Themed Contest Off-Topic Discussion

[lovecraft68]

So you didn't actually start this thread...by typing it in as a new thread, it was created by the AHMOD?

Still, whats her face should just stfu. Sounds like she hasn't got the formula down yet and is pissed about it.

Yes any mod can either move any thread they don't think belongs in a forum or of they feel something is off topic they can create a new thread from the point it went off topic.

In this case I wish the Mod had started it with the post that I replied to, rather than it looking like I randomly brought this up.

But for the record this is what I was replying to

mebbe a less 'popular' category is a sound tactical move, box? less votes, but high ones, might be better than an incest-fest (incfest?) which might get a shitloada reads and votes.

i'm just wrapping mine up - story that is. not got much of a clue where to put it yet - and i'm still talking about the story, before LC pipes up.

i know where it doesn't fit ... anyway, best get the sex done.

Post 171 in the actual Nude Day thread. So despite the way it appears I did not decide to just blurt the opening post to this thread out for no reason.

 

[sr71plt]

The money here is actually pretty good you're saying? I have nothing to compare it to.

Yes, for nonprofessional writing, the money is good. I handle two contests for "developing writer" anthologies that don't have prize money nearly this good. The kicker, though, is that, when they then are actually put in an anthology, they've got a writing credit they can put in their writing CV.

Of course the contests I run, have professional writer judges who are judging blind--not knowing who the author is. They aren't "scratch your friends' backs" and "vote often; vote yours up and the others down" American Idol types of contests.

 

[TxRad]

(Sigh... Here I go again)

The contests here at Lit are not the problem. The problem is the people in it. The contests started out as friendly events for authors to write their best and let the chips fall where they may. Now it's all about the egos of the authors.

Way back when and yes, I've been here a while, integrity kept the contests an even playing field. Then we had an author stuffing the ballot box in his favor and down voting others. The sweeps came into being to counteract this. Then there was an author that tried different strategies to win and they worked to some extent. Now we have a group exploiting all the know ways of winning.

It has been a progressive thing that still goes back to authors integrity. You have to ask yourself, is the win worth using tricks and formulas worth winning. The ones doing it will say yes.

Can the management at Lit do anything about it? Not much. Like LC said, the money isn't the point, it's the "Award winning" part they want to use to advertise their for pay books.

(History lesson over)

 

[sr71plt]

I don't give much credence to the "best there is" credits used on a couple of anthologies playing off Lit. contests. Those anthologies sank like rocks as fast or faster than any others have done, despite being offered for virtually nothing. (I could tell them why if anyone's interested--you don't sell by including disparate sexual preferences between the covers of one book). The money from the contests is real (or the buying power of what you get from winning/placing is).

I can only assess ten years worth of contests (during which I've entered nearly every contest), but the voting has been American Idol style of all that I've seen. The contests have other benefits that make them worth entering, though. And here I am in another one, not eligible to place because I did in the last contest (to the surprise of everyone, including me) and wouldn't take the money even if I placed.

 

[TxRad]

I don't give much credence to the "best there is" credits used on a couple of anthologies playing off Lit. contests. Those anthologies sank like rocks as fast or faster than any others have done, despite being offered for virtually nothing. (I could tell them why if anyone's interested--you don't sell by including disparate sexual preferences between the covers of one book). The money from the contests is real (or the buying power of what you get from winning/placing is).

I can only assess ten years worth of contests (during which I've entered nearly every contest), but the voting has been American Idol style of all that I've seen. The contests have other benefits that make them worth entering, though. And here I am in another one, not eligible to place because I did in the last contest (to the surprise of everyone, including me) and wouldn't take the money even if I placed.

I have wins in 8 or 9 contests and all but one of them was a complete surprise.

 

[sr71plt]

I have wins in 8 or 9 contests and all but one of them was a complete surprise.

Interesting. But you don't have the reasons to be surprised by a win in a Lit. contest that I do.

 

[TxRad]

Interesting. But you don't have the reasons to be surprised by a win in a Lit. contest that I do.

I understand that. Also back in the day I knew enough to keep my mouth shut.

 

[lovecraft68]

I have wins in 8 or 9 contests and all but one of them was a complete surprise.

Only one of my four was one I felt could win. The first two I flat out thought weren't all that, but they had a lot of sex so maybe that was why.

The Earth day winner was the only one I felt, "hey, I think this is pretty good" and one of the few I had an edited for (ladyver)

The monthly winner from last year shocked the shit out of me because of the content, it was an HEA, but a rough ride to get there.

 

[sr71plt]

I think my Valentine's Day contest story was a winner. And it did well and is rating higher now than the one I placed with in the next contest. So, you never know.