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Contests & Activities: December 09, 2009 Issue [#3400]

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Contests & Activities


 This week:
  Edited by: Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

My name is Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon and it is my pleasure to be guest-writing the Contest and Activities Newsletter this week. *Smile*

In the 7 years I've been on the Writing.com, I have seen and run my fair share of both poor and good contests. Today, I'd like to share some of my guidelines for choosing contests to enter. I hope they are of some use to you when you look for fun, new contests.


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Letter from the editor

4 Things I Look for in a Contest


With a ton of Contests and Activities around the site, how does one know how to narrow them down? Contests like "The Writer's Cramp" Open in new Window. [13+] have a great reputation for being well-run for years, so they may be a no brainer for anyone looking for a reliable, fun contest. But what about all of the small, lesser-known contests? How do you find one that’s right for you?

When I evaluate a contest, I tend to look for some of the following things:

1) An original concept- This is a very important one to me. It’s easy to start a contest with a generic prompt and offer up some GP’s for the best entry. When a member sets up a contest that has some sort of theme or purpose, it shows that they have really thought about making it stand out. Genre-related contests are always popular: Erotica, History, Children’s, etc. So are contests that cater to a specific type of member. For example, there are a couple of fantastic contests aimed toward teenagers on the site. I also look for contests that twist genres together. Science Fiction-Romance, anyone? Paranormal-Erotica? Children’s-History? Action/Adventure-Comedy?

A contest that uses some sort of attention-grabber or aligns itself with a special event or group also tends to catch my attention.

2) A challenge.- Does the contest challenge me to break out of my usual genre or form? For example, I normally write free-verse poetry, so I tend to gravitate toward contests that allow me to learn about and experience poetry in form. Does the contest have a unique time frame like the Writer’s Cramp, where one must write and submit a piece within 24 hours? Is the prompt one that I haven’t heard a thousand times before? Does it in some way push me to become a better writer?

3) Sufficient prizes.- Is the contest going to reward me for my efforts? I’ve seen prizes anywhere from a couple of thousand GP’s to 10,000 GP’s or a merit badge and up. Contests that run more frequently will probably offer smaller prizes, and multi phase contests like "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" Open in new Window. [18+] that require you to enter every day for a certain period of time should probably offer more for your efforts.

4) Good organization.- Are the rules clear? If contestants have questions, does the organizer answer them in a reasonable time period? Is it clear who is judging the contest? If the organizer has run contests before, does he or she have a good reputation for running fair contests?

If you keep some of these ideas in mind the next time you look for a contest, you may just be surprised about all the gems you find! They are equally as important to keep in mind when starting your own contest as well.



Editor's Picks

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#598590 by Not Available.

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FORUM
ACRO*BATICS [Round Over] Open in new Window. (13+)
I supply an acronym; you make up what it stands for. My favorite entries win gift points!
#921363 by Davy Kraken Author IconMail Icon

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#1606170 by Not Available.

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#1464177 by Not Available.

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#1440514 by Not Available.

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#1455275 by Not Available.

Defining Poetry: Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
CLOSED. Not your average poetry contest. The ultimate prize is knowledge.
#1615036 by emerin-liseli Author IconMail Icon

Young Stars Shine Your Light Contest Open in new Window. (E)
A CONTEST JUST FOR WRITERS EIGHTEEN YRS OLD AND UNDER! ~ON HIATUS~
#1557458 by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon

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#1550989 by Not Available.

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Project Write World Open in new Window. (13+)
A celebration of writers and their distinct cultures to bring us all together.
#1254279 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

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This item number is not valid.
#1468001 by Not Available.

The Hint Fiction Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Can you tell a story with only a few words? Hint Fiction requires a silver pen.
#1253724 by Storm Machine Author IconMail Icon

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This item number is not valid.
#1609052 by Not Available.

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

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