THE RULES – ROUND 2

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 a story for another person, who in turn will write a story for another person. Sign up, provide us with some prompts and a list of your likes/dislikes, and when you get your assignment, start writing.

All assignments will be anonymous – that’s half the fun!



THE BASICS

If you’re requesting a fic, it’s assumed that you’re able and willing to write a fic in return. You can request a fic about any character pairing, as long as those characters are established in canon (no OCs). Want to feel the Hughes/Jones love? Hey, we don’t judge. Just feeling some Diana/El? Yeah! Heck, even enemies constitute a relationship, so get your Neal-Keller ya-yas out! Crossovers are also allowed (but this year, no RPS/RPF).

A difference from last year is that we are calling out a focus on relationships so yes, Gen fans, friendship fics are wanted and adored. However, this is a mixed community, where lovers of slash, OT3 and Gen can enjoy reading and writing stories centered on relationships, and well, a lot of relationship 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...

All assignments will be given anonymously. Unlike in Round 1, this is NOT a double-blind challenge. You will know who you're writing for. We have implemented this change because of the difficulty in maintaining the double-blind status. If we migrate to Ao3 next year, it will be easier.

Your fic should be at least 800 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.

Because this is a community challenge, please don't post your story anywhere but your journal (and the entry link on the comm) before the challenge is over. After all of the fics are posted, you’re free to post elsewhere.

THE PROMPTS

Please provide 5-10 prompts to give your authors a selection to choose from. Authors – you only have to write ONE story, and you can combine prompts and write extras, but you are not obligated to write any more than ONE story for ONE prompt.

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

You can be as detailed or vague as you want when filling out your prompt. Your fic giver will do her/his best in fulfilling your wishes, but remember, leave some room for artistic license.

THE ROUND 2 SCHEDULE

Signups open: Now!
Signups close: April 25
Assignments out: Week of May 1
Due dates posted: May 10
Posting starts: July 1

Check In Dates:
May 12 – Mandatory - To confirm receipt of prompts and due date
June 1 – Voluntary - Just to make sure you’re alive
June 15 – Mandatory - Last day to drop out without penalty
June 25 – Mandatory - First drafts due (even if they aren’t done, we want to know if you’re having problems and be able to provide assistance if needed)


THE OTHER CRAP

What is the word count minimum?
The minimum word count for all fiction is 800 words. There is no upper limit.

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 there still should be something about a relationship in the fic. 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 3 is fair game. To be fair to the spoilerphobes, please don’t use anything you may have learned about Season 4 until after the season has started (presuming the new season begins in early June), and then limit it to the episodes aired in the US.

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.

What happens if I can't make the deadlines?

Then you need to let us know as soon as you can. This is why we now have voluntary and mandatory check in dates (something stolen from the Big Bangs). If you miss the mandatory check-ins, we will presume you are defaulting and assign a pinch hitter. You will be banned from future participation. Whatever you do, don't simply comment in your signup post or delete it, thinking that the mods will take notice. Last year, we were proactive and captured the signup data as it came in, and had no clue that someone had dropped out until they sent an email several days after the assignments were made. The person had simply deleted their signup post and didn't email either Auntie RC or Evil Elr. This led to much frustration and teeth-gnashing.

Can I post my story on my LJ/DW/Ao3/website etc?
Of course! In fact, we encourage it – post to your own journal and provide a link (with appropriate headers and warnings, right?) here.

Can I join the community?

Not only can you join, you should! If you are participating, it’s imperative that 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 Round 2 isn’t a double blind challenge, you will be able to post it directly to the comm on your assigned 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 forthe and sign up here!