AH Challenge proposal

CharleyH

Curioser and curiouser
Joined
May 7, 2003
Posts
16,771
Okay, okay, I totally forgot it was Easter/Passover weekend. I am still committed to any challenge with THAT slut, but was mainly just fooling around the other day. Cloudy knows I love her like a sweaty rubber clog (note to self - never buy rubber shoes ever again!).

Some background: I have always loved the poetry board, not only because of the people who populate it, but because of all the challenges that they drum up. Challenges, it seems to me, always bring with them a sense of healthy competition, community spirit and usually we learn something in the process. We have had a number of challenges on the AH, but they have never been that regular. One of my favourite on the Poetry Hangout has always been the Poetry Gunfight (initiated by Judo, I think) and it's one I'd like to borrow from for the AH should enough people be interested.

(For those familiar with the poetry gunfight, bypass this section, for those who aren't familiar read on.... with the gunfight, one challenge moderator picks the topic and the poetic form and then sets out a list of items that must be included in the poem. For example, the topic might be Easter, the form concrete poem and the items the poet must include could be a turn of phrase, a character, whatever. The two gunfighting poets, having no prior knowledge about what the moderator has in store, must complete their poem within one hour of that challenge being issued by the moderator, and must post the poem, complete or not, by that limit. From there, 3 judges determine the winner, and must include a critique of valid reasons of why and why nots).

If people in the AH are interested in a monthly challenge (could be more or less frequently depending on interest from authors), here is what I propose for now:

1. We need a name. Could be the Judo Challenge (in homage), the AH Knockout. Interested parties post your ideas!
2. We need a moderator to come up with a challenge, and for the time being, I am happy to play the part.
3. We need two people who want to go up against each other in a writing challenge.
4. We need 3 judges.

There's no better way to see how such a challenge can work on the AH than to just do it and see how it goes.

Cheers, CH :kiss:
 
Just remember what happened the last time you "proposed"! :D



Question: What kind of time frame? Seems like an hour would be kind a short. Also what about length? Are we talking about Flash here or 750 min words?
 
Just remember what happened the last time you "proposed"! :D



Question: What kind of time frame? Seems like an hour would be kind a short. Also what about length? Are we talking about Flash here or 750 min words?
These are items to be worked out. If you have ideas, fire them off. It must be challenging. I was thinking Lit minimum (so people could post the stories if they liked) and a 24 hour limit. Thoughts?

EDIT SORRY - 24 hours would be fair for 750 words.
 
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I'm game.

Maybe it'll jumpstart that slut of a muse I have. :D
 
Why only two?
Because it's a fight! A duel at high noon between two quick-draws or boxing ring writers.

It's also about the now, without time to think. 24 hours is too long. I think it should be 4 hours max. That's long enough to write 750 words, short enough to require a quick hand. :kiss:
 
Max of 250 words? Takes less time. Might keep it moving quicker and draw in more wordslingers.
How much time do you think writing 250 words under pressure would take? Do you think 250 words would also be enough space for an erotic build up, or even a story?
 
How much time do you think writing 250 words under pressure would take? Do you think 250 words would also be enough space for an erotic build up, or even a story?


Maybe have it be a timed challenge instead of word count. Start and stop typing at a set time, and send the finished pieces to the judge within a few minutes.
 
Maybe have it be a timed challenge instead of word count. Start and stop typing at a set time, and send the finished pieces to the judge within a few minutes.
Interesting, but articulate more, M Lynn. This is not my challenge. It is OURS. What limits? :)
 
How much time do you think writing 250 words under pressure would take? Do you think 250 words would also be enough space for an erotic build up, or even a story?

An hour should be good, but with time zones might want to leave it at 24 to give all a chance.

Got a point there about the length - now that I think about it we've done some similar things. I think there was a challenge to write a great intro in either 300 0r 500 words - I forget. So maybe 750 would be okay, especially if a number of elements need to be addressed.

Maybe have it be a timed challenge instead of word count. Start and stop typing at a set time, and send the finished pieces to the judge within a few minutes.

In measures of creativity, length usually beats brevity.
 
Interesting, but articulate more, M Lynn. This is not my challenge. It is OURS. What limits? :)

It might be interesting to see what the different authors can produce with the clock ticking down is all. Use a set prompt, topic, or title for both challengers. Less time for corrections, true, but also more gut typing, just letting the thoughts flow.

Just a beginning thought yet.
 
An hour should be good, but with time zones might want to leave it at 24 to give all a chance.

Got a point there about the length - now that I think about it we've done some similar things. I think there was a challenge to write a great intro in either 300 0r 500 words - I forget. So maybe 750 would be okay, especially if a number of elements need to be addressed.

In measures of creativity, length usually beats brevity.
Think about it overnight. I will also. I think such a challenge could be a great learning experience and fantabulous fun! :D :kiss:
 
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