  Contests & Activities
This week: Be different Edited by: spidey  
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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey , and I'm your Editor this week!
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Being Different
I think often we try to be different, to think of something no one has thought of, to have a completely unique idea. And that's wonderful! With contests and activities, though, it can backfire.
If you're hosting a contest or activity with a unique theme, be prepared for a few things:
 Explain it really well. If you're combining two genres that don't obviously go together (Cooking and Thriller, maybe?), or asking for a genre that's not well-known, or perhaps a unique poetry or story style, you might want to give examples of what you're looking for particularly if it's something that isn't common or popular. Often members are hesitant to ask questions, so try to anticipate difficulties people might have understanding what you're asking for.
Have a good reward. I often say that writing is its own reward, but when it comes to competing with other contests and activities for attention and participants, I think it can be a good thing to offer an enticing reward. It doesn't have to be gift points, either. One of the main things people come to this site for is feedback and reviews. Offer to review the entry, of course, but perhaps offer to do a mini-port raid or review a longer piece of work if you have the time.
Anticipate participants either not understanding the prompt or bending it a bit. Think about what you'll do and how much of a stickler you'll be on the rules ahead of time so that you're prepared if it happens! I think it's more likely to happen if you have a unique prompt (and a good prize).
Be patient! A lot of new contests and activities take time to be seen and attract participants, even ones without unique themes.
Just remember that the "popular" genres and style are popular for a reason. Those are the styles that do well and are written and read by most writers and readers. There's nothing wrong with going outside of those popular trends (that's how new trends start, after all!), but be prepared for some possible failures before the new thing catches on!
As always, keep on writing!
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My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (March 14, 2018)" ), discussed Groups. Here is some feedback from Newsletter readers:
Howdy, Spidey.
Good article on Groups this round. I had one small issue with it, although I believe I know what you meant to say.
When describing groups, you mentioned ones in real life and on WDC. I would argue that the groups on WDC, though based online, are no less "real" than groups you may associate with face to face. I converse with multiple members within my groups, discussing reviews, stories, etc. and they are all very real in their insight and value. There is a camaraderie as strong as any weeknight gaming group, bible study or bookclub that someone might belong to.
Thanks for listening and keep on informing us with this great newsletter. I've found some awesome contests thanks to you! ~ Cupadraig~The Remote Country 
That's so true! Online groups are every bit as "real" as in-person groups. 
I'm sort of a lone wolf, I guess. But, I met a quite a few great writers by doing reviews, getting reviewed and participating in contests. Maybe joining a group is something I should look into. Thanks for your article. ~ Kimbug
I think there's something to be said for knowing what works for you! If not being in a group works for you, that's great! Of course, you can always give it a try, too.
What do you think about contests that try to be different? Have you had an experience hosting one? Please share! |
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Contests & Activities: April 11, 2018 Issue [#8845]
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