HL "Holiday Shortcuts" Exchange 2016 (sign-ups through Sunday)

[brightknightie]

The annual hlh_shortcuts exchange game is accepting sign-ups through October 9, 2016 (Eastern Time). I've never played in this game, but I always read it!

Schedule:

• Sign-ups close: 10/09/16
• Assignments sent: By 10/11/16
• Submission deadline: 12/15/16
• Releasing: 12/20/16.

Historically, this game has been played on LiveJournal only, with players emailing their stories to the mod, who posts them second-hand on LJ. This year, the mod says that she may set up to use the AO3 instead, but it doesn't look like that's certain yet.

Minimum length: only 500 words.

Comments

[argentum_ls]

It's only uncertain in that she's never done an exchange collection on AO3 before and wanted to hedge her bets in case she couldn't figure out how to do it.

I do hope you'll consider coming out this year! I know your concerns about your interest in HL vs. the fandom-at-large, but it looks like there're already at least three people signed up who'd happily match with you and that, likewise, you could write for. Admittedly, one of them is me, but that's worked out well before.

[brightknightie]

I'd actually been looking forward to trying to write a bit on my own, outside any games, "just because" stories that I'd love to read, myself, but that no one besides me ever requests anything like, and no one ever writes for my requests. :-) D&DC and BSG78 have been on my mind for that, as well as FK.

But if the mod confirms before the sign-up deadline tomorrow that we'd post straight to the AO3, I'll ... very seriously think about it.

I just now read the instructions, and I'm afraid that I'm daunted by what I read as the "don't expect to be matched with someone who likes anything you like." Of course I understand how challenging matching is across a tiny pool of players! But...

I feel so much that I don't fit into the fandom, and can only hover on its edges. I don't love Methos. I don't love Amanda. I barely remember the final two seasons and don't want to rewatch them. Many tropes that are popular squick me. ~shrug~

[argentum_ls]

Obviously, one should devote one's energies to the places one wants. I've been having a rough time with fests in general, myself, and I'm seriously considering taking some time off from them when Yuletide is over.

That said: For your concern about AO3, I'd suggest emailing the mod directly. When I asked her about the same (which was the reason for her to change the rule to begin with), she was planning to make the announcement after sign-ups, when she had some time to figure out if she could make the comm work. Since it's a deal-breaker on your end, maybe she could give you a better answer, sooner.

As for being daunted: please don't be. These are Old School fans and it's a hand-matched fest. Players are very good about trying to meet their assignee's preferences. I won't insist that everyone hits a win every year, because that's obviously not possible, but there is clearly effort to please. Spell out what you're interested in in your sign-up form. That's what it's there for.

[brightknightie]

I did in the end ask her by LJ message; she hasn't yet replied, and I think the deadline is in an hour. So not this year, but maybe next year! :-)

[argentum_ls]

I see you got your answer in time :)

I'm glad you decided to sign up. Your requests look interesting and not at all outside the realm of what people are willing to write.

[brightknightie]

Yep! Thanks!

It was so late, though -- in the sign-ups schedule and at night after a long day -- that I didn't manage to get in any scenarios/prompts, just a short list of things I usually like. Hopefully, that's enough for whoever receives it!

[argentum_ls]

It should be. Having minimal information seems to be the norm for this fest.

Though, there's nothing stopping you from doing a prompts/scenarios post on your DW, or a full-blown letter if you want. The prompts, at least, could serve a dual purpose if you sign up for fandom_stocking again.