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The discussion on the contest thread has gotten me thinking about if the intimidation factor of the contest was what stopped so many people from entering, so I've decided to do a little experiment. If 5 people are willing to sign up, I'll hold a contest entirely of my own, so no contest winner trophy for the winner, this is purely for observational purposes. However, I'll put up 100 of my own experience points as a prize, which can be transferred either the help of an admin if they wish to take the time to do so, or a whole lot of dueling. 

If and when we get enough participants, the site can take a vote of the topics they wish the theme of the contest to be. I'd like to see a dystopian setting, but as this is a community supported competition, I'll allow you all to have a vote.

Just post whether you'd like to take part in it, and we can discuss setting up a start and end date. There won't be any time delays, once the contest starts the end date will be set in stone.

I'd be willing depending on the theme ^ I'm no good at modern/sci-fi themes etc..

On the other hand, good luck!

I don't think it'd be best to limit a contest to a category. For example, a dystopian setting could take place in a modern, sci-fi, or fantasy setting. Even a school setting if you're creative enough.

Ah, that is very true. I was specifically thinking about the recent post-apocalyptic themed contest that just ended. I was amazed at the stories the entrants released because they didn't have that "Fallout 3" feel to it (futuristic society that fell/zombies). I'll have to change my perspective on many genres ^^

I'd be willing, mattering on when it starts (since I need to finish Undead Persona) and also what the restraints will be (cuz I'm working on another storygame which I don't want to forget about as well).

It's kinda a fan-fic, but primarily a supernatural mystery in a school setting.

That sounds very interesting. Can't wait to see it in it's final form.

The only restraints I can think of is that it must be a new story, (Because if you're two weeks away from finishing a six month masterpiece and everyone else only has a month, that's pretty unfair) must adhere to the currently undecided theme, and must be completed within a month. I'll try to keep it as lax as possible.

I'd be interested, now that I know a little more about it, like the "new" and 1-month time frame. I hesitate on the theme & setting though, as some settings I write well in, but others I don't so much.

That's why there will be a vote :)

Even if the chosen theme turns out to be something you're not particular well versed at, you can still consider it as an opportunity to broaden your horizons.

I'm with you, and I was thinking that as I typed my answer. I wonder if it should have more limits,rather than fewer -- like setting, number of characters, type of game, number of words/pages, etc.

Either way, I'll take a shot at it.

Nah, theme is the only restriction I'll put on the game itself, I believe. I'm trying to encourage as much creativity as possible, not stifle it.

What if I'm 9 pages through but have a somewhat clear idea of what's going to happen?

Also @Sethaniel what's the policy (if any) on User-hosted contests? Can you actually offer points?

If it's only nine pages then I don't have an issue with it, as long as you don't continue to add to it until after the contest has begun.

I don't see why not. It's easy for me to add/subtract points from profiles.

I think it might be best, though, to limit user-sponsored contests to one at a time. it could get confusing/overwhelming if ten different people are all trying to run their own contest at once,

Ditto

Tbph, I'd be shocked if this turned into a regular trend and actually got out of hand, I haven't seen a lot of that kind of motivation lately ... but maybe I'm being cynical. Either way, I agree. However, I don't see any other user-sponsored contests at the moment, so I assume we're in the clear ftm.

I'm in.

Well that's four.

Yeah, sure, I'm in! (Though I was one of those people who didn't finish their story...)

Alright, we've got 5 entries. I'll post another thread tomorrow, and give another week after that for more people to sign up.