FAQ

What is the 30 Characters Challenge?

Your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to create 30 brand new characters, in 30 days- one for every day in the month of November- and then share these new creations with the world right here on this very site.

Why the hell would I want to do this?

Because the world needs new characters.  And more importantly, it needs YOUR new characters.  Sometimes all it takes is a little challenge to get those creative juices flowing.

How do I sign up?

Easy.   Simply sign up here with your name and email address to be added to the 30 Characters 2012 Challengers Roster.

What does it cost?

The 30 Characters Challenge is absolutely free to participate.

Has anyone ever completed this challenge?

Most definitely.  To date, more than a thousand participants have started the 30 Characters Challenge, and more than 100 have been  able to complete it.  Think you’ve got the goods to join their ranks?

But what if I don’t draw?

So what?  Writers are encouraged to participate, too.  Write a character sketch, a fictional diary entry, or a short vignette featuring a new character you’ve created.  

Do I have to put in one new character every day?  What if I fall behind?  What if I want to get ahead?

The challenge is to create 30 characters in 30 days, and it is self-paced and self-monitored.  Technically, you could create all 30 on November 30, and have completed the challenge.  Shoot for one a day, but playing catchup or getting ahead of schedule is perfectly fine.

Do I get to keep the rights to the characters I create?

Of course you do, silly.  Your characters are yours alone, you retain all copyrights to everything you create here.   

What if I just want to watch?

Then please do!  Spectators are more than welcome.  During the month of November, the site will update constantly with great new characters. Keep an eye on the Twitter hashtag #30characters for updates, or subscribe to our RSS feed.

What do I get if I complete the challenge?

Bragging rights for the whole year.  Camaraderie with a fabulous group of creators.  Exposure of your work to a wider audience.  And quite possibly just the kick in the pants you need to create the world’s next great character.

I noticed there are a few ads on the site.  You making money from this?

30 Characters is for fun, not for profit.  Any revenue generated from ads on the site will be funneled back into banner ads for the Challenge in order to expose it to as wide an audience as possible.

What kind of characters should I create?

That, my friend, is entirely up to you.  Fantasy, horror, humor, superhero, sci-fi, steampunk…whatever you can imagine is fair game.

Can I post characters anonymously or using my internet handle, SpaceLoverBoy69?

Nope. If you’d like to post on THIS site, you must register and post under your real name or your pen/publishing name.  The reason for this is to cut down on spam and help build community.  (Also, there’s no way I can manage this thing and keep track of all those silly names.)  Of course, feel free to play at home or on your own website under any name you choose.

How do I post my characters on the 30Characters site?

If you’ve REGISTERED and been granted AUTHOR privileges to the site, you can upload your characters images and/or descriptions.  The Participant Info page has been updated with all the details you need to know about uploading your characters.

Can I also post my characters on my own blog?

Of course! They’re yours.  You can post them on your websites, blogs, facebook pages, flicker accounts, and refrigerators.

What if I have a question not answered in the FAQ?

Ask away in the comments below.  I’ll add yours to the FAQ.