  Contests & Activities
This week: Edited by: Octobers Lie  
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Looking for something new to try? Need a little inspiration? Maybe you just want a challenge. Whatever the case, Contests and Activities can be very rewarding.
This site is overflowing with creativity which means there is always something going on. Whether you're a host, a contestant, or just plain curious, this newsletter is for you!
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Being Creative
I have to admit that I laughed when I typed in the title for this newsletters because frankly I'm not feeling creative at all. I guess I'm a bit lazy after my weeks vacation. 
Anyways, my vacation was fantastic, but not long enough  . We spent a week in Destin, Florida and while traveling to and from, we tried to stay off the Interstate as much as possible. It was a very nice and scenic drive through Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. We stopped many times to enjoy the sights, being typical tourists, even in my own home state.  Yes, we stopped at several tourist traps. I couldn't help myself. I just had to get a few souvenirs to take home to family and friends. Like the other places we traveled through, my home state had many souvenir stores that had the same items in each one. After a while, all the shops looked the same. I didn't see anything displayed in the windows or out front that enticed me to enter. There were several chain stores on one strip, same name, appeared to have the same items, and the buildings were the identical. Why bother?
The same thoughts have occurred to me here on Writing.Com when I'm looking for a Contest or Activity. I've seen a few contests that were identical. While that in itself is not uncommon and there is nothing wrong with it, I wasn't intrigued enough to open the link to see what each was all about. The descriptions said "short story contest" and sometimes the titles were the same, "Short Story Contest".
My first thoughts were that the host didn't put a lot of time or effort in creating their item at all, so why bother?
I've opened contest forums that were very bland, "Just write me a short story." The rules were very short and really no explanation on anything. Why bother?
Once again, the host didn't put a lot of thought into their item so why should I waste my time?
Many responsible hosts around the site can tell you that it's more than just creating a forum. You have to take the time to think about your contest and/or activity. You have to be dedicated, responsible, and put in an effort. We all are not creative genius by no means, but not even trying seems irresponsible and just plum lazy.
Ok, so you want to run a poetry contest, but there are several members doing so at the same time. Big deal. Create your contest! Make it stand out. Come up with a snazzy or attractive title. Don't forget to make your brief descriptions interesting, and think about the theme or what kind of poems you want your contestants to write. Give some serious thought when posting your rules and what kind of prizes you can afford. Definitely take advantage of some of the wonderful tools Writing.Com offers according to your membership levels such as WritingML tags, and using images. (To see if your level of membership offers the use of images visit "Compare Free and Paid Membership Benefits" .)
The most simple contest or activity can be a huge success if a host will put in the effort to be creative, responsible, and promote their item. The ideas are endless, and like I've said before it's all up to the host.
Until next time...
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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 Submitted by: Puditat
*applauds* October's editorial.
You hit on one of my pet peeves, and it is the first time I have seen it mentioned anywhere. I believe the 'contest' genre should only be used for an actual contest or items related to a contest. For example...a contest may utilise a forum, a survey, a special signature, and a static item listing previous winners. They would all be valid listed under the contest genre. An entry into a contest is inaccurately categorised with "contest" as one of its genres.
I suppose there are exceptions - say for an item written about a contest, but other than that, why clutter up the 'contest' listings with things that don't provide a prize?
Great editorial, October.
 Thank you so much! I was a bit nervous about that edition and how it would be perceived. Your reply makes many valid points, and I'm glad you took the time to comment. Thank you again.
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Submitted by: ~~Mc Young~~
I am a newbie here for a month and just recently subscribed to your newsletter. Why? Because I recently discovered the fun of writing pieces fot contest. Not only for having some fun and winning Gift points, but for also reading other pieces of work and seeing the best come out of fellow authors. Your recent newsletter I read made some very valid points and tips for making people have there pieces be viewed more. I also began making a poetry contest to promote the talking of self-esteem, since I believe this is a series problem that people should address, listen to, and understand. I hope it becomes a success, and others can learn and have fun from it as well! Thanks for continuing to write this newsletter. Can't wait for the next one!
I wish you much success with your contest. I'm glad you subscribe and found the newsletter helpful. I hope you continue to be a reader and create many more contest. Best wishes to you.
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Submitted by: alicengoreland
"I have also seen many contest entries with the same title."
Boy if that's not the truth. Sometimes I want to make it a rule. I don't because I want the writer to have a lot of freedom. The reason I dislike it, is because it's easier for the story to not stick out. This not the writers goal. You do not want your work to blend in.
Thanks again for the newsletter. I think this one would be very challenging to do.
Alice ~ in ~ contests
Being a past host myself, I never thought about making it a rule for entries to have different titles, and that's something I wouldn't do. As a contestant though, if I had to have the same title, as soon as the contest was over I would definitely change it with hopes my piece did stand out from the rest. Thanks Alice.
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Submitted by: Pass it on
Great advice. I am glad that you wrote this article because, I have come across the same thing where I am looking for contests and I get a list of contest entries. Thank you for linking my raffle.
((hugs))
PassItOn
You're welcome, and thank you for commenting! *hugs*
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Submitted by:Lexi 
Ollie,
You make some fabulous points! When I am judging "Lexi's Poetry Challenge" it is often the brief description that hooks me
Very important, indeed. Thank you, my friend.
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Submitted by:kiyasama
Great newsletter Octobers Lie . With such helpful tips, hopefully more contest entries should be able to get more diverse readers besides the judges. I must admit that I was guilty of not making use of the 'genre' buttons or simply writing 'contests' in my summaries. However, I quickly realized that I got little to no feedback. Ouch. Great advice for all those who wish to make their contest entries more visible to other readers on the site! I am submitting my link to my latest contest, with the hope that it will be plugged in the next newsletter. Thanks so much and keep up the awesome work.
Thank you for the wonderful comment and good luck with your contest!
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Submitted by:terryjroo
Ollie,
Great newsletter! I especially liked the information about the genres - I am guilty of putting "contest" on my entry pieces but from now on will use that only for contests! Great advice.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Terry. I was just as guilty as your were, and I hope that I've corrected all of my items. I'm sure if I missed one someone will let me know. . By the way, loved your first edition of the Contest and Activities Newsletter. You rock!
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Submitted by:Nighala a.k.a. Doxie Do-Right
Octobers Lie,
Thanks for the great newsletter. I just recently changed my genre listings for the items in my port. While I appreciate all the choices we have, it can sometimes be very daunting picking the right one, you know? But it's important, regardless of what the piece is for.
Thanks again,
Nighala
I agree with you. Sometimes it's hard, but it is important. Thank you for commenting and being a subscriber.
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Submitted by:fatedna
I found all of this most unhelpful. It didn't tell me WHERE contests are on the site. In over a month I have not yet found one. The instructions on this site leave a lot be to desired!
Not sure what all you found unhelpful, but the editors pick showcases several contest and activities. There is also "Writing Contests @ Writing.Com" and "Activities @ Writing.Com" that is full of listings. You could also utilize the Search option. As far as instructions on the site, have you visited the F.A.Q. or "Getting Started: Table of Contents" ? Explore the Site Navigation menu because there are many helpful resources listed. It just takes a little inititive to explore the site and before you know it you'll feel like a pro. If you have any questions or need some assistance, just ask.
Welcome to Writing.Com and thank you for your feedback.
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Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
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Contests & Activities: July 05, 2006 Issue [#1127]
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