CS Writing Competition [INTEREST CHECK]

[BlueEyedKite]

I don't know what the prizes will end up, I assume pets, but is it possible to split the prize in two? Have two categories for the writing comp: novice vs advanced. That way if someone doesn't feel as comfortable in their writing abilities they could enter at the novice level and have a shot at their story being selected. While those who enter in the advanced category know they are going against steep competition. The word count could be smaller for notice and larger for advanced. Grammar could be less focused on at the novice level but grammar and style is taken into account for advanced.

Same judge, two winners. Prizes split.

Sort of like we have a semi-literate vs literate roleplay board!

[WarriorcatKitty]

YES PLEASE OMG
I need something to motivate me to write xD I've been wanting to do a writing competition for a while now!!

[halcyoncreature]

i adore this idea. Im not much of a writer myself but could absolutely see myself entering once in a while just for fun. I think it opens up a lot of doors for players who dont draw, which seems like the primary form of art shown on cs

[huskyhiccups]

I don't know what the prizes will end up, I assume pets, but is it possible to split the prize in two? Have two categories for the writing comp: novice vs advanced. That way if someone doesn't feel as comfortable in their writing abilities they could enter at the novice level and have a shot at their story being selected. While those who enter in the advanced category know they are going against steep competition. The word count could be smaller for notice and larger for advanced. Grammar could be less focused on at the novice level but grammar and style is taken into account for advanced.

Same judge, two winners. Prizes split.

Sort of like we have a semi-literate vs literate roleplay board!

I'd love to see this implemented as well, but I think the issue would be the same as when the Oekaki board had "beginner" and "intermediate" boards since players often didn't want to post in the "intermediate" as artists usually discredit their drawing abilities and mods would have to move it to the correct board. I wouldn't want someone to intentionally enter the "beginners" writing contest and end up crushing the competition because they should've been in the "intermediate/advanced" category instead. I hope that makes sense!

[Lacuna]

The model here is that it will be a competition. This means someone has to be chosen to win and receive the prize. Contests can never be fair by their nature, but most people probably wouldn’t participate if there wasn’t a chance at a prize; they could just go do their own writing without restriction. There also isn’t a real good way to self-evaluate into different categories, which is why we’ve chosen a word limit instead. Also, as far as plagiarism goes, I hope that will be mostly handled by the fact that these are meant to be CS themed writing pieces; before an entry is chosen as the winner a quick search should reveal any potential copying.

[asta,]

> this seems like a genuinely wonderful idea to build engagement with
the community. this would have my full support, providing it's handled
well by the staff-- and i'd definitely be participating from time to time
as well. i would also love to see this model tested and, if it works, see
it expanded to oekaki and even dress-ups since writing isn't everyone's
favorite pastime. in the long run i really think that something like this
would benefit the site and its members.

[Halsie]

I’m definitely interested and will be looking forward to this! I used to love writing, I just have been stuck in writers block for awhile but I feel like this is something I’d participate in. I also love the idea that we will have to dress up our pets to go along with our stories. Will there be just one winner or a second and third place as well? I feel as though maybe more people will be willing to join if there’s more than one winner.

[vinylteeth]

I like this idea a lot, especially since it can branch out into other media! I think it’d be cool to give out small entry prizes(randomized old uncommon/recent rare maybe?) as well so everyone walks away with something for their effort. As for branching out, I’d love a traditional media one like the cake contest, except you can use any irl material. The amount of creativity would be crazy. I know that’s a lot further down the line if it even ever happens, but I can dream lmao.

Piggybacking off of this idea, maybe we could have exclusive litters for the competitions? With just one or two pets, everyone who participates gets one and then the winner gets one + the grand prize? I feel like it would encourage more people to participate although I'm not sure how possible this would be

[nickjr]

oooOOOOOoooh I like this idea! I personally might participate, depending on time owo

I'm not reading the entire thread ahaha... but hmm, having a "beginner" and "advanced" split will pose the same issues as they did with the old oekaki boards... maybe we can have two categories, one with a lower word count limit/range and one with a higher word count limit/range? This isn't meant to be a direct parallel to beginner/advanced, but rather, an alternative split that's not meant to be centered around the person. Sometimes, for some of us, it takes effort to tell a story using a lower number of words (I know I tend to get absurdly wordy lol), whereas for others, it's easier.

(Could be extended to potential dress-up competitions by having one category for a low number of items and one category for a high number/unlimited items. Not sure about potential oekaki competitions.)

Will there be a limit on how often someone can win a prize? (not barred from participating, and they could still have their entry linked in the news and in the thread if it's winner-worthy) Not that I think someone's gonna end up winning first place every single month since we have a lot of talent on CS and a different single staff member would be judging every contest but still

[Exoneration]

There would be prizes in the form of pets (and maybe items because that would be fun too)! Only a competition if there is a prize yeah? we think this would be a fun way for users to have another method of getting pets or items beyond the pound or trading!

Would the prizes be already released outcomes or current store pets/items? Or would they be an exclusive "October writing contest pet/item set"?