WHAT IS A VIRTUAL SEASON?

A virtual season is a continuation of a television series, by it's fans, once the show has either come to an end or has been cancelled. Virtual seasons are fan fiction projects. They are episodes written by the fans which are then posted online. They are not filmed and will not air on your television. No actors are involved. Scripts for this virtual season will be published online and can be read at this website.

This Virtual Season is a continuation of the popular television series Xena: Warrior Princess which recently ended it's run. The X:WP Virtual Season will pick up where the series finale left off. This is a non-profit fan effort.

WHO'S ORGANIZING THIS SEASON?

The seventh virtual season is being organized by Hadley, Guilda, MacavityCat, Melissa, Talice, and Zoe. This group of dedicated Xenites are working around the clock in an attempt to bring you a high quality virtual season which matches the essence of the original show. However, the virtual season could not be possible without the numerous volunteers who are writing scripts, beta reading episodes, illustrating the episodes, and helping out numerous other ways.


HOW CAN I HELP?

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with the virtual season should first read the "become a volunteer" section. The virtual season is currently still in need of illustrators who are willing to work on several illustrations to accompany each episode. We are also open to any other ideas one might have about how they can contribute to the virtual season. The most important way that any one individual can help is by telling other fans about the virtual season. You can do this either by word of mouth or by linking to us from your website. (Please see the affiliation section for more information.)


CAN I SUBMIT EPISODE IDEAS?

Yes you can. If you simply have an idea you'd like to pitch for consideration, you can email it to the virtual season team at xwpvs_team-owner@yahoogroups.com. We will also be keeping a close eye on the Virtual Season Forum, so ideas and comments posted there will also be considered.


WILL IT BE LIKE NORMAL FAN FICTION?

The virtual season will be presented in script format and all stories will be carefully worked out to fit into the overall season so that there is a consistent flow from one episode to the next. So, while this season is technically a work of fan fiction, it will be different in the sense that all the bards involved will be working together to link their stories together.


WILL IT PICK UP WHERE THE SHOW ENDED?

Yes. Our goal is to continue on where RenPics left off. All previous episodes will be taken into account. And, fingers crossed, the virtual season will be YAXI (Yet Another Xena Inconsistency) free.


HOW MANY EPISODES WILL THERE BE EACH YEAR?

There will be a total of 22 episodes "aired" each virtual season. Episodes will closely follow the original air dates for the show. We will be posting a schedule soon. The first episode is due to air on September 24, 2001.


WHEN WILL THE EPISODES "AIR"?

Episodes are currently scheduled to air on Monday nights with the very first episode set to air on September 24th. We'll keep everyone posted as we get closer to that date. Also, we are still unsure if we will have an air time, but we will keep you posted if we decide to do this.


HOW CAN I VIEW THE VIRTUAL SEASON?

The Virtual Season will air its episodes each Monday at approximately 8:00 PM EST. The episode will remain on the site for one week, until the following Monday when it will be replaced by the new episode.

You have two options you can select from when viewing the virtual season. One is to visit this website and click on where it says "Virtual Season" on the main page. The other is to join the virtual season email list. Episodes will be aired over this list on their air dates. To join, all you need to do is send an email to xwpvs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. You'll be sent an email asking you to confirm your subscription. All you need to do is reply to that email and you'll have all the episodes emailed to you as they air.


HOW WILL THE SUBTEXT BE HANDLED?

The subtext will be handled exactly as it was handled on the original television series. Those who wish to see the subtext will find it in every episode, those who don't, won't. Basically, what goes on off camera between Xena and Gabrielle is their business and we're not going to touch upon it.


WILL DECEASED CHARACTERS BE COMING BACK?

We don't know yet. As we all know, no one ever really dies in the Xenaverse... so should a story come up which requires a character to come back, they probably will. But we're not making any promises since we don't have all the episodes planned at the moment. However, we are happy to confirm that both Xena and Gabrielle will be in the virtual season episodes. Now if Xena is alive or not... well, you'll just have to wait and see what happens.


WILL THERE BE MORE THAN ONE VIRTUAL SEASON?

If this one is successful, there will be an eight virtual season and maybe more. That will be determined by you, the fans.


CAN I SUBMIT A MANUSCRIPT?

Althought the VS has met its quota of bards who will be producing manuscripts to be aired on specific dates, the VS is not adverse to receiving manuscripts for consideration. There is always the possibility that a current bard will be unable to provide their script and a back-up of emergency scripts are always welcome. There is no guarantee however, that your manuscript will either be accepted or aired. But it will be read and considered. If we feel that your manuscript has potential, you will be contacted and asked if you are willing to make suggested changes and have your script completed by a specific date.

WHAT ABOUT DEADLINES?

Deadlines are very important and must be met. As the VS team is required to read the script, make comments and suggestions, submit the script to beta readers for final disposition, and then forward the script to the translators and artists at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, if you cannot make your specific deadline, it is imperative that you contact the VS Team owner, at least four (4) weeks prior to your deadline, and advise them that you will not be able to meet your deadline. This gives the team ample time to choose an emergency back-up episode to air in its stead.

ARE THERE GUIDELINES OR PROCEDURES THAT NEED TO BE FOLLOWED?

The VS Team is currently adopting a series of guidelines for the core team and a series of Policies and Procedures for its volunteers, which we hope will provide needed information on what steps are taken to ensure the production of the VS. Once they have been passed by the Core Team members, they will be announced on our main page complete with a link to the VS Guide-lines and a link to the Policies and Procedures.

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