Discussion -- 300 Word Challenge #10

[Abernovo]

No point in being anything else, in my opinion, Fitzchic.

One of the things I like about this site (there are so many) is how I'm inspired by the creativeness of the others. It makes me think even more ideas of my own. Plus, I get to read some incredible stories!

Voting's going to be a nightmare again, though, even with three votes.

 

[Fitzchiv]

When does it open/close? Will be busy over the next few days so want to ensure I remember to drop in and cast my first ever votes!

 

[Jo Zebedee]

When does it open/close? Will be busy over the next few days so want to ensure I remember to drop in and cast my first ever votes!

Voting starts tomorrow and ends on the 15th.

We're not allowed to be horrid to each other on this thread (or on any other for that matter, but especially not on the challenges.) Not that we would ever be anyway. It's part of what makes the Chrons a place of sanity on the net.

And, yep, voting is going to be a nightmare. I can already see so many I like with a few of the regulars still to post. Eep.

 

[Bowler1]

When does it open/close? Will be busy over the next few days so want to ensure I remember to drop in and cast my first ever votes!

The blurb at the start doesn’t say when the voting starts but I think it would be safe to assume it will be tomorrow the 1st of August.

I’ve had a read of all the entries today, and I’ve no idea who I’ll be voting for. A good selection so far and we’re not done yet, the late posts have yet to go up.

 

[Fitzchiv]

The blurb at the start doesn’t say when the voting starts but I think it would be safe to assume it will be tomorrow the 1st of August.

I’ve had a read of all the entries today, and I’ve no idea who I’ll be voting for. A good selection so far and we’re not done yet, the late posts have yet to go up.

Ah so there's a flurry of late activity in these things huh, I guess that's to be expected. Another question, is voting visible for the duration - or blind until the results?

 

[The Judge]

Oh, there's always a late flurry...

Voting is visible throughout, so you can track your progress minute by minute! (But be warned -- that way madness lies!) For the 300 worder we each get 3 votes. You don't have to use all 3 if you don't want to, but if you do, make sure you use them all at the same time -- you can't vote for 1 or 2, go out and check something and then try and cast the final vote(s) as the software won't allow it.

 

[Fitzchiv]

Oh, there's always a late flurry...

Voting is visible throughout, so you can track your progress minute by minute! (But be warned -- that way madness lies!) For the 300 worder we each get 3 votes. You don't have to use all 3 if you don't want to, but if you do, make sure you use them all at the same time -- you can't vote for 1 or 2, go out and check something and then try and cast the final vote(s) as the software won't allow it.

Excellent, thanks for the clarity Judge, look forward to participating on both sides of the coin.

 

[Bowler1]

Ah so there's a flurry of late activity in these things huh, I guess that's to be expected. Another question, is voting visible for the duration - or blind until the results?

It's just like the 75 word voting, which can be seen by all. This does mean votes for yourself can be seen by all. I wonder if that's ever happened, self voting? I don't plan on being the first to vote for myself, even if I am great at everything I do! Un-reconised greatness by my past voting record, but theres always hope which is why I keep coming back - that or I'm not very bright....

 

[The Judge]

I wonder if that's ever happened, self voting?

Oh, yes. Though at least one was a what-happens-if-I-press-this-button-I-can-always-undo-it-can't-I? (Answers: a vote is registered, and no, you can't.)

 

[Dream Walker]

Well, it's in anyways.. thanks to an uplink I found. Now to go and have my lunch in what is left of my break; and here is to jacking wifi with a phone! (raises celebratory tetra pack of apple juice)

 

[The Judge]

Well, unless the last minute flurry looks to be just Dream Walker and me, then, unless people are going for very last minute! A pity, as we're not close to the magic 42 entries as yet.


Just as for the 75 worder, I've had poetry running through my mind every time I've tried to get a story -- two bits in fact:

The raven himself is hoarse
That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan
Under my battlements (Lady MacBeth there)

and
A raven sat upon a tree
And not a word he spoke, for
His beak contained a piece of brie,
Or maybe it was roquefort.
(That's the opening of The Sycophantic Fox and the Gullible Raven -- and the poem has one of the funniest, punniest, endings in versedom!)

Anyway, I don't know if it's the fact corvids are seen to be bearers of bad news and/or harbingers of death, but we seem to have even rather more downbeat stories than usual. So I thought I'd buck the trend and go for Happy Ever After!

 

[Fitzchiv]

Will you be opening the voting tonight or the morning? This will determine whether I stay up another 45 min or not - so no pressure..

 

[Ursa major]

For obvious reasons, no polling can be allowed when there is still time for people to enter. After that, it takes a few moments to make sure that all the entries are in the poll. And if there are late entries, you might need some time to read them.

Also bear in mind that you have until the end (23:59 GMT) of the 15th of August to vote, so unless you're about to go on holiday for a fortnight or so, there's no need to panic.


Oh, and the Challenges' timings are based on GMT, while you and I are on living under BST at the moment.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Ah so there's a flurry of late activity in these things huh, I guess that's to be expected. Another question, is voting visible for the duration - or blind until the results?

It's always visible, Fitz.


Sometimes the mods might forget to add in to see who voted for who, but we can always see how many votes each entry has. I suspect it's simply how the software is set up.

 

[Fitzchiv]

For obvious reasons, no polling can be allowed when there is still time for people to enter. After that, it takes a few moments to make sure that all the entries are in the poll. And if there are late entries, you might need some time to read them.

Also bear in mind that you have until the end (23:59 GMT) of the 15th of August to vote, so unless you're about to go on holiday for a fortnight or so, there's no need to panic.


Oh, and the Challenges' timings are based on GMT, while you and I are on living under BST at the moment.

Yeh I wasn't being entirely serious fella ;-)

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

alchemist -- a biting fable which reminds us that what goes around comes around

Mith -- a brooding meditation on farewells

cab -- a dark fairy tale seen through the eyes of one who might go unnoticed

The Spurring Platty -- a charming and poetic "Just So" story

Abernovo -- a reminder that, during the terror of battle, the pawns may turn the tables on the commanders

TheDustyZebra -- a tragic love story with the gravitas of an ancient folk tale

chrispenycate -- a unique and unexpected soliloquy

mosaix -- a clever variation on the battle between human and machine

Fitzchiv -- a mysterious and evocative portrait of a simple human gesture within an unspecified disaster

crow. -- a strange and surreal prose poem

Dream Walker -- a convincing mixture of the modern and the mythic

The Judge -- an allegory wrapped within a legend wrapped within a chant

 

[Ursa major]

This Challenge has now closed for entries and the voting is open. To cast your votes, use the link below.

Please vote for your top three choices; note that all three votes must be cast at the same time to count.
​

 

[AMB]

Had inspiration just a little too late, and missed the deadline by 10 minutes. Have since tweaked my entry, and might put it up here later.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

jastius -- a subtle tale of enchantment which rewards rereading

 

[Starbeast]

Starbeast: The three stooges find their way into an alien fantasy, and as usual, mess it up, but survive. Funny and inventive look at the genre, which works very well.

Maybe we should set up a roster so Perp Victoria and Starbeast get this every month, in return for their sterling efforts. I've done mine, reckon I've got at least three years until my next one...

Thanks for the review Boneman. You did see the Three Stooges in my effort, I'm impressed, because I almost went that route, my character Stumpy was going to be called Shemp, but I like Stumpy better.

A Roster for the reviewers, aww, aren't you knid. I'm touched. I personally am not going to push for that idea, but if it happens, wow, I'd be stunned

Thanks very much to Victoria, Starbeast, and Perp for the reviews. I know that doing so takes time and energy away from other things, and it is very much appreciated.

Not sure why, but I've stayed away from this challenge since its inception, but I saw the picture, thoughts stirred, and so I jumped in.

Now, after reading the entries for this challenge (and a few from past ones), I think it may have been a simple intimidation factor keeping me at bay. I am more than impressed at what has been presented with a higher (but still extremely modest) word count of 300. Truly some great stuff from all comers.

You're welcome RoninJedi84.

Never be put off by the other stories, and feel you might be substandard. I've seen people worried for nothing that had great tales to post. To lessen the preasure of what your idea is for a challenge, don't look at anyone's entry until you've written your own story (this really works for me).

I'm glad you joined us this month.

Well, I've enjoyed reading through the stories and this thread - my first time doing either. Such an array of styles, content and approach - and I've got to say you're all an absolute credit to this forum in the way you conduct yourselves in the discussion too. Not sure many other sites could boast such an open and friendly atmosphere.

Happy to hear you are comfortable here Fritzciv. That's why I love to hang out on this site. And I highly agree, there are a great deal of amazing writers here.

Nice to meet you.





Alchemist - Highly entertaining tale about trying to improve things with fantastic technology, only to become a victim of it. Then, having that artificial intellengence have the same problems. Well done sir.

Mith - An excellent drama with (and I love how you put it) disturbing intensity. A very sad story that embraces the heart and fades like a setting sun. Wonderfully written ghost story. Nice to meet you.

Cab - Superbly curjoured offering about a sorcereress and her feathery familiar. An involving entry that adds spice with it's dark dialogue, which reads amazingly like a chapter from a fairy tale. Nice to meet you.

The Spurring Platty - Delightful story that blossums with a great fabled explanation about how the Hooded Crows came to be. Plus a cool capper to this treat, where a crow eerily seems to understand what was said. Awesome.

Abernovo - Cyber-crows are the main characters in this astonishing science fiction story, in which a plot is formed to overthrow two world leaders in an apocalytic setting. Very cool.

TheDustyZebra - A magical story of royalty and intense drama that leads to devastating tragedy. Wow, this is an incredible and hard hitting fantasy that does not have a happy ending. Powerful and great.

Chrispenycate - Who needs 300 words to write something that will be memorable, and this is a excellent example of that. A crow relays the narrative about what he has observed from humans. Darkly insightful, and very entertaining.

Mosaix - "Heh heh heh". Yes, I had to give a chuckle when I finished this feathery treat that definately held my interest and dazzled me with a match between an average human and an overconfident A.I. bird droid. Marvelously executed.

Fitzchiv - Exceedingly and emotionally moving tale that tugs at the heart and creeps forward into dramatic decay. Well written in an atmossphere I can easily image that is bland and dying. Well done. Nice to meet you.

Crow. - A uniquely written story that percolates with a surreal atmosphere. Like dark poetry that paints a disturbing, yet remarkable picture that must be carefully studied to reveal it's true meaning. Nice to meet you.

Dream Walker - Yes! A monster tale, with Windigo (or Wendigo)creatures. Tremendous story highlighted with Native American legend that is sprinked with action, it got me involved immedately. Good stuff.

The Judge - Whoa! The Judge pumps out yet another mighty tale from her seemingly endless supply of fantastic ideas. With that said, I must tip my hat to this astounding entry which took me by surprise. I hope I didn't flatter you too much, because there is a lot of heavy competition you're among.

Jastius - Alright, a tale of gypsies! I'm so glad you made it, and just in the nick-of-time too. This offerng displays wonderfully, the rough and tough lives of a magical band of gypsies. Marvelous idea!