Challenges and Confirmations

A challenge is the point where a tentative booking meets a real deadline.

It happens when someone lower in the queue needs an answer from the 1st pencil about whether those dates will be confirmed.

❓ Why challenges exist

Without challenges, pencils could remain unconfirmed indefinitely.

Challenges keep the system fair by ensuring that time cannot be blocked without intention.

They create a structured moment of decision that protects everyone’s opportunities.

⚙️ The process

1. A studio issues a challenge to the 1st pencil.
2. The 1st pencil has a limited window, traditionally two business days, to respond.
3. The 1st pencil either:
• Confirms – making the booking official, or
• Releases – giving up the dates so the 2nd pencil moves up.

✅ Confirmations

A confirmation finalises the booking.

• The freelancer commits to those dates.
• All lower pencils for the same period are cleared.

A confirmation often leads to a contract or written agreement, although the pencil decision itself carries professional weight.

🧩 Practical points

• Challenges should be issued respectfully and only when a project is ready to proceed.
• The 1st pencil should respond promptly, since silence creates unnecessary conflict.
• Once confirmed, communication should be clear so all parties know the outcome.

🧭 Summary

The challenge-and-confirmation step is what keeps the pencil system decisive rather than indefinite.