 Contests & Activities: August 17, 2011 Issue [#4556] |
  Contests & Activities
This week: The Competition Edited by: Leger~  
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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
The purpose of this newsletter is to highlight some of the current contests and activities on the site, help educate members on how to host contests and activities, and provide clues to submit quality entries to contests. Write to me if you'd like something in particular covered.
This week's Contests and Activities Editor
Leger~
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The Competition
Everyone does it.
When you enter something in a contest, you look at the other entries to see how you compare. If it's a short story contest, you might look and see if your work is unique enough to catch the judge's eye. Or if it's a prompt, did you add a twist that no one else thought of? You want to know where you stand even before the winners are announced.
What happens if you notice another entry has a spelling error, or format issue? Maybe the other entrant didn't link their item correctly. If edits are allowed up until judging date, do you email the other contestant and let them know? Hmmm. As a contest host, the simple entry rules are an easy way to eliminate some of the entries up front. The entry story could be a fine one, but if the contestant can't read directions, should you pick them? No. You would hope the entrant would take the time to read the instructions carefully. After all, you're going to take the time and read their work, and perhaps review it.
If you're entering a contest, I can't stress it enough - READ THE RULES. It's sad when as a judge; you have to eliminate a stellar story because the author didn't take the time to post a word count. Especially when a tool is provided to count them! It's not like you have to go through the item and count them by hand. As a contestant, do you want your item eliminated by a forgotten detail? I doubt it. And as a contestant, do you want the competition eliminated the same way? Not really. Especially if you think the item is direct competition for yours. If I enter a contest, I'd like to know I won on merit, not by default.
So while all is fair in love and war, help your fellow contestants out if you see a simple error. 
This month's question: What do you do when you see a competitor's error? Send in your answer below!  Editors love feedback! |
This contest is having a grand reopening August 21st!
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One of the most frustrating is when the contest proctors don't have enough GPs to pay the winners in a timely fashion. Some lower the prizes, or just close the contest with no awards at all. So I thought of holding a group to benefit contests and through this auction lots of amazing groups of WDC will be benefited as a way of saying Thank you for all the efforts they have made on this site.
Check out the photo prompt! Be inspired and win a boatload of gift points!
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Prompt: The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him. In those who hope in His mercy Psalms 147:11
August prompts are some names of the Lord.
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First deadline is Sept 5.
If you're a blogger, here's a community you can join.
Surely you have three words.
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This is a contest inspired by the writing style of Roger Zelazny. He was a science-fiction/fantasy who first came to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. While other authors were either trying to emulate J. R. R. Tolkein or embracing the general consensus that science fiction automatically meant B movie camp, he embraced a darker, noir style of writing.
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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
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
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This month's question: What do you do when you see a competitor's error?
Last month's question: How do you enlist help or earn gift points for your contest / activity?
Itchy Water~fictionandverse  replied: If you're in dire need of help for your contest, ask. Email members that you trust and ask for their help. Many would be glad to help. Another option is write on the contest page that you're in need of a judge for a day/week/month.
If you need GPs and the donations aren't rolling in as expected, create a raffle. You might want to find a WDC group to partner up with. That way you're not doing all the work. Also, make sure that the contest is well advertised. The more people know about it, the more donations will come in. Incentives for donations works well too. For example, for every donation of 30K a MB will be awarded. Also, you could write a disclaimer stating that you're in need of GPs. People are more likely to donate if there is a real need. There's also the option of purchasing more GPs.
There are many options on WDC to keep your contest alive. Whatever you do, don't leave it high and dry. If it must come to an end, make a note on the contest page that the contest has ended.
Mara ♣ McBain  answered: Super topic for the NL! You've hit on one of my biggest pet peeves on WDC. I hate to see contests abandoned and promised auction packages ignored and it happens more often then most would think. Great advice to ask for help and communicate!
Lesley Scott  said: Hi, I am still learning and have a ways to go. I am spending more time reading than writing. But I feel it will be helpful with my writing. I would love to enter a contest eventually, but the directions confuse me. When I am ready to enter, will the directions still be confusing or will I go,"Aha!" I think I need to do more writing. I have seen a lot of talent and I'd better try harder! Lesdonks
Never be afraid to ask the contest host for clarification or help!
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