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[fgemods]

Looking back, we can see how some things worked...and how other things did not.

We already have a few thoughts for next year, if there's interest in a second round. For example, if we retain the 2,000 word minimum, we will have art guidelines more on par with that. (Most artists may not need these, but we recognize that they ensure a more balanced exchange of gifts.)

Additionally, the schedule will be structured to reflect the needs of this exchange. Because things were underway before we took over, we tried to treat this as much like other exchanges as we could, but that backfired on occasion. Next year, we will allow more time where needed, and because we'll be there from the start, we can set a realistic schedule which won't require us to push back dates.

But those are just a couple of our thoughts, and right now, we'd like to hear yours: What would you change? What would you leave as it is? Would you consider participating in a second round?

Comments

[debirlfan]

If you do it again, I'm in. All things considered, it ended up running fairly smoothly. Great work, guys. Thanks!

[senmut]

I didn't hit any speed bumps. The 2k requirement becomes interesting when looking at pinch hits, from my POV, because I am one of those darned minimalist writers. But for my assignment, it was easy enough to handle.

[refu]

It actually was pretty smooth sailing for me despite what was going on with the organizers changing and everything. Initially I was a little scared of the 2k word minimum, but looking back, I'm not sure why as I tend to write longer fics than 2k anyway. LOL

I'd join again if you put on another edition. :-)

[evilmuffins]

I personally loved this exchange. Many of my ships met the under 10 fic requirement, so I thought it was a wonderful idea to get them more exposure. I'd absolutely participate again.
Maybe there should be consequences for total no show defaulters? (people who failed to use the 'default' button yet turned nothing in). I know they get banned in Femslash Ex, but maybe they should have to write a treat to get back in?
My only other idea was longer writing time for pinch hitters, and it sounds like you've already got that covered :)
Thanks for a great exchange!

Edit:Maybe the treats collection could be merged with the main collection next time? I think it would get the treats more readers.

[kerithwyn]

Thank you for running FGE! I was happy with this exchange--wrote a fic I liked, got a nice one in return. This exchange works for me because I tend to write the very rare pairs in my fandoms, and it's nice to have someone ask for something I wanted to write regardless.

I'd also like to see treats merged with the main collection.

If I don't participate next year, it's only because I overloaded on exchanges this year and need to cut back.

[(Anonymous)]

I liked the exchange and thought it went pretty well overall. I was one of the pinch hot writers, and while I was able to work within the short deadline, I do think a longer time frame will work better, especially to give people time to claim pinch hits since these pairings are so rare. I was able to hit the ground running since I already had a mostly fleshed out idea, but it would have been harder if I hadn't.

That said, I would happily participate again; I have a lot of rare pairings I love, so this exchange is right up my alley. Thanks for doing a great job running it when I'm sure there was a lot to deal with on your end.

[smallearthcat]

And that was me. Sorry, forgot to log in.

[(Anonymous)]

By the time I knew this was a thing I'd miss it. So this Nonnie would give it a go if it runs again :)

[weakinteraction]

I would definitely be up for a second round; showing love to tiny fandoms/ships is a Good Thing and I really enjoyed everything about this round.

I liked the 2k minimum, personally, as it felt like a spur to go longer than usual in an exchange, but I do wonder if there might be more participants/fewer problems getting pinch hits claimed if it came down to 1k in line with other exchanges. On the other hand, if you keep it, a slightly longer period between the deadline and reveals (as ended up happening in practice this time) might make life easier.

I definitely think it's in the nature of the exchange that we shouldn't expect huge volumes of comments and kudos, but I do wonder if there's some magic modly lever you could pull that might get people a little more feedback? (I don't know what it would be though. I read all the fics in fandoms I knew, but that was only a small proportion of the total.)

[(Anonymous)]

Maybe move it earlier in the year? With the overlapping dates, I imagine the small fandom folk have already turned their attention to yuletide.

[withinadream]

I'll definitely be back for a second round! I can't think of much I'd want changed, either. I liked the 2,000-word minimum, even as a writer whose fics often don't break 2k.

[reeby10]

Definitely in for next round! I was a little afraid of the 2k minimum since I'm used to 1k for most other exchanges, but I didn't really end up having a problem with it.

Thank you for running the exchange, it was a lot of fun!

[hm_f]

I loved this round, I got a fic about a dead fandom and one of my super-rare OTPs and I enjoyed working on my assignment. Definitely looking forward to a round two!

I like that fic minimum requirements were 2k words, but as an artist I agree that expanding on art guidelines, and setting them higher than for 1k words exchanges could be better. For example, you could describe the minimum requirement as one completed illustration (with colors or tones, and background). You could mention any lineart drawings have to have at least one of these features: colors or screentones or background, otherwise they can't stand alone as gifts, and set the minimum requirement to either 2 lineart drawings or a lineart + basic colors or tones + background? I don't know if that works... and I've no idea if all of that is of help at all.

I admit I treated my assignment as any other 1k exchange assignment since I totally forgot about the 2k thing. :p

[c_mami]

Hello, I'm interested to participate to round two, are there any news about when it's going to happen? :)