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 Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:02 am
❝ Guildfests ❞
Celebrating Creativity Together
About Wizarding World of Gaia Fests
Fests are organized celebrations of a particular character, pairing, or group; they encourage an outpouring of appreciation, discussion, fanfiction, fanart, and graphics for their subject matter, and often host contests or challenges to inspire fest participants. Fests typically last anywhere from a week to an entire month.
There are several annual fests that the Wizarding World of Gaia hosts. Among these fests include “Necessary Sacrifice,” a Snape-based fest in May; the Unloved Character Fest in April; “********,” the Emo!Regulus Black fest during November; and Joshfest, a Joshua Vulnero fest that takes place during October. For the entire list of annual fests, see the Annual Fest List.
There are also sporadic, single-launch fests that happen throughout the year.
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Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:25 am
Hosting a Fest
The Honest Basics
Fests do not necessarily require approval, but they are required to uphold certain standards. These standards help ensure all fests are successful and enjoyed, and that participants and hosts alike have the foundation necessary for a creative, fun event.
Planning a fest is not a simple matter. It requires ample preparation, both in terms of the event itself and the thread set-up. Also, fests that do not offer some kind of goal or reward often splutter; so accumulating relevant prizes before considering a fest is also a good idea.
First of all, you must consider if the subject of your fest will be well-received. For example, fests for original characters may not be a good idea unless the original character is popular, or frequently discussed around the guild; nothing could be more disheartening than creating a fest for a personally beloved OC and having it flop because no one knows who they are. If you are nervous about such a lack of reception, try “pimping” your character - frequently submitting fanfiction and art involving them, offering them up for roleplay scenes, and engaging other characters through profile comments or similar means. The same can be said for pairings or even canon characters that aren’t a big hit with other guild members. Involvement breeds interest.
Secondly, you must consider how to make your event engaging. Simply asking participants to submit fanworks is in poor taste - instead, encourage it through prompts, contests, and challenges. Be creative in your competitions, make them unique and inspiring.
Then you must set a schedule for the event itself. If there are multiple contests, how long with each one run, and when will winners be announced and prizes given? When will one end and another begin? Will allowing them to overlap be harmful, or helpful, to overall participation?
One of the last - and arguably most important - aspects of hosting a fest to consider is the thread itself. An organized, decorated thread can draw in even uncertain posters. In your introduction, introduce the fest’s subject matter in the same way you would try to sell them - verbally draw attention to their flattering attributes and convince posters that they should want to celebrate the subject matter too. Organize the thread so that it is straight-forward and easy-to-read, with rules and the conditions of your contests/challenges/etc clearly stated to prevent confusion and frustration. Doctor your thread with cohesive graphics that tie all of your posts together. Provide all the necessary information in one place - never make the arrogant mistake of saying “check so and so’s profile for their history” or “search the Big Desk Guild Livejournal Community for that fanfiction I wrote about their background.” Link everything, elaborate on everything, right then and there.
Lastly, to host a successful fest, you are going to have to advertise, and remain active. Even diehard shippers will abandon fests about their favorite ship if they become distracted or feel as though no one else is involved. Respond to every post, provide signature banners, encourage those not involved to get involved - don’t expect your fest to breathe on its own. You, the host, are its lifeblood, and if you’re not moving, neither will the fest.
The TL;DR Version
• Fests are only fun if the subject matter is something familiar.
• Make it worthwhile. Host contests, list prompts, give prizes.
• Set a schedule for your fest's events.
• Design a pretty, informative thread.
• Be active and advertise.
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