NaSoAlMo Rules, in F.A.Q. Form

 
How do I sign up?
Sign up here or by sending an email to todd@nasoalmo.org. Unless you indicate otherwise, I'll post your name and (if you have one) web site here. At 12:01 AM November 1, as you're noshing your Halloween candy, you can start work on your solo album. If you've finished by the end of November--when you've finished, rather, let's think positive here!--let me know that you've won, and I'll post a winner's hall of fame on the site. (And, if you like, a link to your finished album; totally up to you.)  
What qualifies as a solo album?
An album qualifies for National Solo Album Month if you have written, played and recorded it entirely by yourself during the month of November. The only slack you get is that one song is allowed to be a cover, your own freshly-recorded version of another artist's song.  
How many songs do I have to write?
There is no minimum number of songs in order to qualify. However, since the shortest inarguably awesome album that a lot of people have heard is the first Ramones album, which is 29:09 long, so your solo album must be at least that long. The Ramones include one cover song on that album, and so can you, as long as you record it yourself in November. Beyond that, your album's form and content are up to you.
It has been pointed out to the administrators that Slayer's Reign In Blood is 29:03 and that Nick Drake's Pink Moon--which actually is a solo album--is a mere 28:22. You may set your personal goals accordingly, if you wish. You're welcome.
 
Can I record songs I've already written, or include songs I've already recorded?
No. Of course you are welcome to do anything you want with the songs after National Solo Album Month, like package them up with other output into a fully realized album. But for the purposes of NaSoAlMo, you should include only work you started and finished (or pseudo-finished) during November.  
Can I use song ideas I had ahead of time?
Having the kernel of a song idea or a turn of phrase you might like to use in a lyric is very different from writing and recording an entire song. You are welcome and encouraged to use basic ideas that came to you before November, as well as riffs or samples of your own or others' work, as long as November includes all the labor involved in writing and recording the fleshed-out song.  
Can I use samples created by other musicians?
Yes. As long as you are using the preexisting recordings or loops to create a brand new work, you are welcome to use samples, sound effects, or loops.  
How is my album judged?
This is not a juried competition but rather a challenge. A winner is anyone who completes a solo album by November 30; what you will have won is that you will have made an album by yourself.  
Do I have to let other people hear it?
You needn't play it for anyone else, and you certainly don't have to send it in, although I will probably listen to any you feel like sending. It doesn't have to please anyone but yourself, if that; you are going for your own personal best here. The point is actually doing the work, starting and finishing the project. The deadline makes it easy! (Well, easier.) (Well, easier...ish.)  
What should I use to record the music?
Anything at all. Cassette recorder, trusty 4-track, snazzy 8-track, desktop computer, answering machine. Whatever works for you. It doesn't have to sound professional in any way; the point is the fun of making it. Work with whatever instruments, implements, and recording devices you want.