Activity Interest + FAQ Threads

# Gauging interest in a re-run of the Light Novel Book Club and/or a /r/SAO Essay Contest

Hello!

With the conclusion of the first half of the Alicization anime, we are looking to launch some activities that will heighten user engagement and encourage thoughtful discussion. At this point in time we have two ideas in mind and would like to hear your thoughts on them.

First, we are thinking about starting a re-run of our old [Light Novel Book Club](https://www.reddit.com/r/swordartonline/comments/2zcxjv/discussion_light_novel_book_club/). If you are not aware, this is a long-running series of discussion threads intended to encourage readership of SAO's source material, whether you're new to it or returning to it for the fifth time. In the past, one thread per volume allowing all spoilers up until that point would be created every three weeks to allow enough time for most people to read each book, and readers would meet in these threads to generate thoughtful talking points. Some examples of past meetings (spoilers, obviously!): [Volume 1, 05/06/15](https://www.reddit.com/r/swordartonline/comments/352g9n/discussion_light_novel_book_club_volume_1_aincrad/), [Volume 5, 07/29/15](https://www.reddit.com/r/swordartonline/comments/3f0el0/discussion_light_novel_book_club_volume_5_phantom/), [Volume 10, 11/10/15](https://www.reddit.com/r/swordartonline/comments/3saiu0/discussion_light_novel_book_club_volume_10/), [Volume 14, 02/26/16](https://www.reddit.com/r/swordartonline/comments/47q5uz/light_novel_book_club_volume_14_alicization/)

Second, we are also thinking about doing something somewhat new to /r/SAO: An essay contest with actual prizes. This will be a friendly competition among you all to each create a written, possibly researched response to prompts we provide. Specific requirements for each essay will vary and be provided in the prompt itself. Responses will be judged by moderators and prizes will be distributed to the authors of the best ones! Not only will winners be rewarded with gold, they will receive a special flair and a place in our hall of fame (which we *will* get around to making, promise!). Note that this also creates extra opportunities to be nominated in our yearly Best Of contests! If this proves popular, we will run more.

Please do let us know what you think of these ideas and feel free to suggest more. At this time we request that you direct all other concerns to modmail, and we'd be happy to help. Thanks!

# Monthly stickied FAQ megathreads

Hello again!

[Before I begin, this is a response to this thread.](https://www.reddit.com/r/swordartonline/comments/bqdrep/we_need_a_general_pinned_qa_thread/)

After much discussion, we've decided to start a new series of megathreads that will serve the exclusive purpose of answering frequently asked questions and being a place to ask anything about the series you may feel like. We hope this will curb the increasing number of posts that break Rule 10 (despite many of the posts already being answerable by our sidebar or wiki).

For now, we plan to have an FAQ thread once per month, and it will be stickied as long as the anime is not airing. If the anime is airing, it will still be posted but will not be stickied.

Please note that with the introduction of these FAQ megathreads, posting questions or concerns that will easily be answered by them, the sidebar, or the wiki will break Rule 4, which we will enforce much more strictly! Repeat offenses will result in ban, just like any other rule.

Please let us know your thoughts and feel free to ask any questions in the comments. Thanks.