I have some questions/concerns:

First, I'm kind of doubting I'm going to participate in this comm if it becomes a voting challenge. I'm really not into putting my fics up against other fics to be voted on, and I'm kind of uncomfortable with having to submit a fic via email. Is this likely to be the format from now on, for all prompts/rounds?

This:

CURENTLY THERE IS NO PROMPTING THROUGH WC_WOMEN_FEST! You are welcome to submit comments to the ONE prompting post, but the prompts should not be posted to wc_womem_fest as part of any challenge/promptfest.

This indicates that the prompting part of the community is done, but there's no real indication of what the community is going to be. Is every round going to be the same? I know we've got a ficlet challenge coming up, based on a prompt to be revealed in the new year, but is there going to be a chance for the community to gather and prompt one another again? Or is that format now closed?

Secondly, I'm kind of unclear on the rules, especially this one:

Character bashing IS PERMITTED IN STORIES ONLY

This makes me so uncomfortable. This community is supposed to be a celebration of the women in White Collar and I'm kind of grossed out that character bashing is now apparently allowed. Could you please clarify this? Because a character being outspoken about something is not character bashing - but writing a character in a gross way because you don't like them is, and I'm not really sure where you're drawing the defining line.

Sorry if I've misunderstood something. I'm just trying to figure out how to fit this comm into all the other writing projects I've got going, and I'd like to know exactly what I'm in for before I actually commit to anything. :p

Thank you for responding! Your fears are completely accepted and I'm sure others are wondering the same thing. THERE WILL BE PROMPTFESTS IN THE FUTURE, possibly starting in February or March. I kinda re-wrote stuff but I'll be sure to word it better. You're welcome to post a prompt now, but there is no guarantee that someone will claim it b/c there is no current promptfest. Secondly, I mainly come from Harry Potter backround, where people will bash characters like it's going out of fashion. I'm very familiar with the show, White Collar, but not so much with the fandom! Yes, you should NOT write characters in a gross way that is OOC because you do not like them.
Thirdly, email is most probably the only way posting will be done. I'd suggest making an email just for fandom so you won't be giving out your personal email. That's what I did:) and that's why I created an email for this. I really didnt want it to be mixed in with my other stuff.

I hope I've covered all the points youve addressed. Remember, this is only my second day so rules will be changing but I promise that wc_women_fest will host prompt fests! I'm thinking about doing a valentines day one, but maybe that won't be enough time??

I'm still confused why we have to do everything by email. Why can't we post prompts/claim prompts/submit fic just to the comm?

The old format for the comm was really, simple, and I guess I worry about making it unnecessarily complicated.

(And like ozqueen, I'm really uncomfortable with the character bashing description. Characters disagreeing with each other isn't bashing, and okaying character bashing to any degree opens us up for problems, I think. For instance, I've seen stories that are nothing but characters badmouthing another character. Under current rules, that could interpreted as being acceptable, even if that's not what you meant.)

Deadlines are very important!! When people can just post whenever, things get out if control very fast! When you email things to me, especially for ficlet challenges, I can look at them and make sure they fit the category and meet the criteria, and then post. Things should be orderly and this will help. And, if you need an extension, I'll be glad tk give it to you. But if you post by yourself, I'm afraid that people will abuse this by posting late and stuff. If you do NOT want to email it to me, you will have to message me the document privately! About the character bashing, I will change that;) just haven't gotten around to it!!

Just wanted to let you know, character bashing is once again banned and you are welcome to send me a PM with your stories attached... Thanks so much for letting me know about the character bashing thing! I'm just thrilled that you actually went and read it!!!

Can I ask - what does please avoid mentioning betas by name – use their initials only mean? We can't thank our betas using their LJ handles?

Yes you can mention LJ handles, just no BIRTH NAMES! this really wont be enforced