The White Collar Pairings Exchange is a fic swap challenge for lovers of White Collar Fan Fiction, with a focus on the tremendous relationships to be enjoyed on the show. What does that mean? It means we are unabashed fans of slash and OT3 stories, as well as canon relationship and friendship fics of all kinds.

Here’s how it works: People agree to write create a work for another person, who in turn will create a work for a different person. Sign up , provide us with a list of your likes/dislikes, and when you get your assignment, start creating.


THE BASICS

This is a mixed community, where lovers of slash, OT3 and friendships can enjoy and create works centered on relationships, and well, a lot of relationships have sex in them. So if even the possibility of running into a slash-themed fic summary makes you clutch the pearls, you may want to move along...

That said, just because you are writing a relationship fic, there does not have to be graphic smex of any kind.

If you’re participating, it’s assumed that you’re able and willing to create an artistic work or write a story that is a minimum of 1,000 words in return. You can choose any character pairing, as long as those characters are established in canon (no OCs). Want to feel the Hughes/James love? Hey, we don’t judge. Crossovers are also allowed if your recipient requests it, but no RPS/RPF.

Different from last year: prompts are not mandatory. We will be matching you based on pairings, of which you must list at least two.

Also different from last year: art is an option! We deeply hope some of the talented designers, vidders, illustrators and others in the fandom will participate!

We are hoping to keep recipients in the dark as to who is creating their gift for them until the posting dates, so please don’t mention who you’re working on something for as we move through the process.

If writing, your fic should be at least 1,000 words in length. You are more than welcome to write more than that. If your story is in several chapters/sections, please be sure you’ve completed it by your posting date, a WIP is not acceptable.

If you are an artist, please post your finished work here or linked somewhere where it can be readily viewed without a login (For example, if it’s on DeviantArt, it would be nice to rate it for everyone; if it’s on Vimeo, please provide the password in your post).

Because this is a community challenge, please don't post your work anywhere but your journal or the comm before the challenge is over. After all of the works are posted, you’re free to cross-post elsewhere.


THE WORKS


We’re going to make it a tad less stressful on everyone (read: your mods) by not requiring prompts this year. That doesn’t mean you can’t provide a few – we’re just saying you don’t have to provide them or write/draw to them if you don’t want to.

The only mandatory thing in the sign-ups is that you provide at least two pairing options (but the more pairings the better), to make matching you up easier, and to keep the grey hairs off of your mods’ heads. Match-ups will be based on the pairings, and we will try to match folks up based on likes/dislikes, but we make no promises.

Just because this is a relationship challenge, your pairings or your likes DO NOT have to involve teh sexeh. Established relationship/domestic bliss is also a great thing, as are close friendships.

And probably the most important thing: respect the punctuation! That’s right – if there’s not a slash in between the pairing your recipient has requested, please don’t make the relationship a romantic one. And vice versa. To be perfectly plain: Neal/Peter means they’re datin’ or screwin’ or about to; Neal&Peter means they’re just buds.


THE ROUND 2 SCHEDULE

Signups open: Now!
Signups close: April 15
Assignments out: By April 19
Posting Dates Sign-up: May 1
Mandatory check-in: May 15
Posting starts: June 3

Regarding posting dates. This year, you get to pick your posting date and it's first come, first served. We expect you to stick to that date, but we are not without compassion. If you find that you can't finish by your date, but you will be able to post within a few days, please let us know. We want every post to have a full day to be appreciated, but we are not heartless either.

THE OTHER CRAP

Are there minimums?
The minimum word count for stories is 1,000 words. There is no upper limit.
Borrowing a bit from H/C Bingo on the artistic stuff:
Art - medium sized (at least 320x240)
Icons - set of 20
Picspam - 20 pics plus captions
Vids - 30 seconds

Note: If anyone who’s done art challenges can recommend better/more accepted minimums, please guide us - we're a bit clueless on that score, but willing to learn.

Can I write/request RPF?
No, not this year.

Can I write/request Gen?
But of course. But what do we mean by that? In the context of this community, “Gen” means that the fic is NOT centered on teh sexeh, but the work must still focus on the relationship. And, to your mods, canon pairings count as Gen. Remember to include a comfort rating in your signup.

Can I write/request a crossover?
Yes, you can. But it will not be a criterion for matching author with prompter.

What is your spoiler policy?
Anything for Seasons 1 through 4 is fair game. If you've not yet seen all seasons, indicate so in your sign-up so you won't be spoiled by your fill.

Do I need a beta?
That’s between you and your god/goddess, but if you need one, we’ll post a beta pimp entry where you can post your request/offer to beta. Beta volunteers, of course, will be sent boatloads of virtual cookies and cherries.

Do I have to check in on or by May 15?
Yes – if you don’t, we’ll assume you’re unable to complete your assignment, and try to find a pinch hitter.

What happens if I can't make my deadline?
Hey – this is not a Big Bang, you can write 1,000 words in six weeks, can’t you? But in the event that you cannot, please let the mods know as soon as possible. Anyone who defaults is banned from future participation. Anyone who defaulted last year is also banned (you know who you are).

If you must back out, please PM one of the mods; don't simply comment in your signup post or delete it, thinking that the mods will take notice.

Can I post my work on my LJ/DW/Ao3/website etc.?
Of course! In fact, we encourage it – post to your own journal and provide a link here (with appropriate headers and warnings, SVP). Just please make sure it is not f-locked, or does not require an account on the site to view your work.

Can I join the community?
Not only can you join, you should! If you are participating, it’s imperative that you join so that you will receive updates and notices for checking, and can post your fill.

Who do I send my fic to?
You don’t need to do that this year. Since this isn’t a double blind challenge, you will be able to post it or a link to it directly to the comm on your posting date.

What if I have more questions?
Comment to this post and we'll get back to you with the answers as soon as we can! Or send an email or PM to the ever friendly and always helpful mods.: elrhiarhodan (email: elrhiarhodan1 at gmail dot com) and rabidchild67 (rabidchild67 at yahoo dot com).


Now, go forth and sign up here!