  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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Gift Points!
I've worked on this newsletter for sometime now, attempting to be thoroughly and very informative on the topic of gift points. And, while researching a few topics, I found items from The StoryMaster  and The StoryMistress  that are definitely more worthwhile reading than my rambling. 
I encourage every member, old and new, to vist the two links above. I've been a member for over three years and reading both articles were fantastic. I was reminded of many many things about gift points. 
So, now that you have read the two links above and have a very good understanding of what gift points are, how they can be used, and how to earn them, what do they have to do with Contest and Activities? Everything!
In my very first edition for the Contest and Activities Newsletter I discussed offering small prizes and in that particular newsletter I stated the following:
 Do not state prizes you can't afford. If you can't afford a 10k ribbon, don't list it.
Do not count on donations to help you 'afford' your prizes. You run the risk of not receiving enough donations to cover your prizes. If you do receive donations you can increase your prizes.
Be polite and considerate if you are seeking donations. Asking friends for help may seem acceptable but strangers or casual acquaintances may find your request rude.
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For many of us the above listed suggestions sound reasonable, but unfortuantely some members disregard or never consider it.
Let me discuss my first suggestion:
"Do not state prizes you can't afford. If you can't afford a 10k ribbon, don't list it.
If a host hopes to award a 10k ribbon but doesn't have the gps to cover to it, then do not state it. State what you can actually award! How many gps do you have or how many gps do you have set aside for the activity/contest? Why in the world would any host list prizes they couldn't cover? (Keep  )
Do not count on donations to help you 'afford' your prizes. You run the risk of not receiving enough donations to cover your prizes. If you do receive donations you can increase your prizes.
This is very sound advise. Your contestants have seen the prizes you have listed and assume you can cover them yourself. What are you going to do if you do not receive enough donations? Honest is the best policy. If you can only award 500 gps, then that's fine. List it. Donations should be considered 'extra' and you can always increase prizes if you do receive donations. It's that simple.
Be polite and considerate if you are seeking donations. Asking friends for help may seem acceptable but strangers or casual acquaintances may find your request rude.
This is a very sensitive and touchy topic with many members. Many members consider such request irresponsible and impolite especially when such requests are for personal gain or to fulfill prize obligations that the host has already listed.
Contest and Activities can be very rewarding, fun and inspiring. Being a responsible host is a simple but mandatory factor for success.
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: Thomas Thank you so much for placing my contest, "Invalid Item" , in your contest newsletter. This is my first attempt at contest hosting, and I've been amazed at how much support I've received from other more experienced hosters. THANKS AGAIN!
Writing.Com is a fantastic community. I wish you much success with your current contest and hope you host many more!
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Submitted by: Pass it on Wonderful article. Very well said.
Thank you so much for support!
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Submitted by: Holly Jahangiri Excellent tips! Yes, real life does sometimes interfere, but that's no reason to shirk your obligations - or at least keep contest entrants apprised of the situation. Your advice not to go contest crazy and host too many activities at once is good, solid wisdom. That would go a long way towards eliminating the embarassment of having to issue apologies and mea culpas.
Yes, yes! I think you stated that perfectly. 
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Submitted by: Holly Jahangiri Oh, yes - one other tip I don't see mentioned here - make sure you have enough GPs to cover the prizes offered. Never rely on donations AFTER announcing a contest! People are generous, but they are more generous with people they perceive as responsible and accountable in the first place. You can always INCREASE the prize offerings later, if you do receive donations.
I completely agree. My first newsletter touched on the gift points issue but I probably should have mentioned it again. Thanks for bringing it up and inspiring this edition.
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Submitted by: Miranda Foix This was a very informative newletter, and something that I will definitely have to keep in mind in case real life bucks up again. Thank you VERY much for highlighting "Invalid Item" ! Your support is greatly appreciated!
And, thank you for commenting and being a subscriber to this newsletter!
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Submitted by: billwilcox Ollie, This was a wonderful newsletter. As you know, I enter a lot of contests (that's how I keep my upgrade), and I know how frustrating it can be when the contest host drags out the judging process into infinity times two. Being a responsible host is what makes WC what it is today. Thanks for touching on a sore spot .
It's a sore spot with me, too, even if I'm not a contestant. Thanks for commenting, Bill.
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Submitted by: Nikola~Thankful Library Lady  Excellant advice! One thing I want to add is, if you are hosting an event, please make sure that you have the gp's needed to award prizes, etc.
Most definitely!
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Contests & Activities: March 15, 2006 Issue [#926]
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