Hey, everyone.

As the older hands among you will know, every so often the cash to run this forum runs out and we have to launch a fundraiser. The last fundraiser was back in 2006, as I recall, so thankfully we don't have to do it very often. Cash goes a long way in this fandom.

But, we're at that point again, so we're now looking for ideas on what form the fundraiser will take. In the past, we've had many different fundraising events, but this time we want to keep it as simple as possible.

We've already had someone suggest a story auction: Authors would donate their time and talent to offer a 1000-word fic to the highest bidder, who could have the author write the prompt of their choice. Or people could offer drabbles (100-word ficlets) for $5 a time. Or icons, or fic banners, or videos or whatever.

We also have a small number of donated LNC/fandom items which could also be auctioned/presented as incentives to the highest bidder or donors.

Other than that - we're keen to hear any suggestions on what form this could take.

Over to you! We have an extraordinary pool of talent in this fandom. From authors to video makers to artists. Let's get together and ensure the fun times continue here on our wonderful playground for many years to come!

Writing and reading fanfic is what we do best, so it seems logical to use those skills to raise money for the site. I'm assuming there would be no issues with copyright because the authors wouldn't be directly benefiting from their stories.

If we decide to hold an author auction, I'm willing to write a 1000 word story.

Corrina.

ETA - just had another idea along similar lines. An author could write a first chapter. Then the readers could bid for the right to direct where the story goes next. This might only happen once (for a two-parter) or multiple times depending on the willingness of the writer to continue. The end result could be and a surprise to everyone, including the author.

The fanfic idea could be offered up as part of one of the crowd-funding sites. A short story (200-500) for level one, (500-1000) for two, etc. Indiegogo or a similar site.

I'm not quite ready to offer my services considering my track record on getting fics out in a timely manner (I haven't had prompts but I've had whole prompt/challenges that weren't for other people languish and still never get posted.)

Another possibility: Authors could each donate a new story of whatever length and on whatever L&C-related topic they wish. The stories could be assembled in an anthology which could be given to anyone who provides a specified minimum donation. This would keep authors from feeling pressure to produce to a set word count and to avoid worry about possibly not being able to come up with a story to fit specific prompts.

I'm game to try my hand at a drabble (love the word) or a short (1000 word max) story.

How would donations be made? Would a PayPal account be set up to receive them?

Joy,
Lynn

I agree completely with Corrina, here. Include having me available to write a story. I'd need clarification on whether this would be a collaboration with the highest bidder (discussing the plot with them and where it would go), or more of a (for example) "write a story where Lois finds herself pregnant but can't recall being intimate with anyone in the past year." (And, yes, that is more of a SR prequel storyline due to the memory wipe kiss implication.) Or would that be something determined by the writer and bidder?

A guesstimate taken from the next part of WC shows that 1000 words would be for me roughly about 3 double spaced pages worth. A challenge, indeed. Unlike the great Lynn S.M., limiting some of us to a mere 1000 words on a given subject might be worth a high bid just to make us sweat. Writing only 100 words on demand is unfathomable (but not impossible), unless I was trying for poetry. Given that I haven't written any poetry since before the turn of the millennium, the result would be highly cheesy at best.

Corrina, you challenge us as writers. Would this be like a "choose your own adventure" type choice, where the author suggests 5 possible scenarios and the highest bid wins? Or would this be the highest bid would then direct the writer where the second chapter (and possibly the end of the story) goes?

Another option could be that one writer pens the first chapter and other writers bid to the right to write the second chapter. A Chapter total could be decided upon at the beginning of the auction. Let's say, it's a 5 part story would then have 5 different authors. Of course, it wouldn't be a quick turnaround for a fundraiser unless the writers bid before the story has been written. For example: Female Hawk has a idea on how to start a WAFFy romance, but no idea where she would take it. She would pay a set $5 fee to write the initial chapter, pick the characters, and tone, then auction off writing Ch 2-5. I could then bid on Ch 2, Writer X Ch 3, Writer B Ch 4, Writer M Ch 5. Corrina then when she completed her first chapter would post it and it would be up to me to write the second (and take the story in any direction I choose in the theme of "WAFFy Romance") and post it in a timely fashion, and so on.

So often, readers speculate about a story and take it to areas I hadn't even considered. I wasn't thinking 'choose you own adventure', more the readers speculate as usual and then bid for the right to have their idea written into the story.

I'm liking lots of the writing ideas so far.

Another fun idea - bid to be included as a guest character in the author's next fic? Could even specify the type of role. (Uh oh, why am I imagining lots of requests to be Clark's girlfriend…) Back in my old Star Wars writing group, we'd once in a while surprise a friend by giving them a cameo role in a fic, people seemed to like that.

Wow at the responses so far, I knew we'd be able to count on you all and the ideas are wonderful.

In the past we've done the anthology road, where a certain amount gave you the fanfic's collected a full year before they were posted for all.

I'm also a part of the Twilight fanfic groups and they hold fundraisers often for other Twihards that have fallen on hard times (I can't believe I forgot to tell this one to Labby - who I thank for taking the lead on this for me. I do have a fear of public speaking or getting the ball rolling on this stuff. I does make me uncomfortable to ask for donations, as it were.)

Anyway, what the Twihards have done is the first chapter or two would be given to those who donate and then six months later the authors would start posting their new fanfic, starting with the chapters the donors received, and then continued on with the fanfic. I can't tell you how many times I've been left hanging - they too have been blessed with wonderfully talented writers.

Another option would be creating a tee or sweatshirt with the phrase, "It's a Fanfic Thing, You Wouldn't Understand." I recently participated in "It's a Dean Cain Thing, You Wouldn't Understand."



Anyway, what it comes down to is thank you very much for the suggestions. Please keep them coming.

Once we know what we'd like to do then we need to start putting dates around this.

Great ideas everyone! Don't forget that some of us have more money than talent, so a direct monetary donation shouldn't be ignored.
How about "Pay your favorite writer" challenge. I'd pay for any story from Tank. I'd pay more if it somehow involved a character named "Artemis" and the funnier the better.

Artemis

*peeks in, looks around and wonders if anyone still remembers her*

Hello!!

It's wonderful to see how many fantastic ideas have been suggested so far. FoLCs have always been so generous when it's come to fundraisers to keep our favourite sites going - only fair when we consider the generosity of those who volunteer many hours a week of their time to run, maintain, repair and improve all the big websites in FoLCdom, including the Archive and these boards. A huge shoutout here, by the way, to LabRat and Lauren of the Archive, Annette and all the mods on these boards, Tricia and the rest of the Kerths team, and many more.

You all have had some wonderful suggestions on the fic side. I actually organised both paper and electronic fic zines in the past for fundraisers, so I can say paper bad - expensive! - electronic okay, but there are still distribution costs. However, if anyone would like to go that route, I'm happy to share what I learned from previous experience. I still have files on my computer from those fundraisers.

A couple of other ideas to add to what's been said: in other fundraisers over on LiveJournal I've seen and been peripherally involved in, other types of fanwork have been very popular. Here's some thoughts there:

• icons/avatars
• fic banners
• headers or other artwork for a blog or web page
• podfic - ie someone reads your fic aloud and records it
• original art, either on paper or electronic

I know there are very talented FoLC who do things other than writing, so what about some of these?


Wendy

I'd pay money for someone to design me a personalized avatar (since I still don't have one -- I couldn't get it to work in the beginning and then have been too busy / lazy to attempt again). It might be fun to see what original LnC avatars people can come up with. (I keep trying to explain to my kids the difference between being creative with words and being creative with art. "I draw pictures with my words," and they look at me like Frozen trolls who've just been told Anna is engaged to someone else, other than Christoph. Apparently, I cannot get them to believe I'm artistically challenged.)

I could probably make an avatar. I make avatars all the time of varying subjects. I've made hundreds upon hundreds of avatars. Sometimes I'll make a whole collection of avatars then post them on one of the forums I visit for others to use if they wish. Several people are using an avatar I made on one of those forums right now.

Speaking of people who I would pay irresponsible amounts of money to read fic from... Remember you? You're a bloody legend!

With some great fundraising ideas, too. Even I - the eternal procrastinator - could probably work up 1000 words for a good cause, but I know for a fact that I could contribute icons, banners, gifs, ect!

As someone who joined after the 2006 event, could you enlighten us newbies about the timeline for this Lucre & Cash event? Week, Month, Months?

Great thread, wonderful ideas! I'm definitely one of the newbies...and I definitely do not have any amazing technical abilities (see the blank area around my name to the left here....um, yeah. Never could figure out the whole avatar thing )

-Sending in a monetary donation would be of interest, also....as much fun and entertainment that I've gained from this site--yeah, totally worth it

Definitely wanting to help,
Laura

Shallowford (and all), we don't have a timeline set up yet, but you can be sure that once we get our ducks in a row, you will all hear about it. Right now, several of us "old timers" (heh) who have worked on past fundraisers are gathering info and trying to nail down the details. Once we figure out exactly how much needs to be raised, and on what sort of schedule, we can determine how all this will look. So we really appreciate the suggestions and feedback as we work through the process!

Kathy (feeling like a true old timer as I think back on how long I've been involved with this awesome group. )

One more bit of randomness that just popped into my head:

--What about fans paying to be included into a 'dedication' or 'sponsorship' of a new story?

Meaning, Writer A posts some sort of 'letter of intent' on the boards stating that they are going to be writing a new story to either post on the board/post into the Archive/include in an anthology (whatever the chosen method was going to be for this fundraising project). Being a huge fan of Writer A, I then send whatever the amount of money it required in to the fundraising project to be a 'sponsor/included in dedication' for this particular story. Writer A then writes whatever story they stated previously in their 'letter of intent'. Then when the story is ready to be presented to the masses (on the boards, Archive, or anthology), at the beginning of the story there is something written to include everyone who has donated to 'fund' that story--'dedicated to A, B, C, and D for their support benefitting our fandom/etc' or 'sponsored by our lovely folcs--A, B, C, and D who helped to make this story possible.'

It could be a way for the writers to have creative liberties and donate their time, and for the readers to donate their pocketbooks (and be connected forever to a story and an author they really admire )...

Laura

Would someone come up with some sort of shirt with Superman and Ultra Woman? Considering the "super-pairing" stuff is in vogue I thought it might be a nice alternative (and something I'd put money in for).

As most know, I recently produced an epub and a .mobi of the current Kerth nominated fics.

For a small donation to the L&C committee I will convert any story, series of stories by a particular author or collection of stories on a similar theme that the individual desires. You provide the titles – I provide the compilation. This doesn’t have to be just to the highest bidder, I will do compilations for as many donors as would like them.

As a bonus, I will throw in a new compilation of the 2014 Kerth winning stories, once the winners have been announced.

This is an opportunity to have a compilation of your chosen stories in a format so that they can be read to you by your Kindle device.

"We have the technology, we have the talent. It's Milla time!" Ghostbusters

Hi Arte,

You know I have worked Artemis into a couple of mine and also a story I beta'd "A T-Shirt Revelation" Do they count?

I love this idea! Green-Eyed Monster and Missing Lois could use some artwork. Labby, would you be able to link the finished product to the stories on the Archive?

I could finally replace my Dilbert one.

Would there be legal repercussions if we were to have physical objects as premiums? Warner Bros and DC Comics are currently turning a blind eye to fanfic, but if we were to start using their intellectual property on shirts, mugs, etc., might they not be more likely to put their foot down?

I like all of the ideas mentioned in this thread, but I would hate to see the MB closed because of a fundraising attempt. I hope I'm just being a little overly cautious, but I thought it worth bringing up this concern.

Joy,
Lynn

What about something non-specific, that doesn't use any copywrited images, but instead uses an original slogan? Such as (from the top of my head):

"LnC:NAoS - FanFiction: 20 years long and still super strong" /Although, I know technically, the show's FanFiction probably started before the end of the show./

"LnC:NAoS - FanFiction: Don't knock a man with glasses; you never know what secrets he may be hiding./

"FanFiction: After 20 years, my superhero can still beat up your superhero, but he's chooses to be better than that."

"FanFiction: I spend my free time saving the world. What do you do?"

"Psst: I have a secret identity. I write FanFiction."

"Psst: I have a secret identity. I read FanFiction."

***

I'm trying to think of good Lois Lane ones, which are specific to her but are still vague enough to pass censors. All I've come up with is:

"Chocolate and Coffee: the fuel of all great writers."

"Strong women don't need a superhero to back her up, but it doesn't hurt to have one on speed dial."

"I prefer Chocolate to Rocky Road. Ask me why?"

Any other ideas?

I don't know about intellectual property and things like T-shirts etc - I know that CafePress has lots of fan-designed items related to TV shows etc, but maybe we don't want to take that risk?

However, I have seen some absolutely fabulous ideas on this thread, and I'm sure there would be demand for things such as cover art for fic (I've had that done for fic in other fandoms and I love the results), and converting fic to high-quality e-books - KenJ, what an amazing idea!

Cape Fetish, thank you so much for your lovely comment! Unfortunately, I haven't written in the L&C fandom since around 2007 and I don't think I could any more - I haven't even watched an episode for longer than that. So I honestly don't think I could offer fic, and even if I somehow had my arm twisted I'm afraid that the results would be disappointing However, I'm looking out for a way I can help with this effort

Keep the ideas coming, guys! I'm loving what I'm reading - and the more the better, because if we can raise enough money we'll be able to set aside reserve funds to pay for hosting of this and the other sites managed by Annette for several years, which would be wonderful.


Wendy

OMG--great ideas, Virginia....love them all!


...especially:

Virginia, you've come up with some super slogans.

Wendy, I am thrilled that you decided to chime in. It gives me the opportunity to thank you for all of your fantastic fanfic. Your writing has given me many pleasant hours of reading. I know I am far from alone in this. I hope you change your mind and do decide to pen (keyboard?) more fanfic, but even if you never write another word in this fandom, your contribution has been tremendous. Thank you.

Joy,
Lynn

How about this for a Lois slogan?

Who needz to spell propperly? That's what editers are four.

Joy,
Lynn

or 'that's what partners are for' --since Clark always likes to edit Lois' copy ...

Agree wholeheartedly with Lynn's words about all of your wonderful stories, Wendy. I've read--and enjoyed--so so many of them

Laura

Okay, I've sat back and glanced over some of the ideas and have to say that most of them have a lot of potential.
As for me, Artemis, you're on. I'll try to have something for you in the next few weeks.
As for my long lost Beta and writing partner in crime.
I'm willing to revive the Wendy and Tank Challenge if you are. I'll even volunteer to write to opener the get your L&C juices restarted... or if you'd rather start, I'm open to that to.
The fact that this fandom has remained so strong over such a long period of time says more about the people involved in it than it does the show itself.

Tank (who is also willing to just donate a few shekels once we know the method to do so)

We need an "Evil Writer" shirt/mug/what have you, for those of us who delight in torturing our characters and/or readers.

Other slogan ideas:

"I'd rather be writing fanfiction."

"I'd rather be reading fanfiction."

"You tore me out of my story for this???"

Good ideas, DC. Or how about, "Will write for FDK"?

Joy,
Lynn

I think Zazzle has better quality then CafePress at the moment. Setting up a store on a site like that to get a continuous trickle of money seems like a good idea. Having it be aimed at the L&C fanfic community to cover the archive and the message boards seems like the way to go instead of using images of the characters.

Having a fundraiser to get a chunk of cash to last until we see how much that brings in makes sense also.

Plus the slogans that Deadly Chakram mentioned could work for any fandom, and so they might draw in a lot more funds than L&C-specific ones would. If we went the Zazzle or Cafe Press route, the merchandise would reach a much larger audience than anything limited to the MB would.

Joy,
Lynn

My thoughts too, Lynn. Plus, it side-steps the whole, potentially messy, copyright issue.

I am quite keen on the t-shirt/sweat shirt idea so long as we don't use trademarked material.

The site I was looking into to using is

http://teespring.com/

They are specifically easy to use for fundraisers. They do not take any money up front but rely on sales. We tell them how much we want to net from the proceeds then they come back and tell us the price per item and how many items we need to sell to make our goal.

Anyway, please look for a new post from either Labby or myself that will explain what is needed within the next month or so and what we'd like to raise to keep the boards running now and for the future.

Here's a sample. This shows the base price that they would charge.

If anyone wants to create a graphic with one of the aforementioned slogans they accepts those as well.

LMA and Lynn: Thank you.

Genius!

I've created a separate thread to keep these ideas coming and not clog up this thread: Slogans for Fundraising Swag . Maybe we can make a poll and narrow down the list to our top favorites to use for the fundraiser.

Annette, would they be able to do a blue t-shirt with red lettering outlined in yellow?

Oh yeah, there are different options. Go to the main page and start a campaign to see what you can do. You don't need to follow through the whole process.

Is there an account set up where we could just donate?

Working on it! Watch this space

Loving all these ideas.

I can offer my artistic services. I've done desktops, icons and story banners for Smallville for years. See here for examples

A little bit of incentive and I can do the same for LnC.

I like the idea of writing for donations. I'd be happy to go in search of my lost muse if we end up going that way.

Then again, I was also going to ask about how to make a direct donation but I see IolantheAlias raised that question a few posts up.

Bob

Zazzle and CafePress don't require any money up front. The downside is that since the shirts are print on demand the base cost is higher. You can also get POD tons of other stuff like mugs, mouse pads, notebooks, clocks etc. The T spring we should get commitments for enough shirts to at least break even before printing them I'd say.

By listening to my own creation, I found some problems with the previous .mobi that I created and I now know how to correct it.

So that I have a better example of what I am talking about, I have edited a story and its sequel from a particular author into a single file.

It has been sent to the author to get approval on the work. Once aproved and assuming I have the author's permission, I will offer it as a premium for a donation to the MBS.

Later I will reveal the titles/author.

From another "old timer." (I can't be old enough to be an old timer, can I??)

I'm eternally grateful to be a part of this fandom (even though it's been a while since I've participated)! And I'm delighted that it's still here and kickin' after all this time.

I love these! (And some of the other slogans I've been seeing in the other thread, too.)

I'm totally down for the swag!!

I'm also *gulp* willing to write something if anyone would even be interested.

KSaraSara aka Sara Kraft

Okay,

I have been in communication with the author in question and an agreement has been made.

If you are making a request for something other than Bob's two stories, simply put mobi in the subject line and give me the list of stories you are interested in.

That's a very generous offer, Ken! Thank you very much. And I would add that I don't think it's unreasonable or difficult for someone to send you proof of a donation. There are a couple of easy ways of doing it without revealing identifying information:

On the donation confirmation page:

- hit print screen, open up Paint or another image editing program, and click Paste. Use a black pen in the image editor to draw over things such as name and address. Save; attach the file to your email.

- if you have a Microsoft operating system, find the Snipping Tool (it should be in Accessories). When the tool opens, you're ready to go: use the mouse to select the area you want to copy. When the copied area appears in the snipping tool, click Tools, then Pen, and draw over anything you want to hide. Save the snip and attach it to your email - or just paste it into the email.

And, once the PayPal site is up and running, we'll post the link.

Thanks to everyone for your enthusiasm, creativity and generosity so far!!

Wendy

Thank you Wendy! That is very generous of you!

I too have no problem with Ken doing whatever magic he does with any of my stories. Once they've been posted either on the archive or even on these boards I consider them open to the public in any form.

Tank (who hopes that donations aren't going to be exclusive to a paypal set up since that is a methodology that he does not support)

I have no problems with mine being available for epub or mobi either.

I would be honoured if anyone liked my work enough either to request that it be used or to do anything with it (compile it for e-readers, make an audio recording, or anything else). I give my permission for my work to be used in whatever capacity might be desired for this fund-raising effort.

Joy,
Lynn

*waves to Tank*

Hi, old writing/sparring partner!

I believe that it will also be possible to use good old-fashioned cheques - it'll probably just be a matter of contacting the fundraising treasurer privately to get an address. All of this stuff should be figured out very soon and there'll be a new post with all the details

Wendy

I just wanted to send a thanks to Ken for picking Skyfall/Return as his pilot project. I am honored that he picked this set as the pilot. I'm happy to agree to his plan and gladly give my permission for any of my other works to be available for fundraising conversion.

Bob

Hi Ken!

I'd like to nominate Nan's Home-Series as a complete cycle.

Michael

Michael,

I already suggested that. I have it in process already, just in case someone requests it.

Ken, if you want to do that with any of my stories, to raise funds for this fandom, feel free.

Nan

Tank:
Awesome Tank! I look forward to it!

Also I'm with you on the no paypal issue. I've never used it and never intend to. Must be because I'm from Minnesota too.

I'm thinking physical checks to somewhere or a credit card to a secure site. Although with recent events on the https issue that might be a problem.

And yes, Ken, I'd donate for you too. Especially since you made me look like a warrior princess. [For those of you who haven't read it, the reference is for Lori on New Krypton with her bow and arrow. By the way, in a past life I did do archery.]

Also, how would we do the donating? Mention the amount in a thread or just silently send on the money? (I'm in favor of the latter.)

on to the party!
Artemis

No reason to mention what you've donated in the thread, Artemis.

I understand that details of where to send donations is imminent and should be posted by the middle of the week.

LabRat

Thanks for the word, LabRat. That's what I was thinking. It's been a long time since the last fundraiser and definitely worth a new one.
regards
Artemis

Ken, if you get a big overwhelmed with requests for anthology files, I can pitch in and help. I've actually been making fanfic series into anthologies for my own reading anyway, so my Kindle isn't too difficult to navigate.

My software can also convert things into epub and a few other formats. Just let me know if I can help!

I have no problem with writing a check either. Have been royally burned by PenPal!

Ken, feel free to use one of my stories for the fundraiser!

Just to keep you all posted, we have set up a PayPal account for the boards, and are now finalizing the details on how to send physical checks. So both options will be available.

Stay tuned for an announcement (probably in a new thread) with all the details on how to donate.

Thanks for all your enthusiasm! It's really wonderful to see how our fandom pulls together even after all these years.

Kathy

Speaking as a European, I'd rather just donate a fixed amount of money than buy anything to support our boards. Why, you ask? Because shipping is expensive. And I'd rather donate 20 bucks to the site than donate 10 $ (by buying some shirt) and pay 30 for doing so.

However... if shipping cost can be reduced to a minimum, I'd be willing to contribute in a way I feel comfortable with. Remember the S-shield friendship bracelet? Hint: it looked like this:

I could do some shorter versions as keychain pendants if we actually do this auction thing.

Can't imagine it'll be required, but you absolutely have permission to use my stories, Ken. Thanks for donating your time to help us out.

LabRat

Those are awesome! I would be tempted to buy one. Or two. Or...<shrugs>

Actually...something that light could probably just be sent in a normal envelope, reducing the cost, I would imagine.

Yes, that would help immensely with reducing the cost. Although I still wouldn't want to send too many envelopes...

However, what you see in the pic is not the keychain pendant, but the full bracelet. The keychain would have only one of these S-shields and a little bit of blue around.

Hey, guys!

Regarding the physical payment option, please go take the poll if you'd like to have this option! I'm trying to decide if it's worth spending money on a P.O. Box or not. If it's only a handful of ya, then I feel a bit more comfortable about handing out my address via PM.

Thanks!

Sara

Oh, yeah, I figured the keychain would be different. I do love the style though.

I donated an amount I won't specify, but the story around it is too good to keep to myself.

I grow aloe vera plants in my garden, and the things reproduce readily. As such, every couple of years I separate them and try to find a way to dispose of the extras (which are many). This year, I decided to advertise them on Craigslist and see if anyone wanted to buy them. A buyer showed up, wearing a Superman t-shirt and stoned out of his mind (luckily, he wasn't driving). He said he wanted them because they were green like Kryptonite (the gel does in fact appear to glow when placed in a clear container and set in the sun, though otherwise, they're spiny green plants with reddish flowers on long stalks). Anyhow, he bought all three cartons of plants I'd amassed, put them in the back of his truck, and left (the driver kept looking at me like "I'm sorry this person is so weird"). The whole transaction was weird, but it was also funny, and because of the Superman connection, I decided to donate the proceeds here.

That's fantastic, Annie! Thanks so much for sharing - and for your donation

Wendy

That's awesome, Annie! Thank you for donating the proceeds from Kryptonite. Let's hope he's using it for good and not evil. <G>

LOL, Annie! That's awesome, and thanks!

That's hysterical!

To cover all the updates as of late:

Poll for swag slogans.

Poll for "You Know You\'re an Evil Writer When…" (which, IIRC, is up for a swag slogan?).

Go raise your hand here if you want to be counted for physical payment option.

Didya all notice the new Fanworks Auctions folder ? This is where the bidding will happen. It's open now for posting offers - you can read the posting guidelines here . The posts will not be open for replies or bids until the bidding starts - you can read the timelines here (as soon as they're finalized). You can read the bidding guidelines here .

EDITED: And here's the most important link to click right now. Please head over that way to leave some input as to the timing of the auction! We could really use your feedback!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Sara

I know that we know this, and all, but you might want to add a nice disclaimer thingy to the donation page noting out right that none of the funds will be going to writers for their FanFiction. Better safe than sorry.

From the donation page:

"The funds we raise will go to pay for the much needed upgrade to the boards (to be done by the UBB people) and to pay for hosting of the various websites related to the boards such as www.nfanfic.net and www.kerthawards.com."

I don't know why anyone would get the idea that we pay authors for fanfic. It's never been done in our fandom, and it's not like we'd get people contributing who are unfamiliar with us.

Is this actually an issue in other fandoms?

Kathy

Hi Ken,

You can do with any of my stories as you will if there's interest.

Irene Dutch
P.S. Made my donation and love the thermometer showing how much has been raised vs what is required. Also, Annie, what a great story!
P.P.S. Lara, I've already made a donation but would love an opportunity to buy a key fob with the shield. It looks great!

I agree with Virginia that an explicit disclaimer about the funds would be a good idea. Not for us, but for outsiders who might get the wrong idea and run out screaming into the blogsphere. One never knows who gets cracked ideas these days.
LOL on the Aloe Vera plants. Maybe he'll have really soft skin.

Artemis

Yes, I saw that disclaimer, but since some of the "for auction" items are stories and ebooks of fanfiction, I thought it would be best if we stated it outright that none of the funds would be going to the authors. Dummy proof it for those big lawyers types who don't really care about us little guys, and are likely to jump on *any* implication of wrongdoing or trademark infringement. Maybe I'm being more Lois-cynical than Clark-trusting, but better safe than sorry.

I wouldn't know about this as this is the only fansite I visit.

Yes, Artemis, this is exactly the type of thing I meant.

Great minds think alike! Or is it experienced minds?

Artemis

If any of the good betas out there are willing, I would probably bid on a beta job for a short story (within so many K words), too. I mean, I *could* ask my current betas to beta my short stories as well, but I fear I'm already working them to death on Wrong Clark and I don't want to push my luck.

Hi Virginia,

I know that our definitions of "short story" differ greatly , but if your story were, say, 25,000 words or less, I'd be happy to put it through the "Lynn shredder" (as a grad school colleague and dear friend of mine called my editing) for a donation to the site.

I have stopped BR-ing new stories for a while because things are getting busy at work, but I'd be glad to make an exception for a cause as worthy as donating to the maintenance of this site.

Joy,
Lynn

Being that I'm working on the epic that will not end (

I double checked (as I was writing up my own short story auction piece) and "Fireworks" the longest short story I've written was just over 16K, and that was definitely on the longer side of my distraction limit. I tend to write one part stories, three-parts stories, or epics (25+ part stories). I'd still like to master the mid-length story (5-15 Part story) one of these days, but, alas, that won't be in the foreseeable future.

Let me know via email or PM on the details and we'll set this up. Thanks a million, Lynn!

Believe it or not, some fandoms do occasionally have problems with people making money on their fanfics. Since this is illegal without the permission of the owner of the intellectual property (such as fanfics published via Amazon Worlds), this can get people (and sites) into trouble. That's why so many fansites have disclaimers stating that they make no money. I have a disclaimer on my fanfic site. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Virginia, I PM-ed you with the e-mail address I use for anything FoLC-related.

Joy,
Lynn

Disclaimer updated.

LnC Boards Donation Page

Thank you. My paranoid self feels much better.

Looks good, but I'm waiting for somewhere to send a real check.
regards
Artemis

Artemis, Tank, Morgana, and anyone else wanting to pay by physical check, please give me a PM to get the address!

Thanks,
Sara

I love all of the ideas that have been suggested for fundraising! I unfortunately won't be able to contribute anything product-wise to this because of all my current time constraints. I do have a couple of other questions though (haven't read every comment, keep in mind)--

1. Isn't there going to be some sort of copyright issues that come up with this? Essentially "selling" fanart or fanfiction might be encroaching a bit close on some CP laws. Makes me just a little bit anxious....

2. I really like the idea of selling t-shirts or other things with phrases on them. Seems like a safer way to go-- and it's definitely something I'd be interested in buying! (I've got a shopping problem...) When will those be going up, and where specifically? I know there's been a couple of categories added, but it doesn't seem like those would really fit them. Are they going to be run through a third party site like Zazzle or something?

Just some thoughts. Keep me posted.

We're not selling anything. Fans are offering their creativity in providing transformative works in return for a donation. That's the same principle as when you donate to some charities - over a certain amount will sometimes get you a gift.

There have been many auctions similar to this, most taking place in far more public arenas, without any kind of problem. And we have a clear disclaimer on the donation page that authors and creators are not being paid for their work - the money is all going towards upkeep of websites.

Thanks for the question!


Wendy

So far I have had no requests!

I have Bobbart's stories ready.

Anyone have a favorite author out there that they would like a complete set of their stories?

Just send me a PM or an e-mail ken.janney@kjanney.com with your selected author or list of story titles.

Hi KSaraSara:
I PM'd you. Happy to send out a check.
KenJ can testify I'm a pretty good beta. So I can offer to beta for someone. Please, not as long as Ken's usual stories. Something more the length of his "GGGOH Matchmaker Syle".

Artemis

Ken and Artemis: I believe they want these donated services to be listed over on the FanFic Auction and Fundraising Swag forums.

Hi Guys!

Quick note to PayPal: Unless I'm mistaken, they deduct an extra 34c for each transactions, so paying in bulk as Virginia suggested in another thread would probably be highly recommended.

Michael

The new SWAG polls are open. Please vote today because they close at Midnight on Friday night!

Second Fundraising Slogan Swag Poll

What kind of SWAG do you want? Poll

Sorry, DC, it looks like if we evil writers want an Evil Writer's hat (or T-shirt) we'll have to get it on our own. It wasn't a top 14 vote getter.

Ah, well, I expected that outcome, Virginia.

Just so you know, I did vote to keep that slogan. :p

Thanks Wendy for the clarification. I just figure it's always best to triple check on stuff like this. Better safe than sorry.

One last question- I swear- can someone explain to me exactly what the difference is between the "swag" and the "fanworks auction" stuff? I think it's just the term swag that's tripping me up.

I think the difference is that SWAG ("Stuff We All Get" or something like that), trinkets, t-shirts, physical items, you can hold in your hand and usually advertises something (those freebee pens, pencils, or pins handed out at fairs, that type of thing). Here, we were trying to come up with our own Slogan to put on them and they wouldn't be free. You would pay for the item(s) with the slogan on them which would also include an amount for a donation. This forum also would include fixed donation price items and everyone can get one type stuff, which could probably include things like Ken's epub offer and Lynn's short story offer.

Where as the "Fanworks Auction" stuff is supposed to be more creative items, which will go to the highest bidder: Banners, beta work, guest shots in someone story, avatars, etc. (although, I understand some of those things could probably end up as SWAG / set priced items as well).

This is my understanding. Please, Wendy et al, correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes, that's correct -- an auction item would go the highest bidder, while the swag items are being offered to anyone who donates (or donates a certain amount.) This could be physical object, like if someone is willing to cross-stitch or sew a pillow or make a mug, or it could be a fanfic-related item, like Ken's offer to convert your favorite story to Kindle format or a drabble set during your favorite episode.

Kathy