreamwidth.