Q: I've been away on the Tardis for the last 10 years and I have no idea what the Summer Burn is. Could you explain it in words of less than one syllable?
A: It's all very simple. The Summer Burn is all about you making a mix CD of your favourite Summer tunes, and sending copies of it out to two people who you've undoubtably never met before. In return you'll get 2 CDs in the post, 1 from each of your Burn partners.

Q: What type of music should I put on my CD? I'm into hard Gabba and New Age Whalesong music. Is that okay?
A: The Summer Burn is all about creating (and receiving) CDs full of music you like to listen to during the Summer. Try to imagine yourself sitting in a field full of daisies and buttercups, troffing your way through a picnic and playing the odd game of Petanque, while listening to your Summer Burn CD. If you think Whalesong sounds Summery, then by all means put it on the CD. But spare a thought for the 2 people who'll be listening to it in a few weeks.

Q: Can I make up my mix with MP3s or other digital music files?
A: No. This year we've decided to make the Summer Burn all about Audio CDs only. We want everybody to be able to listen to their CDs regardless of what type of stereo they're using.

Q: But surely it stands to reason that everyone has a computer don't they, since they were able to sign up on the Funjunkie site?
A: Not necessarily. Some people have signed up from their work computer, or perhaps the library. Not everyone has a computer at home. Besides, who wants to have to sit in front of a computer to listen to their Summer music? We all want to go out to the park and listen to music while we play Frisbee and throw water bombs!

Q: Oh... I was really hoping to send somebody some other bits and pieces with the music. Can't I send them my CD with some tunes on and a couple of my favourite music videos?
A: I like your style. You're the sort of person who makes the Summer Burn great! By all means, add a couple of other things to the disk. You can create CDs that have an Audio section and a computer files section, but beware. This sometimes totally foxes the hell out of your average CD player. If you must make a multi-format CD, please try playing the tracks on your stereo to make sure it works. Or you could create 2 CDs, one audio and one full of computery file thingamajigs.

Q: Oh dear. I don't really know how to "burn" a CD. Should I put it on the Barbecue?
A: My friend, that is what we're here for. We've got a whole army of musical and technological experts, all ready at a moments notice to pass on their incredible knowledge. Here's a nice friendly guide that BigDaddyMerk prepared earlier.

Q: Fantastic! Thanks Merk. Oh but it doesn't tell me how to make one of those multi-format CD whajamacallits. Could you show me a guide about that?
A: Hey, we're not all Einsteins here. You might want to RTFM.

Q: I'm really enjoying creating my CD, but how many tracks should I put on it?
A: Glad you're having fun, that's what the Summer Burn is all about. We suggest that you try to fill your CD. Make a proper album for your recipients. That way they won't have to keep going back to the CD player so much, therefore not leaving the barbecue unattended for several minutes, and thus not cremating several burgers and a corn on the cob.

Q: Wow! I've finally created my Summer Burn CD, but what's this? You've asked me to create two. Do I have to come up with another track list?
A: No. Just make a copy of the first CD. You'll be sending each CD to separate people, so there's no need to make 2 different mixes.

Q: Phew, that's lucky. I'd run out of whalesong tunes. Hey, I'm feeling all Arty... do you think I should make a cover inlay for my CDs?
A: That would be great. Part of the fun of the Summer Burn is making the complete package. Some Burners spend more time on the cover artwork than the CD itself. You're welcome to browse some and even upload your own to gain fame, on our very own Flickr group.

Q: Oh dear. My inspiration has failed me. Can I just send the CD without cover art?
A: Okay, but we'd appreciate it if you write a track listing on the CD or on the inlay card that came with the blank CD.

Q: Now that I've finished creating my CDs, should I just send them to you?
A: No. On the first day of Summer (21st of June) we'll send you an email telling you who to send your CDs to.

Q: I live in Venezuela, and I was hoping to be able to send my CD to fellow Venezuelans to keep the postage cost down. Could you make sure the randomiser selects only Venezuelan addresses for me?
A: Unfortunately not. We get hundreds of people signing up with the Summer Burn, and if they all asked us the same thing it would be a mammoth task to try to match them up on a country basis. One of the fun things about the Summer Burn is the prospect of sending to and receiving from other countries. You might get some music you've never heard of before, and it could open up a whole new genre to you. Besides, I think you'll be surprised at how little it costs to send a CD abroad.

Q: Okay then. Perhaps I could send it via Surface Mail to save a quid?
A: We'd rather you sent your CDs via Air Mail if they're going abroad. Surface Mail can (and often does) take up to 3 months to arrive at its destination, which means your recipient might not receive it during the Summer at all. That would be a bit of a let down for them wouldn't it?

Q: What about Customs officials. Will they stop it getting there?
A: If you're sending your CDs to another country, we suggest you ask your local post office about adding a Customs note. This note tells foreign Customs officials that the item is a gift and of no saleable value.

Q: I've just looked into my crystal ball and noticed that one of my recipients is in the Southern Hemisphere. Isn't this supposed to be for Summer only?
A: Yes, alright Mr genius!

Q: Hmm... I've just looked a little further into the future and noticed that 2 weeks after the start of Summer, one of my CDs hasn't arrived. What's going on?
A: Could you check a bit further into the future please? It might take a little more than 2 weeks for your CDs to arrive.

Q: Okay, It's a month later and still no CD. What's happened?
A: Ah, it looks like the other CD may have been either lost in the post, or possibly never sent. We do everything we can to make sure that you all send and receive your CDs within a reasonable time, but sometimes things go wrong. Some postal services are crap, and post can go missing. You may want to get a receipt when you send your CDs so you can prove that it's on its way. The other problem we get is that some people join the Summer Burn for the wrong reason... to take without giving. This whole thing relies on trust so if anyone is considering not sending out CDs, we ask you to reconsider. Your actions will ruin the Summer Burn for everybody.
If you have not received both your CDs by Monday the 23rd of July, visit the website for further information. Some lovely people are always prepared to make a few extra copies and send them out to unlucky Burners, so we should be able to sort you out. Please don't contact us about missing CDs before the 21st of July.

Q: Oh dear, I just checked my diary and noticed that I'm going on holiday on the first day of Summer. Can I still join in?
A: Yes. But please make your CDs before you leave, and then post them as soon as you arrive back. If you're going on holiday for more than a month, perhaps you ought to notify us at summerburn@funjunkie.co.uk

Q: What happens if I suddenly have to leave the country on business, and therefore can't participate after all?
A: E-mail us before the kick-off date (21st June) asking us to remove your e-mail address.

Q: Can you tell me how many people have registered?
A: You can find out for yourself here.

Q: Er, I'm not sure if my registration is complete. Is there somewhere I can check my registration status?
A: Sure. Try this for size.

Q: Hmm... I'm still not sure about everything. Is there any way I can talk to other Burners about my CD and other nonsense?
A: Of course. We have a Summer Burn forum that's free to use. You'll be made welcome by the regulars. It's a very nice place.