TPNewsletter/Feb.

So, you've been on WDC for a few months or even a few years and the idea of starting a contest sounds like a good idea. Before you even consider doing something like that - Stop and think before you take on that responsibility. Make no mistake about it, it is a responsibility. Contests come and go here at WDC and only a select few stand the test of time.

Some of you may know that I host a poetry contest in conjunction with our group. I have to admit, I wasn't prepared for all the work that went into a contest. Okay, so I haven't scared you off and you still think you might want to create a contest? What are some of the things you should be deciding on?

What type of contest are you going to host?

The two most common contests you will find on WDC are the short story and the poetry contests. There are however other types, our group even has an image contest were the entries are images created after reading a story. *Play to your strengths when you choose your contest.* Don't host a poetry contest if you don't write it or don't know anything about it. The same goes for any other contest. If you don't do it, don't host it.

What type of prompt will you use?

There are several prompts you can pick from. You can use an image, a quote, groups of words or just a saying, you can even do several prompts at once. It all depends on what you think will inspire your contestants. I like to keep mine simple so I just use an image that will inspire. Try to make it interesting, keep them coming back round after round.

What type of prizes will you be giving?

This is going to depend on what you are willing to put into the contest. I would suggest giving smallish prizes until you develop a regular group of contestants, but most people will give out as much as possible and break themselves trying to get entries. That is really stressful, trying to come up with the GP's to put out each round.

The bottom line is this. If you host a good contest they will enter no matter what the prize is!

And once you have your contest up and ready to start running? How do you keep them coming back each round? Unfortunately there are no guarantees, but you can do some things that will insure you have done your best.

Answer emails from your contestants as soon as possible! Never let those emails sit unopened. Let your people know that you care.

Make sure all entries receive reviews. I have been in several contests, which I didn't go back to, that didn't review the entries. Bad mistake. They took the time to write a story for you, you take the time to review those stories or have someone help you review those entries.

Be sure and post your rules clearly. Even if it seems excessive, it is better to have a few too many rules than not enough. It is your contest, you post the rules you want.

Have fun! If you are having a good time running your contest, the people who enter will have a good time.