Read on Twitter
Can you explain the differences between fests, prompt weeks, challenges, etc for my newbie brain? — Of course! My reply ended up being too long for cc, so I'll put my explanations in a thread on twitter! https://curiouscat.qa/BTS_Fest_Tracker/post/1178900914
The following are going to be general explanations and should be taken with a grain of salt since every event is unique! (Also, this is going to be a long thread, please bear with me.)
1. FESTS
This is a creative event generally geared towards fanfic writers to encourage them to write for a specific genre/ship/etc, usually with a minimum word count between 1k-5k (1000-5000 words). The way it works is it starts off with a Prompting period. (1/24)
This is a creative event generally geared towards fanfic writers to encourage them to write for a specific genre/ship/etc, usually with a minimum word count between 1k-5k (1000-5000 words). The way it works is it starts off with a Prompting period. (1/24)
During this time, anyone (not just writers) can leave prompts for stories they want to see written. However vague or specific the prompts can be differs fest to fest. After Prompting comes Claiming. This is the period of time where writers can claim + (2/24)
+ the prompt (or prompts) that they want to write fic for! After Claiming is the Writing Period, where authors do all the hard work of writing their fics. After fics are submitted by the due date, there is usually a period of anonymous Fic Reveals. (3/24)
This makes the fics available for everyone to read without giving away who the author is. (This is usually done to make sure that all fics are given a fair chance — authors who have larger followings tend to be given more attention otherwise.) (4/24)
After this comes Author Reveals where all the authors of each story are made known. The length of time for each of these steps varies fest to fest, and often times things can overlap. Some fests also include Check-Ins where event runners get in contact with the authors + (5/24)
+ and see how they're doing. Sometimes there's a minimum word count requirement for the check-ins, but usually it's just to see if they need any help or if they need to drop-out. Fests also often have Drop-Out Deadlines, + (6/24)
+ which is a final date that authors are allowed to drop-out by without consequence. (7/24)
2. BINGOS
A bingo is a way to get multiple prompts that someone can then make content for. Some events are for fanfiction only and other events allow you to make other kinds of content such as art, moodboards, edits, playlists, etc. (8/24)
A bingo is a way to get multiple prompts that someone can then make content for. Some events are for fanfiction only and other events allow you to make other kinds of content such as art, moodboards, edits, playlists, etc. (8/24)
The 'bingo' aspect of it is in regards to the way you get/achieve your prompts. The standard version offers you 25 prompts in a 5 x 5 grid, and to achieve a classic bingo, you need to get 5 in a row (either across, up-and-down, or diagonal. (9/24)
Some fests might have a different sized grid of prompts (4x4 for 16 prompts, 3x3 for 9 prompts, etc.) or allow different ways to get a bingo (four corners, a blackout (where you complete ALL the squares), etc.). Often times you are also given a time period + (10/24)
+ in which to achieve your bingo, usually at least a few months. (11/24)
3. PROMPT WEEKS
A prompt week is a set period of time (usually around a week, but can be longer or shorter) during which each day has a different pre-determined prompt, usually focused around a theme and/or a specific member/ship. (12/24)
A prompt week is a set period of time (usually around a week, but can be longer or shorter) during which each day has a different pre-determined prompt, usually focused around a theme and/or a specific member/ship. (12/24)
There is very rarely any kind of sign-up for this kind of event, and typically they welcome all different kinds of fan content, not just fanfiction and/or fanart. (13/24)
4. EXCHANGES
An exchange is an event where you create content (usually fic, but not always) for a specific person. Typically there is a sign-up period where participants give a list of prompts they'd like to see someone create for them. (14/24)
An exchange is an event where you create content (usually fic, but not always) for a specific person. Typically there is a sign-up period where participants give a list of prompts they'd like to see someone create for them. (14/24)
After sign-ups, assignments are given out and you have to create something based on the prompts given to you by your giftee. (15/24)
5. BIG BANGS
A big bang is an event geared towards collaborative creation, where artists and writers work together. First there is a sign-up period where authors who want to participate submit a short summary of what they plan to write and an estimated word count. (16/24)
A big bang is an event geared towards collaborative creation, where artists and writers work together. First there is a sign-up period where authors who want to participate submit a short summary of what they plan to write and an estimated word count. (16/24)
(This is where the "big" part of Big Bang comes in since usually there is a minimum word count of anywhere from 15k to 50k). After all the summaries have been submitted, there is a period of artist claiming. During this period artists read the summaries + (17/24)
+ and then claim the fic (or fics) they'd like to make art for. Once claiming is finished, the paired artists and writers do their creative thing, and then once the deadline is reached, Reveals take place. (18/24)
There is also such a thing as a Reverse Big Bang, which is generally the same concept except it's writers claiming art they'd like to write for instead of the other way around. (19/24)
6. ZINES
A zine is essentially a fan-made magazine, usually about a specific theme, genre, or ship within a fandom. Most of the time they focus more on art, with some short stories or bits of writing included. There are often times merch included as well, + (20/24)
A zine is essentially a fan-made magazine, usually about a specific theme, genre, or ship within a fandom. Most of the time they focus more on art, with some short stories or bits of writing included. There are often times merch included as well, + (20/24)
+ depending on different bundles that might be offered. Typically there are both digital and physical versions available for purchase, though there are also digital-only and physical-only zines. (21/24)
If it's a physical zine and/or includes physical merch, it's also usually funded via pre-orders. (22/24)
7. CHALLENGES
I tend to use this category for any event that doesn't fit the criteria of any of the above events, so there's not really a set description, haha. (23/24)
I tend to use this category for any event that doesn't fit the criteria of any of the above events, so there's not really a set description, haha. (23/24)
I hope this super long thread isn't too intimidating, but please let me know if you need any clarification or have any other questions! (24/24)
