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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9028-Judging-Tips.html
Contests & Activities: August 01, 2018 Issue [#9028]

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Contests & Activities


 This week: Judging Tips
  Edited by: spidey
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey , and I'm your Editor this week!



Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor


Tips for Judging

I've thought often about how to create and host a successful contest or activity. I've had a few successful ones and a few failures, like most judges and hosts. One thing I just realized I never gave a ton of thought to was the judging process. I've been through it many times, so I think I may have some advice to give to judges out there.

Judging may seem simple. You read the entries and select your winner(s). That's all there is, right? Well, I think there are a lot of things going on in the background while you're completing the task of judging.

Here are some things you might want to keep in mind while judging:

*Idea* Give yourself plenty of time! I had a long-running weekly poetry contest, and judging could be a long task especially if I was offering to review each entry (which I think is a great idea to develop your thoughts on an entry and to communicate those thoughts with the participants). You'll want to announce winners in a timely manner. It's a good idea to give yourself some extra time. Give a deadline to participants, a date or time when you'll be expecting to announce winners, and then work toward meeting that goal as much as possible.

*Idea* Related to giving yourself time is thinking about how you might want to take breaks or space out your judging. Reading a lot of entries too close together can make you want to rush through the process. Give yourself plenty of time to devote to each entry. If it seems like you might not meet your deadline, it can be a good idea to let entrants know that the announcement might be delayed.

*Idea* Keep the prompt and rules in mind. It can be a good idea to keep multiple tabs/windows open or even utilize multiple monitors if you're lucky enough to have them.

*Idea* Use a template or categories. Especially if you're having a difficult time deciding between entries, it can help to create categories (such as "characters," "setting," "writing style," etc.) and score within categories to help you in the judging process.

*Idea* Ask for help! If you're having trouble, don't be afraid to ask for help from fellow WDC members. Invite guest judges or just ask a trusted friend to read a few entries and give their opinion if you're having trouble deciding or meeting deadlines.

Judging and hosting a contest or activity can be extremely rewarding and I think it's an integral part of the success of Writing.Com. I hope this newsletter has helped!


As always, keep on writing!



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Editor's Picks







Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
Good Deeds Get CASH!  [E]
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
by Writing.Com Support

 
Rhythms & Writing: Official WDC Contest  [E]
Use the music provided to inspire your writing!
by Writing.Com Support





Contests/Activities:

 Bite Size Poetry Contest  [E]
Just one small sweet bite of poetry is all I need.
by Taizia

 Invalid Item  []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item  []

by A Guest Visitor

Question of the Day!  [18+]
Come answer a question, share a laugh, encourage one another, and bring me a coffee!
by Lilith of House Martell

 Invalid Item  []

by A Guest Visitor

The Contest Challenge  [13+]
Join by entering a contest a month for 12 months--Win Badges! Catching up is allowed!
by Schnujo is Late to Lannister

WDC Photo Contest  [ASR]
Got your camera handy? Come enter a photo along with a short writing!
by Abby Gayle

Contest Central Station  [E]
Looking for contests to enter? Find your destination here (a 2015 Quill Award Nominee)
by GeminiGem of House Lannister

Daily Snapshot  [E]
Jump start your imagination!
by Genipher

 
Please Review  [E]
This is a page to request reviews for static items and books.
by Writing.Com Support

When Someone Gives You Giftpoints....  [E]
Some kind heart gives you gift points. You in return...
by Banana Boat



Some contest resources:
How to Create a Contest  [ASR]
Things you need to know before you open a contest. Includes a contest template.
by Angels in my Ear

"Create/Edit a Message Forum" 
Newbie Hyperlinking 101 - Bitem Format  [E]
Learn the ins and outs of creating a link using the bitem format.
by NickiD89





Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!




 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: Price N/A


Ask & Answer



My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (July 4, 2018)" ), discussed road trips. Here is some feedback from last week's Newsletter readers:

No feedback! *Shock*



What is your judging process like? Do you have any tips to share?

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