Matching Rants

[popkin16]

Ao3 is pulling the same shit it pulled last year and is refusing to match people who are clearly compatible. It was suggested that I use the write-in function to match people, since ao3 doesn't actually have an override system and just straight up refuses to let me match certain people.

I used the write-in function, but now ao3 is telling me, "Some participants still aren't assigned. Please either delete them or match them to a placeholder before sending out assignments." I used a spreadsheet to double check that each person is listed as a participant AND a giver, so everyone has been assigned...via write-in. I have no idea what they mean by "match them to a placeholder".

Which means I'm probably going to have to go in and edit people's sign-ups in the hopes that I can figure out what to change to get people to match. People who are listing the same ships refuse to match; I'm not sure what it is that's tripping ao3 up.

Also I go back to work tomorrow so my energy to deal with ao3's bullshit is going to abruptly drop. If anyone's willing to take on this problem and try to wrangle it, I have no problems promoting someone to co-owner.

Comments

[otherearthsoutthere]

I’m so sorry hun, I wish I could help, I really do.

[popkin16]

I appreciate that you WANTED to help - that means a lot to me! I'm just glad everything's resolved ;__;

[mific]

Sorry this is being such a hassle for you. I've never modded on AO3 before but I have the time, and I'm prepared to learn the system as fast as possible and give helping you a try. Up to you if that's any good! :)

[popkin16]

I did almost message you asking if you'd be willing, but since you're a participant I didn't want to ruin the fun for you...luckily, escriveine stepped in. I just want you to have a good Secret Santa ;_;

[mific]

Duh, I forgot that being a participant would complicate things. Glad escriveine helped!

[juniperberry]

I'm sorry you're having so much trouble, dear. That sounds like a massive headache.

Maybe ask squidgiepdx if they have any pointers/advice/experience around this issue? I know they and ride_4ever have been modding the due South Seekrit Santa through AO3 the last few years, they might have experienced something like this.

[popkin16]

It really, really was a headache.

I did end up messaging squidgie for advice, and he's offered to step in before. But because he was running the due south secret santa, I didn't want to put too much on his plate. It all worked out ok, at least!

[brumeier]

Oh, man. That sounds like a nightmare. If I had any experience with that I'd be happy to help.

If all else fails, it can always just be a fandom fest this year. ::grins::

[popkin16]

I am STILL baffled about why ao3 was fighting me so hard on things. The tags matched! Ao3, WHY??? They really need to build in an override thing a;sjka