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Dealing with Archive of Our Own (AO3)
Because of the way matching works, to sign up for this challenge, you must have an AO3 account, and you will need to host your art or story on AO3.
The Reveals Bug
Sometimes when a work is posted to an unrevealed collection, a glitch on AO3's part will cause it to be posted outside of the collection (and thus making it visible immediately to the recipient). Here is another mod's guide to avoiding this bug.
How do I sign up with AO3?
To sign up you need an invitation code. There are two ways to get one.
1. E-mail the mods (femslashexmod@gmail.com) or leave a comment here and the mods can send you a code.
2. You can enter the queue over at AO3, and they can give you a code. Warning: the queue is currently about three days long. I'd really rec option #1.
Once you have your invitation, just follow the instructions here.
Great, I have my account, now what?
Useful guides to posting your work:
Tutorial: Posting a Work on AO3
Tutorial: posting to a challenge (ignore the step about finding the challenge, and just go to: Femslash Exchange 2018)
A Users’ Guide to AO3 Tagging (Which works a bit differently from tumblr tagging).
How do I post treats and pinch hits when I don't have an AO3 account?
Short version: e-mail the mods at femslashexmod@gmail.com.
Long version: There is a mod account, FemslashEx_Mod, associated with the challenge.
If you don't have an AO3 account, the mods can post your treat via that account. All you have to do is e-mail the mods with your story, the url of your art (it has to be hosted somewhere that allows embedding) and who you'd like to give it to, and the mods can make the post for you.
After the anon period is over, they can then link back to your own tumblr/blogspot/deviantart/website, so that you get the proper credit. If you later get an AO3 account, the work can be transferred to you.
How to I change the date on my work so that it shows up in the tags?
Because the due date is so long before the reveals, if you just leave your work at the same day you posted it, it can be days or weeks back in the fandom and pairing tags, and unless someone's reading through the collection, they're unlikely to spot your art or story.
To fix this, edit your work, and tick the "Set a different publication date" box, and change the date to the day of the reveals. You'll have to do this on or after the date of the reveals, as you can't set it to the future. Please only do this once.
Various Fanart-Related Questions
How do I write art-friendly prompts?
If you're requesting fanart, it's a good idea to consider whether or not the prompts in your optional details and Dear Creator letter will help or hinder your assigned artist. A good shortcut to this is to consider if your prompt can easily be turned into a picture.
Bad example: Jenna and Sally slowly falling in love, lots of angst and UST! [This is great for a story, but what would that look like in art, especially if your artist doesn't do comics?]
Good example: Something a little sad, maybe Jenna looking at Sally longingly when Jenna's not looking, or Jenna riding off into the sunset while Sally watches.
It's a good idea to have several specific art-friendly prompts (such as "Something domestic, like Jenna brushing Sally's hair," "I'd love some bondage with blood play and Sally on the bottom!" or "the girls fighting a dragon") but also to make sure your artists realises those are options.
It's also good to mention what tone and style you like, and what rating you're comfortable with. Consider including colours and settings you like. Is your fandom AU friendly? Mention AUs you like (Pirates! Space! Elizabethan court dress!).
Consider including a link to your fanart tag on tumblr or favourites folder on Deviantart, this could be helpful to your artist as they can use it to get an idea of the type of pictures you like. (Though don't make this your only option, as some artists will find it more useful than others).
Please be careful not to bash art styles or be too demanding. Like you're not going to get the exact story you're thinking of, you're not going to get the exact piece of art you're picturing in your head. If you don't like a certain style, mention that you'd prefer not to get it, but leave it at that.
Bad example: I hate chibis, so don't draw any!
Good example: I prefer not to get chibi-style art.
How do I host art while remaining anon?
The anon period is optional for artists (due to AO3 not getting much art traffic, and art theft being the problem it is), but if you want to play the the anon game too, here's how:
If you decide to post anon, you should probably watermark your picture with made for FemslashEx 2018 and/or with the whole url to the page (post the work without the art, get the url from that, add it to the picture, then edit the work and embed the picture). You can replace that picture with one with your signature after the creators are revealed.
There are two sites that allow easy anon hosting.
Tumblr: Upload the image as private or a draft, and then right click "copy image location" to get the url. There's no way to trace a privately posted picture back to your account. (Make sure you're copying the image for the full-sized version, not the 540px tumblr version. You may have to right-click to a new tab to get the hi-res one).
Imgur: Image and album privacy explained.
To embed, use this code: <img src="yoururl">
Always double check to make sure your picture is showing up properly.
AO3 doesn't allow preview pictures! How do I summarise my art in words?
It has been pointed out that trying to summarise art with words is "the equivalent of having to draw your fic summary out with stick figures." Here are a couple of ideas to help out with that:
1. Include your prompt: Prompt: Jenna and Sally fight the ultimate evil!
2. Flat out describe the picture: Fanart: Jenna and Sally holding hands in the park.
3. Write something fun that alludes to the situation and hooks people in: It's Tuesday, so of course there's a dragon. (You can indicate the pairing and other details using the tags anyway).
Various Vid-Related Questions
How do I write vid-friendly prompts?
If you're requesting vids, it's a good idea to consider whether or not the prompts in your optional details and Dear Creator letter will help or hinder your assigned vidder.
Make sure to include any accessibility or content DNWs (eg. no flashing lights, violent source clips, gun shot sounds) in your optional details. Like other DNWs, they will need to be in the sign up optional details (not solely mentioned in your Dear Creator Letter) to be enforced. You can also request subtitles in the optional details if you need them.
It is also helpful to give your vidder some idea of general music likes and dislikes. This might include music genres or styles that you do or don't like, artists you are particularly fond of, or specific songs that you think suit a pairing. Your vidder may not use a specific song, so it's helpful to include broad likes alongside any specific requests.
Be aware of source limitations. AU prompts may be difficult depending on the fandom and what sort of AU is requested. Some vidders may be comfortable using outside source to work with prompts that diverge significantly from canon, but there's no guarantee that they will or that they will have access to an appropriate additional source for your request. Try to include a variety of prompts that include some canon based suggestions.
If the source you are requesting is particularly long, you may want to provide guidance on favourite sections you'd like to see clips drawn from. This may particularly apply for TV fandoms with multiple seasons or for a combined megafandom. If you are requesting a megafandom, please keep in mind whether requesting a specific section may limit the available source too severely or provide alternative requests to choose from. A DCEU request for a Diana pairing that asks the vidder not to use any footage from the Wonder Woman 2017 movie may be difficult to fulfil, while a request for no footage of Themyscira may be more easily accommodated.
Specific prompts along the lines of fic prompts can be included but aren't necessary if you don't have any. Many vidders work primarily with likes and dislikes. Consider mentioning the tone you prefer (eg. fluffy or angsty), any pacing requests if you prefer fast or slow vids, whether you like dialogue to be included in the audio, and specific requests such as an aspect of the relationship you'd like a focus on or an episode you don't want any source included from.
Bad example: Buffy/Faith coffee shop AU set in space to Blank Space by Taylor Swift
Good example: I like pop music and dislike country and musicals. Please use female vocals, and avoid sad songs about break-ups. I'd like something about the parallels between the characters, or a focus on when they were getting to know each other in season one. I'd love a Buffy/Faith vid set to Love is a Battlefield, or I'd love to see a focus on Cat Grant mentoring Kara!
You can also browse letter posts from vid exchanges if this is your first time requesting vids and you need more ideas: Equinox Exchange 2018 and Festivids 2017.
Vidding DNWs and accessibility
Vidders are required to respect any accessibility notes and DNWs that their recipient mentions in their optional details, the same as for other mediums. We also encourage vidders to note any content warnings on their vid, even if the recipient doesn't require them. These may include:
physical triggers (which may include strobing lights, very rapid cutting between short clips, or bright / white flashes of light)
audio triggers (which may include sudden loud noise, gunshot audio, or other startling or sustained loud noises on the audio track)
You can tag Physical Triggers or Audio Triggers on AO3, and/or make a note of any content people might wish to be aware of in the Notes section of your AO3 post. Please use the beginning of work option so they can be clearly and easily found.
Your recipient may also request subtitles. If the request is in the optional details of their sign-up, this will be an enforceable request along with DNWs. If you require assistance with providing requested subtitles, please contact the mods as soon as possible so we can help or make any necessary arrangements!
How do I host vids while remaining anon?
The anon period is optional for vidders, but if you want to play the the anon game too, you simply need to sign up for an additional account with one of the vid hosts that allow for embedding. AO3 provides a list of compatible sites for vidders. Make sure you use an anonymous username that can't be linked to your usual account.
When you create the vid, make sure any reference to your username is not included in the credits or opening sequence. You may wish to say something like 'Vidder: Anonymous for FemslashEx 2018' and/or place a shortened link url that leads to your AO3 post in the credits or opening sequence instead.
Then post to AO3 collection for the exchange as usual and embed the vid. Once creators have been revealed, you can edit your work to replace it with an embed for the signed vid hosted on your usual vid account.
To embed, use this code: <iframe src="video_url"></iframe>
Always double check to make sure your vid is showing up properly and can be played. The embed may not display properly in Preview, so you may need to post the work fully to AO3 before checking the video will play.
Suggestions? Resources of your own? Corrections? Leave them in comments!
Because of the way matching works, to sign up for this challenge, you must have an AO3 account, and you will need to host your art or story on AO3.
The Reveals Bug
Sometimes when a work is posted to an unrevealed collection, a glitch on AO3's part will cause it to be posted outside of the collection (and thus making it visible immediately to the recipient). Here is another mod's guide to avoiding this bug.
How do I sign up with AO3?
To sign up you need an invitation code. There are two ways to get one.
1. E-mail the mods (femslashexmod@gmail.com) or leave a comment here and the mods can send you a code.
2. You can enter the queue over at AO3, and they can give you a code. Warning: the queue is currently about three days long. I'd really rec option #1.
Once you have your invitation, just follow the instructions here.
Great, I have my account, now what?
- Remember these important dates:
25 July to 8 August: Nomination Period
11 to 22 August: Signups open - You will be able to nominate fandoms and relationships to the tag set, once nominations open. This will be the list the exchange draws from, so if you really want to write or draw a pairing, make sure that you or someone else nominates it.
- You can sign up for the exchange! Which doesn't start until 28 August, but when the time comes, just follow these steps:
a. Go to the challenge page on AO3: Femslash Exchange 2018
b. Read the FAQ and Rules (in link above).
c. Go to the tag set and decide what you want to sign up for.
d. Press the "Sign Up" button in the upper right corner, which will be visible when the challenge is open, and fill out the form.
e. If you're confused, check out these guides: Tutorial: signing up for a gift exchange & How do I sign up to participate in a gift exchange?
Useful guides to posting your work:
Tutorial: Posting a Work on AO3
Tutorial: posting to a challenge (ignore the step about finding the challenge, and just go to: Femslash Exchange 2018)
A Users’ Guide to AO3 Tagging (Which works a bit differently from tumblr tagging).
How do I post treats and pinch hits when I don't have an AO3 account?
Short version: e-mail the mods at femslashexmod@gmail.com.
Long version: There is a mod account, FemslashEx_Mod, associated with the challenge.
If you don't have an AO3 account, the mods can post your treat via that account. All you have to do is e-mail the mods with your story, the url of your art (it has to be hosted somewhere that allows embedding) and who you'd like to give it to, and the mods can make the post for you.
After the anon period is over, they can then link back to your own tumblr/blogspot/deviantart/website, so that you get the proper credit. If you later get an AO3 account, the work can be transferred to you.
How to I change the date on my work so that it shows up in the tags?
Because the due date is so long before the reveals, if you just leave your work at the same day you posted it, it can be days or weeks back in the fandom and pairing tags, and unless someone's reading through the collection, they're unlikely to spot your art or story.
To fix this, edit your work, and tick the "Set a different publication date" box, and change the date to the day of the reveals. You'll have to do this on or after the date of the reveals, as you can't set it to the future. Please only do this once.
Various Fanart-Related Questions
How do I write art-friendly prompts?
If you're requesting fanart, it's a good idea to consider whether or not the prompts in your optional details and Dear Creator letter will help or hinder your assigned artist. A good shortcut to this is to consider if your prompt can easily be turned into a picture.
Bad example: Jenna and Sally slowly falling in love, lots of angst and UST! [This is great for a story, but what would that look like in art, especially if your artist doesn't do comics?]
Good example: Something a little sad, maybe Jenna looking at Sally longingly when Jenna's not looking, or Jenna riding off into the sunset while Sally watches.
It's a good idea to have several specific art-friendly prompts (such as "Something domestic, like Jenna brushing Sally's hair," "I'd love some bondage with blood play and Sally on the bottom!" or "the girls fighting a dragon") but also to make sure your artists realises those are options.
It's also good to mention what tone and style you like, and what rating you're comfortable with. Consider including colours and settings you like. Is your fandom AU friendly? Mention AUs you like (Pirates! Space! Elizabethan court dress!).
Consider including a link to your fanart tag on tumblr or favourites folder on Deviantart, this could be helpful to your artist as they can use it to get an idea of the type of pictures you like. (Though don't make this your only option, as some artists will find it more useful than others).
Please be careful not to bash art styles or be too demanding. Like you're not going to get the exact story you're thinking of, you're not going to get the exact piece of art you're picturing in your head. If you don't like a certain style, mention that you'd prefer not to get it, but leave it at that.
Bad example: I hate chibis, so don't draw any!
Good example: I prefer not to get chibi-style art.
How do I host art while remaining anon?
The anon period is optional for artists (due to AO3 not getting much art traffic, and art theft being the problem it is), but if you want to play the the anon game too, here's how:
If you decide to post anon, you should probably watermark your picture with made for FemslashEx 2018 and/or with the whole url to the page (post the work without the art, get the url from that, add it to the picture, then edit the work and embed the picture). You can replace that picture with one with your signature after the creators are revealed.
There are two sites that allow easy anon hosting.
Tumblr: Upload the image as private or a draft, and then right click "copy image location" to get the url. There's no way to trace a privately posted picture back to your account. (Make sure you're copying the image for the full-sized version, not the 540px tumblr version. You may have to right-click to a new tab to get the hi-res one).
Imgur: Image and album privacy explained.
To embed, use this code: <img src="yoururl">
Always double check to make sure your picture is showing up properly.
AO3 doesn't allow preview pictures! How do I summarise my art in words?
It has been pointed out that trying to summarise art with words is "the equivalent of having to draw your fic summary out with stick figures." Here are a couple of ideas to help out with that:
1. Include your prompt: Prompt: Jenna and Sally fight the ultimate evil!
2. Flat out describe the picture: Fanart: Jenna and Sally holding hands in the park.
3. Write something fun that alludes to the situation and hooks people in: It's Tuesday, so of course there's a dragon. (You can indicate the pairing and other details using the tags anyway).
Various Vid-Related Questions
How do I write vid-friendly prompts?
If you're requesting vids, it's a good idea to consider whether or not the prompts in your optional details and Dear Creator letter will help or hinder your assigned vidder.
Make sure to include any accessibility or content DNWs (eg. no flashing lights, violent source clips, gun shot sounds) in your optional details. Like other DNWs, they will need to be in the sign up optional details (not solely mentioned in your Dear Creator Letter) to be enforced. You can also request subtitles in the optional details if you need them.
It is also helpful to give your vidder some idea of general music likes and dislikes. This might include music genres or styles that you do or don't like, artists you are particularly fond of, or specific songs that you think suit a pairing. Your vidder may not use a specific song, so it's helpful to include broad likes alongside any specific requests.
Be aware of source limitations. AU prompts may be difficult depending on the fandom and what sort of AU is requested. Some vidders may be comfortable using outside source to work with prompts that diverge significantly from canon, but there's no guarantee that they will or that they will have access to an appropriate additional source for your request. Try to include a variety of prompts that include some canon based suggestions.
If the source you are requesting is particularly long, you may want to provide guidance on favourite sections you'd like to see clips drawn from. This may particularly apply for TV fandoms with multiple seasons or for a combined megafandom. If you are requesting a megafandom, please keep in mind whether requesting a specific section may limit the available source too severely or provide alternative requests to choose from. A DCEU request for a Diana pairing that asks the vidder not to use any footage from the Wonder Woman 2017 movie may be difficult to fulfil, while a request for no footage of Themyscira may be more easily accommodated.
Specific prompts along the lines of fic prompts can be included but aren't necessary if you don't have any. Many vidders work primarily with likes and dislikes. Consider mentioning the tone you prefer (eg. fluffy or angsty), any pacing requests if you prefer fast or slow vids, whether you like dialogue to be included in the audio, and specific requests such as an aspect of the relationship you'd like a focus on or an episode you don't want any source included from.
Bad example: Buffy/Faith coffee shop AU set in space to Blank Space by Taylor Swift
Good example: I like pop music and dislike country and musicals. Please use female vocals, and avoid sad songs about break-ups. I'd like something about the parallels between the characters, or a focus on when they were getting to know each other in season one. I'd love a Buffy/Faith vid set to Love is a Battlefield, or I'd love to see a focus on Cat Grant mentoring Kara!
You can also browse letter posts from vid exchanges if this is your first time requesting vids and you need more ideas: Equinox Exchange 2018 and Festivids 2017.
Vidding DNWs and accessibility
Vidders are required to respect any accessibility notes and DNWs that their recipient mentions in their optional details, the same as for other mediums. We also encourage vidders to note any content warnings on their vid, even if the recipient doesn't require them. These may include:
physical triggers (which may include strobing lights, very rapid cutting between short clips, or bright / white flashes of light)
audio triggers (which may include sudden loud noise, gunshot audio, or other startling or sustained loud noises on the audio track)
You can tag Physical Triggers or Audio Triggers on AO3, and/or make a note of any content people might wish to be aware of in the Notes section of your AO3 post. Please use the beginning of work option so they can be clearly and easily found.
Your recipient may also request subtitles. If the request is in the optional details of their sign-up, this will be an enforceable request along with DNWs. If you require assistance with providing requested subtitles, please contact the mods as soon as possible so we can help or make any necessary arrangements!
How do I host vids while remaining anon?
The anon period is optional for vidders, but if you want to play the the anon game too, you simply need to sign up for an additional account with one of the vid hosts that allow for embedding. AO3 provides a list of compatible sites for vidders. Make sure you use an anonymous username that can't be linked to your usual account.
When you create the vid, make sure any reference to your username is not included in the credits or opening sequence. You may wish to say something like 'Vidder: Anonymous for FemslashEx 2018' and/or place a shortened link url that leads to your AO3 post in the credits or opening sequence instead.
Then post to AO3 collection for the exchange as usual and embed the vid. Once creators have been revealed, you can edit your work to replace it with an embed for the signed vid hosted on your usual vid account.
To embed, use this code: <iframe src="video_url"></iframe>
Always double check to make sure your vid is showing up properly and can be played. The embed may not display properly in Preview, so you may need to post the work fully to AO3 before checking the video will play.
Suggestions? Resources of your own? Corrections? Leave them in comments!
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