SafariGal: big gaps are not an issue. I've jump started a stalled story before. Once the April 27th post was made, starting a new story was inappropriate. The guidelines above are for everyone to follow, including me. Including you.

It makes sense to me to finish a story before starting a new one. Rather than simply begin a new one, it is more respectful to help with the current one. The ONLY exception is if the authors of the current story want to move to another story and collectively they don't want to finish the current one, that works for me. But since they have invested a lot of time, it's only respectful to allow them to make this decision.

I haven't heard from everyone so until this matter is fully settled, I'd like to wait before starting a new story.

We have heard from two key writers but there were others. Once people have had a chance to state their view THEN it will be decided. Otherwise the guidelines are meaningless.