Culhwch
Lost Boy
I'm definitely of the opinion that timeframe wise, this would be much less confusing then the monthly format. Which would only assist your humble competition organisers...
Writing Challenge Comments, Questions, Answers
- Thread starter Teresa Edgerton
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I like the idea of running it on the three-week schedule, with set days of the week for things to happen. That would make it easier to keep track of the important days, and also keep things moving and get us to the next thing faster. There is something to be said for anticipation, but I'm all for the "doing". 
And yes, I realize that I am one of the procrastinators in both entering and voting--but that should give my agreement more weight, not less!
And yes, I realize that I am one of the procrastinators in both entering and voting--but that should give my agreement more weight, not less!
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Good tactic, Cul.
If you all only knew what mental gymnastics Culhwch and I have to go through to keep the dates straight on these things. How we study our calendars, and cross-check the dates with our daily newspapers in order to be absolutely sure.
And the immense labor to raise the ten-ton blue stones in my backyard for the replica of Stonehenge I was planning to use in order to gauge the exact moment that the June Challenge was scheduled to close, this year and next year, on Midsummer's Day ...
Not, of course, that I grudge the effort, or was the least bit unwilling to build a replica of New Grange for use at the Winter Solstice next December. Don't anyone feel obligated to spare me the tremendous labor involved in that.
Really, I'm fine with keeping the Challenges on a monthly basis.
If you all only knew what mental gymnastics Culhwch and I have to go through to keep the dates straight on these things. How we study our calendars, and cross-check the dates with our daily newspapers in order to be absolutely sure.
And the immense labor to raise the ten-ton blue stones in my backyard for the replica of Stonehenge I was planning to use in order to gauge the exact moment that the June Challenge was scheduled to close, this year and next year, on Midsummer's Day ...
Not, of course, that I grudge the effort, or was the least bit unwilling to build a replica of New Grange for use at the Winter Solstice next December. Don't anyone feel obligated to spare me the tremendous labor involved in that.
Really, I'm fine with keeping the Challenges on a monthly basis.
Culhwch
Lost Boy
Why do you go to all the bother, Teresa? I just read the entrails of my ritual human sacrifices. Sure, it's not that accurate, but it sure is a good time...
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Why not just pull the voting date forward as in the following schedule.
1st: Winner announces the challenge subject.
2nd: Winner's party ends.
3rd: Serious writing begins.
7th: First day for actual posting.
21st: Last day for posting.
22nd: Poll starts.
25th: Poll ends.
26th: tiebreaker poll begins
30th: Winner announced.
1st: etc.
Ah... what if there's a tie on the second Poll. I nominate Teresa or Cul as Chair-person-with-the-casting-vote. This gives most people only a few weeks to submit their entry and gives us more time for the voting and commenting which is the bit we most enjoy.
1st: Winner announces the challenge subject.
2nd: Winner's party ends.
3rd: Serious writing begins.
7th: First day for actual posting.
21st: Last day for posting.
22nd: Poll starts.
25th: Poll ends.
26th: tiebreaker poll begins
30th: Winner announced.
1st: etc.
Ah... what if there's a tie on the second Poll. I nominate Teresa or Cul as Chair-person-with-the-casting-vote. This gives most people only a few weeks to submit their entry and gives us more time for the voting and commenting which is the bit we most enjoy.
Karn Maeshalanadae
I'm a pineapple
Is it just me, or is there a lot of sarcasm dripping from the goblin princess' last post?
Hmm......I shall have to step up the effort for the story next month. It's a rather important month for me, after all.
Hmm......I shall have to step up the effort for the story next month. It's a rather important month for me, after all.
Hilarious Joke
Fool
Well I would say that we should keep the challenge monthly, but then again I'm temporally challenged - I think my stories have been the last posted both months so far, and I only cast my vote yesterday. Still, I feel a month is good, just long enough for people that might be away or super busy or forgetful enough time to get their stories in on time, and to maximise the time given for voting.
I say this with regret for the toll it would put on our poor moderators, as evidenced by Ms Edgerton's last post, but I can not help but think that her and Mr Culwhch have the constitution, willpower, and stamina to continue to administrate what has been, in my humble opinion, a very successful and well-run contest thus far.
I say this with regret for the toll it would put on our poor moderators, as evidenced by Ms Edgerton's last post, but I can not help but think that her and Mr Culwhch have the constitution, willpower, and stamina to continue to administrate what has been, in my humble opinion, a very successful and well-run contest thus far.
Karn Maeshalanadae
I'm a pineapple
Well, better to be temporally challenged than temporarily challenged, I suppose.....
A poll to decide how this contest should be set up perhaps is the best way to figure things out. It's just a shame that there aren't any more mods on this mule.
A poll to decide how this contest should be set up perhaps is the best way to figure things out. It's just a shame that there aren't any more mods on this mule.
Culhwch
Lost Boy
Hey, my father is Mr Culhwch....
Boneman
Well-Known Member
I have a feeling that the consensus will be "I'll go with the majority". But the hiatus after most of the stories have been posted does drag on........
If we can simplify it, so Teresa and Cul don't have to work so hard, I'm all for it. Unfortunately the calendar lends itself to numerical intervention, where WC1, WC2 doesn't, as they will roll through two calendar months at times.
So, maybe a 2 week competition would be better along these lines:
1st of the month competition opens.
10th of the month, competition closes, four voting days. Tie breaker to be decided by the previous winner.
15th of month the competition opens (front runners will decide on the next theme before this date, so we're ready to go)
24th of month competition closes, four voting days. Tie breaker to be decided by the previous winner.
1st of the month competition opens. and so on.
Of course, there'll be a few days of waiting in most months (except February) but this gives a structure to the competition that (should) become(s) habitual in no time... ? That way the polling is always set up for the 10th and 24th, and the opening days for entry are always the 1st and 15th.
Simple. (I think....)
If we can simplify it, so Teresa and Cul don't have to work so hard, I'm all for it. Unfortunately the calendar lends itself to numerical intervention, where WC1, WC2 doesn't, as they will roll through two calendar months at times.
So, maybe a 2 week competition would be better along these lines:
1st of the month competition opens.
10th of the month, competition closes, four voting days. Tie breaker to be decided by the previous winner.
15th of month the competition opens (front runners will decide on the next theme before this date, so we're ready to go)
24th of month competition closes, four voting days. Tie breaker to be decided by the previous winner.
1st of the month competition opens. and so on.
Of course, there'll be a few days of waiting in most months (except February) but this gives a structure to the competition that (should) become(s) habitual in no time... ? That way the polling is always set up for the 10th and 24th, and the opening days for entry are always the 1st and 15th.
Simple. (I think....)
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I like the idea of the subject picker deciding the winner - But what if he is one of the front runners?
However two competitions a month may see a serious reduction in entries IMO
However two competitions a month may see a serious reduction in entries IMO
Lunar months would be slightly shorter than calendar months, and it would be easier to tell how long there is left -- you could just look outside!
Unhelpful? Moi?
Unhelpful? Moi?
Karn Maeshalanadae
I'm a pineapple
I've been thinking tonight about whether or not I should even attempt an entry for June. I suppose it all depends on how I feel, really. I haven't been in the best of spirits as it is, and to be perfectly honest, rather disappointed with my entries thus far.....
I'm torn. (Fence-sitter here...) I agree there's a hiatus in the middle of the contest, when most of the entries are in and nothing much is happening, and it would build/continue momentum if another contest started more quickly. I also agree that we shouldn't be slavishly in thrall to the artificial constructs of time called months. And yet, and yet...
Can we cope with a pattern of three-week-edness? Will we have to invent new and more terrifying machines to help us calculate what is happening when? Will our mental defences be utterly overthrown by this strange perversion of time and (possibly) space?
I certainly think that if we do go for three weeks we need to have a clear structure such as suggested, ie the contest opening on a Sunday every time, the poll also opening on a Sunday. As for what to call the contests, can't we be a little more imaginative than 1,2,3? If the French can rename their months after the Revolution, I'm sure we can come up with some suitable names for our non-months. So as to ensure order we can go through the alphabet, so the first of the new-wave contests begins with A and so on. (I just hope we don't have to vote on the names each time as well...)
Speaking as a practised procrastinator, if I had a month to vote I'd probably leave it till the last minute, so shortening the time between close of contest and close of polls won't do anything except reduce the hours spent agonising. It's very possible I'd vote for the same people no matter what the time span involved in deliberating since my initial reactions to stories tend to be the same as my final thoughts, and the toss of a coin is the toss of a coin no matter when it happens.
Er... so after all that I think I'm agreeing to move it to every 3 weeks, though I'm expecting confusion in the ranks. I propose the name of the first non-month be Ananda, since we could all do with some happiness.
Can we cope with a pattern of three-week-edness? Will we have to invent new and more terrifying machines to help us calculate what is happening when? Will our mental defences be utterly overthrown by this strange perversion of time and (possibly) space?
I certainly think that if we do go for three weeks we need to have a clear structure such as suggested, ie the contest opening on a Sunday every time, the poll also opening on a Sunday. As for what to call the contests, can't we be a little more imaginative than 1,2,3? If the French can rename their months after the Revolution, I'm sure we can come up with some suitable names for our non-months. So as to ensure order we can go through the alphabet, so the first of the new-wave contests begins with A and so on. (I just hope we don't have to vote on the names each time as well...)
Speaking as a practised procrastinator, if I had a month to vote I'd probably leave it till the last minute, so shortening the time between close of contest and close of polls won't do anything except reduce the hours spent agonising. It's very possible I'd vote for the same people no matter what the time span involved in deliberating since my initial reactions to stories tend to be the same as my final thoughts, and the toss of a coin is the toss of a coin no matter when it happens.
Er... so after all that I think I'm agreeing to move it to every 3 weeks, though I'm expecting confusion in the ranks. I propose the name of the first non-month be Ananda, since we could all do with some happiness.
Culhwch
Lost Boy
Well, we needn't number them at all, and just go by the themes.
The main thing most folks seem to be getting hung up on is a fear of confusion. But, truly, as participants, how confused are you going to be? Don't you all just start writing when we tell you to start writing, and start voting when we tell you to start voting? Not to make you out as sheep or anything, but does the calendar date really make such a difference as to throw people off? As the Judge says, I think having it be more regular and tied to days of the week would make life easier. Especially for me and Teresa. Which is the main thing. Because when we're grumpy, we ban people.
The main thing most folks seem to be getting hung up on is a fear of confusion. But, truly, as participants, how confused are you going to be? Don't you all just start writing when we tell you to start writing, and start voting when we tell you to start voting? Not to make you out as sheep or anything, but does the calendar date really make such a difference as to throw people off? As the Judge says, I think having it be more regular and tied to days of the week would make life easier. Especially for me and Teresa. Which is the main thing. Because when we're grumpy, we ban people.
Sephiroth
Causa Scientiae
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I vote for keeping it monthly.
I don't think it's necessary to have the challenges race by at breakneck speed, with a flurry of entries followed by a flurry of votes, and then more of the same.
Most of the entries have come early in the two contests we've run so far, that is true -- but it may not always be the case. Some good entries have come late, as well, and we may have missed out on those. Not everyone is able to enter early. Sometimes, people will be busy. They may have an idea simmering throughout the month, but only be able to enter it near the end.
I don't see why we need be in a rush to get on to the next challenge. As it stands, there is ample time for reflection and consideration -- both for people wishing to enter, and for those considering where to place their vote.
I think that's a good thing.
For example (this isn't my reason for thinking as I do, but it serves to illustrate my point), next month, I'm going to be away from the 3rd to the 10th, and again from the 14th to the 18th. I shall try and craft my entry during that time, but I may not have the opportunity. If the challenge is reduced to three weeks, I may not be able to enter. Personal circumstances dictate that my entry will come later, next month.
With a monthly challenge, everyone knows where they stand.
With a different format, I have a feeling we'll end up getting fewer entries, and fewer people voting. People will lose track of when the current challenge ends, and when the next one begins.
I don't think it's necessary to have the challenges race by at breakneck speed, with a flurry of entries followed by a flurry of votes, and then more of the same.
Most of the entries have come early in the two contests we've run so far, that is true -- but it may not always be the case. Some good entries have come late, as well, and we may have missed out on those. Not everyone is able to enter early. Sometimes, people will be busy. They may have an idea simmering throughout the month, but only be able to enter it near the end.
I don't see why we need be in a rush to get on to the next challenge. As it stands, there is ample time for reflection and consideration -- both for people wishing to enter, and for those considering where to place their vote.
I think that's a good thing.
For example (this isn't my reason for thinking as I do, but it serves to illustrate my point), next month, I'm going to be away from the 3rd to the 10th, and again from the 14th to the 18th. I shall try and craft my entry during that time, but I may not have the opportunity. If the challenge is reduced to three weeks, I may not be able to enter. Personal circumstances dictate that my entry will come later, next month.
With a monthly challenge, everyone knows where they stand.
With a different format, I have a feeling we'll end up getting fewer entries, and fewer people voting. People will lose track of when the current challenge ends, and when the next one begins.
Boneman
Well-Known Member
The more I read, the more I agree that a monthly challenge is better, so ignore my previous post, will ya?
We should all have other things to do, (even though I did say that the voting period drags on) to fill any hiatuses (hiati?) and knowing the challenge starts on the first day of the month and will definitely finish by the end, is very logical. But I'll go with the consensus (cowardly cur that I am...)
We should all have other things to do, (even though I did say that the voting period drags on) to fill any hiatuses (hiati?) and knowing the challenge starts on the first day of the month and will definitely finish by the end, is very logical. But I'll go with the consensus (cowardly cur that I am...)
I'm undecided as well. To me, yes, having it more often would feel like a blur of rushing constantly - write, post, vote, poll, write, post, vote, poll, etc... I wouldn't have time to catch my breath! And sometimes ill health and busyness and whatnot prevents you from writing (or being able to write well; also, I write best when I don't feel rushed), so in that sense a monthly challenge would be best. It would also, possibly, encourage a higher number of entries each month rather than people losing momentum and interest because there's a new challenge there all the time.
However, if I feel the next challenge has started too soon and I'm not ready or able to write an entry, I'll just leave it until the next month. After all, there's no rule to ban me if I don't enter.
...is there?
Oh, and:
I love that poem.
However, if I feel the next challenge has started too soon and I'm not ready or able to write an entry, I'll just leave it until the next month. After all, there's no rule to ban me if I don't enter.
...is there?
Oh, and:
Teresa said:
30 days has September,
April, June, and November.
All the rest have 31,
except February alone,
which has 28 days clear;
29 in each leap year.
April, June, and November.
All the rest have 31,
except February alone,
which has 28 days clear;
29 in each leap year.
I love that poem.
But I've always found that poem useless. First of all, December and November rhyme, so I can never remember which one it's supposed to be. And then I always want to put May in instead of June, until I remember Memorial Day -- heaven knows what I would do if I didn't live where we have Memorial Day. No, I'm afraid it will have to be the knuckle-counting for me.
Lot's of fence-sitting here, and I have a suspicion the fence-sitters would probably vote for monthly because going with the status quo is safer. We could mull the matter over next month, and then decide. Probably around the middle of the month when everyone is chewing their nails waiting for something to happen. Right now everyone is probably thinking, "maybe we won't have a tie and we can get on to the new Challenge tomorrow." Get them when they're not feeling so hopeful, and who knows?
Less than seven hours to go, for those who haven't voted yet.
Lot's of fence-sitting here, and I have a suspicion the fence-sitters would probably vote for monthly because going with the status quo is safer. We could mull the matter over next month, and then decide. Probably around the middle of the month when everyone is chewing their nails waiting for something to happen. Right now everyone is probably thinking, "maybe we won't have a tie and we can get on to the new Challenge tomorrow." Get them when they're not feeling so hopeful, and who knows?
Less than seven hours to go, for those who haven't voted yet.
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I think Judge's suggestion of a new date system is the best thing I've heard for a long time
If we approach the UN or whoever controls these things I'm sure they would see the logic of and the importance that we have a more regulated system of keeping dates planet wide.
All we need to do is find the new names for the "triumphs"
The would be 17 of these and I propose a sponsorship deal auction where large international conglomerates would bid for the right to call the triumphs after their company. Imagine the money we could make (Even if it only applied to this site Brian)
Kentchucky: days 1-21 of the new calender
Pitahut : days 22-42
Dizzy : days 43 63
Etc.
Given enough time we could even slow the moon down to fall into line.
If we approach the UN or whoever controls these things I'm sure they would see the logic of and the importance that we have a more regulated system of keeping dates planet wide.
All we need to do is find the new names for the "triumphs"
The would be 17 of these and I propose a sponsorship deal auction where large international conglomerates would bid for the right to call the triumphs after their company. Imagine the money we could make (Even if it only applied to this site Brian)
Kentchucky: days 1-21 of the new calender
Pitahut : days 22-42
Dizzy : days 43 63
Etc.
Given enough time we could even slow the moon down to fall into line.
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