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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2133-.html
Contests & Activities: December 26, 2007 Issue [#2133]

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Contests & Activities


 This week:
  Edited by: Elisa: Snowman Stik Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

The New Year is almost here! Though we're in a lull period between Christmas celebration and New Year's mania, there's still plenty to do on the site. Whether it's contemplating what you'll do on the site next year or simply relaxing today, this newsletter should cover all bases.


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Letter from the editor

I bet you're exhausted from the holiday shindigs and shenanigans. Well, I'm not, surprisingly, but I'm still relaxing when I can (when I'm not at work, that is). Anyway, if you're not busy raiding the after Christmas sales or stil digesting all the sweets on which you gorged, you're probably on here looking for something to occupy your time. You have quite a number of options on this site, from reviewing and chatting in scroll to poking around your favorite in and out and promoting your items. That's just a sampling. This newsletter issue is going to focus on two approaches to finding something to do: distractions and preparation for the new year.

LOAFING AROUND


Feel like doing nothing after all the holiday celebrations? Hey, I hear ya. On the site, there are plenty of things to do when you do feel like doing anything that requires a whole lot of thinking. My personal recommendations are word searches and comical In & Out items. Though word searches require some concentration (and occassional a lot of thought), many of them provide a great way to pass the time without requiring your brain to use all available cylinders. Likewise, you can learn some interesting new words, especially if you find one with a unique theme.

Comical In & Out items come in a variety of shapes and sizes for whatever tickles your funny bone. The ones I like to visit tend to fall into one of these two categories: informal hangouts and those that create lists. Of course, those are not your only options. Other comical In and Outs focus on creating stories and poetry. Yes, those types of In and Outs can be very amusing. I like the hangouts and lists a little bit more because you don't always have to think too hard when making a contribution. Yes, I know. Those that know me well would be shocked to know that I like to take little vacations from thinking deeply. *Shock*

There are other options that do little to tax your overworked brains after the holidays. Other options include madlibs, browsing product reviews, and taking polls and quizzes. These activities can make you think or pique your interest in a new game/movie/whatever that can provide some offline entertainment. The possibilities are endless!


BROKE AS A JOKE


It's the day after Christmas, and all of your online friends are enjoying their site gifts from you. While it is more fun to give than receive, you open up your gift points section and find it's...

EMPTY???!!!

That can happen this time of year, and spending real money to buy gift opints is not always an option. So what are you to do? Well, it's time to get cracking! I've mentioned how to get GPs in the past, but I think it's worth repeating. There are some activity-related methods of getting gift points.

One thing not too many people take advantage of is activities that give gift points for contributions. Some surveys give gift points for responses. Likewise, some members give gift points to those who add chapters to various interactive stories. They may not be the largest amounts, but every point counts. Likewise, it can be lots of fun on top of earning some gift points.

Another thing you can do is look for quick-run contests. When I say quick-run, I'm referring to contests run on a weekly or daily basis. This also includes contests held every weekend or a similar time schedule. Though the prizes for these contests are smaller than prizes offered for monthly or annual contests, they are more promptly distributed. Also, these contests may not have as many entries; therefore you can increase your chances of winning. All the same, do put forth a solid effort and try not to spam the contests. When I say spam, I'm not talking about that quirky so-called meat product that has a museum in Minnesota devoted to it. I'm talking about entering every single round just to get gift points. This annoys some contest hosts, and putting quantity over quality can hurt your development as a writer. WIth that caveat out of the way, entering contests is still a good way to get gift points. It also gets you some exposure for your portfolio, and every once in a while, a benevolent reviewer will give you some gift points. And you never know when something special will stem from a prompt. *Wink*

No matter what your post-Christmas modus operandi is, you can find a way to keep yourself entertained on the site. Just remember to have fun, be courteous and don't go looking too hard for something in an activity. You never know when inspiration might strike!



Until next time,
This snowman enjoys celebrating the New Year!

(sig by terryjroo)


Editor's Picks

Party on! I've assembled some New Year's related activities, fun little diversions and ways for you to get some GPs in a hurry. Enjoy the final days of 2007 and have a great 2008! *Balloon1**Balloon2*


 New Years Eve Word Search Open in new Window. (E)
How I see New Years Eve...
#313678 by Red Writing Hood <3 Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1353420 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1260401 by Not Available.


You know you're addicted when.... Open in new Window. (18+)
A cute little idea I had based on one of my old items.
#704406 by Jax: Not here. Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1156458 by Not Available.


Image Protector
FORUM
ACRO*BATICS [Round Over] Open in new Window. (13+)
I supply an acronym; you make up what it stands for. My favorite entries win gift points!
#921363 by Kraken through the Snow Author IconMail Icon


 New Year's Eve Open in new Window. (13+)
Just wondering what you usually do on new year's eve?
#598241 by willowfei Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1052622 by Not Available.


 The costume party Open in new Window. (13+)
You get invited to a costume party where you become what your dressed as...
#1298356 by CelesteIrving Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1341282 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1336039 by Not Available.


Dramatically Speaking Open in new Window. (E)
25 terms for 25 issues of the drama newsletter
#1309038 by Elisa: Snowman Stik Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1131291 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1194031 by Not Available.


The Top Ten List Open in new Window. (13+)
Based on David Letterman's nightly Top Ten List..You make the list!
#733430 by Scott Joseph Author IconMail Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

Back in August, I did a newsletter on judging. I guess the amount of information rendered most people speechless. Nonetheless, I did get some comments. Let's have a look.

From plafleur: Very insightful and useful newsletter! Great job! I found all the information that you gave as helpful. I am hosting my first contest and found this a great resource. Plus thanks for the opportunity to help you judge your recent Troublesome Musings contest. Also, thanks for the plug of my contest!

You're welcome on all accounts! I'm glad you found my newsletter to be a helpful resource. I'm also glad that you enjoyed judging Troublesome Musings. Don't worry. It will be back in May next year. I don't let THAT fall by the wayside. *Bigsmile*


From SantaBee Author Icon: Elisa, thanks so much for giving us a newsletter that focused on judges and how important they are to a contest. I have a great set of judges for my contests and they wouldn't be as successful as they are without THEM.

I hear ya! If I didn't have my judges for Troublesome Musings, the results wouldn't be in until sometime around mid-October. That'd be sad considering it's a summer contest. *Pthb* Between several years of judging onsite contests and talking with friends who have judged contests as well, I think people should be aware of how much work goes into judging. Hopefully the newsletter made members appreciate judges a little bit more. *Smile*

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