 Contests & Activities: January 25, 2012 Issue [#4838] |
  Contests & Activities
This week: Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder Edited by: spidey  
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2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey , and I'm your Editor this week!
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
What makes a contest attract participants? What draws you to enter one contest over another? I think there are a number of aspects which may draw or dispel participants. Let's take a look at a few:
 Prompt - This might be the most influential one. If your prompt creates a spark of inspiration within someone, they'll be more likely to enter. This may help you decide whether you'd like to have a prompt-based activity or not. Some writers like to have a prompt to inspire them to write, while others may prefer to write without a prompt.
 Prizes - Is your contest worth entering? Of course, as writers, we know that the writing itself is a kind of reward. (Who doesn't love the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a great story or poem?) But a few gps, a review, a Merit Badge, etc., can't hurt, too!  If you can't afford a high-end prize, but would still like to offer one, try accepting an entrance fee from participants. Outright asking members for donations might cross the line with some people, but saying, "Donations Welcome!" is surely acceptable to all.
 Time - We all have lives, some more busy than others. How much time will you require from participants? A tournament that lasts several days or weeks, for instance, might not generate as many participants. At the same time, a longer contest may attract writers who are devoted to their craft. Choose wisely.
 Rules - Rules can have their role, too. You want rules to be specific enough (For instance, "No New Entries" or "No ratings over 18+), but not too specific unless that's the point of the contest. For instance, accepting only one genre, or a severe word count limit.
 Waiting - If you make participants wait too long for results, they may be reluctant to enter future rounds. Try to set a realistic goal for yourself, and if you're falling behind, be sure to let your participants know!
 Communication - Communicating with your participants is very important! Everything from responding to reviews and questions to giving reviews of each entry makes contestants feel more confident in your role as a contest host. Make sure to respond to questions and concerns, and definitely let your participants know if anything is delayed or if something unexpected happens which will affect the contest!
It's hard to say exactly what makes someone enter a contest. Usually, it's a spark of creativity that hits at just the right moment. If your contest isn't attracting a lot of participants, it might also be an issue of advertising. Use "Writing Contests @ Writing.Com" to list your contest, link it in your signature and on your billboard! Don't give up if the first round doesn't go as planned! Learn from the experience and keep on trying!
Contests & Activities Tip
 Use genres for your forum or other item! Using appropriate genres makes your item easier to find for those interested in those particular topics of writing!
Always keep on writing!
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Contests:
Activities:
Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!
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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!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (December 27, 2011)" ), discussed New Year's Resolutions.
Excellent resolution advice. Improving on the current seven day rituals are my more realistic resolutions. Enjoy your New Year. ~ troy ulysses davis 
Thanks! Happy New Year to you! 
You're so right about setting smaller, more attainable goals for the new year. Two years ago I challenged myself to read 50 books. I made it to 33, which is awesome! But I felt like I'd failed. Crazy!!  Nothing keeps me motivated and excited like MAKING my goals, so I'm going to set smaller, challenging goals for the new year. Wishing you and your a very Happy 2012, Spidey! ~ NickiD89 
Wow, 33 is great!! Happy New Year! I hope you reach your goals!
A survival tip- for the fingers. If you offer up reviews for Auction Packages, make sure that the total number is one that you can handle. Take this advice from a guy who offered 7 packages of 5 reviews and had to to 35 Reviews, plus a bunch of others. (Ow, my fingers still hurt.) ~ BIG BAD WOLF is Howling 
Great advice!
Questions to think about:
What makes you enter a contest?
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