Hello!

Thank you again for joining me for the inaugural round of Casefic Exchange (and thanks to the nonnies who expressed interest in an exchange like this earlier this year—it encouraged me to finally get this one on the exchange scene)!

I have a few things I'd appreciate hearing specifically about, but I'm also keen to hear about other aspects of the exchange. Please keep in mind that I'll be incorporating feedback that works for me as a moderator, as I need to manage this exchange within my schedule and limits.

I will do my best to reply to feedback, but please don't think anything of me saying "Thanks for your feedback!", as I will only ask further questions regarding feedback I'd like more information on.

More?

Perhaps the most important question of them all: 1. Are you interested in another round?

Schedule

2. I liked the time of year that we held the exchange, and I'd like to do so again, although I would like to shift the schedule to begin earlier in the year. I made the schedule based on my personal and exchange commitments (and will do so again), and if we have another round next year, I will keep the schedule in the first half of the year.

I'm considering starting nominations in January or February next year (I originally wanted to open in March this year, but wanted more time with the exchange before going live). If we open nominations in January, that means nominations/sign-ups are in January and the creation period falls in February/March/April, leaving May/June as the pinch hit/(hopefully) reveals period — would this be ideal? I understand we will always clash with other exchanges, especially those with higher minimums, but early in the year works perfectly for me as a moderator.

I prefer to avoid July entirely as I participate in Battleship Exchange, and I know a handful of you do, too.

3. Did Friday deadlines work? I chose Friday because the deadline conversion would be Saturday early afternoon for me (I am in AEST/AEDT). The alternative is to shift this to Sunday EST/EDT, so it falls on my Monday AEST/AEDT. (Saturday EDT/EST is not an option I will be considering.)

Regardless of the day we settle on, I would ask for leniency, as a mid-afternoon deadline for me may clash with plans that arise over the year. The 11:59pm EDT/EST deadline works for me, and I will keep this moving forward.

I'm not overly concerned about not being online when deadlines hit as long as participants make a good faith effort to meet them and are not stressed out by the fact I may not post until hours later that X deadline has come. (I always intend to post if something crops up offline that will prevent me from executing a phase.) I intentionally waited at least half an hour to an hour after the deadlines before taking any action to give people extra time in case they miscalculated the time conversion.

So: Friday or Sunday EDT/EST? It makes no difference to me, so please let me know!

As someone who exists entirely in the future, my exchange experiences with deadlines have always consisted of me adding a +1, which will most likely be different from the majority of participants, so I'd appreciate feedback on this.

Exchange mechanics

4. Did the minimum requirements work for everyone? Is 3k and its equivalents too small? I have no interest in decreasing this minimum. I'd appreciate hearing from all types of creators—fic, artists, and podficcers.

5. Freeforms were not something I was interested in adding during the first round as I wanted to try to make the exchange run as smoothly as possible so everyone (especially myself) could get a feel of how it'd run without that additional complication. (Full transparency: Freeforms, outside of the medium freeforms, are new for me as a moderator!)

I will investigate how to add freeforms to the exchange for the next round, as I think this would work well for prompts, i.e. you can select "heist", "murder mystery", etc. so your creator(s) know what kind of genre/theme of casefic you're interested in.

I would build into the schedule a week for crowdsourcing generic freeforms, such as "murder mystery", "heist", "stolen item", etc., as I will undoubtedly miss one if I leave it to myself, and make that final list available for you to select when signing up. These freeforms will not be "X con artist steals flower vase from museum" kind of freeforms. It'd be more in line with how fandom5k has genre freeforms. I think this will assist when participants forget or choose not to provide casefic-theme prompts.

Given how small the exchange is, I'm hesitant to make these matchable, as we already are niche given we're a themed exchange.

Creation Period

6. How did you find the creation period? Was it too long? Just right? Did you want longer? I chose three months based on feedback from anons and because I broke it down as 1k = 1 month.

Please be mindful that I'm not interested in shifting the creation period based on other exchange commitments. We will always clash with other exchanges.

Check-in period

7. Did you want a check-in period? Given our long creation period, I wasn't sure if this was desired. I made the default deadline to be an unofficial check-in, but it didn't work as intended. Would you like a mandatory check-in period, similar to fffx?

Default deadline and extension deadline

8. Did you find the default deadline motivating? The default deadline didn't exactly work as I had intended, as we ended up with more extensions than I had anticipated. I'm considering removing the default deadline from the schedule, but since it didn't work as I wanted from a moderator's perspective, did it work from a participant's perspective?

If it didn't work from either perspective, I'll remove it for the next round.

9. As I didn't anticipate so many extensions (there is nothing wrong with this!), I will be building two extension deadlines into the schedule that you can choose from (similar to how ficinabox does this), as this will help me manage pinch hits. I learned from this year that having a deadline option available worked better than choosing the next Friday as an extension deadline.

I would prefer participants to email me for an extension, as I find that having this record is useful for me if I need to follow up. I was considering creating a Google form, but I would want emails to be logged/a record of your extension request sent to you so you have a record and reminder that you asked for it. I'd like to hear your preferences, as I have only ever used a Google form to request an extension as a participant and not as a moderator!

Trialling: Request specific assignment

10. Given the niche nature of the exchange, I'm hesitant to add swaps; however, I am considering allowing participants to request a specific assignment, with the caveat that you are not guaranteed your request being successful.

I saw some commentary about participants taking a more conservative approach to their offers for this exchange, given the minimum requirements, so I wanted to gauge interest in trialling this approach. (Please note this is not something I have ever offered before in any of my exchanges, so there would be a learning curve on the mod end on how to manage this.)

If there is an interest in swapping, I will investigate further how to run this as smoothly as possible.

*

Please let me know if there was anything else you'd like to be considered for round two! I tried to run round one as flexibly and simply as possible, while being open to ideas as I got my bearings with such an exchange (my experience is with a "/" exchange) and didn't wish to overcomplicate matters. I'm happy to add some more complexity to the exchange if that will improve the experience.

I'd appreciate any feedback, but please be aware that I will only implement what works for me as a moderator and makes the moderator side of the exchange as smooth as possible. I wish I could cater to everyone, but I can't.

You can comment here or email me at gumshoeagency@gmail.com.

Thank you again! It's been a lot of fun. :)

Hello everyone,

I wanted to let you know there may be a potential delay in revealing creators as I have to tend to a medical emergency today and am unsure of when I will be back on deck to reveal the collection. It will not reveal before Friday 12 September at 11:59pm EDT, but it may be delayed by a few to several hours.

I apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience!

Hello investigators, criminal masterminds, and citizen detectives,

The collection is still set to open on Friday 29 August at 11:59pm EDT! [ In your timezone + Countdown. ] That's in over 24 hours from now!

Please ensure you finish your last round of edits before this time.

We have many amazing works in the collection that I can't wait for you to see. :)

See you tomorrow!

The collection reveal will be delayed by two weeks so pinch hitters have enough time to create for our remaining assignments. If all goes well, we'll reveal on Friday 29 August at 11:59pm EDT. We have three remaining pinch hits looking for a lovely detective or criminal mastermind!

Comments on this post are now screened. Sorry about that, folks!

Quick links: Rules and guidelines · 2025 Collection · Mod contact: gumshoeagency@gmail.com

This batch of pinch hits are due on Friday 22 August at 11:59pm Eastern time. [ In your timezone + Countdown ]

Pinch hits must comply with the exchange's rules. Pinch hits must meet the minimum assignment requirements of a completed work of a minimum of 3,000 words for fanfiction, a minimum of 10 panels for a comic, or a recording of a completed fic of 3,000 words minimum with "casefic" as one of its tags. Works must include a fandom, character/ship and be of a medium that the recipient has requested. You must have an AO3 account to participate.

We guarantee gifts for requests that feature a minimum of three unique fandoms. I would like to fill all our pinch hits if possible!

Please take note of the mediums as some requests have a combination selected.

To claim, please either reply to this post or email gumshoeagency@gmail.com with your AO3 name and the pinch hit number you want to claim.

Comments are screened, so if you reply anonymously, please include an email in case I need to reach out to you. You will not be able to receive a reply from me if you comment anonymously on this post.

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CLAIMED! ( PH 8 (fic) - Severance (TV), The West Wing )

CLAIMED! ( PH 9 (fic) - 巷説百物語 | Kousetsu Hyaku Monogatari | Requiem from the Darkness (Anime), Nightmare - Cornell Woolrich (Novella), Father Brown (2013), Penny Dreadful (TV), XCOM (2012 Reboot Series) )

CLAIMED! [ includes canon consumption tips] ( PH 13 (comic, fic) - 終ノ空 remake | Tsui no Sora Remake, A Girl Corrupted by the Internet is the Summoned Hero?!, Tsukihime (Visual Novel & Anime) )

Thank you!

Hello detectives,

Our last batch of extensions are due later today (our Friday 25 July deadline). [ In your timezone + Countdown ]

If you default or do not submit a completed work, you will need to complete a makeup gift by the next round's sign-ups in order to participate in the next round. (Those with extenuating circumstances are exempted if you get in touch with me now rather than before the next round.)

The collection reveal will now be on Friday 15 August at 11:59pm EDT so our pinch hitters have enough time to complete works. [ In your timezone + Countdown ]

Please reach out at gumshoeagency@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. Happy investigating!

Hello detectives,

Our post-default deadline pinch hits and first batch of extensions are due later today (our Friday 18 July deadline). [ In your timezone + Countdown ]

We have many works due at 11:59pm EDT. If you default or do not submit a completed work, you will need to complete a makeup gift by the next round's sign-ups in order to participate in the next round. (Those with extenuating circumstances are exempted if you get in touch with me now rather than before the next round.)

If you need an extension, please reach out before 11:59pm EDT (Friday 18 July). I am happy to give you Friday 25 July 11:59pm EDT, but only if you can guarantee you will complete and submit your work by that deadline. I will not be offering any further extensions for participants who are not post-default deadline or post-deadline pinch hitters after today (Friday 18 July).

If you're a pinch hitter who claimed a pinch hit from this post (you'll have Friday 18 July as a deadline) and you need an extra week, please get in touch. I would prefer to grant an extension than have someone default because they needed extra time that I can give.

Deadlines are negotiable for pinch hitters who claim post-deadline pinch hits, as long as the proposed deadline is three days out from the collection reveal date. The latest date I'm currently allowing for deadlines is Tuesday 5 August at 11:59pm EDT. (We may have a delay, so post-deadline pinch hitters are welcome to reach out for a later due date after I post a fresher pinch hit post after today's deadline.)

Please reach out at gumshoeagency@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. Happy investigating!

This post is now inactive/out of date. Please see our active pinch hits for what's available.

Are you in need of a mystery, crime, or a problem to solve? Our post-deadline pinch hits are for you! We have two new pinch hits, two returning, and several others that are in need of a detective or criminal mastermind to create and solve them.

Quick links: Rules and guidelines · 2025 Collection · Mod contact: gumshoeagency@gmail.com

This batch of pinch hits are due on Friday 25 July at 11:59pm Eastern time. [ In your timezone ] This deadline is negotiable. I will allow deadlines up until Tuesday 5 August at 11:59pm EDT [ In your timezone ], but no further as long as the work reveals date is Friday 8 August at 11:59pm EDT. Please specify the deadline you need when you claim.

Pinch hits must comply with the exchange's rules. Pinch hits must meet the minimum assignment requirements of a completed work of a minimum of 3,000 words for fanfiction, a minimum of 10 panels for a comic, or a recording of a completed fic of 3,000 words minimum with "casefic" as one of its tags. Works must include a fandom, character/ship and be of a medium that the recipient has requested. You must have an AO3 account to participate.

We guarantee gifts for requests that feature a minimum of three unique fandoms. I would like to fill all our pinch hits if possible!

Please take note of the mediums as some requests have a combination selected.

To claim, please either reply to this post or email gumshoeagency@gmail.com with your AO3 name and the pinch hit number you want to claim.

Comments are screened, so if you reply anonymously, please include an email in case I need to reach out to you. You will not be able to receive a reply from me if you comment anonymously on this post.

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( PH 3 (comic, fic) - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), Pandora (TV 2019), This Means War (2012) )


( PH 8 (fic) - Severance (TV), The West Wing )


( PH 10 (fic, podfic) - Gilmore Girls (TV 2000) )


( PH 13 (comic, fic) - 終ノ空 remake | Tsui no Sora Remake, A Girl Corrupted by the Internet is the Summoned Hero?!, Tsukihime (Visual Novel & Anime) )


( PH 15 (fic) - Babylon 5 (TV 1993), Mass Effect: Andromeda, Stargate Atlantis, Robot Series - Isaac Asimov )


CLAIMED! ( PH 19 (comic, fic) - Doctor Who (1963), Doctor Who (2005) )

CLAIMED! ( PH 21 (comic, fic) - The Defenders (Marvel TV), Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (TV 2016), Crossover Fandom (The Defenders TV/MCU) )

( PH 22 (comic, fic, podfic) - 魔道祖师 - 墨香铜臭 | Módào Zǔshī - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù, Dominion of the Fallen - Aliette de Bodard, 琅琊榜 | Nirvana in Fire (TV), 莲花楼 | Mysterious Lotus Casebook (TV), The Locked Tomb Series | Gideon the Ninth Series - Tamsyn Muir )


CLAIMED! ( PH 23 (comic, fic) - Avatar: The Last Airbender (Cartoon 2005), Crossover Fandom ((MHA/BHHA, Dreaming of Sunshine/Avatar: The Last Airbender, Dreaming of Sunshine/Star Wars: Original Trilogy, Dos/One Piece, One Piece/Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Raven Cycle/All For the Game)), Dreaming of Sunshine - SilverQueen (DFE), All For The Game - Nora Sakavic, Raven Cycle - Maggie Stiefvater, Original Work, Road to Nowhere by Aeruogonian (DFE), One Piece (Anime & Manga), The Residence (US TV 2025) )

Thank you!

Hello citizen detectives,

Our assignments are due very, very soon! [ In your timezone + Countdown ]

Please be aware that I will not be granting extensions requested after Friday 11 July 11:59pm EDT, so if you need one, please get in touch as soon as possible to secure one.

I will be AFK for several hours before assignments are due, which means you will not receive a confirmation of your extension request (if you send one) until after the deadline has passed! Please consider all extensions that are requested granted as you will not receive a confirmation email before the deadline. I will confirm deadlines when I am back online, but I don't want anyone to worry if they don't hear from me for a few hours!

I am currently granting extensions for Friday 18 July and Friday 25 July at 11:59pm EDT as deadlines. You are welcome to request one of those specific dates, but please be aware that if you request the latter, I will not be granting further extensions as this is our first (and hopefully only!) post-deadline pinch hits deadline.

If you want an extension, please email gumshoeagency@gmail.com with your AO3, your recipient's AO3, and your preferred deadline (Friday 18 July or Friday 25 July). Please get in touch if you have extenuating circumstances. My goal is to open the collection in August (with the help of you and our pinch hitters), and I want everyone to have a fun time and not be too stressed about creating.

I will be posting the post-deadline pinch hits a short time after the assignment deadline has passed. (In the meantime, Commissioner Clawseau will be enjoying attending an event!)

I am updating our deadlines in our schedule, including post-deadline pinch hits. I'd appreciate any help in getting these pinch hits filled once I post them, especially if you are a part of any servers that are about the requested fandoms. Please keep an eye out for the post-deadline pinch hits post!

Thank you all for such fun emails and fantastic creations. I've enjoyed seeing what everyone's come up with and can't wait to see even more creative investigations and criminal activity sweep into the agency. Happy editing and creating!

Hello detectives,

This is your reminder that you have approximately two weeks until works are due! They are due on Friday 11 July at 11:59pm EDT [ In your timezone + Countdown ].

The first batch of pinch hits claimed after the default deadline (that was Friday 27 June) are due Friday 18 July at 11:59pm EDT [ In your timezone ]. We have amazing and deliciously mysterious pinch hits that are available for creating problems to be solved!

Please be aware that if you do not turn in a work and do not default, you may be banned from participating in the next round.

Please email gumshoeagency@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns. Our rules and guidelines have information about defaulting and extensions.

Happy creating! See you in two weeks. :)

Hello citizen detectives! Can you believe we're almost at the end of June? That means we're approaching our default deadline!

The default deadline is upon us!

The default deadline is Friday 27 June at 11:59pm EDT. [ In your timezone ].

If you cannot finish your gift, please default so this can be assigned as a pinch hit and a pinch hitter can claim the assignment. The exchange has a default deadline so that we can give pinch hitters ample time to work on their cases and turn a completed work in by the due date.

If you default, you will no longer be required to create a gift for your recipient and you will not be guaranteed a gift for the exchange. If you default and you are defaulted on, I will not be sending your assignment out to pinch hit. Please be aware that you are only guaranteed a gift if you complete your assignment and you have a minimum of three unique fandoms requested. (See here for a refresher.)

The default deadline is a reminder to be conscious of the exchange's deadline. (If we have too many defaults post-the default deadline, I may retroactively make the penalty a make-up assignment, which must be posted before the next round commences in order for you to be eligible to participate in the next round. We currently do not have a penalty other than "Please don't default after the default deadline".) This default deadline is in place to help me arrange pinch hits, since our minimum is high and our theme can require some time to create.

(The default deadline also applies to pinch hitters who currently have open assignments.)

Assignments are due on Friday 11 July at 11:59pm EDT. [ In your timezone + Countdown ]

Unofficial check in!

We do not have an official mandatory check-in with this exchange (I did not build it into the schedule for this round), but I thought I'd offer the chance for participants to use this week as one if you find that useful.

<B>Your AO3 name:</b> <B>Your recipient's AO3:</b> <B>Are you still intending to complete your assignment?:</b> <B>Other notes:</b>
(If you say no to "Are you still intending to complete your assignment?", I will default you. My preference is that you use the default button on AO3.)

Comments are screened. Please email gumshoeagency@gmail.com if you have any questions, concerns or extenuating circumstances. Happy investigating!