If we ignore the present generation’s resistance to what came before, … we cannot understand today’s works. … Taking over theatres for different kinds of audiences is both a task and an opportunity.
—Brecht
To encourage the continued production of more and better ACG (animation, comics and games) criticism and research, and foster exchange among critics and researchers, Lab on Roof has decided to hold its second annual call for ACG submissions in 2021, under the name Rags Drum 2021.
Scope and Format Requirements
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Original analytical or critical essays, or comparative studies, examining works, creators, histories, industries and related phenomena in video games, animation and comics from perspectives such as philosophy and the social sciences, the humanities and arts, technology and media, and industry and production. There are no geographical restrictions, and fan works and other derivative creations are included. Submissions consisting solely of translations or gameplay guides are not accepted.
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We recommend following an academic format, providing notes and citations, a summary, keywords, references and so on, but this is not mandatory. Submissions may take the form of written essays, video essays or audio recordings. Submissions may be in Chinese, English or Japanese, though Simplified Chinese is recommended. Authors must pledge that their submissions are original works, have not been and will not be used for commercial purposes, and use cited materials, ideas and so on in accordance with accepted academic standards. If plagiarism or misappropriation is discovered, whether before or after the event, the organizers will make the matter public and withdraw any rewards already granted.
Procedures and How to Participate
To make the call for submissions more flexible and allow more critics and researchers to join this festival, the event will have two tracks:
1. Pre-Festival Only
Eligibility: Previously published original works by the submitting author that have not been used for commercial purposes (such as first publication in a commercial outlet for payment); unpublished original works by the submitting author that have not been used for commercial purposes.
Submission format: Both types of work must be submitted as complete texts or finished works.
Schedule:
May 11: Submissions to the “Pre-Festival” open on the first day of the event.
August 1: Registration closes (for both tracks).
August 7: Approved submissions to the “Pre-Festival” will be compiled and announced, including both those entered only in the “Pre-Festival” and those entered in the combined “Pre-Festival” + “Post-Festival” track. The “Pre-Festival” ends and the “Post-Festival” begins.
Judging:
At the Pre-Festival stage, the panel will decide whether to approve submissions by majority vote, with an emphasis on originality, depth of thought and critical engagement.
Publication and Payments:
Once the panel has judged a submission entered only in the “Pre-Festival,” the organizers will contact the author as soon as possible with the result. Approved submissions will be promptly scheduled for publication through Lab on Roof’s accounts across platforms.
The organizers will pay approximately RMB 200–300 for each approved submission.
2. Pre-Festival Followed by Post-Festival
Eligibility: Unpublished original works by the submitting author that have not been used for commercial purposes.
Submission format: For the “Pre-Festival,” a summary of 200–500 characters may be submitted; complete texts or finished works are also welcome. For the “Post-Festival,” submissions must be complete texts or finished works, and must remain consistent with the topic submitted to the “Pre-Festival”; only authors whose submissions have been approved at the “Pre-Festival” may enter the “Post-Festival.”
Schedule:
May 11: Submissions to the “Pre-Festival” + “Post-Festival” open on the first day of the event.
August 1: Registration closes (for both tracks).
August 7: Approved submissions to the “Pre-Festival” will be compiled and announced, including both those entered only in the “Pre-Festival” and those entered in the combined “Pre-Festival” + “Post-Festival” track. The “Pre-Festival” ends and the “Post-Festival” begins. The titles and authors of submissions participating in the “Post-Festival” will be announced through Lab on Roof’s accounts across platforms (accepting submissions).
October 7: Registration for the “Post-Festival” closes (the latter half of the combined “Pre-Festival” + “Post-Festival” track).
Second half of October: All approved submissions to the “Post-Festival” will be announced together. The “Post-Festival” ends, bringing the entire event to a close.
Judging:
At the Post-Festival stage, the panel will decide whether to approve submissions by unanimous vote, with an emphasis on originality, depth of thought and critical engagement.
Publication and Payments:
For submissions entered in the combined “Pre-Festival” + “Post-Festival” track, all submissions approved by the panel for each stage will be announced on August 7 for the “Pre-Festival” and October 7 for the “Post-Festival”. Approved submissions will then be published through Lab on Roof’s accounts across platforms.
For submissions entered in the combined “Pre-Festival” + “Post-Festival” track, if the number of approved submissions is ≥5, the organizers will pay RMB (10,000 / number of approved submissions) for each approved submission. If the number approved is 0–4, the organizers will pay RMB 2,000 for each approved submission.
Submission Methods for Both Tracks (Choose Either):
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Email your submission and include your QQ contact details: lab_on_roof@163.com
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Join the event’s QQ group, upload your submission to the group files and notify the organizers (recommended): 771994970
If exceptional circumstances prevent you from submitting by either method, please send a private message to Lab on Roof’s Zhihu account or its account on a video platform to discuss alternatives.
Judging Panel
will, ACG enthusiast.
Ma Xiaogua (马小褂), ACG enthusiast.
Youdian Paipai (有电拍拍), ACG enthusiast.
rocefactor, ACG enthusiast.
Wuding Di Shiyi Ren Suozhang (屋顶第十一任所长), ACG enthusiast.
Other Matters
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For approved submissions entered only in the “Pre-Festival,” Lab on Roof requires only non-exclusive permission to publish the work through its accounts across platforms, with no requirement to publish it first. For approved submissions entered in the combined “Pre-Festival” + “Post-Festival” track, Lab on Roof requires only non-exclusive permission to publish the work first through its accounts across platforms. All rights under copyright not specified here remain with the original author.
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To encourage the continued production of more and better ACG criticism and research, and foster exchange among critics and researchers, Lab on Roof may adapt approved submissions into video essays or other forms. Lab on Roof will inform the author and obtain their consent beforehand, and the author’s relevant rights under copyright will be protected in the video essay.
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We thank “Weiyi Zhiding Zhenshi August_Rush (唯一指定真实August_Rush)” for creating the posters and promotional video for this event, and thank the critics, groups and platforms involved for their kind suggestions and sincere support.
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Given our limited experience in organizing events, the organizers reserve the right, to the fullest extent permitted by laws, regulations and platform rules, to interpret and amend the event’s procedures and rules. We ask all critics and readers to take note and thank you for your understanding.
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We invite all readers and critics to share this announcement and information about the event, spread the word, join the discussion and submit your work!
Appendix
[Strategy Accomplished] Rags Drum 2020: Results of the Annual Call for Submissions