How much work is running a story contest?

[oneagainst]

After entering a few competitions and enjoying the change of pace, I'm wondering what it takes to actually propose one and run it? For example, Omenainen and SisterJezabel looked like they put a lot of effort into the Pink Orchid and Letters of Love contests, but given I also have to earn a living, how many hours per week?

Second part: any types of themes work better than others? I'm thinking something based around a venue for a night of revelry... open-ended enough?

 

[ElectricBlue]

One quick clarification - the ones you mention are collections (anthologies), not contests or competitions. No prizes, no placements, only the common listing.

 

[oneagainst]

One quick clarification - the ones you mention are collections (anthologies), not contests or competitions. No prizes, no placements, only the common listing.

Ah. Yes... I guess there's quite a difference. I'm talking about collections in that case.

 

[Omenainen]

You can use @SisterJezabel to tag people so they’ll notice.

It depends. Suggesting an event could be as simple as writing the prompt, suggesting event schedule to Laurel, and setting up the support thread. I’ve offered to beta read for anyone participating, but that is by no means expected and not so many have taken me up on that offer. Last year I read all the entries, but that’s not necessary either. And even with all that, I’ve still made a living on the side, so I don’t think it’s that much work

 

[Rustyoznail]

It depends on how much effort you want to put in. I've set it up the competition threads a couple of times, and after the initial work you just come back and bump the thread.

Then, you get someone like @Nouh_Bdee who has driven "Tales of Leinyere" event hard for the last couple years, and done a really great job of it.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

That's kind of you to say, Russ.

OP, I assume it really depends on the event. Leinyere is supposed to a shared, interconnected world of stories, but an event that's just a collection with a common theme might not be much work at all. There's not going to be anyone cracking the whip on you for it, so you'll just be putting in the work you want to put in. That said, you'll probably get out of it what you put in, too. Maybe someone else can give you a more well-rounded perspective.

 

[oneagainst]

Thanks for the viewpoint. I've got an idea to set it around an event that's planned in a club at the end of the storylines. It's ensemble, drawing together a host of characters from previous stories, but I thought it might be fun if others wanted to join in too. A night of revelry in a kink club before it gets closed down, with full access to all areas... what could possibly go wrong?

 

[NoTalentHack]

Thanks for the viewpoint. I've got an idea to set it around an event that's planned in a club at the end of the storylines. It's ensemble, drawing together a host of characters from previous stories, but I thought it might be fun if others wanted to join in too. A night of revelry in a kink club before it gets closed down, with full access to all areas... what could possibly go wrong?

I was hoping that’s what it was going to be. I actually have an idea for that.

 

[oneagainst]

I was hoping that’s what it was going to be. I actually have an idea for that.

Happy to hear...?

 

[oneagainst]

Okay, deep breath - have submitted an event for October. Gonna post a support thread on here. Geez, this is nerve wracking.

Just not sure whether it's better to go for a more tightly-defined concept or something really loose. I guess some people like having a sandbox to play in, while others just want to have freedom to move. Which is best?

 

[NoTalentHack]

Okay, deep breath - have submitted an event for October. Gonna post a support thread on here. Geez, this is nerve wracking.

Just not sure whether it's better to go for a more tightly-defined concept or something really loose. I guess some people like having a sandbox to play in, while others just want to have freedom to move. Which is best?

“Best” is subjective. If you want more participation, making it a bit more freeform and not worrying about continuity (if applicable) is better. If you want something more tightly integrated, you’ll get fewer entries, but might be happier with the results.

 

[Rustyoznail]

Congrats on offering to run an event.

Both ideas will work. "Tales of Leinyere" and "Amorous Goods" are set in defined worlds, while "On the Job" and "Pink Orchid" are wide open. They all have their challenges. Just set it up how you think it will best work.