So there's this thing here. · 1:38am Dec 18th, 2014
So there's this Tournament of Canterlot thing. In short, it's a charity competition for stories that are like, over 150K words. Now, some of you have probably recognized by now I'm terrible at self-promotion, and I have little ambition and I'm like a lazy dog when it comes to competition, rolling belly-up.
But you know, giving to charity is good. I like that idea. And I like the idea of my writing helping encourage people to contribute.
So I was thinking about it, and I came up with something. I'll start a brand new story, because we all know that I can manage 150K in well under a year, which is when this Tournament thing ends. People can donate, and then show me proof of donation on a specific date - for example, part of their donation receipt, or something like that - and they can make suggestions or modifications to the story. I think first I'll start with a sort of "auction" for the characters. I'll create a blank character slate, and people can make "bids" on what part of the character they want to design by trying to out-donate each other. I'll think about it for the next week or so to come up with things.
What perks can I offer? Well. Including characters in the story. Including specific scenes. I can and will humiliate myself in various ways for a good cause, certainly. I would love an excuse, down the road, to do a twenty-four hour gaming stream and finally play video games again. I am very good at being selfish while being generous. Other things we can come up with as we go down that stretch.
And I am not very good at following rules. So here's the deal. I'll create a charity page down the road, but I'll also accept donations from any other charitable organization you might prefer to give to. I would recommend doing some research into specific charities and shelters before you donate to them, of course, or give to local ones where you can better see the effect. All you'll have to do is show me proof of donation to wherever.
So yeah, this seems like fun, and it gives me an excuse to get my audience involved with my writing, and maybe we can get me doing some other dumb things down the road. And I suppose 'tis the season and all that says the atheist.
So let's say... even while I work out the logistics, starting from today onward, keep track of what you give to charity, and go out and find somewhere to donate to. I'll write up a list of things to be "auctioned" off, and once the story actually gets into the writing and planning stage, you have my promise that every donation will be able to modify the story in some way, shape or form.
May this half-assed charity event begin.