Event Information

Below is a copy/pasted version of the event rules and regulations found on the Discord server.

LU Community Write-A-Thon

This monthly LU Write-A-Thon, run by @notfreyja and @hotcheetohatred, takes place on the first of every month and runs for 24 hours. (Check the in-server event for the time zone each month!)

There is one goal in mind with this event - write, as the Linked Universe community, as many productive words within 24 hours as humanly possible. This server and its channels are available for participants to use to make friends, mingle, and generally be productive with one another. While being active is in no way necessary –- you're free to join the Discord, do nothing but send an introduction, update your word count and leave — it's encouraged!

Important Information:

As the event is fairly self-explanatory, information will be presented in the form of questions and answers. If anything is unclear, or any important information has been missed, please do ask us in #event-questions!

What counts as writing?

Writing fanfiction or original fiction, leaving or answering comments and asks, outlining, drafting, storyboarding, personal journaling, transcribing, translating, doing (writing) homework, creating image IDs for your and others' artwork, sending emails even - basically, anything that furthered yourself, the LU writing community at large, or your stories with a positive word count, can be included in your final word count.

(Editing previously-written works can also be included, but only if it produces a positive word count, and only those new words may be counted. The goal is to get new, productive words on the page).

What does not count as writing?

General chatting, talking about already written works, etc, will not count towards your final word count. Words counted must, as previously stated, further yourself, the writing community, or your stories. This does not mean that you can't chat with your fellow writers - the ⁠general channels […] were created for this exact purpose! - but the main goal of this event is to produce and engage in writing in one form or another.

Can transcribing the Bee Movie count towards my words?

We got this question a surprising amount 😅. Yes, given that you’re typing the words yourself, rather than copy/pasting, you can transcribe already written works and count those words. Many famous authors have transcribed parts of others' work in order to get a better grasp of their syntax, word usage, grammar, style, etc.  Transcription is also a great accessibility device. So while we might suggest something other than the Bee Movie, if this describes what you would want to do during the Write-a-thon, then yes, you can count those words.

What is a sprint, and what is the schedule for the sprints?

A sprint is a period of time during which you write as many words as possible. Once the period of time is complete, you enter your word count and Sprinto displays your WPM. It's a useful bot for keeping track of how many words you've written, your WPM and - if you're feeling particularly competitive - trying to beat your friends’ typing speeds. 

Official sprints will be run in #marathon-sprints - these are longer sprints automated by a bot, and will run throughout the day. #fast-sprints is controlled by participants and can be used for shorter sprints. Check each channel’s pinned messages for more information.

Do I have to participate in the sprints?

No. You can write at any point during the 24 hour period, in, out and even between sprints. Just remember to keep accurate track of your word count.

How should I count my words?

Sprinto keeps track of your word count, but we’d recommend keeping track of them yourself as it’s easy to get mixed up if you’re writing between sprints. Google Docs is particularly helpful in this regard - we’d recommend pasting all writing you produce during the Write-a-thon into a new Google Document and checking the word count there. However, feel free to use any method as long as it’s accurate.

If you're handwriting, it may be difficult to calculate how many words you’ve written - give it your best estimate.

We'll be on the honor system here: play fair, and report as accurately as possible.

Where/When should I report my words?

Word counts will be reported in the Word Submit form.

What if I can only write a little/I can’t write at all?

That is OKAY!!! This event is in no way a competition, but rather a community group project to make Big Number Go Up. By participating in this server, talking with and encouraging fellow writers, thinking through your ideas, and making friends, you’re being plenty productive. Even if, at the end of the day, your word count remains at 0. Don’t stress it! We’re glad that you’re here.

We would like to clarify our stance on RP in the Write A Thon and where it falls in our stance of ‘all writing counts, all chatting does not’. We have included examples below for further clarification.

If you are writing in a messenger service (discord, tumblr, etc) with a writing partner or co-author, this is collaborative writing and still counts, though it may be referred to colloquially as RPing. 

If this is done, words must be counted fairly—either by counting your own words, or by dividing the total words produced by the number of people that participated. You may not include your username, timestamp, or reactions to others’ writing such as “ooh NICE” or “HELL YEAH GET REKT” or “hmmmmmm”.

If you are sending messages back and forth in character or characters, not to construct a story but as part of a chat or game, this does not count as words. It is classified as ‘chatting’ and per our rules may not be added to your final word count.

We also as an event hold a firm anti-AI stance and will not allow any words made by or in collaboration with an AI bot or related software, - for example, C.AI, ChatGPT, any Language Learning Model.

If you have any questions or require further clarification on these rules, please see our examples below. If you still need clarification, feel free to DM an admin and we will be happy to discuss. We understand that there are a lot of debates online about ‘what constitutes RP’ and want to ensure that we are walking that line correctly while upholding the integrity of the Write A Thon.