A New Contest: Your Input Needed!

[PayDay]

Just asked you if you could explain what you, yourself wrote. Anyone else here understand it and can explain why newer writers couldn't write about beginnings or what an "existing author styled contest" is? Since, apparently, PayDay can't/won't.

Existing author based contest: A contest based on existing work by an existing author.

New Beginnings would be out in that context.

I wrote it down---v Dunno why you want me to explain it. Not a giant reach in logic.

I think the New Beginnings or any existing author styled contest would alienate first time writers. The same with Author's choice. I think an Author based contest would be almost an oxymoron since any contest story could be almost any category, and the Contests are always Author's choice*

The dragging up old stories and posting them as contest stories idea should be burnt to the ground.

 

[RejectReality]

I think historical has a high probability it would languish in participation as badly as Nude Day and Earth Day.

I'd be willing to wager that 90+% of the stories on the site are set in the here and now. ( Not submissions - stories. Multi-chapter=1 story )

Or at least the here and now of the time they were written.

The same would probably be true of any contest based on a Sci-Fi or Fantasy setting as the theme.

As far as participation goes, you have to think outside of the AH box about the umpteen writers who have never and will never set foot in the forum.

 

[Laurel]

I like how your not understanding is my fault. I also like how you assumed I didn't understand what you wrote. Thanks for bringing angst to the thread.

Yeah, it's unfortunate. The PMs I've been receiving indicate that many people are tired of the bickering and negativity that they feel infiltrates every AH thread, no matter how innocuous or authorly. Many of you all who come to the AH to talk to other authors, not to engage in flamewars, feel others are bent on making everything negative and antagonistic.

One person told me I ought to make a no-flaming rule, but I think that doing so might inhibit the genuine disagreements in authorly discussions. Also, some people do enjoy flaming and arguments in the same way others enjoy flirting and word games. Since arguing is not against our rules, they should have the right to do so. However, that doesn't mean you have to be roped into arguing if that makes you unhappy.

I told the person what I'll tell you all now: we just provide the software and the URL. You all are the ones who create the community here. And if you look around, there are plenty of wonderful fun interesting threads you have all made and maintained.

You all have the power to decide what the AH is for you.

Some like word games, or chitchat with other authors. Others like flame wars. And others like the fun AH contests.

If you don't like word games, don't play them! If you don't like contests, you're free not to participate. If you don't like flaming, don't! This is a place you should enjoy. Remember why you come here and focus on that. You don't have to let others rope you into their version of the AH. If you have to put people on Ignore for this to happen, then do it. If you can do it the old -fashioned way (by just not reading their posts, which is what I do), then that's great too.

The AH can be whatever you want it to be. You have that power. Use it to make this place as fun as possible.

Sorry for the off-topic blahblah!

 

[jomar]

Amen to that.

 

[BuckyDuckman]

I'm a fan of the Spring fling idea. So many things can be done with that.

Me too, still. And I prefer a theme that's VERY open to interpretation. Too specific and my muse shuts down.

The one-off How-To Contest produced some useful additions to the collection of How-Tos on Literotica, but again I think the appeal is limited.

Another good idea. I've always thought the contests were a good way to 1) Add interactive fun to the site. 2) A small way to "payback" the content creators. 3) A great way to expand the site's library of material.

If it's going to be completely divorced from a seasonal theme, the best bet is probably to take a page from FAWK and have a contest that doesn't have the same theme year after year.

Seed the theme with something like Oral Sex, Seduction, Workplace Flings, Travel, Forbidden Fruit, etc.

Workplace flings is a good idea to me. The "Not Safe For Work" concept. And that could be inserted anywhere in the calendar.

Additionally: Perhaps Laurel can borrow from two unofficial contests. Why not borrow the FAWC concept from Slyc and do an anonymous contest? Why not borrow the "Tag-Team" concept from Lovecraft?

"Beginnings" and "Journey" could be seen as Spring/April related.

Me too

I rather like the idea of having a changeable theme; a new one each year.

Me too

Another idea I like is the workplace. That's where most of us spend.the most time fantasizing about coworkers, bosses, subordinates, customers, clients, etc.

Me too

For the "author's choice" you could open an poll before the contest started, and put a link to that poll on the homepage for the authors that don't frequent the forums. Or something. That's as simple as I can think.

I like the idea of changeable themes, too. A voting poll, to me, seems the best way to choose a theme. It includes the tyranny of "You only get one!" along with a sense of "OOO! I get to vote!" Surely, some will bitch that any ballot box was stuffed by nefarious people, leading to more in-fighting, but that's part of the fun, too, isn't it?

I personally would rather replace Nude Day than Earth Day.

With respect to sheablue, I feel the opposite way.

Do you think the April contest could be moved so that it could begin at the start of April? It'll help reduce the long time gap between contests.

I agree with smoothing out the space between contests.

. . . we just provide the software and the URL. You all are the ones who create the community here.

Great attitude and good point! Loosely regulated anarchy is good for the soul!

 

[Laurel]

Do you think the April contest could be moved so that it could begin at the start of April? It'll help reduce the long time gap between contests.

Yeah, that's totally doable.

 

[JagFarlane]

While I would love a Historical contest I think RR is spot on with this. History tends to not be a strong point for many people. Hell there are a number of Americans who don't remember that there was a war in 1812 or that it lasted through 1814.

I kind of wonder if the reason that Nude Day and Earth Day languish so much is that they are more specific to a particular activity. The others are all broader and so allow for a variety of ideas and theoretically more participation.

I think historical has a high probability it would languish in participation as badly as Nude Day and Earth Day.

I'd be willing to wager that 90+% of the stories on the site are set in the here and now. ( Not submissions - stories. Multi-chapter=1 story )

Or at least the here and now of the time they were written.

The same would probably be true of any contest based on a Sci-Fi or Fantasy setting as the theme.

As far as participation goes, you have to think outside of the AH box about the umpteen writers who have never and will never set foot in the forum.

 

[Laurel]

Additionally: Perhaps Laurel can borrow from two unofficial contests. Why not borrow the FAWC concept from Slyc and do an anonymous contest? Why not borrow the "Tag-Team" concept from Lovecraft?

That's extremely logistically difficult on a sitewide scale. Also, many authors use the special contest submission visibility to promote their other non-contest works. In fac, I've had authors tell me they enter the special contests not because they necessarily think they'll win, but because entering does increase the views on their other stories.

Great attitude and good point! Loosely regulated anarchy is good for the soul!

YES.

 

[Hypoxia]

So, VOTE FOR ME FOR THEME-TYRANT! If elected, I promise to choose... arts. Arts other than writing. Now, you may ask, "G'z, Hypnoxia, what arts are you thinking of?" Easy: Music. Painting. Sculpture. Nude dance. Et fucking cetera. (oops, gotta go now. More later.)

Before I was so rudely interrupted (by dinner guests) I was suggesting ART themes, with the specific ART changing from year to year. One year: MUSIC. Who are those musicians fucking, and how and why and where? How does music infirm and transform sex? Another year: PAINTING. Follow fucking painters, or explore a painting's sexual backstory, or depict a nude-body-painting jamboree, etc.

Other floating-year themes: POETRY (oh, those horny rhymers!) and DANCE (and not just pole-dancing) and SCULPTURE (are hand-crafted dildos art?) and ARCHITECTURE (hmm, that could be challenging) and THEATRE (backstage affairs and orgies) and BODY ART (highlight those tats and piercings) and GAME DESIGN (and not just Strip Poker variants) and WEAVING (what happens in and behind those wall tapestries?) and... oh, I could go on and on. Probably will, eventually.

 

[FantasyXY]

There was an idea in the story ideas section that suggested that an author could write one story that fit in every category.

My take is that a single story could be written that could fit in, say four categories, by changing the character that has the POV for the story.

I think it would be an exceptionally fun contest as well as something that would stretch the writers abilities a bit; to have a contest with no particular theme, but that a version of the same story would need to fit into all of the four categories selected.

 

[PayDay]

One person told me I ought to make a no-flaming rule, but I think that doing so might inhibit the genuine disagreements in authorly discussions. Also, some people do enjoy flaming and arguments in the same way others enjoy flirting and word games. Since arguing is not against our rules, they should have the right to do so. However, that doesn't mean you have to be roped into arguing if that makes you unhappy.

Sorry for the off-topic blahblah!

I didn't think you'd chime into that

..but yeah, I can handle it. AH is no different than going out in public.

'tis the cost of free speech, it works both ways.

"You can't take away people's right to be assholes."

 

[3113]

I think historical has a high probability it would languish in participation as badly as Nude Day and Earth Day.

To the contrary, historical are currently among the most popular books selling today (mysteries that take place in the time of King Henry VIII, for example, or cyberpunk for sci-fi—and Regency Romances are still among the biggest romance sellers). They're HUGELY popular, both with writers and readers, and I think both would be excited by such a contest. I mean, don't you recall how HUGE a hit The Pillars of the Earth was? Or The Name of the Rose? Historical really sells. And as for porn, readers can never get enough of corsets and garter belts, pirates running off with virtuous maidens, etc.

But if that doesn't fly, why not "Spring Fantasy?" That would cover stories that not only have a Spring theme, but urge writer to go a little wider afield. Leprechauns for St. Patty's, a May Day in Elizabethan England with magic, etc.

I know writers might well think of these things themselves, but it's good to urge them to really stretch themselves over the categories, rather than sticking to "My first time at the prom" or "He ended up in bed with his mom...April Fools!"

 

[3113]

Clarity of theme is important in a contest, not broadness

While I would love a Historical contest I think RR is spot on with this. History tends to not be a strong point for many people.

History doesn't have to be anyone's strong suit (and what does that matter to a contest? Scary stories aren't a strong suit for many people either...doesn't mean Lit can't have it's scary story contest). Are you saying you've never fantasized about an 18th century pirate story? (Historical adventure) Never imagined a tale of ancient Greece with some god chasing down a nymph? (Historical fantasy) Nor thought of writing up some group-sex-tale that some older friend related to you, one that happened back in the swinging 60's?

Historical doesn't and shouldn't (and certainly would not to me) mean you'd have to haul out the history books and write up a story that happened at Waterloo with all places, people and uniforms accurate. We're not writing for historians, we're writing for pleasure. Historical, to me, simply means a tale that takes place prior to the present.

And just to add: while a contest shouldn't be too limiting, a contest has to be clear about what's required. The question is what theme would help writers and readers understand what the story *must* have to win the contest? My view is that historical would be pretty clear on that score.

 

[Laurel]

I didn't think you'd chime into that

..but yeah, I can handle it. AH is no different than going out in public.

'tis the cost of free speech, it works both ways.

"You can't take away people's right to be assholes."

Exactly. And one person's asshole is another's fascinating provocateur.

I get the feeling some of the more conflict-averse (or maybe conflict-disinterested) AHers believe that until there's a massive and bloody campaign to Take Back the AH, all will be flaming chaos. Being less than interested in conflict, these users are hoping that Someone Else (admin, other users, etc) will lead the charge.

But that's not how it is at all. There is no flaming chaos, nor any need for a bitter bloody battle. Let the flamers do their flaming. The gameplayers can game, the flirters can flirt. Use Ignore - both the software option and your own brain's ability - to filter out the stuff that's not interesting to you. There's no requirement for you to engage people you don't wanna. Do your thing. Have fun. And let others have fun doing their thing. It's that simple.

History doesn't have to be anyone's strong suit (and what does that matter to a contest? Scary stories aren't a strong suit for many people either...doesn't mean Lit can't have it's scary story contest). Are you saying you've never fantasized about an 18th century pirate story? (Historical adventure) Never imagined a tale of ancient Greece with some god chasing down a nymph? (Historical fantasy) Nor thought of writing up some group-sex-tale that some older friend related to you, one that happened back in the swinging 60's?

Historical doesn't and shouldn't (and certainly would not to me) mean you'd have to haul out the history books and write up a story that happened at Waterloo with all places, people and uniforms accurate. We're not writing for historians, we're writing for pleasure. Historical, to me, simply means a tale that takes place prior to the present.

And just to add: while a contest shouldn't be too limiting, a contest has to be clear about what's required. The question is what theme would help writers and readers understand what the story *must* have to win the contest? My view is that historical would be pretty clear on that score.

THIS.

Personally I think a Historical Fiction contest would be loads of fun, especially since there are Lit writers based all over the world with all varieties and depths of historical knowledge. An author who happens to be a Scandinavian history buff might turn out a really compelling and historically accurate adventure tale. A writer with a flair for romance could submit a steamy but not entirely accurate Mesopotamian love story. Or a "Quest for Fire" bit of fun silliness. Or some sort of time travel "Army of Darkness"-style comedy-action thing. There's endless possibilities.

It's all up to you folks. "Spring Fling" holds great promise too. I'll be happy with anything you choose.

 

[sr71plt]

The "write in at least four categories" looks the most challenging yet permissive theme suggestion thus far.

 

[3113]

Why not test them both out?

It's all up to you folks. "Spring Fling" holds great promise too. I'll be happy with anything you choose.

Well, Spring is well past and not going to be coming up again for a while. I think what you should do is try out a late-summer Historical story contest and see whether writers and readers go for it. Then when Spring rolls around, try "Spring Fling." Whichever is the bigger success gets the springtime contest slot from then on.

 

[sr71plt]

Well, Spring is well past and not going to be coming up again for a while. I think what you should do is try out a late-summer Historical story contest and see whether writers and readers go for it. Then when Spring rolls around, try "Spring Fling." Whichever is the bigger success gets the springtime contest slot from then on.

Wasn't the amusingly placed question about replacing the Earth Day contest, which already is past as well, and wouldn't choosing sooner than later give folks some time to think about what to submit? (There has been a comment or two about wanting advance warning--and I, for one, already have my Halloween story written and am thinking about a winter one.)

On the Earth Day replacement, I'll register agreement with those who would have preferred to see Nude Day tossed. Nudism seems rather passé on a sex site. It's always the hardest one for me to gin up interest in.

Historical would be fine with me. I already write a lot of historical ones.

 

[Weird Harold]

While I would love a Historical contest I think RR is spot on with this. History tends to not be a strong point for many people. Hell there are a number of Americans who don't remember that there was a war in 1812 or that it lasted through 1814.

Yesterday is "history," and so is "this morning." Which is why I suggested a "Hindsight is 20/20" variation.

A story set against the OPEC Oil Embargo and gas lines in the 70s or a story set against the housing bubble of the last decade is just as much "historical fiction" as a story about alien abductees sent back to dinosaur days.

 

[StrangeLife]

You all have the power to decide what the AH is for you.

Personally I am mainly here for cyber-sex... and of course the occasional exchange of bonsai cultivation tips.


As far as the subject goes, it could be interesting with an "Euphemism Contest" where you get disqualified for using any of the usual porn-words like cock, pussy, boob, clit, cum and so on. That should generate some interesting and colorful sex scenes...

 

[Neonurotic]

BUT we need a new theme - something broad enough to generate a nice variety of entries, yet narrow enough to be a challenge.

I think Spring Fling or Beginnings would be too broad and not enough of a challenge and end up being too much like Summer Lovin'. I'd like to see something like Historical/Times Past or Futuristic. It's different and has a lot of possibilities. There would be a lot of interesting stories that could fit any category. I could get into writing Area 51 and alien sex.

 

[drteetho]

Personally I like the idea of keeping as broad a scope as possible in the contest themes, so that's why I would prefer the "Spring Fling" type of idea. Seems the most natural replacement to Earth Day... and people who like Earth Day as a theme could comfortably work in the Spring Fling contest anyway.

 

[patientlee]

Yesterday is "history," and so is "this morning." Which is why I suggested a "Hindsight is 20/20" variation.

A story set against the OPEC Oil Embargo and gas lines in the 70s or a story set against the housing bubble of the last decade is just as much "historical fiction" as a story about alien abductees sent back to dinosaur days.

I've got a plot bunny from the '40s, compliments of my family that opened the "family secrets floodgates" at a wedding this weekend.

 

[3113]

On the Earth Day replacement, I'll register agreement with those who would have preferred to see Nude Day tossed. Nudism seems rather passé on a sex site. It's always the hardest one for me to gin up interest in.

I have problem with both and wouldn't mind seeing them both go. Summer Lovin' more than covers any story on nude beaches and such. And while I appreciated Earth Day's idea, it was a tad too narrow in scope.

And I still think that Laurel should have an impromptu Historical contest to see how it does. If it's wildly popular, there ya go. If it's a bust, then Spring Fling waits in the wings

 

[_Lynn_]

The Games People Play. A game can include sports and board games or flirting and cheating. Stories would fit into any category.

Some definitions of game:


a physical or mental activity or contest that has rules and that people do for pleasure

an illegal or shady scheme or maneuver

any activity undertaken or regarded as a contest involving rivalry, strategy, or struggle <the dating game> <the game of politics>

a target or object especially of ridicule or attack —often used in the phrase fair game



Some sentences as examples:

Was it merely another game he was playing with her mind?

Finding new ways to excite her had become a game – one that increased his excitement as well.

Martha lugged out a tattered game of Monopoly.

State game officials are involved as well.

 

[RejectReality]

That's got potential. Defining it as encompassing romance "games" opens it up a lot.

I do suspect there would be an avalanche of truth-or-dare stories, though *laugh*

The Games People Play. A game can include sports and board games or flirting and cheating. Stories would fit into any category.

Some definitions of game:


a physical or mental activity or contest that has rules and that people do for pleasure

an illegal or shady scheme or maneuver

any activity undertaken or regarded as a contest involving rivalry, strategy, or struggle <the dating game> <the game of politics>

a target or object especially of ridicule or attack —often used in the phrase fair game



Some sentences as examples:

Was it merely another game he was playing with her mind?

Finding new ways to excite her had become a game – one that increased his excitement as well.

Martha lugged out a tattered game of Monopoly.

State game officials are involved as well.