Archive of Our Own

Welcome!

This is the exchange known as "Sho Exchange" on LJ/DW. Yes, it's not the same name. We wanted to change things up a little bit.

1. What is the purpose of this exchange?

TO HAVE FUN AND TO CELEBRATE SAKURAI SHO!

 
2. How do I sign-up for it?

 Sign-ups are closed right now. But do come back for the next round!

3. What do you mean by Sho-centric fic?

It means that the story, whatever it is, must revolve around Sakurai Sho. He MUST be one of the main characters. If the fic features a pairing/OT3/etc, Sho must be one of the characters involved in it. Basically, he's the center of the universe (literally or figuratively, your choice).

Since we are flexible, all kinds of pairings are allowed for writing: with Arashi members, other Johnny's, Japanese celebrities who do not work with JE, western celebrities, drama pairings, aliens, a big bowl of oysters... As long as Sho is one half/third/fifth/tenth/whatever of it, we're good.

4. I want to request a pairing that doesn't include Sho. Can I do it?

Technically, you can. However, since this is a Sho-centric exchange, those will not be taken into account at the moment of matching you with a writer/recipient. It will also be up to the writer whether they want to include the side-pairings you suggest or not.

If the pairings that don't include Sho are included in your "do not want" list, the writer must respect that.
 

5. Why is there a rule about the number of romantic pairings? Can't I just request gen/friendship fics as my only choice?

Our team has been observing how exchanges work for a while, and the conclusion we reached after our observation is that most people request romantic pairings during exchanges. Not that all fics turn out to be "romantic" in the strict sense of the word, but they almost always feature a main couple, threesome, etc.

For matching purposes, it is easier for us if participants give us at least two options. That way we can find more potential writers/recipients for each participant, and writers have more choices when it comes to working on their assignments.

Requesting gen/friendship fics is welcome, of course. If that's your preference, you can definitely state so in your application (along with the romantic pair(s) you'd be willing to write/read). Just keep in mind that most people come to exchanges looking for another kind of stories.
 

6. I don't have a beta-reader. What can I do?

Worry not! Our team can help you find a beta-reader, as long as you let us know about this situation early enough. Your deadline to send the fic for beta reading will be one week earlier than the official deadline for the exchange though.
 

7. I have some doubts... can I contact my recipient?

NO. ABSOLUTELY NO. NOPE. NO. Contact us, and we'll get in touch with your recipient on your behalf.
 

8. How do I submit my fic?

Since this is AO3, you submit the fic yourself once you're done. It won't be visible until the exchange starts, of course, and your name won't be visible until the exchange reveals.

There's a FAQ for that here in AO3... but we might explain in more detail in this section if it's necessary.
 

9. Something happened and I can't send my fic on time. Can I request an extension or drop out?

Yes, you can. Please contact us as soon as possible, preferably a week before the deadline. If we haven't heard from you before the deadline comes and your fic isn't sent on time, we will immediately assign a pinch-hitter AND you will be banned the next year.

10. What is the schedule?

Sign-ups end: October 22nd, 2019
Deadline: February 7th, 2020
Deadline to ask for a beta: January 25th, 2019
Start reading on: February 14th, 2020
Reveals: Around the end of February, 2020

1. All participants are required to write a Sho-centric fic. It is not mandatory to write the story from Sho's point of view, but he must be featured as a main character.

2. To make the matching process easier, each participant must include at least two ROMANTIC pairings that feature Sho in the "want to read/write" sections of their application. You might also submit a sign-up that has one romantic pairing AND Gen as your options, as long as you realize this means your writer CAN write a Gen fic instead of your preferred pairing if they choose to do so. You've been warned.

3. The fic must be a minimum of 2000 words. From that point on, there are no limits.

4. In order to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy all stories, it is imperative that participants write in good, readable English.

5. For the reason stated above, participants must have their fics beta-read before submitting them.

6. At the moment of submitting the fic, participants must include all necessary html tags (text formatting, cuts, etc.) The organizing team will not take responsibility for any errors pertaining to the fic's formatting.

7. Breaking anonymity or posting the fic elsewhere before the reveal date is strictly prohibited. Participants who do so will be banned from participating on the year following the incident.

8. Participants must endeavour to write what their recipient requested in their application. To make sure that the organizing team can match everyone with the most suitable person (both for giving and receiving), it is encouraged that all participants are as detailed as possible in their applications.

9. Schedules are sacred in this event. Participants must contact our team in case they cannot meet the deadline. If they fail to do so, they will be banned from participating on the year following the incident.

10. Have fun! :D