Show, Don't Tell Reviewing Competition

Show Don't Tell Contest
Reviewing Sub-Competition

Rules

1.  On or shortly after September 5, 2011, each entrant will be assigned up to three other entries to read and critique. In order to be eligible for the Reviewing Merit Badge or for reviewing points, entrants must

(a) use the  "Show, Don't Tell Judging Criteria"  as the basis for an in-depth critique of each these three items;
(b) must post these three critiques to the message board and publicly on WDC. 
(c) the subject of the above posts must be, "REVIEW: <name of contestant being reviewed>," so judges can identify reviewing entries.
(d) Critiques must be posted not later than noon CDT, September 19, 2011.
(e) If the "Show, Don't Tell Contest"  receives sixteen entries prior to September 5, 2011, we may advance the above date accordingly.  We will notify all contests via email and a posting to the message board should this occur. 

2.  It is ONLY required that you critique these entries IF you wish to be considered for a Reviewing Merit Badge.  You may still compete for the other prizes in the "Show, Don't Tell Contest"  whether or not you choose to do this.

3.  Participants will receive 500 GPS for each review posted, up to a maximum of 1500 GPS per contestant.

4.  Judges will assess the reviews for

(a) quality and depth of comments;
(b) Positive reinforcement through identifying especially successful examples of showing versus telling in the author's submission;
(c)  Suggestions for how the author might improve showing over telling in their submission.

5.  A minimum of FIVE contestants must participate in the reviewing competition, or the reviewing competition may be cancelled, with no Merit Badge awarded.

6.  The 500GPS per review, up to a maximum of 1500 GPS per entrant, will be awarded regardless of whether or not the competition is cancelled.

7.  Judges may award up to four Reviewing Merit Badges for the most effective reviews.  An effective review

(a) provides in-depth and thoughtful comments;
(b) uses encouraging language and is respectful of the author;
(c) gives specific examples from the author's text to support the reviewer's observations;
(d) is respectful and courteous.

8.  You must be a contestant in the "Show, Don't Tell Contest"  in order to compete for a Reviewing Merit Badge or qualify for reviewing GPS.



Comments.

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
--Mathew 7:3

One of the most difficult things about writing is self-criticism.  It's much easier to find an error in another author's prose than in your own.  The ability to read critically and find those little errors of craft is an acquired skill, and you get better at it with practice.  If you practice enough on other people, eventually you hone your skill to the point where you can apply it with equal precision to your own work.  So, from a perfectly selfish point of view, reviewing will make you a better author.

Of course, as writers we need feedback. Some of us live for feedback.  We get better, especially as we learn craft, by having others, with the same struggles, read and criticize our work.  It's an important part of becoming a professional that few authors can bypass.  Part of the purpose of this contest to help others practice showing versus telling, but part of it is for the judges to learn, too, by continuing to hone those important critical skills.  We feel it's important for the contestants to have the same opportunity.

Malcom Gladwell, in his book Outliers,   popularized the "10,000 hour rule."  He cites dozens of examples of professions where success derives from years of practicing and coaching in the core disciplines of a craft.  The underlying research research is available here.    Basically, the research appears to show that, whether it's the Beatles or a brain surgeon, roughly 10,000 hours of intense coaching and practice leads to success. 

Thus, coaching--and being coached--is one of the important aspects of success.  For this reason, we believe that learning how to be a coach is as important to your ultimate success as a writer as getting feedback from others.  For this reason, we've included reviewing as a secondary competition in our main contest.

Finally, if you would like more details on what we think goes into a good review, you are invited to read "Review Template Annotated"