Third Annual .Org Writing Contest?

**AntiochusIII** · 07-23-2006, 00:22

How about something unconventional, say, nonfiction essays? That would be interesting to read as well as participate, albeit the topic will of course be much harder to select.

I've personally always hated word counts in fiction as they artificially limits an author's storytelling; of course, in contests they are justified, for obvious reasons, but still...

We could save a fiction contest for special occasions, where particular themes will have greater significance "in the season."

**Kagemusha** · 07-23-2006, 01:46

I might also pick up the pensil.

I think we should advertize all over the forum and maybe drop any limitations.There might be many talented people out there that just havent ever visited the mead hall.

**Uesugi Kenshin** · 07-23-2006, 05:01

Hmmm I might write something though I haven't written anything for the Mead Hall in quite a while.

One suggestion, all submissions should be made by pm because last time there was some trouble with people editing stories after sending them in.

**Banquo's Ghost** · 07-23-2006, 12:24

I'd be happy to pitch in either to help or to contribute. I'd prefer if the length was set at around 2,000 to 2,500 words as this is enough to be creative but requires discipline as well.

(Note: I write for a living, so you might wish to disqualify me or pillory my poor skills, or both

).

**Ludens** · 07-23-2006, 23:09

Originally Posted by AntiochusIII

How about something unconventional, say, nonfiction essays? That would be interesting to read as well as participate, albeit the topic will of course be much harder to select.

It is an idea, but it may be too unconventional. The pool of participants is not that big and this may scare many away.

Originally Posted by Kagemusha

I think we should advertize all over the forum and maybe drop any limitations.There might be many talented people out there that just havent ever visited the mead hall.

Will do. I'll get into contact with the administrators for frontpage coverage and a forumwide announcement as soon as we have settled when, where and how.

To be decided:

1) Type of story: both non-fiction essays and fiction have been proposed, but I suppose the majority inclines to fiction. Am I correct?

2) Theme: none?

3) Word Count: concensus seems to be around 2.500. Objections?

4) Duration: I suggest seven days for contributions to be submitted and another four (preferable from friday to monday) for voting.

5) When: Friday the 28th of Juli to Monday the 7th of August? I may be leaving on 14th of August, so the contest (including the poll) has to be finished before that, or someone else has to made moderator.

6) Submission: through PM, like Uesugi Kenshin suggested?

7) Junior members: are they eligable to contribute? They cannot post in the Mead Hall, but if submission is through PM this won't be a problem. However, this makes it possible for people to participate twice.

8) Judging: in the previous annual contests the winner was chosen by a jury of two and a poll. Each of these counted for one-third of the votes. In case of a tie the jury would negotiate until they could decide upon a winner.

9) Prizes: I'll get into contact with the administrators about a badge for the winner, and perhaps one for the runner-up. Any other suggestions?

10) Banquo's Ghost: is disqualified for being to highly qualified

.

Seriously, how can I disqualify people for being professional writers? I won't even know it if they don't tell me. So, please, do participate. (BTW, The Shadow One also participated in the previous annual contest, and he is a profesional writer too. For the record, he didn't win.)

Is anything missing from this list?

**SwordsMaster** · 07-24-2006, 07:41

5) When: Friday the 28th of Juli to Monday the 7th of August? I may be leaving on 14th of August, so the contest (including the poll) has to be finished before that, or someone else has to made moderator.

Not sure aboutthat one. I'm leaving on holidays on the 27th and returning on the 4th...

**Aenarion** · 07-24-2006, 11:10

Here are my thoughts:-

1)--> Yes fiction is correct
2)--> Yes no theme. All choose what they want
3)--> Yes wordcount around 2.500 is good
4)--> Yes a total of 11 days for submission and voting is ok
5)--> Yes Friday the 28th of July to Monday the 7th of August is ok
6)--> Yes Submission through PM is ok
7)--> Cant quite figure out the twice submission of Junior Members, heh
8)--> Agree with the juding system u have proposed Ludens. That is, a jury of two and a poll
9)--> Agree with the badge. There may also be included some kind of signature for the winner's reputation
10)--> Wouldn't mind competing with Banquo's Ghost. I disagree with disqualifying him.

Thanks,

Aenarion

**Banquo's Ghost** · 07-25-2006, 08:45

1) Type of story: I agree with fiction

2) Theme: I'm undecided on this. A theme is always useful for judging, but I can't think what the theme should be. Happy either way.

3) Word Count: 2.500. Tick.

4) Duration: I suggest seven days for contributions to be submitted and another four (preferable from friday to monday) for voting. Tick.

5) When: Friday the 28th of Juli to Monday the 7th of August? I may be leaving on 14th of August, so the contest (including the poll) has to be finished before that, or someone else has to made moderator. Tight for me, but OK.

6) Submission: through PM, like Uesugi Kenshin suggested? Agreed.

7) Junior members: are they eligable to contribute? I note your concern below. (EDIT: Hmm, actually above now...)

8) Judging: in the previous annual contests the winner was chosen by a jury of two and a poll. Each of these counted for one-third of the votes. In case of a tie the jury would negotiate until they could decide upon a winner. Seems a good plan, especially with precedent. If people would prefer, I'd be happy to be a judge - whatever helps.

9) Prizes: I'll get into contact with the administrators about a badge for the winner, and perhaps one for the runner-up. Any other suggestions?

10) Banquo's Ghost: is disqualified for being to highly qualified
Excellent.

Seriously, how can I disqualify people for being professional writers? I won't even know it if they don't tell me. So, please, do participate. (BTW, The Shadow One also participated in the previous annual contest, and he is a profesional writer too. For the record, he didn't win.)

Oh no. I was hoping I might get away with disqualification and thus not humiliate myself. Darn.

**AntiochusIII** · 07-26-2006, 09:01

1) Type of story: Your point is valid. I'm fine with fiction.

2) Theme: It will be an essentially infinite playing ground if there's no central theme. That will make it harder for both writers and judges; whether that is a good or bad thing, though, goes either way. Personally I'd like to see a theme-based competition, but I'm a fool and cannot help you pick a theme for it anyway, so...

3) Word Count: 2500 it is. Not too short as to be limiting.

4) Duration: I'm fine with anything. Leave it to the troubled, busy adults to decide; my summer freetime is basically absolute.

5) When: No objections from my part, either.

6) Submission: Uesugi Kenshin has a good idea. PM solves all yer problems (tm).

7) Junior members: Ideally there shouldn't be a block against Junior members. I understand your concern though, even if personally I find it quite terribly implausible that someone could be that desperate for recognition. My vote goes to: allowed.

8) Judging: No particular suggestions from me. The old system seems decent enough, though.

9) Prizes: It really depends on if anyone wants to contribute anything more than a badge. As for me, I don't want anything. (Of course, I won't be winning anyway but...)

10)