zhenhun bigbang 2020

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general info + faq

SCHEDULE

August 15-September 5: Author Sign Ups and Fic Prompt Submission
August 15- September 8: Artist Sign Ups
August 20-September 10: Pinch Hitter and Beta Sign Ups
September 10-11: Artist claiming
September 13: Pair-ups announcement will be emailed
October 10, 20 + November 10, 20: Check-ins
December 5: Confirmation of works to the mods (and the previews posting schedule, should the participants want to, will be given in the replies)
December 10: Mods assigning when each participant works will be posted
December 15-31: Posting of Works

What is a Big Bang?
A Big Bang is a fan community event where authors and artists are partnered together to create a collaborative work within a specified time period.
Upon sign-up, authors are to submit at least a (rough) outline of a fanfic they have in mind to write and artists would proceed to claim a plot they’d like to make an art on. The submission will then be posted anonymously for artists to select from. Authors and artists are then matched on a first-come first-served basis, and this will serve as their partnership throughout the Big Bang period, and will culminate in a period of time where all works will be released.

Which characters, pairings, themes, ratings are allowed in this event?
All characters, pairings, and themes are welcomed! We would like the event to be as inclusive as possible and as such, no kink/pair/character/etc. shaming will be tolerated.

Who is eligible to join?
So long as you’ve finished either of the novel or live-action (and hey, even better if you’ve finished both!) then you are welcome to join as an artist, author, pinch-hitter, and/or a beta.

Is this novel-based or drama-based? What if I only want to create for one and not the other or a fusion?
Both. We understand that there are tons of changes in the drama that some may not be comfortable to work on and vice versa or perhaps some prefer a mix; as such, part of the pairing up screening and process, those preferences will be collected so as to match you properly.

Are we required to have accounts in all three sites – twitter, tumblr, AO3?
For artists, betas, and pinch-hitters – you must have a twitter and/or tumblr (either is fine). For authors – you must have an AO3 account plus a twitter and/or tumblr (either of the last two is ok).

Can I submit a fic prompt and/or a fic fill that I already posted previously?
No. Your work must be exclusively made for this event. Should you have an old WIP that 1) you haven’t posted not even as a preview in the past; and 2) it matches your prompt, then that will be okay. The general rule is that whatever output you’re going to generate must be first seen through the event and made for it.

Do I get to pick who I collaborate with?
In a sense, yes and no. Yes, because the artists do the claims; and no because it’s done anonymously. You will only know your partner once the match-ups are finalized. Details of your partner will be sent via email. Kindly note that pre-partnering, or deciding on your partnerships beforehand, is NOT allowed in the Zhenhun Big Bang.

What is a check-in?
We’re going to be having four (4) check-ins wherein the mods are going to be asking the participants on their work progress. This is to try and ensure that each piece will be finished on time. It’s a very simple communication where you just let us know how it’s going and no word requirement or anything (please be honest so the mods can help). Participants are REQUIRED to respond to each of these check-ins.

Can I post previews of my art/fic?
There is a set time when previews will be allowed. Please do not post before this period. You will be given a schedule later.

Can I sign up as both an artist and an author?
Please only sign up as either an artist OR author and not both. If you believe you have the time to be both, kindly sign up as a pinch-hitter for one instead.

What if I need to drop out in the middle of the event?
We hope you won’t because it can be troublesome to your partner. However, real life does happen and we understand. Please communicate as early as you can if you intend to drop so we can get a pinch-hitter to take your place and this is why communicating with the mods is always a must. We are open to your email even outside of check-ins.

Hopefully, the LATEST you can drop out is during the second check-in. Anyone who ghosts will be banned from future events where the Zhenhun Big Bang Mods will be moderating and the names of these people will also be given to other mods of other events as a warning, but how those events will handle this information is their prerogative.

In the event that you have to back out, please DO NOT ghost and instead talk with one of the mods and your partner. Proper communication goes a long way in helping everyone.

What if there are more artists than authors and vice versa?
We will run a random lottery if there is a big imbalance. Everyone will be offered a pinch-hit position if they do not match to a partner. Kindly let the mods handle the logistics so you can have more time on your own works.

Will you create a Discord server for participants?
Based on past experience, in order to avoid conflicts, the answer would be ‘no’. However, participants are free to communicate with each other through any platform they wish. Communication with mods will be through the official accounts (email, twitter, tumblr).

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author requirements

Do I have to submit my fic prompt/outline already when I sign up?
Yes. The sign up sheet for authors will get your necessary details AND would include a space for you to attach it. Please make sure that your host link is private so that no one else but the ones with the direct link can see it in order to try and keep the idea of anonymity intact.

What if I have a style that’s easily recognizable when I submit for the fic prompt?
That’s fine! The idea is to make the field as fair as possible so as long as you don’t out what you submitted before claiming period ends then it’s okay.

How do you define “rough outline” that’s needed upon sign up? How should it look?
Here is the template for your reference.

What is the minimum number of words?
The minimum number of words is 10K. There is no maximum, so please feel free to go all out. You can write a long oneshot or make it multi-chaptered so long as the entire fic reaches the minimum word count requirement. It must also be one coherent output and so disconnected vignettes are not allowed.

Am I required to have my work beta’d?
We highly encourage you to do so. We will provide a list of those who signed up as betas and it’s your call whether or not to make use of it. You can also tap a beta of your own choice who’s not on the list.

How many outline prompts can I submit?
You can submit a maximum of two (2) prompts BUT note the following very carefully - 1) not all of your submitted prompts may be claimed; and most importantly, 2) in the event that both your prompts get claimed, be ABSOLUTELY certain that you can churn out the minimum word count for BOTH OF THEM.

READY? SIGN UP AS AN AUTHOR HERE

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artist requirements

What art forms are accepted?
Traditional, digital, animations, and fanvids are accepted.

What are the minimum requirements for the art specifications?
For traditional and digital - one artwork (cleaned, fully colored and rendered) OR two artworks (clean, black & white). For animations - 30 second time frame. For MVs - 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Finals works (traditional and digital) should have a minimum of a 6x9 print size or 1800 x 2700 px with 300dpi. For digital works, ensure that your canvas is set to that size minimum and for traditional, please make sure to scan very clearly and in high quality to meet the same requirement.

How many claims can I make?
During claims, artists will rank their top 5 partner choices (by anonymized ID numbers). Only one claim will be partnered. Mods will work to ensure everyone receives one of their choices. It is most likely you will receive at least one of your top 5. In the final release of partners, barring pinch-hitters, an artist’s maximum number of prompts to fill is one.

How many rounds of claims are there?
There will only be one round so please note the dates properly. Should there be unforeseen circumstances which will need another round, we will announce it.

How will claims work?
Claims will occur during a time window and matched up afterward so those in all timezones can participate equally. All the fic prompts will be collated in one online presentation. Beside the outlines will be some information that the author would like to add (e.g. ratings they’re comfortable with, whether they prefer novel or drama plot/characterization/etc., and the like).

The link to this presentation will be given to the artist’s submitted emails and will be available for viewing a few days before claiming using GMT+8 timezone (what time is it for me?). After the viewing and claiming window closes, mods will take everyone’s rankings and optimize so all artists receive someone they want to work with. A more in-depth explanation can be found on the "Other Info" part.

Can I make more than one art for my partner after the claiming process is finalized?
Absolutely! Note that you are not required to make more than one, but should you wish to, there is also no maximum number. The goal, after all, is for artists and authors to inspire one another.

READY? SIGN UP AS AN ARTIST HERE

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beta and pinch-hitter requirements

FOR BETAS

Can I sign up as an author and/or artist too?
Yep! If you signed up as an artist/author too, please think about what beta services you’re going to offer thoroughly in order to not put too much on your plate.

What beta services will be available?
The following are the services you can offer: spag (grammar), characterization, plot, research, others. You can offer just one type of service or all. We will categorize you properly when we give the list to the authors. Your details can be anonymous should you wish to, and the mods will serve as the bridge instead. Just properly fill out your preferences in the sign up form.

READY? SIGN UP AS A BETA READER HERE


FOR PINCH HITTERS

Can I sign up as an author and/or artist too?
Yep! If you signed up as an artist/author too, please think about your schedule properly to determine how much you can put on your plate.

How many works do I have to pinch hit?
There will be a minimum of one (1). We’re going to try our best not to give you more than that.

READY? SIGN UP AS A PINCH-HITTER HERE

other relevant info

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CLAIMING GUIDE

Claims are how mods determine who will be matched together and this will be held on September 10-11. All artists who signed up will be sent an invitation via email to browse the fic prompts (pdf document) and submit a claim (google form). Kindly stay tuned for the direct links a day before the claiming.

Claims are open for 48 hours only. If you miss the window, it’s as good as a forfeit on your end in the chance to join the event. We’re being strict with the schedule as early as now so we won’t have delays and eat up content creation time for both authors and artists. If you are not free during this time, please let the mods know in advance and we may allow a proxy for you.

1) You will rank the top 5 prompts you’d like to make an art on and fill out a google form that’s pretty straightforward. Before claiming, please thoroughly read and respect any preferences the author lists (ie. want 18+ partner, want novel-based characterization, etc).
It is perfectly OK to not submit a claim if none of the prompts speak to you (but this means you are not joining the event as an artist).If you’re only willing to claim less than 5, you may do so.
2) Submitting a claim does NOT guarantee getting matched as stated in GENERAL INFORMATION + FAQ before; lottery will be done if there’s a big imbalance on author-artist skew. We’re very sorry we can’t guarantee as this is also highly dependent on the people who’ve signed up.

3) Matching will be done through running an algorithm system. Each artist has an equal chance on the prompts they’d like to claim and draw for. Mods will review matches to make sure preferences are respected and send an email introducing partners.

4) For each prompt, if there is more than one who claim for it as ranked it #1, the system will randomly pick the assignment for fairness. Artists who doesn’t get their #1 choice will be given a higher chance to win on their second choice and so on.

5) Depending on the outcome of the sign-ups and claiming process, some artists may lose the lottery on all 5 of their claims. We’re very sorry if this happens to you but please do know that everyone had equal chances and we sincerely appreciate your interest.

If you are not matched, don’t despair! Please sign up to be a pinch-hitter. There is a high chance you may be called to write for one of your original choices! You can also sign up as a beta reader if you prefer.

POSTING AND PREVIEWS

1) Please refrain from giving too many clues on who you’re partnered with and what exactly it is you’re working on in public accounts. There will be a time where it’s going to be seen by everyone so until then, let’s try to put a little bit of an element of surprise for the fandom.

2) Do NOT badmouth anyone in the event especially in your public accounts. Basic respect and courtesy are a must. In short, please talk to the mods if there is a problem.
ALL the fics are required to be posted in AO3. It will be collated into the Zhenhun Big Bang 2020 collection.

3) Kindly note the schedules given to you as to when you can post your previews (if you want; not required) and your final output (required). We don’t want to clog the tags in a short period of time. After all, we want your work to be properly promoted as well.

For authors, if you have a multi-chaptered work, your first chapter must be put up on the schedule given to you. It’s up to you when to post the other chapters but we highly encourage that everything will be up before 2020 ends. Do note that mods require all writers to have their fics completed by the deadline.For artists, if you have more than one artwork for your partner, one of it is required to be posted on the schedule given to you. You can post your other art on your discretion and depending on your agreement with your partner.For both authors and artists – you are required to link your partner as the goal of this event is collaboration. If you used a beta or if you got inspiration and help from others, please credit them as well. We want to thrive in a community that acknowledges others.
EXTENSIONS

Generally, we need everyone to follow the schedule so as to make it as smooth as possible. However, we prefer to grant extensions than have someone ghosting and/or dropping out. (Communication is key!) Please talk to the mods about this so we can properly plan our pacing and determine a CASE TO CASE extension.

You will be granted a maximum of two (2) weeks as an extension from the last posting date in the schedule. Do note that you are required to give us updates as often as possible during this extension period. Please do not abuse this as proper posting of works according to the timeline is one of our measures of event success and we don’t want your partner to be alone. If you are unable to complete your Big Bang, please let us know by the 2nd check-in at the latest.