Gauging Interest

[Griever]

So, our last contest was a pretty big fail, getting a total of...no entries. I don't want to have a repeat of that, so before holding another, I'd like to see what you guys want to see in a contest. I do still think that the last prize (a copy of FF Origins, containing FFI and FFII for the PS1, for those of you who don't know) was a pretty good one, so would you like another chance at it? Or would you prefer something completely different?

What about the type of contest itself? Advertising contests largely help the site as a whole, but no one seems to be interested in entering. Writing contests, in the past, have drawn a little more attention, but not by much. What about an art contest? Or should we just go with something we've done before? Different prompts for a writing contest, or another try at the old ones?

I'm going to hold off on starting the next contest until I get a decent amount of input here, because they're not for me, they're for you guys. You're the ones entering, and you're the ones winning the prizes, so I want to make sure everyone's interested before I throw something out there. Be as brief or as detailed in your responses as you want, but any input at all is highly appreciated.

[Bharune]

Personally, I love the writing contests :3 I really, really wanted to do the last one because I had a great idea for it, I just didn't get the time because I was working so much. I think the writing contests are wonderful because there are so many prompts you can do and it allows others to see a little more into the character, whether canon or OOC. And with the holidays coming up there could be so many great seasonal prompts, haha.

Personally, I don't really think of it as a contest that much. While Origins is a great prize, I just like the idea of both having and reading a collection of short stories :3 It feels more like starting a compilation and also contributing to a compilation of MR stories, which I really like.

As for art~ I think art contests would be great too, haha XD

[Nolan]

I've never participated in a contest here to really know how they work.

Since this a roleplaying site though, it makes sense that a writing contest would be the most successful every time. I know I personally would love to participate in a writing contest themed after Thanksgiving or Christmas or something.

Advertising gains no interest because the only thing it benefits is the site's activity...maybe. There's no guarantee advertisments will attract people, and since it's honesly a much less creative use of time rather than writing a story, it makes sense people wouldn't want to bother (at least it does to me).

I'm not much of an artist, but I wouldn't mind standing on the sidelines and watching what other people come up with. :]

As far as prizes go, I really don't know haha. I've never been on a site where the prizes are real, tangible objects before. I used to RP Pokemon a lot, and most of the prizes were in character incentives, but the systems here don't really make in character things possible I don't think.

[Griever]

Nolan, that's exactly a problem I've run into. We don't have such rigid systems as some others, so character incentives don't really work, because we don't have many restrictions in the first place. I can't afford to keep offering real prizes, but I have no idea what else people would be interested in. Frustrating.

I've seen a lot of sites that do advertising contests, and I just wish it WORKED for us, because I know for sure that it's the best way to draw in new members, and it's always good to see more people around. But, on the other hand, writing is more fun, so I can't say I blame anyone for preferring it. I'm getting some ideas for a new writing contest already, based on what you guys have said. <3

How does winter as a theme sound? It can be anything you want, AU or not, but it has to be a winter scene. Bit more general than Christmas, for anyone who doesn't celebrate, but it leaves the door open for that, if it's what you want to go with.

[Bharune]

Once I get working, I wouldn't mind contributing for prizes :3 But not everyone may be comfortable offering up their physical address, 'cept those of us that have been around for a good, long while. Avatars and signatures and stuff work too, also I don't mind offering up character art and Zee makes the most adddoooorrraaabbbllle chibis xD

Really, though, I don't think prizes are that much of a focus, haha.

I think we have a good member base, actually :3 At least until the story gets deeper in. I suck at advertising....but then I apparently suck at writing, too, cuz I didn't get either of my entries done xD

A winter theme...that makes me want to write something about Suoh...

[Griever]

DO IT. >___> I'm not biased at all, nope.

[zeekayl]

B-Bha! Don't volunteer me for chibis! D: They're horrid. >.> But I'll do them anyway, and I can do regular art too. I just...*mumbles* can't...do photoshop...

But I'd really like to participate in a writing contest. I'm not all that interested in prizes (though I won't lie, they're a good incentive ~); I love to write, and even if I don't stand a chance at winning competition is healthy for the heart <3

And, if need be, I can contribute to prizes too now.

[Hiko]

I, uh. I don't mind contests, but I'm still waiting on my prizes from the first two contests we ran. :<

[Griever]

I gave you your icon, remember? D: And you said you didn't want a signature. I know you wanted me to change the text, but I mentioned then that I couldn't because I didn't have the psd of the icon. If there was something else that I forgot about, feel free to give me a kick, though.

[Hiko]

Originally, I'd said I could wait on that icon. And I know I said on Skype that I wouldn't mind something else for the picture for it, if it was necessary.

I'd thought there was art I was still waiting on, too, but apparently I was mistaken.

[Bharune]

Anyway~!

You could always make a prompt or theme and then let the participant choose whether they want to do a writing or piece of artwork, then just have different prizes for each. You wouldn't need a different theme, then, but they'd still be in different categories because it's pretty hard to judge a writing piece alongside an art piece, haha.

But, again, I wouldn't worry about prizes too much. I suggest sticking to small things like artwork and signature/icons or somesuch, because then it's more for fun than any serious competitiveness, you know? While competitiveness is good on occasion, I wouldn't want to see any hurt feelings spawn from it. Which is why I'm glad I'm not a full-blown mod, because I'd hate to judge something like this xD

Which is another thing~ if it's more for fun than any really awesome prize, you judges wouldn't have to refrain from entering. Which would be great because I'd love to read what you come up with, too.

So! Here's what I suggest:

Instead of first, second, and third places, I think we should have it where the people who want to offer prizes -- be that artwork, signature/icon work, or even physical prizes -- can pick their personal favorite and give their prizes to that individual writer/artist. So instead of first/second/third, it's more of an honorable mention from each judge. Also, the judges would change depending on who wants to offer prizes so it would offer more variety AND even a person judging can still enter their own work because one of the other judges could still pick it.

Just have the interested prize-offerers establish their rewards at the beginning of the competition. That means there will be more prizes but you won't have to do it all yourself, K-chan.

Also, I recommend keeping a list of the people comfortable with giving out their address for physical prizes. That way some people can still be eligible for physical prizes -- if they like -- and some can just stick to the digital stuff. :3

[Hiko]

You know, the idea of others offering up prizes is pretty fantastic.

I could probably swing Gamestop, Wii, or PSN cards every now and then. o-o

[Griever]

Bha, can I just tell you again? You are brilliant. I've always hated that staff couldn't enter, but that, quite fairly, works around it. In that case, I think we should just run with the ideas we've collected here, and figure out who can offer prizes and what kind, so we can get this contest off the ground. Just for now, I'd like to keep the theme to writing, but I like the idea of starting up multiple ways to enter, probably for the next one.

SO! Anyone willing to offer something up for this contest, just reply with what you'd like to give to your chosen winner. Anyone willing to offer your address to receive physical prizes in case you win, please also let us know right now. Once we've got the prizes worked out, I'll set up a thread with a list of prizes and the theme, and we'll get this thing running!

As for me, I can offer one icon and one signature for this contest - I think I'll hold onto Origins for a later one.

[Hiko]

I won't know until payday as to whether or not I can afford to pitch in a PSN card. I'll let you know next weekend? <3

[Griever]

Works for me! If need be, I can always update the prize list later, so not a big deal.