Escape Artists

The Arcade => Flash Contest III => Completed Contests => Flash Contest III - Pseudopod => Topic started by: Bdoomed on December 18, 2012, 10:53:45 PM

Title: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on December 18, 2012, 10:53:45 PM
If you have any questions about the rules, the schedule, or anything else, ask away here!  Alternatively, you can message me on the forums, or send an e-mail to eaflash@gmail.com or bdoomed@gmail.com.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on December 19, 2012, 02:51:16 PM
So excited!  Must write something new for this, because I don't think I have anything around that meets the guidelines, either prev published, submitted to prev contest, or too long.

Was hoping the word count would be 750 words like the EP contest--but 500 is a worthy challenge.  Some of the favorite stories I've written are 500 words, but they are HARD!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Cutter McKay on December 19, 2012, 08:36:54 PM
Whew, just finished the first draft of an entry. Very excited. Unblinking is right, 500 words is hard. But I made it work. Here's hoping...

I do hope PodCastle's Flash Contest goes back up to the 750 word count, though. I already have two fantasy stories for that contest cut, trimmed, squeezed, hacked, wasted, and bled down to 750 words. I don't think I could make them any shorter.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on December 20, 2012, 03:59:41 AM
I think PC wants the 500 word limit as well.  Sorry to potentially burst your bubble.

Keep bleeding it? :P
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on December 20, 2012, 08:34:16 AM
I think PC wants the 500 word limit as well.  Sorry to potentially burst your bubble.

Keep bleeding it? :P

Are you sure? Last I heard they were thinking of 750 but hadn't decided for certain.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Portrait in Flesh on December 28, 2012, 05:40:40 AM
Hot diggity!  I'ma write me a coupla 500-word stories!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: FireTurtle on December 29, 2012, 05:56:57 PM
*rubs hands together gleefully*
Excellent. Any excuse to be creepy is a good excuse indeed.
First story already done. Now for second creepy inspiration....come on brain...
Brains....BRAINS!!!
I love 500 words. It keeps everything from getting all bogged down and messy in my head...unless, of course, I want it messy. BRAINSSSSSS.
Now, I'm just being silly. Time to slither off and think some more.

Thanks, BDoomed for taking on this monumental task!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ocicat on December 30, 2012, 05:53:50 AM
PC really hasn't decided.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on December 31, 2012, 02:08:20 AM
I'm quite excited for this contest.  I had a ton of fun running the last one, and I hope I can make this one just as fun, if not better!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: julius blaze on January 02, 2013, 02:10:43 PM
I just got a bunch of first drafts for my first story (technically, my 7th draft) and I think it's mostly done.  I'm pretty pleased with it, especially since it's my first attempt at horror.  Horror is hard, Horror and a 500 word limit is damn hard. 

I've got my second idea for a story but it'll require a ton of research, and is a big gamble with regards to the audience.  Really excited for this!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on January 02, 2013, 03:13:35 PM
Still contemplating what I want to write.  Haven't been in much of a writing spirit for the last month or so, hopefully can get back into it before the deadline!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on January 10, 2013, 09:05:29 PM
Submitted story #1!

Story #2 is in a draft and out at first readers. Plenty of time to revise it and send it in.  :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on January 11, 2013, 09:51:14 PM
I'm quite excited for this contest.  I had a ton of fun running the last one, and I hope I can make this one just as fun, if not better!

Are you doing microflash again for each segment?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on January 11, 2013, 10:41:51 PM
Hard at work!  Was working on it this morning, about 2/3rds of the way done when I checked my word count and found it...  at 950.  Oh Crom, this is going to be hard.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on January 11, 2013, 11:07:20 PM
I'm quite excited for this contest.  I had a ton of fun running the last one, and I hope I can make this one just as fun, if not better!

Are you doing microflash again for each segment?

Yup yup! :D I had a lot of fun doing them last time, they are generally unobtrusive, and some people seemed to like them!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: chemistryguy on January 18, 2013, 12:15:48 PM
I'm very disappointed in myself for not having tried my hand at writing a flash story for Escapepod, so I'm jumping into this one.  This would be my second real attempt at writing fiction.  It's going at a snail's pace, but I should have a working story by the start of next week. 

Can't wait to have it torn to pieces.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on January 18, 2013, 07:02:32 PM
Yep, I'm in too.

I've got two stories I want to use - one is a 3,000 word short story I wrote for nanowrimo that I'm going to try to shrink down to 500 words... so far the going is pretty rough... and the other is one that I'm writing just for the contest.  I'm done with the second draft on it, but I'm running into the problem that my wife is usually my editor and she REALLY doesn't like horror.  Are any of you using editors?  My daughter is actually a pickier editor than my wife is, so she would be an option except that this is horror and horror can be kind of disturbing.  I'm not sure I want her editing my stuff. 

How do horror writers find editors that like horror, but don't want to participate in the Pseudopod contest?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: lowky on January 19, 2013, 12:05:24 AM
http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/writing-advice-from-famous-authors

some actual good advice, I love the mark twain quote at #16
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on January 19, 2013, 09:07:54 AM
Some advice from one of my favorite authors these days.

http://www.slideshare.net/PatrickEMcLean/how-to-kill-a-word
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on January 19, 2013, 04:29:45 PM
I am amused that both those links used Stephen King quotes about editing. They're compelling quotes, but boy does he not follow them.  I'm not convinced he has an editor.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on January 19, 2013, 05:22:07 PM
I wonder how many of those quotes are real and how many are apocryphal.

The McLean slideshow is pretty good advise for turning poor writing into mediocre writing, and mediocre writing into shorter mediocre writing. It won't produce good writing (though if you already have a piece of good writing and need to shorten it, say for a flash contest, it might be helpful).
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Sgarre1 on January 19, 2013, 05:49:59 PM
This also seems to confuse fiction and non-fiction, which have differences of approach.  It's a great primer on how to write terse, pulp fiction, I guess.  I still think far too much non-fiction is full of unqualified statements and absolutes, both of which are completely in line with this approach.

And what of style?  As someone who enjoys fiction from all time periods, this piece seems like a boot camp training ground for the dismissive "boring, old-fashioned writing " critiques from people (potential writers) who should know better, or being taught better.  Evelyn Waugh and Henry James would never survive such "standards".
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on January 19, 2013, 05:57:31 PM
You know, I read a lot of Escape Pod slush. About 2-3 stories per day. And I can honestly say that "too many adjectives or adverbs" is almost never a problem. Or at least, in the cases where it is a problem, it's always a minor problem compared to even bigger problems in the text.

There are plenty of stories I read which are bloated and feel twice as long as they should be. But almost always in those cases, the authors need to remove or rewrite whole paragraphs. Removing words from sentences will just lead to a bloated story with shorter sentences.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: lowky on January 19, 2013, 08:56:26 PM
I am amused that both those links used Stephen King quotes about editing. They're compelling quotes, but boy does he not follow them.  I'm not convinced he has an editor.
i  tend to agree.  can you imagine how much more useless crap he must write if he does?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Scattercat on January 20, 2013, 03:50:46 AM
As far as writing microfiction, I would give the following advice, based on my experience:

1) Use dialogue sparingly.  Dialogue eats up wordcount like crazy because so many of the conventions of polite conversation involve useless verbiage.  It's very engaging, but it's expensive.

2) Word choice becomes highly important.  If you can compress two sentences of adverbial phrases into a single more potent verb selection, you should do so.  Yes, you'll have to use some "said-isms."  This is not the capital sin it is reputed to be.

3) Skeletonize your story.  Get it down to the most basic structure of what you want to convey and the minimum details required to do so.  Expand from there.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ivy Wood on January 20, 2013, 11:02:38 PM
I am VERY excited! I've written one, around 450 words, and I want to write another, so I'll be sure to have two! I'm pretty new at this, but I'm having a lot of fun! Happy to be taking part! :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on January 21, 2013, 06:56:59 PM
You know, I read a lot of Escape Pod slush. About 2-3 stories per day. And I can honestly say that "too many adjectives or adverbs" is almost never a problem. Or at least, in the cases where it is a problem, it's always a minor problem compared to even bigger problems in the text.

There are plenty of stories I read which are bloated and feel twice as long as they should be. But almost always in those cases, the authors need to remove or rewrite whole paragraphs. Removing words from sentences will just lead to a bloated story with shorter sentences.

I've sometimes read an occasional few that have unneeded adverbs and adjectives in front of almost every damn word in every damn over-long sentence.  But I'd agree with Eytan, most stories that are too long need to have half the sentences chopped out.  An adjective here and there is never enough, and this is certainly true when it comes to trimming your story down into flash.

(See, if I'd just chopped my jokey first line, this whole post would be much more to the point compared to if I keep that line and take out the modifiers.)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Scattercat on January 21, 2013, 09:11:19 PM
It's not that verbose or spare writing is good or bad in itself; there is a time and a place to be prolix, just as there's a time to channel your inner Hemingway.  Learning what you can do with each style and when it is most appropriate to use them is where the artistry lies.

For a flash fiction contest, though, you either need to chop the adverbs OR have a piece that's mostly focused on mood/high concept, because you won't have room to have both a plot AND elaborate sentences.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ivy Wood on January 22, 2013, 03:41:39 AM
Hemingway bores me. There, I said it. It reads like this...

"She was tired. The book was dull. She closed it. She checked her Twitter feed."

Honestly, I tend to enjoy lush, descriptive sentences, so it doesn't make any sense to me when I hear "Remove all adverbs". Surely they don't mean ALL. A soupçon never hurt anyone.  ;)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on January 22, 2013, 01:21:25 PM
> "She was tired. The book was dull. She closed it. She checked her Twitter feed."

"Thick tentacles of time's relentlessly marching entropic tendrils wrestled with her eyes, pulling at them to close and wrapping her consciousness in an every thickening fog of unreality.  The book, a symbol-less tome (that lurched unsatisfyingly toward an uncertainly crafted conclusion on the best of pages) challenged her well developed taste for even the thickest prose.  With a shuddering sigh, she reached out with her tingling hand and made a simple movement which became a symphony of atoms moving together in formation; the pages of the book were forced up and over in an increasingly speedy journey as the cover she had manipulated pushed each of the pages closer and closer until it slammed shut.  She checked her Twitter feed."

Maybe sometimes brevity isn't terrible....  ;)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Sgarre1 on January 22, 2013, 01:25:02 PM
and learning to split the difference is... writing!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ivy Wood on January 22, 2013, 03:14:44 PM

"Thick tentacles of time's relentlessly marching entropic tendrils wrestled with her eyes, pulling at them to close and wrapping her consciousness in an every thickening fog of unreality.  The book, a symbol-less tome (that lurched unsatisfyingly toward an uncertainly crafted conclusion on the best of pages) challenged her well developed taste for even the thickest prose.  With a shuddering sigh, she reached out with her tingling hand and made a simple movement which became a symphony of atoms moving together in formation; the pages of the book were forced up and over in an increasingly speedy journey as the cover she had manipulated pushed each of the pages closer and closer until it slammed shut.  She checked her Twitter feed."

Maybe sometimes brevity isn't terrible....  ;)
[/quote]

Ha! Brilliant! Yes, a happy medium is my goal. :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on January 22, 2013, 10:22:59 PM
> "She was tired. The book was dull. She closed it. She checked her Twitter feed."

"Thick tentacles of time's relentlessly marching entropic tendrils wrestled with her eyes, pulling at them to close and wrapping her consciousness in an every thickening fog of unreality.  The book, a symbol-less tome (that lurched unsatisfyingly toward an uncertainly crafted conclusion on the best of pages) challenged her well developed taste for even the thickest prose.  With a shuddering sigh, she reached out with her tingling hand and made a simple movement which became a symphony of atoms moving together in formation; the pages of the book were forced up and over in an increasingly speedy journey as the cover she had manipulated pushed each of the pages closer and closer until it slammed shut.  She checked her Twitter feed."

Maybe sometimes brevity isn't terrible....  ;)

Can I nominate this for post of the year?

I like adjectives, I like fluff, I even cultivate it sometimes in my writing because of stupid page count and wordcount requirements on school papers.  But when you have a 1000 word story that you are trying to slim down to 500 words, it helps to get a few pointers on which words to kill. That's why I thought to post the McLean slideshow.  He's talking about blog writing, where you want shorter, more to-the-point articles.  And if you want your story to get to its point more efficiently without cutting back on action or substance, I think McLean has a good outlook on how to go about doing that.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on January 22, 2013, 10:34:43 PM
If you have a 1000 word story which you need to cut down to 500, and you actually achieve that that by cutting down on unnecessary words (as opposed to cutting down on unnecessary ideas), then you probably have bigger problems with your writing.

If you have a 600 word story which you need to cut down to 500 words, then McLean's advice is useful.

I'm not criticising you for posting that link, by the way. It is probably more helpful and appropriate to this thread than anything I posted. I just get frustrated how so much writing advice seems to be focused on sound bites and easy to memorise concepts ("show, don't tell", "kill the adjectives"), that - as I said above - are good ways to avoid really bad writing, but will not get you anywhere near good writing.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Scattercat on January 23, 2013, 03:26:17 AM
But even in the example you gave, Ivy, notice that the short, choppy sentences set up a kind of rhythm; it sounds abrupt, a sudden decision on her part to close the book and go to the Internet.  Placed properly in context, you can do a lot with that kind of underlying connotative effect.

Not saying everyone has to prefer that as their default style, but spareness has a use and should not be dismissed out of hand, any more than one should dismiss Bulwer-Lyttonian excess simply because of its density.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Devoted135 on January 25, 2013, 03:11:19 PM
2) Word choice becomes highly important.  If you can compress two sentences of adverbial phrases into a single more potent verb selection, you should do so.  Yes, you'll have to use some "said-isms."  This is not the capital sin it is reputed to be.

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is a "said-ism"?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on January 25, 2013, 03:23:35 PM
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is a "said-ism"?

Best explaination, courtesy of TVTropes:

Quote
"Said Bookism?" Alice interrogated. "What's that?"

"Well," Bob exposited, "it's a variety of Purple Prose in which the writer goes out of their way to avoid the word said."

"Why would they do this?" ejaculated Alice.

"Because," explicated Bob, "it was the fashion at one point. There were even 'said books' you could get mail order with lists of the words that can be used instead of said. That's where the name of the trope comes from," he further proclaimed.

"But Said Bookism a Discredited Trope these days?" Alice queried.

"Absolutely," confirmed Bob, "it's considered redundant," he proceeded, "because dialogue should speak for itself without needing fancy tags to convey its meaning and intention."

"That makes sense," Alice concurred.

"In the worst cases, the dialogue tags end up repeating what the dialogue itself is telling us," Bob stated in addition, revealing that in the worst cases the dialogue tags end up repeating what the dialogue itself is telling us.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Devoted135 on January 25, 2013, 03:43:04 PM
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is a "said-ism"?

Best explaination, courtesy of TVTropes:

Quote
"Said Bookism?" Alice interrogated. "What's that?"

"Well," Bob exposited, "it's a variety of Purple Prose in which the writer goes out of their way to avoid the word said."

"Why would they do this?" ejaculated Alice.

"Because," explicated Bob, "it was the fashion at one point. There were even 'said books' you could get mail order with lists of the words that can be used instead of said. That's where the name of the trope comes from," he further proclaimed.

"But Said Bookism a Discredited Trope these days?" Alice queried.

"Absolutely," confirmed Bob, "it's considered redundant," he proceeded, "because dialogue should speak for itself without needing fancy tags to convey its meaning and intention."

"That makes sense," Alice concurred.

"In the worst cases, the dialogue tags end up repeating what the dialogue itself is telling us," Bob stated in addition, revealing that in the worst cases the dialogue tags end up repeating what the dialogue itself is telling us.

LOL! I never knew this had an actual name, thanks for enlightening me! :D
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on January 25, 2013, 07:30:40 PM
A similar take that I did, for your entertainment.  :)

Quote
“As we both know, I’m here to learn good dialogue. Is this good dialogue, Susan?” Brandon posited quizzically.

“No, no,” Susan said. “You don’t need to say what we both already know. Also, people don’t posit, they say.”

“What?!” Brandon questioned loudly. “But all those ‘said’s will get repetitive! Won’t they, Susan?”

“Actually, no. ‘Said’, unlike most other words, is nearly invisible to the reader, even if its repeated. And try to cut back on your exclamation points, too. You’re going to give yourself a hemhorrage.”

“But I’m upset, Susan!!” Brandon countermanded huffily. “I have to use exclamation points!!!”

Susan shook her head. “No you don’t. If the dialogue’s written well enough, the tension of the words will come through to the reader. If you use too many exclamation points, people will accuse you of trying to inject tension in with punctuation instead of writing it in. And multiple exclamation points at the end of a single sentence is a sign of a mentally unbalanced individual. Ask Terry Pratchett.”

“There’s just so much I don’t know,Susan,” Brandon moped depressingly.

“You can’t ‘mope’ a sentence. Stop trying. Even if you don’t stick to ‘say’, you still can’t stick just any old verb back there. Are you trying to do everything wrong or is it just coincidence?” She put her hand to her head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. I’m just frustrated. Why do you keep saying my name in every sentence? Real people don’t talk like that. Why are you putting a speaker attribution after every line? There’s only two of us, so a few lines without an attribution won’t be confusing, especially since our manner of speaking is unique from each other. Have you ever heard of beats?”

“I don’t think so, Susan,” Brandon cogitated placatingly.

“They’re actions you insert between lines of dialogue. You can use them instead of saying ‘said’, to show who’s speaking.” Susan sipped her coffee. “And it adds some pauses to the dialogue to give the reader a feel for the intended pace, while giving a bit of characterization at the same time by showing the speakers actions.”

“Now I understand, Susan!!” Brandon roared intricately.

“I don’t think you do.” She sighed. “And could you PLEASE stop using so many -ly adjectives? If I can’t tell how you said something, the dialogue is probably weak and you should work on that instead.”

“Look at me, Susan! I’m dialoguing!!!!” Brandon ejaculated profusely.

The door slammed shut.

“Susan? Susan? Where’d you go?” Brandon queried querulously.

http://www.diabolicalplots.com/?p=199
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on January 25, 2013, 10:20:31 PM
I think a reasonable word of caution is that "said" is not nearly as invisible to listeners as to readers, particularly with short sentences.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on January 25, 2013, 10:34:52 PM
"I think a reasonable word of caution is that 'said' is not nearly as invisible to listeners as to readers, particularly with short sentences," Fenrix ejaculated.
----------
Fixed that for you, your post is now ready for audio production.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: daneyuleb on January 25, 2013, 10:48:43 PM
Hope the narrator in that audio production knows how to make very clear the difference between a comma and a period.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Sgarre1 on January 25, 2013, 11:10:47 PM
exactly - Dave Robison did an absolutely heroic job handling all the "saids" in his reading of one of those Stoker Nominees on Tales To Terrify last year.  It' s just one of the many problems of reading fiction aloud - contrary to popular belief, good writing is not *always* that which sounds best read aloud (see Henry James)

And Robert Anton Wilson did a great riff on "said" ism in.. THE TRICK TOP HAT iirc
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on January 28, 2013, 02:39:07 PM
I think a reasonable word of caution is that "said" is not nearly as invisible to listeners as to readers, particularly with short sentences.

That's true, especially with a full cast recording where you can use the sound of the voice to differentiate between characters, or where a single reader uses different enough reading styles to differentiate.  I know that the Dunesteef, when producing some stories with full cast, has intentionally cut out all of the "he said, she said" stuff because it's just empty wordage at that point.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on February 07, 2013, 01:10:31 PM
Second story submitted.  Bring on the contest!  :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: will write for beer on February 07, 2013, 10:23:27 PM
When we submit our stories, should we use italics in the body copy, or use _this format_ to indicate italics? If we do use _this_, will the mods put the words in italics before the story is posted?

thx.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on February 08, 2013, 12:12:18 AM
If I want to submit one-half of a picture (should be equivalent to 500 words), what image format is most appropriate?  PNG?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Scattercat on February 08, 2013, 04:14:29 AM
I send my stories pre-formatted with italic tags a la < or [.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on February 08, 2013, 02:23:46 PM
I use underlines, though I generally try to avoid things that need to be italicized.

If I want to submit one-half of a picture (should be equivalent to 500 words), what image format is most appropriate?  PNG?

But wait a minute, isn't half-a-picture still a picture?  So you're going to be above the word limit!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on February 08, 2013, 03:41:52 PM
But wait a minute, isn't half-a-picture still a picture?  So you're going to be above the word limit!
Good point.  I'll just submit half of half a picture. 

Problem solved.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on February 08, 2013, 04:03:07 PM
Half a bee, philosophically,
Must, ipso facto, half not be.
But half the bee has got to be
Vis a vis, its entity. D'you see?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: will write for beer on February 08, 2013, 07:15:14 PM
thanks! looking forward to reading all the entries. Slogged through the last PP contest over the weekend; starting on the EC entries this weekend. Lots of good stuff.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on February 08, 2013, 09:34:43 PM
But wait a minute, isn't half-a-picture still a picture?  So you're going to be above the word limit!
Good point.  I'll just submit half of half a picture. 

Problem solved.

But if:
A Half-Picture is a Picture
Then:
A Half-Half-Picture is a Picture

You're screwed!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on February 08, 2013, 10:42:32 PM
Clearly this picture-story of Zeno is going to be harder to do than I thought...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: grimschrund on February 12, 2013, 12:58:53 AM

All right, here I am with my shiny new user account and ready to go. I've submitted to the contest and I'm looking forward to seeing all the entries.

Good luck everyone!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 12, 2013, 07:02:00 AM
When we submit our stories, should we use italics in the body copy, or use _this format_ to indicate italics? If we do use _this_, will the mods put the words in italics before the story is posted?

thx.

I really don't have a preference.  I think the usual thing to do is to use _this format_.  if you put it in italics, i might miss it and it wont be formatted to your liking.  even if i miss it when it's _formatted this way_, it will still come through when copy/pasted into the forums.  Your gamble! :P

If I want to submit one-half of a picture (should be equivalent to 500 words), what image format is most appropriate?  PNG?

Pseudopod only accepts .ctu formats.  Your puny human computer programs know not its power.  Half a picture in such a format is unspeakable, and therefore cannot be posted anyway without breaking the internet.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on February 12, 2013, 03:27:47 PM
Pseudopod only accepts .ctu formats.  Your puny human computer programs know not its power.  Half a picture in such a format is unspeakable, and therefore cannot be posted anyway without breaking the internet.

Bad Things (http://pseudopod.org/2010/12/03/pseudopod-215-man-you-gotta-see-this/) happen if such a posting were to occur.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: michelle3791 on February 14, 2013, 01:17:33 PM
Really looking forward to seeing the entries for this! Good luck to all the participants.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: lowky on February 14, 2013, 01:59:16 PM

If I want to submit one-half of a picture (should be equivalent to 500 words), what image format is most appropriate?  PNG?

Pseudopod only accepts .ctu formats.  Your puny human computer programs know not its power.  Half a picture in such a format is unspeakable, and therefore cannot be posted anyway without breaking the internet.

Does it break it irrevocably or just temporarily , cause if I could just break it for about 8 hours or so the things I could accomplish.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ravenwolf on February 16, 2013, 08:23:09 PM
I just registered as a new forum member, and entered one 500 word story to the contest.

I've loved listening to pseudopod for quite awhile now while driving, doing dishes, etc.

The registration said to post anything to assure I am not a bot and to solidify my forum membership. So that is what this is.

Peace...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 17, 2013, 04:42:34 AM
That's the spirit! :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: lowky on February 17, 2013, 05:18:32 AM
Welcome and good luck.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: JohnCombo on February 17, 2013, 02:28:19 PM
I can't wait to read everyone's work. Good Luck everyone.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ettan on February 18, 2013, 08:13:38 AM
Are you sending out acknowledgements, because I don’t know if you received my stories? Thx.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 18, 2013, 09:18:19 AM
I am, but only every few days.  I checked the inbox today but didnt have the time to send out receipts :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Harley Warren on February 21, 2013, 03:44:59 AM
Hi,

I don't see in the rules where you have to be registered in these forums to submit for the contest, but I love Pseudopod, so what the heck. 

Also, I wanted to throw in a comment or two about the "word killing" issue.  That is, there's a lot of advice about writing out there and I think most of it needs to be taken with an attitude of flexibility.  Fiction is an art--one of the more important arts, I think.  Which means that innovation is crucial, and therefore that strict rules are anathema.  If you're stuck or want to put some spin on your writing process, advice from other writers can be great.  But there's a danger that some of that stuff might settle in and calcify, which would be unhelpful.

My real point though is that I think that horror fiction is a special case when it comes to eradicating adjectives and adverbs.  As a reader, I like horror fiction to be a little bit purple.  I don't exactly care what happens in a Lovecraft story.  I just want to put my head in that world where all the stones are damp and the caverns are immense and forbidding.  And a glance at the first paragraph of the Fall of the House of Usher indicates that florid verbiage might be an important tool in delivering horrifying effects.  It at least creates an atmosphere.  I don't remember what happens in House of Usher, but I remember it being pretty cool.

But yeah, try to do that in less than five hundred words.  Less easy. 

Can't wait till March 3 to see the variety of things that get submitted.

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ettan on February 21, 2013, 09:38:43 AM
I am, but only every few days.  I checked the inbox today but didnt have the time to send out receipts :)

Thanks Bdoomed. Acknowlegements of stories and IP situation now received.

I have been encouraging other people to enter the competition but don’t know if any of them has. Oh well.

Looking forward to reading and voting!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on February 21, 2013, 02:48:00 PM
Hi,

I don't see in the rules where you have to be registered in these forums to submit for the contest, but I love Pseudopod, so what the heck. 


You only have to be registered to read and vote. This forum is not accessible to those who are not registered, so they do not count as being published here for "first publication" reasons.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on February 21, 2013, 02:49:37 PM
Welcome, Harley!  

I don't see in the rules where you have to be registered in these forums to submit for the contest, but I love Pseudopod, so what the heck. 

You don't have to be registered on the forums to submit.  You can shoot your stories to your submission email address and wait to hear if you won.  But if you want to read everyone else's stories, read comments on your own story, participate in the discussion, or cast votes, for THOSE things you do need to register.  And to me personally, those things are what makes these contests so much fun.  :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ivy Wood on February 21, 2013, 04:02:27 PM
I submitted two stories!  :D

I assume the entries won't be posted until after the deadline passes. I'm excited to read all the stories!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Harley Warren on February 22, 2013, 04:44:22 AM
Welcome, Harley!  

I don't see in the rules where you have to be registered in these forums to submit for the contest, but I love Pseudopod, so what the heck. 

You don't have to be registered on the forums to submit.  You can shoot your stories to your submission email address and wait to hear if you won.  But if you want to read everyone else's stories, read comments on your own story, participate in the discussion, or cast votes, for THOSE things you do need to register.  And to me personally, those things are what makes these contests so much fun.  :)

Yeah, I've been looking through previous contests.  I really expect to enjoy giving and taking thoughts on all the stories.  The gradual winnowing process will probably also be fun to watch. 
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Portrait in Flesh on February 23, 2013, 09:18:09 PM
Well, got my stories ready for their final slow simmering (so that the juices and whatnot may mingle and mangle).  Hopefully they'll get together and be tasty enough for submission later this week.

The gradual winnowing process will probably also be fun to watch. 

I spent the last one alternating between falling away to my fainting couch (overcome with the vapors, butofcourse) and banging my head against the nearest wall.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: adrianh on February 24, 2013, 02:28:06 AM
<waves hello>

It's the middle of the night, I've got insomnia, and I've never attempted to write horror before in my life. So - time to play with this competition thang I guess ;-)

Anyway - tedious question "Word count will be determined using Microsoft Word 2007" - any tips for those living in an MS free household?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 24, 2013, 03:49:49 AM
Nope! Maybe keep it under 490 words?  I am letting the authors know if it is over the 500 word limit (so far only one, and it was a trifle matter at that), so you will have time to shave off a few more if need be.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on February 24, 2013, 10:13:31 AM
When I was running the Escape Pod contest, I found that the word count tool on the following website - http://www.wordcounttool.com/ - is consistently stricter than Word (i.e., it reports identical or higher numbers). So you should be safe if you use it (disclaimer: this is based on my experimentation with a few samples; I cannot guarantee that there are no exceptions).
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on February 24, 2013, 10:58:55 AM
So, after missing out the first contest by joining the forums shortly after it ended, then participating in the second contest by commenting on almost every story, and participating in the EA portion of the third contest by running it, there's only one type of participation left for me to try.

So I submitted two stories to this contest, and I must admit, I'm kind of terrified, because last time I wrote fiction I was 18, literally half my lifetime ago. I don't think I'm going to get very far with my stories, but I'm looking forward to the competition.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Scattercat on February 24, 2013, 03:33:51 PM
It's really nice when someone else is running the thing, innit?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: adrianh on February 24, 2013, 08:35:17 PM
@eytanz @Bdoomed Well I've got a draft that I've just squeezed into 499 words by eytanz's tool - so thanks ;-)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: benjaminjb on February 24, 2013, 09:39:31 PM
So, after missing out the first contest by joining the forums shortly after it ended, then participating in the second contest by commenting on almost every story, and participating in the EA portion of the third contest by running it, there's only one type of participation left for me to try.

So I submitted two stories to this contest, and I must admit, I'm kind of terrified, because last time I wrote fiction I was 18, literally half my lifetime ago. I don't think I'm going to get very far with my stories, but I'm looking forward to the competition.
Was there ever a thread (or a segment of the podcast) where the forum moderators and other staff introduced themselves? I'm very curious.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 25, 2013, 03:01:14 AM
...Not that I know of...
I'd say the best you could do would be to stalk us by clicking on our usernames and looking at our oldest posts?  Maybe we introduced ourselves at some point?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: benjaminjb on February 25, 2013, 03:28:47 AM
...Not that I know of...
I'd say the best you could do would be to stalk us by clicking on our usernames and looking at our oldest posts?  Maybe we introduced ourselves at some point?
Eytanz actually started a thread for introductions: http://forum.escapeartists.net/index.php?topic=6758.0

After intros, I'd love to hear about the life-cycle of a podcast.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Portrait in Flesh on February 26, 2013, 02:36:32 AM
Well, my mom thinks I'm cool (although she doesn't know why I write what I do) so my stories have been sent in.

Now let the fretting begin. :-\
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Harley Warren on February 26, 2013, 02:45:07 AM
I am, but only every few days.  I checked the inbox today but didnt have the time to send out receipts :)

Hi-

I sent a story in on Feb 21, but haven't received a receipt.  Should I resend or stay patient?

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 26, 2013, 03:58:58 AM
Patience, young padawan! :) Been a bit busy, and I like to hit up a bunch at once.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Harley Warren on February 26, 2013, 04:17:44 AM
Patience, young padawan! :) Been a bit busy, and I like to hit up a bunch at once.

Thank you.  Hate to bother, but the deadline approaches.  I'm sure there are other worry warts lurking who are calmed as well as myself.

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Portrait in Flesh on February 26, 2013, 04:21:35 AM
Patience, young padawan! :) Been a bit busy, and I like to hit up a bunch at once.

when the tiger hits
your eye like a big pizza...
...mmm, pizza is good
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 26, 2013, 04:39:04 AM
Alrighty, everyone who has submitted up until RIGHT NOW should have confirmation.  If you don't please say so!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: loyaleagle on February 26, 2013, 09:11:14 AM
Pushed re-writes and edits to the deadline, but I finally got my story mailed off to you pseudopodian lords of flash fiction!  Happy scrubbing and posting!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: adrianh on February 26, 2013, 10:23:41 AM
Right. Story sent off - hopefully under the MS word count ;-)

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: `Nobody on February 27, 2013, 06:31:43 PM
Another new user here. I submitted a thing, but wow it was tough. I felt like the meanest pulp magazine editor, slashing away sentence after sentence until nothing but bones remained.

Good luck to all involved
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Quib on February 27, 2013, 07:15:31 PM
Do a lot of people wait 'til the last minute to submit?
I did.
I'm new here.
Rather, I didn't so much wait as repeatedly encounter my inability to finish anything I start ever.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Nano on February 27, 2013, 07:34:29 PM
One more newbie and one that learned about this contest a little late.

I just want to make sure my last night email has reached the designated receiver a day before the contest closes.



Good luck to everyone involved, and as this is the first time I submit anything I am sure nervous myself.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on February 27, 2013, 11:28:00 PM
Do a lot of people wait 'til the last minute to submit?
I did.
I'm new here.
Rather, I didn't so much wait as repeatedly encounter my inability to finish anything I start ever.

I have two stories mostly-ready to submit, but even here at the end I'm putting off sending that email until the last minute for some late-game revision.  I'm thinking I should send the more polished story tonight so that if my computer dies or the internet explodes or something I will have one submission in.  One of them I had a first draft back in January, the other I started and finished last week.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 28, 2013, 01:13:12 AM
Ill be accepting submissions until I go to bed Thursday night, which pretty much means about 3am EST.  I am at work now, but when I get home in about an hour or so I will be going through the new submissions and sending out confirmations.  I will also announce in this thread when I have done so, so you will all know of something went wrong :)

Also, keep in mind that I am very generous and lenient when it comes to deadlines and minor mistakes.  Small typos, miscalculations of word count, formatting issues, etc. are really no big deal (until they are!) so don't get too worried, just shoot me an email!

Last year, I believe I had a story with a typo posted on the forum when the author noticed it and asked me to correct it.  I did, and only made a post indicating that a typo was fixed.  So for all you scared authors out there, I hope that eases your minds! 

Also yes, many many last minute entries! I expected them :)
By my last count last night, there are around 90 entries!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 28, 2013, 03:37:55 AM
I also must apologize, for those of you who do not have Microsoft Word.  It's too late now, since I have been using it, but next year I will be using a free online word count so that everyone can be on the same level.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 28, 2013, 04:18:47 AM
Alrighty then, every story that has been received has been replied to in one fashion or another.  If you've sent in a story and it has not received a confirmation, please let me know!

Also, welcome to all the new members and authors!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: JCHemphill on February 28, 2013, 04:40:45 AM
Hey there,

I have submitted 2 stories, one on the 19th and one just now. I have yet to receive a confirmation on either. Please advise.

JC Hemphill

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on February 28, 2013, 05:15:36 AM
(I just discovered a small stash of submissions in the spam box.  DAMN YOU SPAM BOX!)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ivy Wood on February 28, 2013, 11:49:20 AM
So glad I got mine in! Ninety entries is a very good response!

I'm really eager to read all the submissions, and vote! When (roughly) will they be put up? :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Peppermint Monster on February 28, 2013, 01:59:55 PM
According to the posted rules, they'll be available for voting March 3rd, so Sunday.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on February 28, 2013, 02:41:46 PM
welcome newcomers!

90 stories is not a bad turnout at all, plus those found in the spam, and those who submit later today.  Fun!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: bjander4 on February 28, 2013, 09:06:31 PM
There. Submitted. At the last minute. Like I said i wouldn't do this time. ;)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Cutter McKay on February 28, 2013, 11:28:27 PM
Done and done.

I only submitted one story for the EP contest, and wished then that I'd taken the time to do two. I have amended this error for this contest. Here's hoping...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: thepencankill on February 28, 2013, 11:32:04 PM
What time zone is the deadline based on? Can I still submit?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on February 28, 2013, 11:40:44 PM
What time zone is the deadline based on? Can I still submit?

(Note: Despite being a moderator, I'm just a participant in this contest, and not involved in running it, so my answer here does not have any official weight)

I'm assuming that the time zone is whichever one Bdoomed is based in, which is somewhere in America. So, I think you're likely to have a few more hours. In general, you'll be better off submitting now than waiting for an answer - if you're too late, it won't make a difference, but if you're not too late, waiting may push you past the deadline.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 01, 2013, 01:31:27 AM
You can still submit!  I will announce here when submissions close.  Figure you have about 6 or 7 hours left from the time of this posting, which is 8:30pm eastern standard time.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on March 01, 2013, 02:54:39 AM
Second story submitted this afternoon - and I even entered it in on the submissions grinder - Thanks Unblinking.

I'm really looking forward to this contest.  I've had one of the stories running around my head since November, so it's going to be interesting to see how it does.  Good luck everyone.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: rooksoto on March 01, 2013, 03:23:43 AM
Hello folks. Long time listener, first time poster.

I submitted one story for the contest early this morning. Win or lose, I do hope it does well! Good luck to all.

-Rook

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on March 01, 2013, 03:58:08 AM
Just submitted a second story.  No confirmation yet, hoping it makes it through the doors before the massive oak masses slam together, cutting off any means of escape for the cluster of frightened stories huddling inside.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on March 01, 2013, 05:46:21 AM
Just shot off my second story.  I like living on the edge I guess.  I've been done with it for a while but I couldn't think of a reasonable title.  I finally found one I liked before having to just submit with something stupid....

And then I realized my first submission has a title that I don't like, now that I think about it.  Doh!

No judging stories based on titles everyone.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 01, 2013, 07:39:36 AM
Alright, there's about an hour left of submission time, though I haven't received anything at all in the last few hours.

I've sent out all confirmations, so please do tell me if you have not received one!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: julius blaze on March 01, 2013, 08:29:41 AM
I submitted only one story, I had planned on two but I'd rather save my second idea for when I have a bigger word count to play with, there was just too much for 500 words.  So I guess I'll be emotionally invested in just one story, and sunday the wait for my group starts  ;D

I also can't wait to read the stories, I read through every previous Pseudopod flash contest to see what the audience likes and doesn't like, and I feel like in general I liked the average Pseudo flash story a LOT. 
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 01, 2013, 09:00:27 AM
I'm going to sleep, and therefore officially closing the submission period!  There are 151 currently accepted submissions, with two that were over the word count.  Those two authors have been notified and are allowed to resubmit with a lower word count, since I've allowed other people to resubmit with lower word counts.  Again, if you feel you have submitted your story before the deadline and have not received a confirmation, please let me know via PM or email, and we will work it out.

So, assuming those two authors resubmit their works, that leaves this contest with 153 entries!  With this number, I think the best way to divide them up would be into groups of 11 stories.  That means 13 groups of 11 stories, and 1 group of 10 stories (all randomized, of course, except for making sure that an author does not compete against her/himself in the first round).


I will release a new group every other day starting on Sunday, March 3rd, hopefully at or around 12am EST.  Voting for a story group will take place over the course of a full week to give everyone enough time to read through the stories!  With 15 groups, that means that all stories should be posted by March 28th.


If you are an author and believe there to be an error in the posting of your story, please either PM me here or email me at bdoomed@gmail.com.  I will see email faster, as it goes to my phone.  I will judge author pleas on a case by case basis :).  Upon editing of a story thread, I will make a post detailing the reason for the edit.  (ex. Edited for missing italics)

After all voting is done, author bylines will be released for each story, unless the author messages me with explicit instructions not to do so.  Last year, I removed a story thread upon request from the author for publication reasons.  Note that stories on this forum are not considered published, as they are hidden from the general public.

Edit: I should mention that I am absolutely blown away by the turnout for this year's contest!  Last year we had 88 entries, which means we almost doubled our story count.  You are all wonderful people, and I offer you my deepest thanks for your participation!  This contest would be absolutely nothing without our fearless authors!  So good luck, all of you, and apologies for the stories that end up in the last group!  The wait must be terrible.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: JohnCombo on March 01, 2013, 11:53:47 AM
WooT! Come on March 3rd!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on March 01, 2013, 01:23:01 PM
Bdoomed - I assume you mean 2 groups of 10 stories each, right?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: i.wright on March 01, 2013, 01:38:08 PM
Bdoomed - I assume you mean 2 groups of 10 stories each, right?

13x11=143
+10=153

Its 14 groups
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on March 01, 2013, 03:26:09 PM
Holy crap!  That be a lot of horror flash stories!  That's a great turnout!  Bring it on!

I also like the idea of making each group available for one week.  I rarely get time to read them on weekends, because I usually do it on compile breaks at work and stuff.  I imagine other people have most of their time on weekends, so having a week for each, but new stories posted every couple days lets folks like that who have fairly clustered free time to get them all read.

How many rounds will there be?  Initial round, semifinal, finals?  It doesn't seem to say in the rules.

I like that it'll be arranged to avoid self-competition in the first round.  Can that also be done for other rounds (other than the finals of course where there is only one group)?  That's how the Podcastle one was ran, and I thought it was a great idea.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ivy Wood on March 01, 2013, 03:55:23 PM
Thanks! I am amazed at how the story count just shot through the roof at the last minute. That's really good! However...I get so stressed with "last minute" subs that I really can't even do them. I'm so OCD. I always try to get things in at least three days ahead. Maybe as I progress as a writer, I'll become more comfortable with that kind of thing.

Come onnn, Sunday! :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on March 01, 2013, 04:13:34 PM
Thanks! I am amazed at how the story count just shot through the roof at the last minute. That's really good! However...I get so stressed with "last minute" subs that I really can't even do them. I'm so OCD. I always try to get things in at least three days ahead. Maybe as I progress as a writer, I'll become more comfortable with that kind of thing.

Come onnn, Sunday! :)

Eh, I'm more like you. I'd rather get something done early and submit it than wait to the last.  :) 
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on March 01, 2013, 04:34:49 PM
Thanks! I am amazed at how the story count just shot through the roof at the last minute. That's really good! However...I get so stressed with "last minute" subs that I really can't even do them. I'm so OCD. I always try to get things in at least three days ahead. Maybe as I progress as a writer, I'll become more comfortable with that kind of thing.

Come onnn, Sunday! :)

Eh, I'm more like you. I'd rather get something done early and submit it than wait to the last.  :) 

I'd rather have things done early too.  But for me (and 60ish other people) there is a difference between "rather" and "actually did".   But like I said, my stories were actually done well before the deadline, I was just polishing and retitling up until the end.  (I have terrible working titles for things.)

Also, I second Unblinking's request that semi-finals also be controlled for self-competition.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: bjander4 on March 01, 2013, 04:44:19 PM
I had four written for this competition a while back but only ended up using one. The second one i wrote during a break at work on the last day for submissions. :/ How's that for heart stopping action?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 01, 2013, 04:45:42 PM
How many rounds will there be?  Initial round, semifinal, finals?  It doesn't seem to say in the rules.

I'm somewhat debating on it, based on the volume of entries.  At three stories per first voting group, the first round will output 42 stories.  That means probably 6 groups of 7.  Voting on the best three from there would output 18 stories, which I would want to split into two groups of 9 stories for the semifinal round.  That would leave 6 stories for the final round, which I think is a nice number.

So that means 4 rounds total.  Initial round of 153, second round of 42, semifinal of 18, and final of 6, with the top 3 chosen.  The second round and semifinal voting periods wouldn't be a week long, more like 4 days or so.


And yes, I hope to keep authors competing against themselves for as long as I can.  I will be setting up all the groups today/tomorrow with the intention of segregating stories like that.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Cutter McKay on March 01, 2013, 06:27:38 PM
I'd rather have things done early too.  But for me (and 60ish other people) there is a difference between "rather" and "actually did".   But like I said, my stories were actually done well before the deadline, I was just polishing and retitling up until the end.  (I have terrible working titles for things.)

Ditto. I wrote my two entries and workshopped them near the beginning of January, then left them sitting idly as my meandering attention forced me to write other stories. I only came back to them last night in time to polish them, come up with a better title for one, and submit.

But part of me likes this because if I'd sent them in mid-January, March would have taken forever to arrive. As is, I only have to wait two days for the contest to begin. It's time to get this party started.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: benjaminjb on March 01, 2013, 06:32:09 PM
Schrodinger's internal editor: before sending my stories to the podcast, I firmly believe that these are the best and worst stories that have ever existed. Please open the box and tell me which it is! (I'll also accept "kind of in the middle there" and "average" as possible answers.)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Cutter McKay on March 01, 2013, 06:56:15 PM
Schrodinger's internal editor: before sending my stories to the podcast, I firmly believe that these are the best and worst stories that have ever existed. Please open the box and tell me which it is! (I'll also accept "kind of in the middle there" and "average" as possible answers.)

Reminds me of a story by Eric James Stone. A fun, short, read.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v467/n7319/full/4671146a.html
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: bjander4 on March 01, 2013, 08:25:40 PM
Schrodinger's internal editor: before sending my stories to the podcast, I firmly believe that these are the best and worst stories that have ever existed. Please open the box and tell me which it is! (I'll also accept "kind of in the middle there" and "average" as possible answers.)

Reminds me of a story by Eric James Stone. A fun, short, read.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v467/n7319/full/4671146a.html


That's a funny story. I might agree with the ending myself.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on March 02, 2013, 02:36:51 PM
Hi-oh.  It's that guy who only ever turns up for the flash contests again.  (Sorry for that, new job has me travelling constantly.)  Only managed to get one entry done in time for the EP contest, so I was determined to get two entries in for the PP contest.  Which, despite intending to work on for all of January and February, I only got the second one written a day before the deadline and wrestled it under 500 within an hour of the contest closing.  To be honest, I wanted to get a second in so I was supporting my favorite (and it sometimes feels the somewhat neglected one) of the three podcasts and helping inflate the numbers a little so it could stand proudly alongside the other 'casts.

O_O With 153 entries, maybe my worry was a little misplaced.  :)

It looks like we've got a lot of newcomers this time around.  Welcome everyone!  I'd like to caution that, since all the participants have to examine pretty closely to choose three from each group of ten, stories tend to go under the microscope during voting.  We're really good about not being mean or uncaring, but steeling yourself for some critical reviews might be wise.  I know some of my previous entries got well-eviscerated in the judging, but I tried to take it as an opportunity to improve... there's not many other places where around 70 people will give you direct feedback on your writing...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: weatherman on March 02, 2013, 02:56:35 PM
Long time listener, first time submitter here. Honestly this contest has been great even just up to this point - I had no idea I was going to submit until an idea popped in to my head about three days before the deadline, and I cranked out a draft at 6:30am that morning, before getting in to the shower. I then spent three days cutting the story down by just about 50%, and by the end it was almost like it was a story in shorthand. But I'm looking forward to the feedback and while it would be great if it goes to the finals, if it doesn't I imagine I'll still work on the sorry for submission elsewhere.

It looks like the contest is going to take at least a couple of months, which seems like an awfully long time to be sitting around biting my nails, but I guess I have 152 other stories to read in the meantime to keep me occupied. I'm looking forward to that.

My one question is whether I have to wait until I get knocked out before I submit to another publication, or if can I work up a longer version, for instance, and shop that around?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on March 02, 2013, 03:08:00 PM
My one question is whether I have to wait until I get knocked out before I submit to another publication, or if can I work up a longer version, for instance, and shop that around?

I don't know what the answer is as far as the competition goes, but I think most other publications would frown if you submit something to them while it is still under active consideration in a contest, so I think it's a bad idea even if it won't be explicitly disallowed.

Plus, you'll never know, maybe comments you get here will give you ideas that can lead to a better submission.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: weatherman on March 02, 2013, 03:39:01 PM
That makes sense - and is fair I suppose. I don't expect it will take long for my story to get "released" from active consideration anyway, so it's probably not an issue. :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on March 02, 2013, 04:41:03 PM
My one question is whether I have to wait until I get knocked out before I submit to another publication, or if can I work up a longer version, for instance, and shop that around?

I don't know what the answer is as far as the competition goes, but I think most other publications would frown if you submit something to them while it is still under active consideration in a contest, so I think it's a bad idea even if it won't be explicitly disallowed.

Plus, you'll never know, maybe comments you get here will give you ideas that can lead to a better submission.

I agree with this.  Also, since the rules for this contest demand previously unpublished works, I'm not sure whether that only means at time of submission.  But, in the spirit of those rules, I would personally not want to submit it elsewhere for that reason too.  (The general Pseudopod slush would be different in this respect since those do not need to be previously unpublished)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on March 02, 2013, 04:46:41 PM
Also, one other thing to consider is that in some of the contests here on the forum, the editors make purchase offers for some stories that didn't win the contest.  It doesn't happen every time, but something to keep in mind as a possibility.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: SBC-B on March 03, 2013, 04:54:17 AM
I 'm so excited for this contest! I love Pseudopod and horror of all flavors, so I feel like a kid in a traumatizing candy shop.

I had one story in the EP contest, but science fiction is not my strong suit, and I fear it probably showed. Really looking forward to seeing everybody's miniature nightmares. Good luck everyone!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on March 03, 2013, 08:33:42 AM

I 'm so excited for this contest! I love Pseudopod and horror of all flavors, so I feel like a kid in a traumatizing candy shop.


We are the makers of music. And we are the dreamers of dreams.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on March 03, 2013, 08:58:41 AM
We are the makers of music. And we are the dreamers of dreams.


Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Pseudopod cyberspace wgah'nagl fhtagn.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: julius blaze on March 03, 2013, 09:08:06 AM
How often will groupings be posted?  I checked the rules/schedule and didn't see that specifically.

The stories are up already, I have 10 stories to read it's like christmas!  ;D
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on March 03, 2013, 10:51:22 AM
Earlier in this thread, bdoomed said:

Quote
I will release a new group every other day

So the next group will be up on Tuesday, I think.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: SweetTeaNC on March 03, 2013, 05:24:09 PM
I'm looking forward to reading the submissions!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Lady Watch on March 03, 2013, 10:10:13 PM
So am I!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Dr.Arcane on March 03, 2013, 10:59:08 PM
The stories are up already, I have 10 stories to read it's like christmas!  ;D

Where do I find them?

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Scattercat on March 03, 2013, 11:00:44 PM
The stories are up already, I have 10 stories to read it's like christmas!  ;D

Where do I find them?

If you can see this message, hit "Back" and look up.

The first group is here (http://forum.escapeartists.net/index.php?board=155.0).
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eightycoin on March 03, 2013, 11:06:41 PM
The stories are up already, I have 10 stories to read it's like christmas!  ;D

Where do I find them?

If you can see this message, hit "Back" and look up.

The first group is

I can see the message, hit back and I do not see them.  I clicked on the "here" link in your sentence "The first group is here" and receive the message: The topic or board you are looking for appears to be either missing or off limits to you.

Help?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on March 03, 2013, 11:31:13 PM
eightycoin - Try the link again. The groups are set up to be visible for people with 0 posts, now that you've posted, you should be able to see it (and follow the link).
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 04, 2013, 12:13:48 AM
Yes, you do need to have at least one message posted on the forums to be able to view the stories.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: ZombieInkpot on March 04, 2013, 12:19:13 AM
This is so exciting! 
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on March 04, 2013, 12:39:32 AM
I am so creeped out by some of these stories, I realize that my two entries are unlikely to progress beyond the initial posting.  Yikes!  Well done, folks.  :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: vdarcangelo on March 04, 2013, 12:53:39 AM
Looking forward to reading some seriously twisted short fiction!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: johnreppion on March 04, 2013, 11:07:47 AM
Hello all,

I'm a long time listener, first time poster, and first time contest entererer.

Really looking forward to reading the other entries.

Very best of luck to everyone.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 04, 2013, 07:16:02 PM
If you've finished reading and voting on group 1, and are looking for something fun to do, why don't you head on over to the About Pseudopod board, where we are running contests for Best Stories of 2012 (Group A (http://forum.escapeartists.net/index.php?topic=6760.0) and Group B (http://forum.escapeartists.net/index.php?topic=6761.0)) as well as Best Readers of 2012 (http://forum.escapeartists.net/index.php?topic=6786.0)!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: royalsuitee on March 06, 2013, 12:55:10 AM
If you have any questions about the rules, the schedule, or anything else, ask away here!  Alternatively, you can message me on the forums, or send an e-mail to eaflash@gmail.com or bdoomed@gmail.com.

So excited to check out new stories!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: will write for beer on March 06, 2013, 05:35:47 AM
As someone who just started writing horror on October (two stories published, one rejected and two entries here), i love the opportunity for feedback a contest like this gives us n00bs. Even though I'm sure my stories will eventually get eviscerated, it's gotta help my process in the end. Truth be told, I love reading the comment streams for most entries almost as much as i do reading the actual story itself. (In some cases, even more so.) No matter how my tales do, in the longrun I will be a better writer for havin gone through the process. And for that, I thank you.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: chumpweasel on March 06, 2013, 07:53:19 AM
Good luck, everyone!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: clawdia44 on March 07, 2013, 03:56:33 AM
This is so awesome!  Can't wait to see the rest of the stories!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on March 07, 2013, 04:02:28 PM
An interesting comment I heard poet Stephen Dunn make while talking about words being his tools of creation - he said that simplicity is an achievement that he strives for that only comes after hard work.

I thought it was pretty deep.

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on March 12, 2013, 11:30:51 PM
Umm, Should the presumably partial Semifinal Group 1 be visible already?  I think another one might have escaped the veil of secrecy.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on March 12, 2013, 11:35:02 PM
Umm, Should the presumably partial Semifinal Group 1 be visible already?  I think another one might have escaped the veil of secrecy.

Bdoomed is following the protocol from Flash Contest II, where the seminfinals were set up and stories moved into them as their groups closed. If he had hidden the semifinal group, that would have meant a rather unnatural pause in the discussion on the stories that made it there.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 13, 2013, 03:23:06 AM
^ This.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 13, 2013, 12:32:31 PM
In case anyone is wondering, Semifinal groupings are as follows:

- Groups 1 and 14 will be in Semifinal group 1
- Groups 2 and 13 will be in Semifinal group 2
- Groups 3 and 12 will be in Semifinal group 3
- Groups 4 and 11 will be in Semifinal group 4
- Groups 5 and 10 will be in Semifinal group 5
- Groups 6 and 9 will be in Semifinal group 6
- Groups 7 and 8 will be in Semifinal group 7

This is to ensure that no author competes against him/herself before the final round.

So yes, there will be 7 Semifinal groups with only three stories each in them before group 8 finishes voting. :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Sgarre1 on March 13, 2013, 10:15:11 PM
Quote
poet Stephen Dunn

My mentor/former teacher!  A great guy!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Dr_Know453 on March 14, 2013, 08:11:11 AM
Been listening to Pseudopod for a few years now and promised myself I'd actually get round to writing something for the Flash contest - finally got up the nerve to send something in this year.

I just want to thank other members for their constructive comments and (fully justified) criticisms, I will definitely take them on board for future attempts; can't see myself getting beyond the first round given the awesomeness of some of the other entries, but will be back for Contest IV!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Mmmichael on March 15, 2013, 06:36:04 PM
test post
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: nebuler on March 16, 2013, 06:33:48 PM
This should be an exciting way to spend the afternoon :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Harley Warren on March 18, 2013, 01:04:15 AM
In case anyone is wondering, Semifinal groupings are as follows:

- Groups 1 and 14 will be in Semifinal group 1
- Groups 2 and 13 will be in Semifinal group 2
- Groups 3 and 12 will be in Semifinal group 3
- Groups 4 and 11 will be in Semifinal group 4
- Groups 5 and 10 will be in Semifinal group 5
- Groups 6 and 9 will be in Semifinal group 6
- Groups 7 and 8 will be in Semifinal group 7

This is to ensure that no author competes against him/herself before the final round.

So yes, there will be 7 Semifinal groups with only three stories each in them before group 8 finishes voting. :)


I was wondering about this.  Thank you.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: thepencankill on March 18, 2013, 01:32:05 AM
How many stories advance from each semifinal group?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 19, 2013, 04:37:47 AM
In case anyone is wondering, Semifinal groupings are as follows:

- Groups 1 and 14 will be in Semifinal group 1
- Groups 2 and 13 will be in Semifinal group 2
- Groups 3 and 12 will be in Semifinal group 3
- Groups 4 and 11 will be in Semifinal group 4
- Groups 5 and 10 will be in Semifinal group 5
- Groups 6 and 9 will be in Semifinal group 6
- Groups 7 and 8 will be in Semifinal group 7

This is to ensure that no author competes against him/herself before the final round.

So yes, there will be 7 Semifinal groups with only three stories each in them before group 8 finishes voting. :)

Totally goofed!  That is NOT how the semifinal groups will be set up! (and I'll be fixing it all soon)

Semifinal 1 is still groups 1 and 14, but Semifinal 2 is groups 2 and 3, then 4 and 5, then 6 and 7, then 8 and 9, then 10 and 11, then 12 and 13.

Sorry!  Really doesn't effect anything on your end, just mine! :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 19, 2013, 05:27:01 AM
Alrighty, semifinal groups have been fixed.  Voting on the semifinal groups will start once all story groups have finished, and once every semifinal group is filled.  There will be, like the first round groups, three votes per person, but only the top two stories from each semifinal group will advance.  That will make the final round a round of 14 stories, three votes per person, and of course the top three will win!

Semifinal voting will be all groups at once, 10 day voting period.  That should give everyone time to remember any stories they might have forgotten, reread a few, and then vote.

Exciting, no?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on March 19, 2013, 12:44:52 PM
Last time around (Escape Pod contest), I voiced a concern with this particular schema, and I'd just like to voice it again.

The objective of the contest is to select the three best stories from the entries.  By allowing only two from each group move on to the next level, there exists the possiblity that the "true" third-place winner will be left behind if it happens to end up in the same group as the eventual first and second place winner.  This becomes increasingly likely as the winners compact into fewer and fewer groups.  I don't have a particular story or group in mind, but I do think this should be considered.

Not trying to lead a revolution, just pointing out a logical inconsistency.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 19, 2013, 02:51:56 PM
That seems logical, but if we are talking about the best two from each group, chances are that they are better stories than third place stories from each group.  Losing a 'true third place' can happen in the first rounds too.  If, in the randomization of story groups, a great contender lanes in a very strong group, it could have lost in the first round.  Put that same story in a weaker group and it could have made it to the finals, depending on its other competition.  There's no way around it, really.

I believe though that the top two stories from each semifinal round would garner more votes than any third place story, but I can't really back that up.  If you all are okay with a 21 story final round, I am not against considering advancing the top three stories.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on March 19, 2013, 04:53:03 PM
That seems logical, but if we are talking about the best two from each group, chances are that they are better stories than third place stories from each group.  Losing a 'true third place' can happen in the first rounds too.  If, in the randomization of story groups, a great contender lanes in a very strong group, it could have lost in the first round.  Put that same story in a weaker group and it could have made it to the finals, depending on its other competition.  There's no way around it, really.

I believe though that the top two stories from each semifinal round would garner more votes than any third place story, but I can't really back that up.  If you all are okay with a 21 story final round, I am not against considering advancing the top three stories.

I think a 21-story group would be painful. That's the sort of thing to break into two smaller groups and parse down to six or eight in the final. Which adds another layer of mess. It's fish or cut bait time, not time to discuss lures and lakes. It's challenging to set this sort of thing up in advance, as we never know how many stories we're going to receive until they're all in.

There are other release valves. If the "true third" loses in a prior round, we can make sure it gets in front of Shawn for consideration external to the competition. I don't expect that Shawn is following this contest at this stage, but at least two of the staff are. Although PseudoPod did not pick up any extra stories last contest, I know we have since purchased (at least) two that didn't win during the EscapePod contest-before-last that went through the normal submissions process. It's too early to say.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thulsa Morgue on March 19, 2013, 05:08:43 PM
New to the submission game and with a hopeful dog in the fight, I just imagined that getting cut due to group-strength and random placement was a real possibility and if it happens, it happens.  It'll be a bummer but hey, them's the breaks...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on March 19, 2013, 05:18:01 PM
That seems logical, but if we are talking about the best two from each group, chances are that they are better stories than third place stories from each group.  Losing a 'true third place' can happen in the first rounds too.  If, in the randomization of story groups, a great contender lanes in a very strong group, it could have lost in the first round. 

If we're talking about vote-splitting due to other strong contenders, then yes, I agree that is a possibility.  It seems like a more outside chance, though.  While the pooling of the top contenders from the initial round into the semifinal rounds makes elimination of a "true third" more possible.  (Let's see... chance of first and second place being in one semifinal round: 1/7 * chance of third being there as well 1/7 = 1/49.)  Pretty rare, realistically.

I wouldn't have a problem with a 21-entry round, since we've already read them all through once, but that's just me.  I don't feel especially strongly on this point.  If we're just trying to avoid a further additional round of voting, that's a concession to practicality with the number of participating stories and I totally understand.  I just feel it's something to keep in mind during design.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on March 19, 2013, 08:25:41 PM
I do like to read each story again for the semifinals, so fast or giant rounds are a pain for me.  And yeah, the true third may be lost, but as was pointed out, vote-splitting will always be a problem for any group and there is no real fix for that.  And honestly, not to belittle the voters as I've been in the majority for all but one round this contest, but honestly popular vote is not always going to select the 3 best stories by any measure.  I doubt more than a very few voters end up with their top 3 stories all winning the contest, and whether they lose in the final or the semifinal isn't really important to that.  The point is that good stories will have a significant chance of being passed over under any system.

Which is why stories are allowed to be revised and sent in.  You better believe my story that already lost is going to find its way to the Pseudopod slush box (in somewhat revised and possibly longer form). Winning the contest is nice, but I guess I'm saying that not winning doesn't make you a loser, so embrace the chaos in the interest of expediency.  I mean there is a reason Pseudopod normally runs as an oligarchy (dictatorship? thralls to a mad god? Evil League of Evil?).  Democracy is just a fun change of pace.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 20, 2013, 12:23:43 AM
Does that make me the Pseudopod Gestapo?  I don't know how I'd feel about that.  And I totally do hope to see some stories make it to the pseudopod slush pile!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: daneyuleb on March 20, 2013, 12:42:31 PM
My only slight disappointment is that evidently the same stories go up against the same stories they were pitted against last round, and for the most part, it's going to be a foregone conclusion that group X's #1 is still going to come out on top against group X's #3. (Granted, with the elimination of some competition that may not be the case every time, but I'm guessing almost each time it will be.)  I'd sort of rather see all the 1-3 winners tossed in a blender at the end and have the semi rounds composed of random groups. More opportunities to compare/contrast, and it might give some chance to stories who happened to have drawn especially good competitors in their group (and even out things for those luckier ones that happened to have especially not-so-good one's in theirs). But I suppose then it would be pretty tough to keep those with 2 entries from competing with themselves so it might not be worth the potential logistical nightmare.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 20, 2013, 02:42:35 PM
Interesting...
Well... since voting won't happen until all stories have gone through the final round, I suppose it wouldn't be too much extra effort to jumble up all of the semifinal stories and make brand new random groups...  that's really not a bad idea at all.

What do you all think?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on March 20, 2013, 02:55:24 PM
Interesting...
Well... since voting won't happen until all stories have gone through the final round, I suppose it wouldn't be too much extra effort to jumble up all of the semifinal stories and make brand new random groups...  that's really not a bad idea at all.

What do you all think?

Your time on this is volunteer time, so if you don't feel like you'd be taking on too much by mixing things up. That being said, be assured that someone will critique your choice of shuffling methodology.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ivy Wood on March 20, 2013, 03:27:01 PM
Sounds okay to me. But honestly, only if it doesn't cut into your time. I just appreciate all the volunteer time. And your patience.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on March 20, 2013, 03:32:14 PM
As long as you're willing, I think it's a great idea too.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on March 20, 2013, 03:52:27 PM
I think it's a pretty good idea to randomize the stories.

However, if you take the extra step to do so, maybe it's worthwhile considering a more radical change, and also reduce the amount of semi-finals.

Specifically, if you have 5 semi-finals, 3 with 8 stories each and 2 with 9 stories each, you'll be able to have 3 winners per semi-final for a 15-story final, which would both eliminate the earlier concern by MCWagner about the semi-finals being a bottleneck, and also reduce the amount of polls we all have to vote in.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Umbrageofsnow on March 20, 2013, 04:38:08 PM
Specifically, if you have 5 semi-finals, 3 with 8 stories each and 2 with 9 stories each, you'll be able to have 3 winners per semi-final for a 15-story final, which would both eliminate the earlier concern by MCWagner about the semi-finals being a bottleneck, and also reduce the amount of polls we all have to vote in.

This.

Also, a suggestion as to making the randomization more pain-free while keeping it more random and less planned:

Say you have 5 semi-final groups.  Pick two at random (say #2 and # 4 but don't tell us obviously).  Then make a list of each author with 2 stories in contention and each of their 2 stories.
ex.
Code: [Select]
Fenrix: 1. Cthulhu 2. Fhtagn
Scattercat: 1. Lorem 2. Ipsum
Umbrage: 1.  Passersby were amazed 2.Unusually large amounts of blood
Eytanz: 1. The Quick Brown Fox 2. The Lazy Dog
Then flip a coin for each author to select a story, and flip again to choose which among the chosen two groups it should go in.  So you might have
Code: [Select]
Group #1
#2 Fhtagn by Fenrix, Passersby Were Amazed by Umbrage
#3
#4 Lorem by Scattercat, The Lazy Dog by Eytanz
#5

Then assign the others randomly among groups 1,3,5 (or whatever so you establish none are in the same groups.
Code: [Select]
Group #1 The Quick Brown Fox by Eytanz
#2 Fhtagn by Fenrix, Passersby Were Amazed by Umbrage
#3 Ipsum by Scattercat, Cthulhu by Fenrix, Unusually Large Amounts of Blood by Umbrage
#4 Lorem by Scattercat, The Lazy Dog by Eytanz
#5 EMPTY

Then fill the rest at random.

(This may have all been really obvious I'm just realizing having posted it.) (I like having algorithms.)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: thepencankill on March 20, 2013, 11:03:53 PM
Personally, I'd prefer each of the semifinal groups to have the same number of stories. Having a group or two one story off was okay in the beginning, but something like that seems like it could lend an unfair advantage to people in the smaller groups when all of the advancing stories are so good. I'm not against shaking things up, but I am against changing the group sizes if it means they come out unequal. Fairness should override ease of voting, yes?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on March 21, 2013, 03:18:56 AM
...I appear to have created a monster.
How appropriate...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: will write for beer on March 21, 2013, 03:24:43 AM
I like the idea of shaking the order up, because if you couldn't beat a particular story the first time, chances are you won't beat it the second. But, it's your time, so it's your call.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on March 21, 2013, 08:21:31 PM
I like the idea of randomized groups for the semi-finals, while avoiding self-competition.  But don't wear yourself out if it's too hard.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 22, 2013, 03:54:29 AM
It shouldn't be too hard.  I think it'll be happening. :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 23, 2013, 04:40:04 PM
Let's reiterate this.  Stories are posted anonymously.  That means that the author of a story is unknown.  As an author, do not try and gather outside support for your story, and do not reveal your authorship anywhere until your story has been eliminated from the contest.  Revealing your authorship before voting has concluded for your group is grounds for disqualification.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: flintknapper on March 23, 2013, 08:24:23 PM
This is the first flash fiction contest I have ever participated in, but I have gotten a kick out of going back and looking at the past contests. One thing I noticed is Escaped Pod has had a Flash Fiction III and Pseudopod is ongoing. Does that mean Castle Pod is going to have another Flash Fiction Contest?

Just wondering, I had not heard anything on the podcast or if it was on there I did not catch it
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 23, 2013, 08:51:12 PM
Probably a month or so after the Pseudopod contest wraps up, the Pod Castle contest will start up.  I'm not sure exactly when though, that's up to the staff over at PC.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: daneyuleb on March 23, 2013, 10:06:52 PM
Ah, round 11 and hardly any flash fatigue--guess that's a testament to the quality of the stories. Still looking forward to each batch.

There does seem to be some attrition in the voter count, though.  Watching each round get a few less total votes then the one before, I'm reminded of my kids' Christmas shows in elementary school--evil, bad parents bailing out as soon as their kid's class is done, leaving the poor 5th graders singing Frosty the Snowman to a half empty lunchroom.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: loyaleagle on March 25, 2013, 12:14:11 AM
Maybe you're just using it for something temporary, but I've looked all over the rule and such and cannot figure out what the "Dungeon" child forum is for.  Just curious!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thulsa Morgue on March 25, 2013, 01:19:04 AM

...There does seem to be some attrition in the voter count, though.  Watching each round get a few less total votes then the one before...

Do you think this will hurt stories that come in later rounds?  I know in my case that I have kept one story in my head since its initial early round and I wonder if its early debut will give it any more weight against late-round stories...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: SBC-B on March 25, 2013, 04:41:57 AM
It's probably not practical, but I'd be interested to see what the gender ratio is in this contest.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 25, 2013, 06:30:45 AM
Maybe you're just using it for something temporary, but I've looked all over the rule and such and cannot figure out what the "Dungeon" child forum is for.  Just curious!
Explained in the other thread, it is to pool together all of the semifinal stories for easier sortin later.  I'm changing up how the semifinals are handled.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: daneyuleb on March 25, 2013, 11:29:32 AM
Do you think this will hurt stories that come in later rounds?  I know in my case that I have kept one story in my head since its initial early round and I wonder if its early debut will give it any more weight against late-round stories...

I dunno.

On the one hand, the early round stories got more attention, as everyone was fresh and more people were involved.  On the other hand, the later stories are fresher in the mind for people when it's time for the semi's.  The early rounds may have benefited from some novelty effect, too--a round one zombie story may be better received then an equally well written zombie story in round 10 just due to zombie-story-overdose.  Same for a lot of tropes, and even scary stuff in general. So, in the finals, will that translate to a lot of "why did I vote for that?" in people's minds when they re-read their early round picks compared to what they saw later?  Or, since it's hard to change an opinion once set, will those stories retain their popularity, possibly undeservedly?

 


Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on March 25, 2013, 02:39:43 PM
C'mon Group 12, no need to be shy!  You can come out now!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 25, 2013, 02:40:59 PM
:D Putting it up now, I was quite sidetracked last night
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on March 25, 2013, 03:11:05 PM
C'mon Group 12, no need to be shy!  You can come out now!

Noodling for polls is dangerous. You're likely to be eaten by a grue.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on March 28, 2013, 12:10:08 PM
OH GOD!  SKYNET FOUND US!  RUN!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: LMGrey on March 29, 2013, 05:16:45 PM
I'm a new poster--are other flash contests slated?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on March 29, 2013, 06:44:21 PM
Pod Castle will be running one sometime after the current contest closes.  The details on when and such have not yet been finalized.  So stay tuned!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: SBC-B on March 29, 2013, 09:46:13 PM
This has been so much fun!
I've really enjoyed the contest so far, and next round is going to be so much tougher.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 02, 2013, 11:53:42 AM
I note the close of the last couple rounds has occurred with no fanfare or comment or movement of the winners... since they're all going into a common pool are we to assume they're just going to sit there until round 14 closes and all the stories get sorted at once?  Just curious.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ivy Wood on April 02, 2013, 03:16:13 PM
I was wondering the same thing.  ???
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 02, 2013, 04:33:41 PM
Yeah, the lack of fanfare has been life has gotten in my way recently.

I have decided, however, not to move the winning stories out of their groups until the semifinal rounds start, which will be after all of the initial rounds have finished.  I realized that in order to have nice, clean trackbacks to what round finalist stories were in (for record's sake, and for anyone interested), I will be having to move all the finalist stories BACK to their initial groups, and then back OUT to their semifinal groups.  That way we can have that nice "this thread has been moved to: _____" link.  I like those links.  Everything is super convoluted now and kinda messy, which I will be fixing .... hopefully sometime this week, but more likely after Tuesday of the coming week.  So much to do, so little time.

I WILL, however, be putting up names and such of authors later today.  I'm about to go to work so I can't do that now.  But I will hit up groups 9 through 12's closings after work today.  :)  Sorry!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 02, 2013, 08:48:02 PM
No worries.  If anything I think we were more concerned by your disappearance than angry the groups hadn't been tended yet.  I was afraid that tiger'd got you!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 08, 2013, 12:22:42 AM
So, for the first group we had an even 80 votes.  By group number 14 we were down to 37.  Still an entirely respectable number, but definitely a drop-off.

Any thoughts on how we might keep the voting up all the way through?  100% retention seems unrealistic, but it would be nice to keep it above 50%.

Releasing the stories more rapidly wouldn't seem to address the difficulty:  I could barely keep up as it was.  Pre-screening the stories to reduce the numbers seems unfair:  it's supposed to be popularly determined.  Any thoughts?  Releasing fewer, larger groups?  (The current size is pretty big, but could it be expanded?)  Capping entry?  Any thoughts?  Is it essentially insoluable?  I managed to convince 2-3 friends to vote, but I'm pretty certain they've all dropped out by now.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Scattercat on April 08, 2013, 02:32:20 AM
The effect you're describing is familiar to anyone who frequents Open Mic nights and poetry slams.  People stay just long enough to spout their piece and then shuffle out the door; they're in it to share their work, not see the work of others.  As you can see (43 out of 80), it's definitely the majority of participants, too.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: KaylingR on April 08, 2013, 02:40:03 AM
Reader fatigue hit me fairly early on. It wasn't a matter of investment, as my own story didn't appear until nearly the end. For me personally, the groups were too big. Having enough time to read all the stories in a group in fairly close proximity was just a real challenge. If I couldn't do that within a day, I found myself having to go back and read multiple times to judge fairly, and it was just often too much. This is a crazy busy time of year for me.

Maybe it was a natural leap for a contest in March, but I found myself wishing for a bracket system where I was just judging 2 stories head to head. There was a site (Maybe Helium?) that did that. You signed in and then it would give you 2 stories and you picked which one you did better. With a few minutes to kill, I could do that thoughtfully between 2 stories.

Of course, I have no idea what work that would require behind the scenes in comparison to what you're doing now (which seems pretty freaking awesome) so take what I say worth a grain of salt.

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 08, 2013, 02:52:34 PM
Some of the "I'm done, leaving early" for sure, but yeah I think reader fatigue is probably up there.  I don't think switching to a bracket system would help me personally, it's just a lot of stories to read in that period of time.  I think spreading it out over more time would help reduce fatigue but would then be balanced by boredom at the longevity. 

I don't think there's any way to really get rid of this--people who want to stay will stay.  I kept up with all of it, but haven't been to the main story forum threads since the contest began.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on April 08, 2013, 03:14:26 PM
It's a tough thing, but my guess is that most of the people still reading and voting have at least one of their stories still in the running somewhere. 

I've got a job, a long commute, a relationship with my wife and kids, a calf born yesterday, a milking machine to fix, two sheep due to give birth any time, fences to fix, a loom to warp, and etc., and if I didn't have both of my stories still in the running, I might have been tempted to drop out because there's only so much that you can juggle before things start to drop.

Thank God the snow's over and we don't have to feed hay anymore.

Anyway, having said that, I consider this contest as part of my writing education along with podcasts, books, my writers group, and life, so I probably would have stayed anyway.  There's good stuff to be learned here.  I'm just kind of tired.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on April 08, 2013, 04:37:22 PM
I'd go the opposite direction almost; it felt like it's been spread out over too long a period.  It began to feel like a job; wait two days, then a new batch shows up in the 'To-do' pile.  I wonder if having them all (groups) at once or three groups at a time or something would have increased participation.  That way the initial 'buzz' of the contest can get high participation spread equally instead of 'new contest-itis' wearing off as the weeks passed.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on April 08, 2013, 05:00:00 PM
It might also help if Alasdair gave the contest a little plug during an intro or outtro and reminded people that the contest was still going on.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on April 08, 2013, 05:21:53 PM
It might also help if Alasdair gave the contest a little plug during an intro or outtro and reminded people that the contest was still going on.
YES YES YES.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Harley Warren on April 08, 2013, 05:32:48 PM
It might also help if Alasdair gave the contest a little plug during an intro or outtro and reminded people that the contest was still going on.
YES YES YES.

It would help a lot.  And this is the perfect time, too.  Between rounds.  The next podcast comes out at approximately when the next round starts.



Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 08, 2013, 08:46:31 PM
It might also help if Alasdair gave the contest a little plug during an intro or outtro and reminded people that the contest was still going on.
YES YES YES.

Agreed!  I think this is an excellent time to try and haul the readership back in again:  "Hey guys, no judgement, but you know those stories you were judging for a while and then didn't have the time for?  We're on to the next round!  You've already read half of 'em, and the rest of the groups have been knocked down to 3/11ths as many stories as before!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on April 08, 2013, 09:03:56 PM
That would be a great idea; I'm worried, though, as I believe Al records his outros several weeks before the air. Still, maybe I'm wrong about that...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Sgarre1 on April 09, 2013, 02:28:21 AM
You're not wrong about prerecording but Al can record patches to be inserted into already recorded episodes.  I dropped him a line but I believe he has visitors this week so I don't know how free he is.

Shawn
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 09, 2013, 01:40:34 PM
OOOH!!! OOOH!!! Can I record a patch? :D

Also group 13 would totally be closed out but no lie EVERY TIME I get online at my house in Miami (here for only 2 nights total, leaving tonight for gainesville) the Internet goes out.  The probably more expensive service that my dad buys for the house keeps just dying and I'm left with no Internet for long periods of time.  It is so frustrating.

Edit: ooh hey it's back up!  Let's see if I can close out group 13 before it dies again.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 09, 2013, 01:50:09 PM
I'd go the opposite direction almost; it felt like it's been spread out over too long a period.  It began to feel like a job; wait two days, then a new batch shows up in the 'To-do' pile.  I wonder if having them all (groups) at once or three groups at a time or something would have increased participation.  That way the initial 'buzz' of the contest can get high participation spread equally instead of 'new contest-itis' wearing off as the weeks passed.

I could barely keep up the way it was.  I have carved as much out of my day as I am likely to.  I would still be there, but if the stories were released at twice the rate, I would only have been able to read half of them.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on April 09, 2013, 04:40:15 PM
I would love a Bdoomed audio patch. Do it! The worst case is Graeme winds up with multiple patches for multiple weeks.

Balancing between burnout and character is tough. Would future competitions do better to restrict entries to one per author? Would an increased frequency (e.g. annually) of the competition mitigate restricting the entries to one per author? Would the competition lose character if they were pre-screened and reduced to a specific (and mathematically ideal) number of entries before putting them out to the public?

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 09, 2013, 04:55:50 PM
Would the competition lose character if they were pre-screened and reduced to a specific (and mathematically ideal) number of entries before putting them out to the public?

I definitely would not want that.  I wouldn't want writers to have to pass slush to make it into the contest. Most of the appeal of the contest is that you get to get feedback from your peers.  If that feedback is behind a slushpile gate, it's not so appealing.

Restricting to one-per-author would be reasonable, I think, though I also liked submitting two stories.

Really, though, when the fatigue comes because we had such a large number of people interested in submitting something... well I am hard pressed to say that's a bad thing even though it wears me out.

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 09, 2013, 04:57:00 PM
I'm guessing I won't be fully participating in the Podcastle contest when it comes around.  My participation in forum stuff is mostly done by establishing routines for myself, and I anticipate those routines are going to be all out of whack when the baby comes.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on April 09, 2013, 05:08:45 PM
I think that for the next contest I run, I'd specify one story per author, with the option of extending the deadline and allowing second submissions if there's not enough participation. I think the sweet spot for a contest is between 50-100 entries; too few and it's not that exciting, too many and fatigue really kicks in.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on April 09, 2013, 07:23:06 PM

I definitely would not want that.  I wouldn't want writers to have to pass slush to make it into the contest. Most of the appeal of the contest is that you get to get feedback from your peers.  If that feedback is behind a slushpile gate, it's not so appealing.


My thoughts exactly - Plus the slush readers are already reading slush.  It'd be silly to add a second pile onto them, and I think it would really mute the dynamics of the contest.

I like the idea of limiting it to one story and having an annual contest.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on April 09, 2013, 07:30:22 PM
I'm guessing I won't be fully participating in the Podcastle contest when it comes around.  My participation in forum stuff is mostly done by establishing routines for myself, and I anticipate those routines are going to be all out of whack when the baby comes.

Heh, you'll actually have lots more time than you did before because you'll be up all night sitting with the baby in the rocking chair trying not to breathe too deeply or the baby will wake up.  You can't write while holding a sleeping baby, you can't dictate, or really even move very much, so that leaves a lot of reading time... unless the baby will only sleep if you're standing.  One of mine would only fall asleep if I was walking very slowly and singing "What should we do with the grumpy baby" to the tune of Drunken Sailor.

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on April 09, 2013, 07:41:44 PM
Restricting to one submittal also eliminates the issue of self-competition and the gymnastics associated with that from the administration side of things.

I think that for the next contest I run, I'd specify one story per author, with the option of extending the deadline and allowing second submissions if there's not enough participation. I think the sweet spot for a contest is between 50-100 entries; too few and it's not that exciting, too many and fatigue really kicks in.

Could also set it at two submittals allowed but cap it at the first 80 or 100 entries. Can throw status updates out to the general public weekly to keep folks in the loop. (we are at 30 stories so far >> we are at 65 stories now get them in while you can! Procrastinators beware!) Add some excitement and challenge to the early portion (will the third edit make the story better or push it beyond the gate and cause it to be locked out?!?)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on April 09, 2013, 07:55:25 PM
I think that for the next contest I run, I'd specify one story per author, with the option of extending the deadline and allowing second submissions if there's not enough participation. I think the sweet spot for a contest is between 50-100 entries; too few and it's not that exciting, too many and fatigue really kicks in.

Could also set it at two submittals allowed but cap it at the first 80 or 100 entries. Can throw status updates out to the general public weekly to keep folks in the loop. (we are at 30 stories so far >> we are at 65 stories now get them in while you can! Procrastinators beware!) Add some excitement and challenge to the early portion (will the third edit make the story better or push it beyond the gate and cause it to be locked out?!?)

I thought of that, but my fear would be that that would encourage people to rush in to send submissions, and thus lead to a decrease in submission quality. I'd rather have a non-optimal amount of submissions with a generally high standard (as we have now and did in the EP contest) than a optimal amount but with a lower average standard.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 09, 2013, 08:13:08 PM
I think that for the next contest I run, I'd specify one story per author, with the option of extending the deadline and allowing second submissions if there's not enough participation. I think the sweet spot for a contest is between 50-100 entries; too few and it's not that exciting, too many and fatigue really kicks in.

Could also set it at two submittals allowed but cap it at the first 80 or 100 entries. Can throw status updates out to the general public weekly to keep folks in the loop. (we are at 30 stories so far >> we are at 65 stories now get them in while you can! Procrastinators beware!) Add some excitement and challenge to the early portion (will the third edit make the story better or push it beyond the gate and cause it to be locked out?!?)

I thought of that, but my fear would be that that would encourage people to rush in to send submissions, and thus lead to a decrease in submission quality. I'd rather have a non-optimal amount of submissions with a generally high standard (as we have now and did in the EP contest) than a optimal amount but with a lower average standard.

I agree with eytan, although the idea has a worthwhile goal in mind, it encourages behavior that I don't think any of us want.  I like your idea, eytan, for allowing 1 submission per author, but with the option of bumping that up to 2 if submission is lacking (although it can be hard to determine if submission is lacking if most people submit at the last minute anyway).
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 09, 2013, 11:29:12 PM
When are the semifinals supposed to start?  I'm afraid our ideas and comments have greatly increased the amount of work for the moderators and caused a delay...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 10, 2013, 01:51:03 AM
Well group 14 has to end first, which is on the 11th.  I'm thinking I'll work on all of the semifinal groupings over the weekend and post them all at once either Sunday or Monday.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 10, 2013, 05:21:14 PM
Well group 14 has to end first, which is on the 11th.  I'm thinking I'll work on all of the semifinal groupings over the weekend and post them all at once either Sunday or Monday.

Oops, I missed the Group 13 tiebreaker.  I was watching this thread thinking that tiebreakers would be announced here.  I didn't notice the Group 14 tiebreaker until you pointed it out, got in on that one!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 10, 2013, 08:11:55 PM
:O yeah I guess I should have announced the tiebreakers.  Sorry!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Ettan on April 10, 2013, 11:00:40 PM
Perhaps it would hasten things if we didn't have Tie-Breakers. Would it really hurt to have a few more stories in the Semi-Finals?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on April 10, 2013, 11:10:19 PM
Perhaps it would hasten things if we didn't have Tie-Breakers. Would it really hurt to have a few more stories in the Semi-Finals?

If there's just one or two 2-story ties, not that badly. But potentially, a lot of stories could be tied - imagine if there were 3 5-story ties.

One other option (that I'm seriously considering for the next EP contest, assuming it's still me running it) is that the contest runner will make all tiebreaking calls him or herself. That doesn't seem too unfair to me - I mean, that's just giving a vote to one more person, albeit one that knows who the authors are - and would prevent annoying tie-related delays.

That said, the tiebreakers are almost over, and it really wasn't too bad.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 11, 2013, 04:26:24 AM
Also, consider this tiebreaker a chance to catch up on or reread any stories you may wish to.  That way, when semifinals roll around, you know who your top picks are.

Just a thought :)

Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 11, 2013, 05:07:38 AM
Alright guys, time for a quick vote by whoever wants to have some say in this.  6  semifinal groups of 7 stories each for a 19 story final?  Or 5 groups, some with 8 and some with 9, for a 15 story final round?

GO!

Personally, I don't think 19 is too big.  It's getting there, but it's still manageable.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: ZombieInkpot on April 11, 2013, 08:45:40 AM
6 semifinal groups sound good to me
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: JDoug on April 11, 2013, 08:46:04 AM
Would 6 semifinal groups of 7 not make for an 18 story final?

18 seems ok, not that dissimilar from 15 in terms of reading time....
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on April 11, 2013, 10:41:41 AM
Six.  Final voting is going to be brutal no matter how many stories are there because they're all good.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 11, 2013, 12:12:34 PM
Whichever other people like is fine.  I've read the stories already so the time-consuming part is over.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on April 11, 2013, 01:43:28 PM
I think a final group of 15 would make a tighter pack. That or take two 9's down to 3 each for a final of six stories. When folks have too many options there are too many opportunities for voting to be really spread out.

What's the final timeline look like? Two weeks for the semis, a week for tie-breakers (I would be surprised if there's not at least one), and two weeks for the finals?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: thepencankill on April 11, 2013, 04:04:56 PM
I think a final group of 15 would make a tighter pack. That or take two 9's down to 3 each for a final of six stories. When folks have too many options there are too many opportunities for voting to be really spread out.

This
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 13, 2013, 07:41:00 PM
Would 6 semifinal groups of 7 not make for an 18 story final?

18 seems ok, not that dissimilar from 15 in terms of reading time....
That's what I meant.  I was on my phone, typo and all :)

It's going to be an 18 story final round :)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 15, 2013, 05:49:23 PM
Anyone else been having connectivity issues?  I was unable to log in over the weekend.  (Trying to determine if the problem is on my end.)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Alasdair5000 on April 15, 2013, 05:52:22 PM
Not you. It's fair to say, when you have connectivity issues with one of the EA sites that it will never be you. We're working on it.

We have always been at war with Eurasia.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 16, 2013, 12:34:10 AM
Yeah... semifinals would have been started last night, but I couldn't connect until now.  I'll have everything sorted by tonight.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 16, 2013, 06:56:06 AM
Semifinal polls are up!  See the other thread (It has begun) for more details!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Thunderscreech on April 16, 2013, 12:07:45 PM
It has begun
Whenever I read this here, I hear it in the voice of the guy from Mortal Kombat.

(http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lf5txpOjhm1qfryr1.jpg)

Stories...  FIGHT!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: thepencankill on April 17, 2013, 10:05:09 AM
I've been keeping my eye on one set of stories in particular, and it appears that half the time the number of votes cast only goes up by one rather than three. Are most people only voting for their top story in each group at this point? I know this happened some in the last round too, but maybe more people are going that route. Hmm.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on April 17, 2013, 11:16:18 AM
I know for myself, I've been taking advantage of the ability to change our votes.  I voted right away for the first one that grabbed me, and I've been going back in a more thoughtful way and adding in my second and third votes. If I thought they were needed.  If I find that a second or third vote is only going to push a story by one more when it's already ten votes ahead, I'm holding back.

I don't know how ethical it is, but since we have the ability, I figured it could be considered ok - I'm not removing any votes I cast, just adding a few in when a story I liked seems to be a little down.  Also, I don't like seeing stories in the semifinals with only one vote.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on April 17, 2013, 11:30:00 AM
In all but one of the groups, I've voted for two stories - not out of any design, more that five of the groups had two clear leaders for me and I had a tough time deciding on a third.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Fenrix on April 18, 2013, 10:40:41 PM
I think my strategy for this round is going to be to toss out quick votes to everything that really stuck with me (along with its name). Then I'll spend some quality time re-reading the stories and making sure that I don't need to change or add anything.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 19, 2013, 12:28:25 PM
I think my strategy for this round is going to be to toss out quick votes to everything that really stuck with me (along with its name). Then I'll spend some quality time re-reading the stories and making sure that I don't need to change or add anything.

That's pretty much what I'm doing... though it's mostly by necessity (lotta crap at work).
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on April 26, 2013, 10:59:23 AM
Well, voting's over for the semifinals, and it was kind of intense (and fun) watching the last minute shuffle.
I don't get why some people voted in one group but not the others though...

Anyway, ten days of ckicking refresh is finally over - whew!
Good luck to the winners in the final round and well done everyone.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 26, 2013, 06:09:14 PM
YES!  The final round is upon us!  I'm super busy all day today, but you can bet it'll be posted tonight!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on April 26, 2013, 06:12:10 PM
YES!  The final round is upon us!  I'm super busy all day today, but you can bet it'll be posted tonight!

How will the two ties be resolved?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: JDoug on April 26, 2013, 09:06:06 PM
I think it might be a good idea to lock the voting for the final round. It's almost certainly going to be a close run thing and I have a feeling that might tempt people to redistribute their votes - which seems against the spirit of the thing. You should vote for your three favorite stories, not your three favorite stories that have a chance of winning.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 27, 2013, 06:09:03 AM
Oh no, didn't see the ties until now...
...

...
sigh...

RUNOFF VOTING (quick rounds of 2 days?)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 27, 2013, 06:29:18 AM
Alright, sorry for delays and such.  I had a full day of work, one of my pets died today, and my friend went through a minor yet significant life event that he sort of needed to drink off/talk to someone about. 

Anyway, lame excuses aside, GO VOTE in the lightning round tiebreaker polls!  Groups 1, 2, and 4 need your votes!  Polls are only lasting for two days from NOW (2:20-ish AM Eastern Time)

I'll show you why they call me lightning. (That lyric always made me think he's quick in bed...)
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: eytanz on April 27, 2013, 08:03:13 AM
The group 2 tiebreaker won't really affect anything, right? Since it's a tie for second, both stories will be going through anyway...
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 27, 2013, 08:25:55 AM
The group 2 tiebreaker won't really affect anything, right? Since it's a tie for second, both stories will be going through anyway...
Oops!  Tired me glossed over that detail.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: benjaminjb on April 27, 2013, 01:08:18 PM
Alright, sorry for delays and such.  I had a full day of work, one of my pets died today, and my friend went through a minor yet significant life event that he sort of needed to drink off/talk to someone about. 
I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Bdoomed. Thanks for all the work you've put into this.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 28, 2013, 09:09:29 AM
Forewarning to all: I am heading down to Miami from Sunday (today) to Tuesday the 30th.  In the middle of this, ill have to post the final round poll, close the tiebreakers, etc.  the problem is that last time I was home in Miami, the Internet to my house was horrifically spotty, to the point where I would get access for 5 minute intervals, spaced out over longer periods of no access.  Hopefully this won't happen again, but should it persist, polls might be delayed.  Sincerely sorry if this happens, and I will make it a priority to get this contest on its way as close to schedule as I can.  Thank you for your understanding!  And thanks a ton for all te continued participation in this contest!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 28, 2013, 06:21:45 PM
Really sorry to hear about your pet dying, that always tears me apart when one of the family cats die.  This seems an epidemic; two of my friends just had to put their respective pets (a dog and a cat) down as well.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: DoWhileNot on April 29, 2013, 03:28:06 AM
We just lost a goat.

It's interesting - before moving to a farm things like used to really affect on me.  I'm pretty soft hearted.  Cried when my pet duck died when I was a kid.

Our neighbor lost fifteen sheep a couple weeks ago (many of them pregnant) because another neighbor's dogs got into their barn.  The sheriff showed up in the middle of the night, told the neighbor with the dogs what happened, and then shot the dogs.  My first thought was, "Dang, I'm glad we've got a Great Pyrenees" because he would have killed the other dogs rather than letting them hurt our sheep.

We still have a pig that should have been in the freezer long ago because the kids, and maybe me, like her too much to shoot her, but when our goat died, I sighed, dropped her off down in the south pasture, took off her collar, and came home.

I once found a dead cat in someone's barn and pointed it out to the barn owner.  He blinked and said, "Been wondering where she went," and then went back to work.  I'm not there yet, but being a farmer has changed me and stuff like this rolls off me easier than it once did.

That being said, if Ollie the Great Pyrenees died, it'd suck pretty bad.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: SBC-B on April 29, 2013, 09:12:08 AM
Quote
Our neighbor lost fifteen sheep a couple weeks ago (many of them pregnant) because another neighbor's dogs got into their barn.  The sheriff showed up in the middle of the night, told the neighbor with the dogs what happened, and then shot the dogs. 

There's a horror short right there. Nothing supernatural, but still gory and tragic.
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 29, 2013, 01:57:07 PM
Alright, sorry for delays and such.  I had a full day of work, one of my pets died today, and my friend went through a minor yet significant life event that he sort of needed to drink off/talk to someone about. 
I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Bdoomed. Thanks for all the work you've put into this.

Sorry to hear that Bdoomed.  We lost one of our dogs in December to a sudden onset of hemolytic anemia.  :(
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 29, 2013, 02:57:24 PM
Yeah... it sucks.  I've lost around 14 dogs in my life so far, and this latest loss was... well it was a gerbil.  Still, it really never gets much easier... and we only had her for four weeks.  But she was awesome, and would walk onto my hand while her sister fled from sight.   She would sleep on my girlfriend and me, and she even licked my hand a lot on her last day.  It was quite the shock to see her dead, but she was always small, and very skinny, nothing like her sister, so she just didn't have it in her to live.  She's buried outside of our apartment in the nook of two trees.  Pretty nice, really.

No idea what it's like to lose 15 sheep, or even one goat though.  I'd probably really like the goat.  I suppose I would probably lament the shooting of the dogs more than the dead sheep tho, but that depends on how much I liked the sheep :P

Anyway!  Depressing topics aside, I will now set to work on getting this final poll up and running!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: nutmeg2013 on April 29, 2013, 08:55:49 PM
hi
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on April 30, 2013, 12:54:15 AM
HI!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: MCWagner on April 30, 2013, 01:25:25 AM

Sorry to hear that Bdoomed.  We lost one of our dogs in December to a sudden onset of hemolytic anemia.  :(
Holy crud!  What caused that?  He get into something toxic?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Unblinking on April 30, 2013, 01:24:23 PM

Sorry to hear that Bdoomed.  We lost one of our dogs in December to a sudden onset of hemolytic anemia.  :(
Holy crud!  What caused that?  He get into something toxic?

They never did figure out a specific cause.  Their best diagnosis was IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia) which even by the vets own admission is the thing they call it when they can't find any specific cause.  One day she was acting normal.  She ran to the door to bark at a passing car and collapsed and had trouble getting up, so Heather took her to the vet.  She passed away 5 days later at the emergency vet, the day after my birthday.  :(

I wrote a memorial for her:
http://www.diabolicalplots.com/?p=3043

Anyway, I will stop derailing, off to vote in the final poll!
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: thepencankill on May 07, 2013, 07:37:36 PM
If there ends up being something like a four-way tie for second and third, will voters get one or two votes for the tie breaker?
Title: Re: Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Post by: Bdoomed on May 07, 2013, 09:35:40 PM
two sounds like a good number