This week: That Content Isn't Allowed Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Contests & Activities Newsletter by Dawn
Taking a look at the possibility of restriction what is allowed in a contest that includes the banning of certain content. Allowing personal preference in the rules of a contest is perfectly understandable. |
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I don't want to read that!
Have you ever looked at a contest, liked the idea and/or prompt, only to notice that the rules doesn't allow what you want to write? Halts things real fast. On the side of the competitor, it can be a little disappointing. At least, that has been my emotional experience. When you come across that contest that is either brand new, or just new to you because for some odd reason or another you had no idea about it until that very moment. The idea seems really fun. There is a prompt that sparks an amazing idea and you just can't wait to write, but you know better than to start something for a contest without checking over the rules. For me, it's always the word count rule I need to scope because I run the risk of going over every time. However, on the rare occasion there will be a rules that gives a lists of things not to submit and a contest or two will not allow the very thing I write. Seeing it means I won't enter, which is where the disappointment comes into play.
On the other hand, I've also been the judge and rule creator. I will admit that The Weekly Quickie contest has rules that include a few things not to enter. When it comes to erotica contests, it's a little important to include some rules about things that shouldn't be entered or else you will get literally anything. Granted, we don't have many writers nowadays that can compete with Marquis de Sade for offensive but still, there are some topics we don't want in the contest. For example, we don't allow non-consent or incest in the contest and the guest judges all, for the most part, agree with the small amount of limitations put into the rules.
So, I've seen this topic on both sides. I've seen a couple contests not allow LGBTQIA+ characters (basically no gay, transgender or those types for those that don't know the list). I've seen others make suggestions against certain genres, like a ban on erotica because the contest is going for something else. There are even many that limit the rating as a fair number of contests don't want to have GC or XGC rated stories entered. And it makes sense as to why some would put restrictions or ban certain stories.
In the end, most of these contests and judging results are done based on personal preference. In that regard it makes sense that the contest could include personal preferences within the rules in what they want. We may not like certain bans or rules against particular elements that we may use but have to remember that we don't need to enter every contest. They aren't all made for each individual. It it's not going to work, just let it go.
We have to remember what we write might not be for everyone. I happen to write stories that focus on gay male characters, those who are ace or even play around with gender identity. Not every reader enjoys those characters. As long as they aren't trying to keep real people in the world from having rights or existing, if it's just reading preference, that is on them and not me to worry about.
Keep writing what you enjoy. Enter contests that fit with what you write. Pass on the ones that don't match. Have fun and just keep writing.
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Is there anything you don't allow or want to read in your contest?
Challenge for the month: Find a contest you can't enter due to a rule or preference and promote it to someone else or somewhere else in the hopes that someone enters.
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Contests & Activities: January 29, 2025 Issue [#12953]
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