Contests & Activities: January 28, 2009 Issue [#2849]
<< January 21, 2009Contests & Activities Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueFebruary 4, 2009 >>

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Contests & Activities


 This week:
  Edited by: spidey Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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


Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week. I'd like to discuss The Activities Page.



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 1542722411
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Letter from the editor


The Activities Page


Located here:
Activities @ Writing.Com Open in new Window. [E]
The best place to find out what's going on around Writing.Com!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon


The Activities Page is often overlooked and underestimated (in this one Editor's opinion) as a place to find some true gems on this site designed to inspire & connect Writing.Com members.

Let's take a look at the rules for posting:

*Check1* Post any item rated from E thru XGC.
          Any rating is allowed to be linked

*Check1* Post only items with E rated intros.
          Titles & intros (text that will be displayed on the Activities Page) must be E rated.

*Check1* All text entered for plugs must be E rated!
          Any text entered with your submission must be E rated, too.

*Check1* Please post each item only one time per page. Once it has been pushed off the bottom of the page, you are welcome to add it again.
          One item per page, no repeats! If you'd like your item moved back to the top of the list, delete your submission first, and add another.

*Check1* Please limit your posts to 3 different items on the page at any one time.
          Only 3 different items at a time to leave room for others.

*Check1* Please list only activities on this page. Activities are auctions, raffles, discussions, events and gatherings
          Activities only!

So what's the difference between a contest and an activity?

*Bullet* A contest typically runs during a given amount of time, uses deadlines and asks for submissions, and gives rewards for winning entries. The ultimate purpose of participating in a contest is to try to win.

*Bullet* An activity asks for participants, but may or may not use deadlines or give rewards. They are typically auctions, games, discussions, etc. The purpose of participating in an activity is for the participation itself.



Some misconceptions one might have about Activities & The Activities Page:

*Bullet* Activities are only auctions, games & raffles Wrong! Activities can also be discussion groups, workshops, and writing exercises. Activities are not only things we look for to bide our time, but they can inspire our writing, too!

*Bullet* Activities don't give awards Wrong again! Many activities reward their participants with gift points, Merit Badges, Awardicons, and more. The sole purpose of activities is generally the participation itself, but often a host will reward its participants with other gifts, as well.

*Bullet* The Activities Page doesn't list contests Not exactly. It doesn't list writing contests. Contests of other types belong on The Activities Page (for instance, reviewing contests, riddle or puzzle challenges, etc.).

Tips for attracting participants to your activity:


*Bullet* Be different! If there are 50 auctions or raffles competing for attention, chances are slim that yours may attract attention. Try a different type of activity, or use a theme or idea that will make yours stand out from the rest.

*Bullet* Be generous! Offering rewards (even gifted sigs & reviews) may help attract more participants.

*Bullet* Be community-minded! Invite all members to join & make people participants welcome. Don't forget to make your rules clear & easy to understand, and be prepared for difficulties or questions that may arise.




purple flower sig


Editor's Picks


A few activities from "Activities @ Writing.Com" Open in new Window. :

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


The Dunk Tank Open in new Window. [ASR]
Fundraiser - See who you can Dunk!
by Storm Machine Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor



A few others worth a look:

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 A Wizard and his Dragon Open in new Window. [13+]
Follow Trent's Journey through Shoven to stop the everlasting war between man and dragon
by Trever Kelley Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: 1542722411
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Ask & Answer


My last newsletter gave information on site-related resolutions. *Smile*

What's this? No feedback! *Shock* *Frown*


Question to think about: What draws you to an activity? Do you prefer contests OR activities designed to inspire writing?


*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: 0910355479
Amazon's Price: $ 13.99

Removal Instructions

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