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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5160-Reviewing-a-Contest-or-Activity.html
Contests & Activities: July 18, 2012 Issue [#5160]

Newsletter Header
Contests & Activities


 This week: Reviewing a Contest or Activity
  Edited by: Leger~ 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

The purpose of this newsletter is to highlight some of the current contests and activities on the site, help educate members on how to host contests and activities, and provide clues to submit quality entries to contests. Write to me if you'd like something in particular covered.

This week's Contests and Activities Editor
Leger~ Author Icon


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 197380364X
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99


Letter from the editor

Reviewing a Contest or Activity


We all search the "Writing Contests @ Writing.ComOpen in new Window. listing for prompts or activities that interest us. We scroll over the listing and click on a few that interest us. Have you ever clicked on one and then closed it because the rules were too confusing? Or clicked off of it because you didn't understand the prompt? Did you ever contact that contest/activity owner and tell them?

We all like to be active on the site and at the same time, there are members trying to be active but are struggling to get contestants or participants. Perhaps they're not aware their contest is confusing, or their activity lacks the spark that makes people want to join in the fun. How can you help them? By reviewing their contest or activity. This takes just as much effort as reviewing a static item; you need to take the time to help with spelling, grammar and punctuation. Beyond that, you also need to give suggestions on how to improve the contest or activity. Is the deadline to short or quick? Does the judge take too long to announce the winners? (I'm of the opinion it should never take longer than a week from closing.) Are some of the rules confusing? Is the drawing date/time not listed?

To be a good contest/activity reviewer, you should be able to examine the item without trying to change the basic structure of the item. In other words, if the theme is about snowy castles, don't try to make it a beach activity. Try to add suggestions to continue the theme or help find ways to make the contest/activity more fun. On top of this, keep in mind your review will go on the reviewers page. This helps promote the item, but as a word of warning, don't turn your review into a roadside carnival barker - just mention the good and the bad and let members click and view. If the activity seems to need a LOT of help, send the review privately and hope the member receives the advice and makes good changes.

And to be really nice, if you find a contest or activity that is well organized and looks fun, review it and then sponsor a bid click ad to help promote it. Often, newbie members use all of their gift points for prizes and don't have a deep enough pocket to promote their cool contest. Give them a hand and sponsor! This is something that only takes a moment if you're short on time but really helps a new contest or activity. I remember someone sponsored one of my first efforts and I was so thrilled to see it advertised in the Sponsored areas. I really felt like I belonged to the community. I never found out who it was, because bid click is done within each member's account, but I always remembered the kindness.

And perhaps, after reviewing and sponsoring, you'll find the time to enter! There's nothing more exciting than seeing lots of new friends joining in the fun on your page.


This month's question: Are you ready for a challenge???
Review any current contest or activity, email the review link to me and I will reward your review!
I'll also link some of the best reviews in my next Contest / Activity newsletter.


Did you like this challenge? Send in your feedback below! *Down* Editors love feedback!




Editor's Picks

The Little Bite Open in new Window. (18+)
Weekly, short piece contest.
#1874993 by Witchjy Author IconMail Icon

This will be a weekly contest, based on a prompt of my choosing. This could be image, text or anything else that inspires me.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1512874 by Not Available.

Community, this is my first auction and fourth raffle. The idea is to raise funds for some great groups and activities around Writing.Com and to refill my contest funds so that I can offer some worthwhile prizes in the writing contests I hold.

 
FORUM
Scary Animal Tails Open in new Window. (GC)
A short story contest. Show me the monster.
#1761214 by Danger Mouse Author IconMail Icon

July prompt: Show me a teenage girl or boy, with telekinetic abilities.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1862221 by Not Available.

Why another contest? I am very fond of the short story and believe we need more contests for them, without prompts. I also like other works but don't have the time to read as many books as I would like. I often squeeze in a short story though. I especially like reading 'newbies' on Writing.com (WDC) who write short stories.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1874413 by Not Available.

You will find a beautiful array of summery packages to bid on to pamper yourself or that special friend this summer! All of the packages donated have been from the wonderful members of the Writers Garden, ready to help you out, offer feedback and make you feel pampered just like you deserve!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1792135 by Not Available.

Please feel free to find a writing prompt left here by one of our members. Also, if you are so inclined, leave us a prompt to inspire our imaginations.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1874346 by Not Available.

July-August prompt: Write a story in which a crime takes place and/or is solved. You must include a character that is blind, and the story must be written in one of the following genres: Western, Martial Arts, or Pirates.

GROUP
WdC SuperPower Reviewers Group Open in new Window. (E)
Join the fun! We inspire reviewers through kindness and learning! Winner of eight Quills!
#1300305 by Maryann Author IconMail Icon

We promote community spirit by reviewing others.

SURVEY
Journey Through Genres: Official Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Write a short story in the given genre to win big prizes!
#1803133 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon

The task is simple: use the Thriller/Suspense genre above as inspiration for a fictional story!



 
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: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94


Ask & Answer

This month's question: Are you ready for a challenge???
Review any current contest or activity, email the review link to me and I will reward your review!
I'll also link some of the best reviews in my next Contest / Activity newsletter.


Did you like this challenge? Send in your feedback below! *Down* Editors love feedback!

Last month's question: What are your favorite activity items?


rubai replied: Great newsletter. WDC is such a wonderful site, isn't it? You can never really get bored.
I love reading interactive stories whenever I have some free time in hand and not much work to do. Occasionally I make a few additions. I have come across some ones on this site.

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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!
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Send a comment or question to the editor!
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Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07B63CTKX
Amazon's Price: $ 6.99

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