Now that we've proven there's interest

[popkin16]

How should the fest be run?

Option A: People sign up. You're assigned matches based on compatible writing & wants, and write a gift fic for that person.

Option B, suggested bygoddess47 here: This way is more like a Reverse Bang. People post prompts instead of art, and those who sign up for the fest claim a prompt. This could also open us up to fanart. It's modeled after this fest, if you're looking for more information.

Any thoughts?

Comments

[danceswithgary]

I'm happy with either.

[popkin16]

That's the spirit :D

[littlelostcat]

I'd be more likely to join if it was option B -- I'm not sure what my schedule looks like for the next few months, especially December. And that one seems like stressy? LOL

I had fun doing it last year - even though I messed up my check ins 🤦🏻‍♀️

[popkin16]

Option B would also be easier on the mods, since we wouldn't have to stress about matching people up. Last year, there was a struggle with this, since some people didn't have a good match with anyone else, and I wanted everyone to have fun and be happy.

OTOH, I want to run the fest how the majority want it done. So far we're tied.

[littlelostcat]

That's a good point - I hadn't thought about also having the stress of last minute drop outs/pitch hitters and check ins.

I'd like to think that everyone enjoys the fest - in whatever incarnation - and would be happy to write for it. Well, consider my vote a flexible one (I didn't vote in the original post), I can do either. B would be easier because my schedule is up in the air, but honestly I'd find a way to make it work. :)

[popkin16]

I'm doing a recount today to see what we're at. Hopefully one option has pulled ahead lol. I've got to get sign ups open, after all~

[littlelostcat]

Good luck!! I'd prefer B, but I'll absolutely do A. :)

[popkin16]

Good to know :D Thank you!

[respoftw]

I've always loved the gift giving aspect of this fest so my vote's for number 1. It always feels easier to participate when you know that someone is counting on your gift!

Although, now that I've clicked through to the link, the second way still seems to involve gifting the prompter? Although would some people get more than one? I'm slightly confused, lol.

Honestly, I like the mystery element of not knowing what I'm going to be given to write for this fest so I'm still leaning towards one...

[popkin16]

The prompts are going to be generic. So it'll be like, "Character A saves character B's life. Character B is grateful and comes up with silly ways to thank Character A." That way, more than 1 person can choose that prompt, but they can also write it for a ship they want. We had some issues last year where people didn't have a good match with anyone else re: rarepairs and the like. So people had to write, say, gen fic about a character they didn't have any interest in, because there was nobody else who even came close.

Plus, if someone drops out, there's no scramble for a pinch hitter.

But we're currently tied between Option A & Option B, so who knows how it's going to work out!

[respoftw]

I can absolutely see the benefits of that but it seems like people wouldn’t be getting exactly the kind of fic they wanted and some people wouldn’t necessarily get their prompt filled? I might be reading it wrong but it turns it into a completely different kind of fest - a completely valid one - but not the traditional secret Santa.

[popkin16]

Nope, you're not reading it wrong! It does change the nature of the fest.

[respoftw]

And there’s nothing wrong with that!

[popkin16]

lol I am stressing stupidly about this. Calm down, self!

[respoftw]

Go with the majority and if it’s even Stevens, go with what is easier to organise :)

[popkin16]

Option B will be easier to organize (no need to stress about people dropping out and pinch hitters, OR matching people). But that's only if it breaks even~

[saxifactumterritum]

I like B for the less stress :) Ah I'm excited already now!

[popkin16]

Me too LOL But I want the community to decide.