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EDIT 11/23/2014:

BY POPULAR REQUEST, INTENTS TO SUBMIT ARE REOPENED INDEFINITELY. ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE STATED THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON STORIES BUT DID NOT ENTER, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE. SHOW US WHAT YOU'VE GOT.

ADDENDUM: YOU MUST STILL SUBMIT A TITLE AND BRIEF SYNOPSIS TO THE JUDGES.

END OF LINE.

How Do We Judge Creative Writing?: 

Here's an example of how teachers judge Creative Writing. Look at this convoluted mess:

The question of grading creative work is one that troubles creative writing professors and their students, as well as other English Literature faculty who may have to evaluate student creative work (e.g., in senior theses). Professors and students often confuse the merit of the authors’ intentions with that of the finished product. If we continue to believe that creative writers work automatically – that fiction is a byproduct of subconscious inspiration – then we cannot adequately assess the quality of creative writing. The myth of automatic writing must be broken: there must be a paradigm shift in how we view the creative process.

Narrative theory is key in teaching and grading creative writing; it can be used effectively to establish grading rubrics that clarify the evaluation process. In particular, this article focuses on grading short stories at the undergraduate level by using rubrics designed in conjunction with various theoretical texts, including Seymour Chatman's Reading Narrative Fiction (1993, Prentice Hall: New Jersey). Breaking down narrative elements such as plot, discourse-time, character, setting, narration, and filter delineates the tools authors use to effectively write fiction. The rubric, then, serves two purposes; it helps creative writing students plan their stories and professors evaluate student work. - 

:The ‘Problem’ of Creative Writing: Using Grading Rubrics Based On Narrative Theory as Solution, Rodriguez, Alicia (2008)

?

Sethaniel's Take:

I can't speak for the other judges.  For a contest, it's probably easier to write a story with one main/right path and a few dead branches.

I personally prefer multiple endings.  A really good linear story will probably beat a mediocre story with multiple branches- but a well-written, intensely plotted, completely linear story will probably lose to a good story with several strong, distinct paths leading to a few satisfying endings, or to a good story with one main path filled with choices leading to a wide variety of endings.

For me, post-apocalyptic stories aren't about fighting mutants in a destroyed city.  Like all good stories, they're about what makes us human.  After everything is gone, what's left?  When there's no more law and no more structure are we nothing but animals, focused on nothing but killing to survive?  Can there still be love and beauty and hope after the end of the world?

Madglee's Take: 

Imagine that many teachers believe that if someone tries, then that should count as an A. I remember thinking this. So, it's Junior year, these students' writing is not particularly good, but at what level do I gauge it? Do I grade based on the idea that in 11th grade, they can't possibly write as well as in college? Do I grade them based on how they compare to their peers? Do I grade them based on some non-existent scale of 11th graders? Do I grade them based on how hard they tried, or how creative the work is, despite any grammatical or syntactic errors?

Difficult, very difficult. Syntax, grammar, and spelling are important. And easy, these days, what with all the spell-checkers and grammar checkers. However, turn off the grammar checker. Write how you want. The most important part of creative writing is that one tells a good story. Imagine, while you are writing, that you are telling a story to a friend. Sure, emphasize things and describe locales. But show things, don't make mention that "This guy is anxious," but rather show that he is anxious, through his pacing, or stammering, or whatever.

So how will we choose? I can only speak for myself, but I would say that a very strong story, coupled with a strong infrastructure: that is, spelling, grammar, syntax, would win. (See what I did there? Terrible syntax, love it.) Something inspired. Go crazy. Hope that helps. 

Fleshy's Take:

What I will be looking for is mostly the basics. Good grammar/punctuation, nice flow, relevant/good choices to make etc. While depth isn't a must, I would like to get involved in the story. End writes beautifully. You WANT to continue reading his stories. Outside of that, I can't say I will be hard to please here. Just put forth your best effort and I will judge accordingly. 

Best of luck to everyone!

nate

Endmaster's Take: 

So someone asked me to tell everyone what I look for in a good story for the thread. Not sure why since I'm not judging, but here it is.

I don't really have any major thing I look for, which is why I typically make for a terrible terrible judge/reviewer in general. I either liked it or I didn't and I have no major advice to give. I mean obviously I wouldn't want to read something with a bunch OMZg ACKSHUN Pow POW L33t retard speak, but that's about it as far as the technical aspect is concerned.

Given that this is a post apocalyptic contest, I'd probably be more likely to enjoy all the entries on some level since that's a favorite setting of mine. If you lot were doing a fanfic contest however, I'd most likely hate all the entries no matter how well they were written.

I suppose I probably lean towards stories that have a few elements that remind me of something I might write, but again that's not a constant either. Just slapping a bunch of swear word laden conversations and torture porn scenes together isn't necessarily going to impress me if you haven't made a well thought out story around it or made it at least humorous in some way.

As for the inventory, graphics, and coding stuff, it doesn't make too much difference to me. It doesn't really hurt either though as long as the coding is done right and isn't causing the story to glitch up.

Anyway, I'll also agree with what Fleshy said, and just focus on writing something you'd want to read yourself. (Unless you must win at all costs, then I suppose attempting to please the judges' preferences is the way to go)

Intent to Submit for Contest Deadline: PASSED.

Final Story Submissions due by 1/3/2014. Contest results announced soon thereafter.

Minimum Entries Required for Contest: 5 excellent entries. If we do not receive at least five strong efforts, there will simply be no contest. We can't very well go giving out Featured Storygame and user Trophies unless enough people try.

Co-Authors?: No co-authors for final submission, but one may use a co-author for editing or feedback before submission.

Judges Panel: madGlee, Fleshnblood_78, Sethaniel (Judges not eligible for entry.)

Genre: Post-apocalyptic (As far as what "post-apocalyptic" means, I leave that to you, the writers. Certainly, civilization will have collapsed in some way, and possibly there are pockets of "organized government," or "megacorps," or whatever future you envision. There could have been bombs, viruses, global economic collapse, resource shortfall, mutants, raiders, religious zealotry, you name it.) Civilization, in some way, has collapsed. However, the key point is that there must be a meaty story. This contest cannot have something to do with the apocalypse, but be a trivia game, a spelling game, or purely puzzle game, among others. There is no reason puzzles and the like cannot be included, however.

Basic/Advanced: Up to you, although if basic, better be excellent writing, and if Advanced, still excellent writing.

Prizes: Assuming there are 5 excellent entries.

           #1: Featured StoryGame, + 100 Points, + Choice of Judge Trophy (Alexp has also said he may contribute something special, so we will have to wait and see!)

           #2: 50 Points + Choice of Judge Trophy

           #3: 25 points

           #4: Honorable mention(s)?

Want to Enter?: Send madGlee a PM, detailing your title and brief synopsis of your idea. I will record these and ensure that the story is appropriate. I will disseminate this information to the other two judges. If we  have any questions, please answer them fully so that we can ensure all entries fit the scope of the contest.

Intentions to Enter: 30

Entries by: Romulus, Tanstaafl, AppDude27, Dantene, 31TeV, TaraGil, insanebutvain, the_quiller, Nightbirdblue, Kiel_Farren, Steve_Greg, cMitchell3, DragonAnth, Ford, Lazarus, Aman, playa988, Tangecide, Boringfirelion, Mtactical, FeanoronForge, GraveRobber, bjhovey, betaband, jamescoker1226, IronPanther, TheNewIAP, TacocaT, Toussaint, frank2.

THE CONTEST INTENT TO ENTER DEADLINE HAS PASSED. 

END OF LINE.

FUCK YEAH! Wait.... End better not join. 

Welp, better get cracking. 

LOL. The difference between 50 points and $100...

Wait...a hundred real dollars?

No. A hundred imaginary real dollars. 

Yes, real dollars haha

I'm in if End doesn't enter :P

*chuckles at Malk and Romulus* You guys... really? You'd just wimp out if Endmaster joined in? :P I'd actually enjoy an opportunity competing with him. I'm not saying I'd win, mind you, but the real thrill of battle isn't in the prize itself. (Of course, you can ignore me, I was the newbie commander that agreed to fight both Drakilian and Quiller in their respective primes.)

As for myself ... I have a very interesting concept for this particular contest. I'd really prefer a chance at your trophy over points, though. =\ Would you reconsider the prize pool? (xD Money is nice, too, granted.)

@madglee

Haha, I was being sarcastic ;) As a matter of fact, I've already started writing a story :)

Oh, cool--wait ... dammit, more competition. xD
 

Stop encouraging them, Kiel XD

Dollars, he did say "funding."

This sounds incredibly fun, though my mind is blown at the idea that IRL money is being offered.

Hm, it would be interesting to do this in conjunction with the NaNoWriMo...I just need to decrease my daily sleep to zero. XD

Well, Lab 666 is officially on hiatus.

We could do trophies instead, if you guys prefer. I have to speak with some other mods/admins.

A contest trophy would be nice as well, though I already have your trophy #FirstworldCYSproblems :P

Mmmmm, jelly... *Drools over his keyboard*

You sonnet-writin' foo'.

Mad, whatever you want. I'm in either way. 

Better than $100?

How do you submit the game?

Publish it on CYS?

I like money.

Me too. 

You like money too? We should hook up!

Mmmm.... sounds like a plan. 

"I lukkee moonnayy."

@EndMaster

I'm in.

Brainstorming all the ideas.

I loved Ground Zero.

?

It's not his, it's Endmasters.

I'm just as confused. 

I'm going to guess he knows that xD He's probably in non-threaded view.

Probably because they don't use threaded view, so they don't know what happends.

I'm already in the process of writing mine, but it's not for this competition. I'm not sure if it'd qualify as 'Post-Apocalyptic' any-ways.

I'm trying to write one, but failing miserably. I just don't have the time. I keep getting forced to go to places with no internet for a week at a time. Oh well. I doubt I'd even have a chance with a look at this thread.

I love writing post-apocalyptic storygames. (As we all know from my absolutely GOD AWFUL storygame i have finally unpublished.), I've been working on one lately, and it's a humorous, and yet serious storygame. Hope I win! ;D

~Mtact

Well, @Sethaniel , assuming I'm around until Dec. 20, you just might get your non-modern post apocalypse.

Hurry up and write. 

Hardy har shut the Hell up!

Shut up and write. 

I would, damn it, but any time I try to come up with a title and synopsis, I get a notification and get distracted. XD

Stay off the forums, then. 

Dear God, why do I forget to unwatch this thread?

Unwatch every thread, and then stay off the forums and write 24/7.

Dude, I have, like, two huge-ass papers due in a few weeks. I can't devote my entire life to writing. Plus, I need to actually think the game out before I start writing or I'll lose interest in it.

Just do them all on the last day before it's due. It'll work. Trust me. It works every time. In the meanwhile, shut...up...and...write. 

Do you really want me to do this game that much?

Of course. It's a zombie apocalypse story after all. They're one of a kind. 

I never said anything about zombies, nmelssx.
 

@jamescoker1226 too bad I'm not judging the contest ;)

I know you're not a judge. I just thought you might like to know. I haven't really thought the idea out very well, though.

Wow, a new profile picture, Seth. Bravo!

Awesome. Just the motivation I needed, even if it means putting two of my works even more on the backburner. Too bad post-apocalyptic isn't my genre. Then again, there was that made-up religion I was fleshing out for one of those ld excercises I could use for this. Hmm.

Is the cash prize not elegible for the uk then?  godamnit!

The cash prize is presumably fine everywhere.

umm fair enough might enter this after i finish my first story which unfortunatly is not a post- apocalptic story  :(

WAIT! DOES PUBLISHED GAMES COUNT TOO?

No.

Of course not.

if Madglee agrees, I am willing to add my trophy to the list. Though one hell of a story needs to be written. I dont want half assed work. 

nate

100 dollars? Yeah, I'm in.

This may just be implied, but the winner gets the Contest-winning trophy too, right?

See the new updated rules.

So we have to PM you now if we want to enter? I like the new guidelines, especially the fact that the number 2 may also choose a trophy. Slightly disappointed that there's no money involved anymore though :P 

(Just kidding about that last part btw...)

Well, we discussed it, and it seemed to make more sense to award trophies rather than money, particularly due to the value of the American dollar in various locales.

Haha, so close to zero anything outside of the States :P 

Really? Try Canadian money. Sure, it's not much less, but still lower than American.

Haha, my god five stories in two and a half months... It already usually takes me a year to finish a story.

No, this means 5 total entries. Each participant only need write one.

Not really a fan of the 'featured Storygame' promise-- the featured games are supposed to be the best of the site, not the best of a contest. Sure, if the game is good enough to feature then that is it's own thing, but otherwise, well...

It goes without saying that the winning entry would be a spectacular story. If we get 5 half-assed attempts, there won't even be a contest. Rest assured that anyone who wins this contest will deserve a Featured place.

@Ford

I don't see that the genre "post-apocalyptic" precludes creativity due to it being overdone. If we get a million zombie stories, fine, but if the author puts time into any genre to make it her or his own, then it will be enjoyable to read.

There is also no reason to think that one cannot use fantasy, fiction, sci-fi, etc. All can be incorporated into a "post-apocalyptic" setting. Like I previously said, the definition of "post-apocalyptic" is mainly left to the writer.

Magic could have been rediscovered. Technology could be the domain of a strict religious sect. Etc. Etc.

Never get stuck in cliches (accent /) and think that post-apocalyptic must mean there can be no tongue-in-cheek, no romance, no sci-fi, etc. Genres define a mood, not the whole content.

The only stipulation of post-apocalyptic is that in some way civilization has collapsed.

Do I have to PM all three judges to enter or just one of you? 

@madglee

How long does it have to be? 

You can PM all of use or just me. I am compiling the entries. You can decide how long it is. Perhaps it's a short story, or perhaps it's an epic. I rely on you, the writers, to submit works you are proud of regardless of length. Of course, if you write some crap that is terrible and short, well, that would be a bad idea.

Wow, 7 contestants! 

I'd like to see the names of them before actually getting excited about it, haha.

@ every single one of them is a warrior cat 'writer'

Hey, I'd prefer 7 cat stories over 7 people who enter then produce nothing.

XD 

Everyone who has signed up so far is respectable (except one who's a total lurker and one who is myself). Don't know who the 7th is though.

Hacker.

You call it hacker, I call it professional busybody.

Do I have to enter my story before I begin work on it, or can I wait until it's finished before I officially enter?

Yes.

You have until Oct. 31st to submit your intent to enter.

Also, after the contest is over, can we ask the judges to overlook our writing and review it somewhat thoroughly as to tell us how you think we could improve?

So, based on the Basic/Advanced text above we're definitely being judged on excellent writing. Is it safe to ask what else is factored in to the judging criteria? Good writing is a given, but it would be nice to know in advance if we're also being judged on game mechanics, branching paths, and the like.

I cant officially enter this contest, but I have decided that if I am to write a new story, this is a good challenge. I will be writing along side everyone else. My Post Apocalypse story involves a stand up comic named Don Yarmy who resorts to desperate measures to reach infamy. 

nate

Ha ha, awesome. :)

From what little I see, I already like the main character.

Just a little FYI, my stories are not usually that great. Therefore, if you can't at least do as good as me, you won't get my vote! lol Effort people, put the time in and get rewarded. 

nate

Thanks for that input. Sounds fair to me. Although, when I get the time, I'll probably have to play through one of your games. I don't think I played through any of yours just yet.

Might I suggest Schooled For Life, or The Family. Schooled is an advanced story, and Family is basic. 

nate

Well dang. As soon as I got my writing desire back, my computer goes conk... I can surf and message and post on my phone. But I can't write a whole story like this... I'm sidelined til further notice. 

Nate

I'm in, I think.

I think I'm in too, but don't know for sure. :c

Don't forget to submit your intent to enter (when you're sure) before the 31st. :)

I'm actually also kinda curious who have signed up so far... 

13 magical intents to enter thus far. I am hoping each of them is completed! Let's get more on board.

So that we're all clear, we're doing the "your pick of the trophy" rather than the $100 due to more people wanting the former as a reward. 

Although, who knows what Alexp might be throwing in to the mix?

As far as feedback on the stories, I am completely willing to provide it. @Tanstaafl

Shit, I'm sorry, I didn't remember that! @31TeV.

Sure, I will compile a general guideline and post it up on what stories are generally judged on in creative writing classes.

Just curious, but why did you want to keep your entry a secret?

Ah okay, I think I understand. Well I for one am glad that you decided to enter :) I'm kinda curious about your writing as I don't think that I have read a storygame of yours yet. 

Well, then let me tell you that mine is also set in a post-apocalyptic Earth. And that's about as specific as I'm going to get at the moment :P

Haha yeah I know, I don't really care at this moment if anyone reads that as I have only completed like two pages that can be read. 

(Am going to change the title btw)

That's awesome. Thanks so much.

Just gonna point out it feels a bit awkward to actually pick whose trophy the winner would get.  If the winner only gets one i think it should default to whoever is the least active. That way the other judges can give away their trophys at their discretion if they really like a story. 

Why is it "awkward?"

Also, what do you mean "default to least active?"
 

Because its choosing between the three of you. I mean make the prize the trophy of the least active of you guys. Basically whoever is least likely to give their trophy out normally, since it would be the hardest one to get. 

But then you could always just choose that trophy if you win, right? I think this measure was implemented so people who already have a mod trophy won't get the same one twice. 

This contest cannot have something to do with the apocalypse

What?

He meant it has to be a story--not a puzzle game during the apocalypse, a trivia game about the apocalypse, etc.. It must be an actual story with characters involved in the apocalypse.

With the 'two weeks to get a story together!' remark, do you mean that our whole storygames should be completed in two weeks, or that the intend to submit deadline is in two weeks? Cause then I'm going to be a bit pressed for time... :P

I'm pretty sure the 'two weeks' is the deadline for submitting your intent to enter with a reasonable story premise. Though, if I'm wrong and it IS due in two weeks...*cue insanity*

Gonna do that *real* soon.

Trophies reward explanation:

@Killa_Robot I hear what you are saying, but hopefully most entering will disagree. The ability to choose a trophy is part of the reward. We three would not have put together a contest if we were not willing to give our trophies to some exemplary entries. That is why there were minimum entries required and why the entries must be stories, not puzzles, or mindless zombie killing, etc. 

Deadline clarification:

 Intent to submit a story is due in two weeks. You have until New Year's Eve to complete them. That gives you two months of strong writing. 

You paste the <body background="IMAGE URL"> tag into your profile with the Rich Text Editor turned off. You can get fancier, but that's the basic idea.

Ditto for the story page background.

There's actually a ton of cool little HTML tags you can use to add to the storygame's ambiance. Check out Kiel's links too.

YES! I finally know the answer that has eluded me! Muahahah....*Takes an hour editing*

I've gotten four PMs so far asking me about it xD

Adding in html tags to make the pages look pretty wastes a ton of time, I'll admit. It took me about an hour just to do this title page, and I'm still not happy with it :/

I always though sneak preview just made it so that the story summary didn't appear on your profile page. Huh, learned something new today.

It should be sneak preview-able now.

Trust me, I've tried. ;_; If anyone knows how, I will owe you cookies eternally.

Whoop it worked. Thanks quill. It seems to work on Story Descriptions which is interesting.

How many people need to die for it to be apocalyptic. I'm making a story where less than 10 thousand die because of dragons. Would this count?

No one. Beta, the idea is that society / civilization collapses.

Ok, I can do that. Thanks.

^ Yes, Kiel_Farren, thank you.

No problem.

compared to mine where you barely have 50 k survivors and most of them are the bad guys......

Well, that's ... definitely a collapse in civilization as we know it.

You do know yours' is blatant plagiarism, right?

Is 'Sonny' your entry for the contest? Cause that sounds very similar to an online zombie rpg game from a while back... 

That game was awesome.

It's based on it ( at least the beginning), but many of the characters ( minibosses, bosses, etc) will not appear since there's no logical way to add them, and the story will take a different turn after Veradux pops up , so it's only 10% based on it.  Not to mention that , from the sequel, there will be nothing in my story except a brief appearance of Roald (spoiler: and he's not as helpful as he is in the game) and Veradux's fear of knifes after his face meets the pointy end of two such items. Plus, there's gonna be more dialogue and THREE good endings

Hmm...  Hmm...  Hmm...  I don't know what to say...

I'm hesitiant, but it's a definite maybe so far.

Is anyone else studying people's writing styles?

What do you mean? 

Is anyone else studying the other competitors' writing to see how they write and stuff?  Because I'm certainly not!

Not really, actually, though I have glanced over the competitors list a few times to see who could beat me :P 

Hmm, I'm actually writing quite differently in this story than in my other stories so far...

That's very good to know...

Why is that good to know? :P

There's absolutely no reason to do so. XD 

From a meta perspective, what you really ought to be studying is "what do the judges like?"

Yeah, but even if you went that way, I feel that what you, fleshy, and madGlee like are varied enough that it would be a waste of time to try and find something that all of you would like.

Oh.  Sethaniel, what do you like?

You guys haven't stated how you guys'll judge the entries yet haha.

Do they like the story:

[  ] Yes

[  ] No

Is there a length limit from 1-8 lengths according to CYS length stats? 

Limit? As in a max length?

Or do you mean a min length?

Naw, there is a minimum limit. Not sure how high it goes, but you can't publish something that's two pages long. I think ten is the lowest, but I'm too lazy to check.

Madglee said that he'll tell us what they're specifically looking for, I think haha.
"Sure, I will compile a general guideline and post it up on what stories are generally judged on in creative writing classes."

instead of looking for loopholes, easy answers, and all around ways to slack, try writing the BEST story you can. Looking for easy answers will definitely show you dont have what it takes to write a winning story. 

nate

Yes, I did say that. I failed. I will post something today. I agree with Nate, nonetheless.

Naw, it really doesn't matter. I was just pointing it out because of the discussion.

Updated it. Does that help? :P

That helps a lot. It sounds like the main things we need to concentrate on are writing and story.

Good work.

Ooh, ooh, I'm a sophomore! Can you give me an A for effort?

I'll give you a B for a beatin'.

Better than a C I deserve for cheating.

Thanks for clearing up the judging guidelines, madglee.

So if I'm understanding this right, we'll be judged on effective characterization, compelling plot, descriptive setting, technical writing ability, and liberal use of 'show not tell'?

That is wholly correct. Don't focus on the show not tell nonsense, though. Lots of writers tell all sorts of bullshit, like most TV shows. Just use your gut to tell the best story you can to your friends. Then, when you write it down, as you are telling it, you just sort of shape things naturally.

Hopefully that makes sense. A lot of writers find that telling the story into a mic and then transcribing their words actually makes their writing better. I don't do this, but I sort of use an inner-dialogue and just write whatever spurts out.

That's probably a good idea. If I read my purple prose aloud, I'll realize how ridiculous it sounds and trim it down. XD

Also, this is going to sound really self-serving coming from me, but will we score points for making the games look more presentable with graphics? (Though I'll still include them even if we don't :P)

NO.

The way I see it, it'll help it regardless. Making it look presentable gives some sort of placebo effect, which could make it seem like it's better than it really is. Even if it's not 'officially' going to help, it might 'behind the scenes' mattering on the judge. I dunno.

Not that you'll have a problem either way, since your writing is already fantastic. 

xD Mostly Quiller, but thank you for the honorable mention. It doesn't change the fact that the quality of one's writing is ultimately most important, but it definitely enhances the experience a lot. Personally, I'm excited to see what else I can make and do, and what other people will dream up using these techniques. I had no clue that some of the things Quiller has been doing were even possible here, so it really is very cool.

I'm curious to see what I can add to future games once I finish The Other World.

^ NO.

"Mattering on the judge"
Maybe?

I just view it, as Tev mentioned, like Endmaster's Necromancer. The pictures weren't needed, but I'd wager they add to the experience, however slightly.

This idea is akin to believing that fifth grade teachers will give you an A on your report because you put it in a clear plastic binder with a green plastic pageholder.

I was thinking more that a teacher would give somebody a better grade on a mediocre paper that isn't wrinkled rather than an excellent one that is.
But still, with your example, I know some teachers that would give an A+ to a book-report with a coverpage and all, when it really only deserves something like an 'A' purely for writing/grammar/etc.

Not saying I agree, but something that's extremely presentable could get bonus points. At least, that was how my teachers ran it.

Those teachers are fools!

They are!

Quilly's artwork and his placement of the background and what-nots are really aesthetically pleasing though, and I think that regardless of the fact that it won't officially count toward points, judges will nevertheless be affected by them enough that they'll reward more points toward it when they're done with the story game. 

You guys are hilarious. I can only speak for myself, 1/3 of the judges, but unless you put together some mind blowing media fusion extravaganza, I place no weight whatsoever in any sort of graphics or jibba-jabba. I want a meaty story, strong characters, adept wordplay, and a compelling reason to care about any particular character.

Polishing the nonsense up is akin to trying to fool your 5th grade teacher that your Biology report is better because you bought a clear plastic binder with a green clip.

@Sethaniel @Fleshnblood_78 @Endmaster

I think that if you write well, there is no need for "graphics." Words are the graphics, blast you all.

^ Indeed. 

I would never get mad at someone trying to express an opinion.

Man, it was 2006. That was a different time. We have to move forward.

That's fair enough. XD

Most of the graphics are part of the 'game' part of the story game and not the actual 'story' anyway. There's really no substitute for actual words if the story's meant to be read. I'll tone down the pics and focus more on writing.

--edit--
This turned into a bigger conversation than I thought, haha.

Well, I see what you mean. I think graphics can add color to a story, but even without the photos, the story should still be good. Mommy, for instance, is a brilliant example of bad-ass coding and AI, but basically sucks as a story. I would prefer to see quality stories like several of JJJ's or Endmaster's, or possibly Ground Zero type work, than my stuff. I would not use my writing as a basis for quality.

Well, thanks man. I don't mean to say it's crappy, just saying it's not the strongest I can imagine.

Cool, thanks.

I'd lower your expectations a bit if you're expecting a bunch of Endmaster quality story-games here. Very few of those that entered are proven writers, and even then I doubt they'd match up to the best writer on the site.

Mommy is a brilliant game and is one of my favorites on this entire site, but stepping away from the rose-colored glasses for just a moment, I actually do see what you mean, madglee. While I enjoyed every twisted minute of it, it felt like the story itself ended ... I dunno ... abruptly, perhaps even a little anticlimactically? The set-up was fantastic, but it felt like it could've gone further, or down more pathways, or into even greater insanity.  

Yeah, I agree. I concentrated so much on the AI and items that I sort of slacked and then wrapped it all up too fast. Still fun, but I agree.

@Kiel_Farren.

I doubt I could ever measure up to either 3J or Endmaster.

:(

So someone asked me to tell everyone what I look for in a good story for the thread. Not sure why since I'm not judging, but here it is.

I don't really have any major thing I look for, which is why I typically make for a terrible terrible judge/reviewer in general. I either liked it or I didn't and I have no major advice to give. I mean obviously I wouldn't want to read something with a bunch OMZg ACKSHUN Pow POW L33t retard speak, but that's about it as far as the technical aspect is concerned.

Given that this is a post apocalyptic contest, I'd probably be more likely to enjoy all the entries on some level since that's a favorite setting of mine. If you lot were doing a fanfic contest however, I'd most likely hate all the entries no matter how well they were written.

I suppose I probably lean towards stories that have a few elements that remind me of something I might write, but again that's not a constant either. Just slapping a bunch of swear word laden conversations and torture porn scenes together isn't necessarily going to impress me if you haven't made a well thought out story around it or made it at least humorous in some way.

As for the inventory, graphics, and coding stuff, it doesn't make too much difference to me. It doesn't really hurt either though as long as the coding is done right and isn't causing the story to glitch up.

Anyway, I'll also agree with what Fleshy said, and just focus on writing something you'd want to read yourself. (Unless you must win at all costs, then I suppose attempting to please the judges' preferences is the way to go)

Lol, well, I dunno who asked, but ... thanks for that, End.

You wont join the contest?

While I'm a huge fan of linear stories, I do realize that that there must be at least a slight chance to lose to be considered a proper storygame. otherwise it would be just story and no game, and that sort of thing belongs to other websites.

I can't speak for the other judges.  For a contest, it's probably easier to write a story with one main/right path and a few dead branches.

I personally prefer multiple endings.  A really good linear story will probably beat a mediocre story with multiple branches- but a well-written, intensely plotted, completely linear story will probably lose to a good story with several strong, distinct paths leading to a few satisfying endings, or to a good story with one main path filled with choices leading to a wide variety of endings.

I would say it depends on how well the story is written. I like a lot of branching, but for instance in Mommy, the only one I can compare it to, there is a TON of branching, but no real meaningful branches. That is one of its biggest weaknesses. Don't get too caught up in coding and items, like I did. Concentrate on writing something solid, and remember to have it on your computer first, so that you can always have your work.

I still haven't transferred all of Mommy and it's been 9 years.

He doesn't say exactly that there are 23 names, just 23 intentions to enter. 

Someone could have requested that he withhold their name, in order to conceal their intent to enter.

Maybe the intention to enter of this person could change our minds about OUR intention to enter... Example: if Endmaster joins, I give up.

I wouldn't give up.

Come on guys!  You can still get 2nd!

Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for End, but he isn't omnipotent. There is the possibility that, assuming the judges completely ignore bias and the fact that any anger End gets from losing the competition will likely be taken out on the souls of a thousand Tanzanian orphans, you can beat him.

 I'm with James, guys. If End were to enter, I feel that there are people entering that have every bit a chance of winning first besides Endmaster. Have more faith in yourselves.

I agree too. Though I think that Quiller and Kiel have more chance of beating him then I do, but there is still a chance. 

There is also the possibility that madglee just made a typo, or forgot to put up a name.

Well, I agree as well.  What I said above, was meant to be a joke, but it's my fault I didn't clarify.

And really, it doesn't matter if you win.  There will be so many stories to read once the contest is over.  Then again...

I type for the fun of it - most the time. This is something to get me going, instead letting everything fall into hiatus. This will also be something to compare my work with more experienced people, see what I can improve, (etc.)

That way, I present my best work possible to my previous teacher. He said that he might show it to his class, and I'm guessing that it would be as an example of what even a 13 year old could do, to motivate his class or something. 

Yes, typo. End is not entering.

"Endmaster isn't omnipotent"

HERESY.

my entry does not count Tev. I doubt I can finish mine in time anyway. It's been a frustrating month so far. November doesnt seem to look easier either. But I will keep moving forward. 

nate

That's me counting wrong because I like 23.

What is up with the number 23 again? Like, you're obsessed with it :P 

Seems to be his birthday. Which is pretty funny, since that means he joined the site on his B-day.

His birthday is March 23, 1974, if I'm correct.

Actually, I joined before my birthday, but when my user file got screwed up, Alex couldn't reset it further back than that.

I asked End to comment because he is an excellent writer and well-respected. His comments are hilariously vague, and I am glad. I am also hoping triple-J will have time to come and comment and possibly judge. We are all aware of how busy he is. We shall all see.

None of that matters. You can't possibly predict what any judge will "fancy," and you shouldn't bother. I thought it might be helpful to have multiple well-respected writers comment on what they thought was important. Seth and Fleshy, and hopefully even triple-J, might do so. 

Thanks.

You did?

Less than eight hours left.

to make it official: 

Fleshy's take: What I will be looking for is mostly the basics. Good grammar/punctuation, nice flow, relevant/good choices to make etc. While depth isn't a must, I would like to get involved in the story. End writes beautifully. You WANT to continue reading his stories. Outside of that, I can't say I will be hard to please here. Just put forth your best effort and I will judge accordingly. 

Best of luck to everyone!

nate

For another example, if it matters to you:

I like Fallout, because the designers took a lot of different playstyles into account.  If you want to make an Action Boy, you can, and just head through the game killing anything in your path.  If you want a Stealth Boy, that works too.  You can even make my personal favorite, Charisma Boy.  Pretty much every major plot point solved by talking to people instead of killing things.

Great, great, great, grape game.

Sorry, ignore this. Tagged you guys in the wrong thread by accident. Go see the other post I tagged you in instead:
http://chooseyourstory.com/forums/news-and-updates/message/14323