Tips on Hosting a Successful Contest - Comments

I've only entered three contests, not only because of my lack of time to fit a story in within a certain deadline, but also because none of them were every judged. They were left hanging with no explanation and lots of contestants wondering what had happened.

This tutorial actually made me interested in hosting a contest of my own! Although, I'd definitely have to think about what it'll be about.

I would've liked to see a section with different ideas for contest prizes, like what prizes would entice people to join a contest.

I also agree that whoever is hosting a contest should read this. I don't know how many times I've read through contests that have similar prompts, unclear rules, and overall not being planned at all. Not to mention the numerous times I've entered a contest that was never judged. After entering about ten contests, I've only been judged on three and have only been given my 'prizes' once. I believe this is something else people need to remember when they're hosting contests. Prizes need to be given to winners. They shouldn't back out of judging or awarding prizes. They shouldn't promise something, such as a comment on five stories, and not fulfill it.

I think this is something that everyone who starts a contest should read, especially about the part on what to include in the rules. I joined a contest a couple of years back and there was three judges -- apparently they all weren't on the same page with the rules because I wrote implied f/f and I not only got a low scoring because of that but I got a really rude comment about it from the judge. It was a huge turn off.

I agree wholeheartedly with all that you stated in this tutorial! It was well written too!

Thank you for writing this.