  Contests & Activities
This week: Edited by: Tehanu  
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What is it that makes you check out a contest? And what is it that makes you take the leap, and actually participate in an online event?
Contest hosts across the site would probably like to know the answers to these questions. Have you taken the time to give these members feedback on their creations? What if I posed a challenge to you to do so?
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My first static item on this site was a contest entry. I had not written for fun in years and the prompt got my creative gears creaking. It wasn't the prize pot (although as a newbie, with a nearly empty GP account, the thought was attractive), but the idea that I could produce something that would make me feel good, and might intrigue others! That got me writing again.
Looking back on it, I think that may have been something I should have stated in my review for the contest. But I didn't think to write a review for that particular venue. I mean, it already had a few five star votes anyway. What more could I add to the glowing feedback, right?
Umm, wrong. I personally love judging contests. There are a lot of upsides. But running a contest, or even helping judge a contest, can be pretty demanding, too. Producing and enforcing criteria, establishing and following timelines, repeatedly answering similar contestant questions and dealing with impassioned members who lost...the only thing more difficult to get over is if no one enters the contest at all. Basically, working behind the scenes of a contest can be frustrating at times, rewarding at others.
It is always helpful to get feedback. Praise for the contest makes the effort worthwhile. And constructive criticism can help hosts produce a more effective, appealing contest.
What I am saying here is that reviews matter (even) when it comes to contests. And here are some questions that I would encourage members to answer when writing a contest review:
 What is it that draws me to this contest?
How well-marketed is the contest? Did I click on the item because it sounded really fantastic, or did my friend make me check it out under duress?
Are criteria clear? Does the contest seem fair? Is the deadline too close or too far away?
How are the prizes?
Other than prizes, what will I get out of entering? For instance, will the contest assist in honing my writing skills? Do the judges promise in-depth reviews of my work?
My Mini-Challenge To You
Because this newsletter is called "Contests and Activities," I have a little activity for you:
I dare you to write one in-depth review of a contest in the next week. You must answer questions from at least four of the five bullets I listed above and post your review to the PUBLIC review page.
After you have done so, e-mail me and let me know what contest you have reviewed. If I see that the review follows my criteria, I will award you 1,000 GPs.
All members who participate in my mini challenge will be entered in a pool. On February 8, at 7PM WDC time, I will use the Virtual Dice to determine one winner of a shiny, new Reviewing merit badge.
It is my hope that you find this challenge easy, interesting, and rewarding. There are a lot of good contest hosts out there, waiting for feedback, so you will be doing a service for them as well. 
Thanks for checking out this newsletter...now, go check out some contests! And, Write on!  |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Contests & Activities: January 31, 2007 Issue [#1521]
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