Ai no Kusabi '22 Fest

FAQ:

Is this fest anonymous? 

No. Each creator will upload their work openly under the Fest Collection on Ao3. However, posts will be coordinated, and each author will have a time frame to post their work to Ao3.

What kind of works do you accept? 

We accept: artwork ~ fanfic ~ audio/podfic* ~ fanvid ~ photography ~ cosplay ~ memes ~ RPG ~ crafts. If you have something else in mind, contact us ([email protected]). 

(*) - for the podfic category, you must have permissions secured before entering the fest. What does this mean? It means that if you decide to enter with a podfic that is not a reading of your own work, then you will need to obtain permission from the author before you submit your fest entry. We will not be accepting works without permissions granted. 

The audio category encompasses songs, recitations, spoken word poetry and original narratives. If you rework a song from the soundtracks, then it will be considered a transformative work. Transformative work or fanwork is an original submission, like fanart and fanfic.

What languages do you accept for the entries?

English only (at this time!), unless you are participating with an audio entry involving the original material in Japanese. This is because English is our common language as a broad community. All communication and promotion will be carried out in English.

What is the timeline for this fest? 

Prompting: June 1–June 20 Claiming: June 20–July 10 Entries due: August 1 Posting starts: August 10

When can I start working on my project?

You can start working on your project as soon as we have contacted you, and confirmed your prompt claim! 

Why are there 10 days between due date and posting date? 

This is built-in cushion time. Late arrivals, communication, unforeseen absences. We got you! 

What if I can’t make the deadline? 

Get in touch with us ([email protected]), and we can discuss options! 

OK, but how is this fest going to work?

Good question. Starting June 1, we are going to post a Google form to collect prompts from fans. This will last 20 days. During that time, we will gather the prompts we receive and put them in a neat Google document. 

On June 20, this document will be shared on social media. You will be able to take a look at all the prompts people have submitted! This is when we will also post a signup, or “claiming” Google form. If something catches your eye, you will use this form to sign up for the fest. If none of the prompts catch your eye, then you can use a Wild Card (self-prompt) to participate. We don’t judge your choices! 

Once you have submitted the claiming form, we will send you a confirmation. This might not happen right away; we are only two, so please, be patient with us! 

This is also when we will explain our expectations*, and guide you through the process of posting your creation to Ao3.

(*) - which amount to: please submit your original creation by August 1, and please tag your work accordingly.

We will have one check-in with you by July 20, using your preferred contact method, to see how things are going, whether you need anything from us or have any questions for us, and confirm that you’re still in! 

We will contact you one more time between August 1 and August 5 to let you know your number in the posting line. Why is there a posting line, you might ask. This is to avoid everyone posting their creations at the same time. We want to give everyone a chance under the spotlight and promote their work. You will receive a random number based on how many participants there are. Whether you are first or last in line, we will put the same effort in promoting your creation. 

What is a “prompt”?

A prompt is an idea meant to inspire you. It may be one word, such as “darkness” or “Amoi,” or an elaborate summary. For example, “Iason goes to the bar one evening. He is expecting Katze, but someone else comes in his place. The night keeps surprising.” If that is still somewhat confusing, here’s Fanlore’s entry on it.

What is “claim”?

When you contact us to sign up as a participant for the fest and say “I want to make something inspired by prompt #23.” We have a Google form for it!

Why do I need to have permissions secured for podfic?

Because you may be reading someone else’s work. 

What is a transformative (fan)work? 

This Fanlore article sums it up pretty well!

Is my fanfic/fanart/other creation original work? 

Yes. You made it. It’s a fanwork or transformative work, but it’s your original creation.

Do I need to be 18 years old to participate? 

Yes. Ai no Kusabi has many adult themes that are only appropriate for, well, adults. 

I don’t have an Ao3 account. Can I still participate? 

Sure, but you’ll have to make an account to post under the Fest Collection. This is important because it references and keeps in one place all the fanworks made during this fest. If you need an invitation to join Ao3, email us!

Ao3 is confusing and I’m not sure how to navigate it. Can you help me?

Ao3 has a super handy FAQ and volunteers who speak foreign languages, if needed! If you have any technical questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. If you think we can help you with something, email us at your earliest convenience! 

Where are you going to promote my fanwork? 

We are going to post a link in the Amoi Discord server every time there is a new creation posted to the Collection. Each week, we will post a wrap-up with links on Dreamwidth and Tumblr. At the end of the fest, we will post a list of all creations to Dreamwidth, Tumblr, and LiveJournal. Other fest watchers and participants may choose to promote your work on different platforms. 

What Tumblr account is going to promote my work? 

We will!!

Why are we posting on LiveJournal? 

We will post two things to the LiveJournal Ai no Kusabi community: the announcement for the fest, linking to other platforms for more updates, and a wrap-up promo at the end. We are using this platform because the community is well-established over there, and many people still check it or receive notifications, even if they aren’t following our fandom activity on other platforms. 

What if I have other questions? 

You are always welcome to email us ([email protected]).

FAQ:

Is this fest anonymous? 

No. Each creator will upload their work openly under the Fest Collection on Ao3. However, posts will be coordinated, and each author will have a time frame to post their work to Ao3.

What kind of works do you accept? 

We accept: artwork ~ fanfic ~ audio/podfic* ~ fanvid ~ photography ~ cosplay ~ memes ~ RPG ~ crafts. If you have something else in mind, contact us ([email protected]). 

(*) - for the podfic category, you must have permissions secured before entering the fest. What does this mean? It means that if you decide to enter with a podfic that is not a reading of your own work, then you will need to obtain permission from the author before you submit your fest entry. We will not be accepting works without permissions granted. 

The audio category encompasses songs, recitations, spoken word poetry and original narratives. If you rework a song from the soundtracks, then it will be considered a transformative work. Transformative work or fanwork is an original submission, like fanart and fanfic.

What languages do you accept for the entries?

English only (at this time!), unless you are participating with an audio entry involving the original material in Japanese. This is because English is our common language as a broad community. All communication and promotion will be carried out in English.

What is the timeline for this fest? 

Prompting: June 1–June 20 Claiming: June 20–July 10 Entries due: August 1 Posting starts: August 10

When can I start working on my project?

You can start working on your project as soon as we have contacted you, and confirmed your prompt claim! 

Why are there 10 days between due date and posting date? 

This is built-in cushion time. Late arrivals, communication, unforeseen absences. We got you! 

What if I can’t make the deadline? 

Get in touch with us ([email protected]), and we can discuss options! 

OK, but how is this fest going to work?

Good question. Starting June 1, we are going to post a Google form to collect prompts from fans. This will last 20 days. During that time, we will gather the prompts we receive and put them in a neat Google document. 

On June 20, this document will be shared on social media. You will be able to take a look at all the prompts people have submitted! This is when we will also post a signup, or “claiming” Google form. If something catches your eye, you will use this form to sign up for the fest. If none of the prompts catch your eye, then you can use a Wild Card (self-prompt) to participate. We don’t judge your choices! 

Once you have submitted the claiming form, we will send you a confirmation. This might not happen right away; we are only two, so please, be patient with us! 

This is also when we will explain our expectations*, and guide you through the process of posting your creation to Ao3.

(*) - which amount to: please submit your original creation by August 1, and please tag your work accordingly.

We will have one check-in with you by July 20, using your preferred contact method, to see how things are going, whether you need anything from us or have any questions for us, and confirm that you’re still in! 

We will contact you one more time between August 1 and August 5 to let you know your number in the posting line. Why is there a posting line, you might ask. This is to avoid everyone posting their creations at the same time. We want to give everyone a chance under the spotlight and promote their work. You will receive a random number based on how many participants there are. Whether you are first or last in line, we will put the same effort in promoting your creation. 

What is a “prompt”?

A prompt is an idea meant to inspire you. It may be one word, such as “darkness” or “Amoi,” or an elaborate summary. For example, “Iason goes to the bar one evening. He is expecting Katze, but someone else comes in his place. The night keeps surprising.” If that is still somewhat confusing, here’s Fanlore’s entry on it.

What is “claim”?

When you contact us to sign up as a participant for the fest and say “I want to make something inspired by prompt #23.” We have a Google form for it!

Why do I need to have permissions secured for podfic?

Because you may be reading someone else’s work. 

What is a transformative (fan)work? 

This Fanlore article sums it up pretty well!

Is my fanfic/fanart/other creation original work? 

Yes. You made it. It’s a fanwork or transformative work, but it’s your original creation.

Do I need to be 18 years old to participate? 

Yes. Ai no Kusabi has many adult themes that are only appropriate for, well, adults. 

I don’t have an Ao3 account. Can I still participate? 

Sure, but you’ll have to make an account to post under the Fest Collection. This is important because it references and keeps in one place all the fanworks made during this fest. If you need an invitation to join Ao3, email us!

Ao3 is confusing and I’m not sure how to navigate it. Can you help me?

Ao3 has a super handy FAQ and volunteers who speak foreign languages, if needed! If you have any technical questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. If you think we can help you with something, email us at your earliest convenience! 

Where are you going to promote my fanwork? 

We are going to post a link in the Amoi Discord server every time there is a new creation posted to the Collection. Each week, we will post a wrap-up with links on Dreamwidth and Tumblr. At the end of the fest, we will post a list of all creations to Dreamwidth, Tumblr, and LiveJournal. Other fest watchers and participants may choose to promote your work on different platforms. 

What Tumblr account is going to promote my work? 

We will!!

Why are we posting on LiveJournal? 

We will post two things to the LiveJournal Ai no Kusabi community: the announcement for the fest, linking to other platforms for more updates, and a wrap-up promo at the end. We are using this platform because the community is well-established over there, and many people still check it or receive notifications, even if they aren’t following our fandom activity on other platforms. 

What if I have other questions? 

You are always welcome to email us ([email protected]).