Discussing the Writing Challenges -- November and December 2010

[Hilarious Joke]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Typically late, I'd like to comment on last month's challenge.

Even though I was in Queenstown, NZ, I did find a way to an internet cafe to read all the stories and vote, because I think it's important (also I just enjoy it). My vote went to Precise Calibre, with an honorable mention going to Harebrain.

Thanks heaps for the mentions and votes, especially to Leisha and Seph - it's always nice to hear such things about your writing.

And of course, congratulations Judge (and Teresa)! It's a pleasure to read your stories every month. I think that you deserve the win, Judge, and that it's only a matter of time for you Teresa.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Indeed.

I think I'll have to actually go back and read the stories by those two, but, I'm sure they're far deserving of every single vote they received.



And we'll have to see how this month plays out.....





And I'm starting to wonder who voted for mine....?

 

[mygoditsraining]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Well, I did Google MGIR's title, and for heaven's sake, how wrong can one be? I think my memory is the most inventive part of me. I even got Bilbo Baggins's tea-time wrong the other day.

At least you gave it a shot, and I quite liked your suggestion, too!

Speaking of Google, I got a search request hit on my website (where I post a copy of each month's story on my 'blog) that was the entire text of this month's entry. That was weird. Usually it's all "how i cheat at bejeweled" or "rude lesbains".

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

The entries have simply poured in again and as last month, I'm completely lost for seventy-five words.

I must agree that the standard is very high this month: at least three have caught my eye and would be more than worthy winners.

 

[HareBrain]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Given the too-many-words thing (wow, I'm eloquent this morning) and Ursa on another thread saying he relies on a words-per-page formula to arrive at the length of his WIP, I'd just like to ask: how many people aren't using a program with a word-count function? I assumed they all had one these days.

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

One has to be careful. In M$ Word 2007, the word count displayed at the bottom left of the window (whether or not you've selected any text) gives the same number as the spelling and grammar checker. In the previous version of Word, the two figures were different. (To be fair, I think the difference was based on how the two alogorithms dealt with ellipses and the like.)

So I use Word's wordcount, cross check it with the spelling/grammar checker and then count the words (finger moving across the display, lips moving, subvocalisation enabled; otherwise it doesn't count ) just to make sure.

 

[Boneman]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

My first post of my story had (56) written at the end of one line, which I quickly edited out! I do rely on the old methods...

URSA!!! 2 posts to go to 6,000. May I be the first to congratulate you!


ps: Karn, I voted for you in the previous month, thought it was a really well-rounded story!

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Thanks, Boneman. Now I have to pop over to Critiques....

 

[Culhwch]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

After a lengthy discussion amongst the moderating group, and with consideration to the opinions expressed both here and in PMs, I'm afraid that I have to announce that we will be removing both competition entries that are in breach of the 75-word limit. In fairness to the other participants who did adhere to the rules, we also will not be allowing either The Ace or Blackrook to edit their current entry, nor submit a new one.

Trust me when I say this wasn't a decision reached lightly. There was some discussion about entries that don't address the theme or that aren't SFF being allowed to continue in the competition and garner votes, but in the end these qualifications are subjective. The seventy-five word limit is not. It is also made expressly clear in the first post of every competition thus far, which, as the thread title points out, everyone should be reading before posting. If this was the first month of the competition, perhaps more leniency may have been shown, but it's not, and this competition has been heavily discussed both here and in other threads around the site in that time.

It is unfortunate that a rule concerning this issue wasn't established from the get-go, but none of us ever foresaw something like this happening. This will be the rule we adhere to going forward, however, so please do take note. Make sure your entries are within the limit - we will be checking, and we likely won't look favourably on any appeals. This rule will be incorporated into the first post of every competition from here on in.

 

[Parson]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Cul,

Thank you for the clarification. I am very careful about the 75 word limit and understand the need for a hard limit. I agree with the mod's decision. However, the Christian in me likes to err on the side of grace rather than law. I would have liked to have seen the stories stay up but without the ability to garner votes.

Parson

 

[Boneman]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

I agree with Parson. They were good stories. Rules eh? We gotta have 'em.

'Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools.' Douglas Bader

 

[Mouse]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

I'm also a count-with-my-fingers person. I look at what Word says, then I don't believe Word as it looks too long, so I count the words on the screen just to make sure.

Oh and, Parson,

 

[Deathfrommassive]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

I say the best bet is to just use under 50 words then you always know your safe

 

[The Judge]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

I hit 53 in June, and actually couldn't have shoe-horned more into that story without unbalancing it. But most months it's a war of attrition and having to squeeze every last non-essential word out of there. And since I'm usually writing my story at the tail end of a longer document, not in a page of its own, I'm highlighting it and checking the word-count after every single amendment, even when I haven't actually deleted or added anything. And if it's at or near the limit I'm doing the whole finger on the screen and counting manually bit. (And since I'm numerically challenged, the manual bit is literal sometimes...)

 

[HareBrain]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Your lack of trust in Microsoft has been noted, I'm sure.

I always trust Word's word-count, adjusting for the fact that it counts ellipses as whole words. And mine always come in at exactly 75 words. Using fewer is like turning down free chocolate. I admire the discipline of those who can do it, but it just seems such a waste.

 

[Precise Calibre]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

The funny thing is, I was at exactly 75 words but missing what I wanted to say, so I rewrote the last sentence, didn't check the word count and posted it.... and I apparently am 6 words short of 75....

 

[The Judge]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

Your lack of trust in Microsoft has been noted, I'm sure.

It's not mistrust. It's paranoia.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

And mine always come in at exactly 75 words. Using fewer is like turning down free chocolate. I admire the discipline of those who can do it, but it just seems such a waste.

My sentiments exactly! I am always at precisely 75 words, because that's how many I can have, and I would hate to waste any. And I never turn down free chocolate.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

The decision wasn't reached because we were wedded to the idea of enforcing the rules ... it's entirely a question of fairness. How many other stories might improve if the writers were given a more generous word count? If we allow those two to slip through, how can we deny anyone else who might plead for a few more words? If we allow them to edit or resubmit, how can we deny other people who might want to do the same? (People actually have, this month and in previous months, asked if they could edit their stories or submit others that are closer to the theme. They were told no. How would they feel if others were allowed to do either or both of those things now.)

And if we were to grant all of those requests, what was the point of the 75 word limit in the first place?

I, personally, feel very badly that there were misunderstandings, even though the rules are clearly stated. I wish this hadn't happened, and that we hadn't had to make a decision.

 

[Precise Calibre]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- August & September

I fully support the decision, regardless of the outcome - the rules are there to be followed and to promote a sense of fairness, not to be bent depending on each case.

Reminds me of a painting competition I entered one time where the background you had to shoot with (warhammer 40k miniature) had to be blue. Well blue has a tendency to wash out some colours and many people's models suffered in a photographic sense because of that.

The person who won the competition had a white background...

As far as the theme goes - I won't enter unless I'm sure that I have adhered to the theme. Unfortunately, each person views what constitutes the theme differently - it's up to each voter to decide this matter.

Numbers are definite, themes are not.