Fan Fic Contest - A New Direction

[TGRF]

Greetings, all.

The Fan Fic contest has seen dwindling numbers of late, as expounded upon here.

I think we all agree that this needs to be fixed one way or another. The only question is how to do so. Below is my proposed new format of the Contest. Please vote whether this sounds like a good or viable plan to you. If you have a different idea, we'd be glad to hear it. If it's a full plan, I'll add it to this OP. All opinions are welcome.

I'm also linking to Dysole's post here, because he offers an excellent breakdown of the situation.

Proposed Plans

Spoiler Alert!

TGRF's Plan

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In my plan, the contest becomes monthly or bi-monthly. We work with the admins to get something on the front page, and maybe give the winners special titles like they do for online HS. Hopefully this will draw more people in, and give them more incentive to stick with it. A monthly/bi-monthly challenge would also give us sufficient time to get people hyped up about it, probably through the front page.

Concerns:

Spoiler Alert!

None so far.

Tornado's Plan

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How about switching gears for a moment and trying a group write. Sort of like a CoN(I think, never played) where writers take turns. Leave it open for folks to jump in when they can and see where it goes.

If it works out, when the group written story ends, have the next contest based on the group story. It might give folks a chance to recharge their batteries and perhaps spawn some short spurts of inspiration.

Concerns:

Spoiler Alert!

TGRF: The problem with this is that it leaves no room for structure or development of any kind. Once your chapter is done, someone else takes over. That format is a lot better for writers that just hop in it with no plan. This wouldn't be good for those of us that use this contest to hone our writing skills, including development.

The other problem with this is that I still see the need to somehow draw other people in. That thread was made during the summer, when 'Scape was active. All the kids were out of school. We simply don't have those ranks.

~TGRF.

[TheAverageFan]

I voted TGRF's, but I think Tornado's plan ain't half-bad either. Perhaps every now and again we could switch from a contest to a group thing, just to shake things up.

~TAF

[Tornado]

I think both can be done.

TGRF could act as mediator for a group story. Starting off the story and then perhaps ending/starting chapters.

What might be fun is if TGRF writes a beginning, middle(s), and an end that the group works towards. That would allow him to still write in a structured way.

[TGRF]

Originally Posted by TheAverageFan

I voted TGRF's, but I think Tornado's plan ain't half-bad either. Perhaps every now and again we could switch from a contest to a group thing, just to shake things up.

~TAF

I have nothing against a group thing. I just don't want to replace the contest with it. If we have the numbers, I'd love to do a group fiction again. With any luck, the individual stories will inspire new fan fictions.
~TGRF.

[TGRF]

Mentioning to draw attention to this thread.
@Elven Lord @Dysole @Bro-man @Crixus33 @Marro_Warlord

~TGRF.

[Dysole]

A group story is not a bad idea but right now if you want to keep this thing going you'll want some very thorough structure.

~Dysole, briefly

[Crixus33]

Well, it makes me sad to say this but I think my time on heroscapers in general is drawing to a close. I have just started college and I have little time to do much else other than study and do classwork. It gives me no pleasure to leave, but I feel it is going to happen. I wish everyone good luck and I hope the contest does stay alive. It was fun while it lasted.

[Marro_Warlord]

Both seem pretty great, however, I'd prefer TGRF's plan.

[TGRF]

I'm going to PM an admin and see if we could get titles/on the front page. Opinions and other plans are still welcome. I'm just checking whether mine will actually work.
~TGRF.

[Tornado]

Actually I would like to win a new title. Consider me in.

[TGRF]

I've sent a message to Aldin, asking if front page access and titles would be possible.
EDIT: Aldin has forwarded the message to Xorlof and Xotli, as he's never dealt with the front page. He sees no reason why we couldn't give the winners special titles.
FURTHER EDIT: Xotli is bringing it up in the admin area, where they will 'bat it around' for a bit. He will get back to me.

~TGRF.

[Bro-man]

Hello everyone. Been awhile since I last came on here. I know I dropped radar for a bit and I've been very busy of late with RL and other deals. As for this idea, well, I was thinking it would be good in support of Tornado's idea. Long ago, if I remember correctly, there was a story group that many of us worked together, creating the story as we go. It was based around a group of heroes taken together into an arena and they all escaped and tried to get back to their generals. That is what I remember and it was a lot of fun.

I know this is surprise that I am back. RL had been very busy for me but I will pop up now and again to see how things going and what new things interest me. Don't worry everyone, I may be gone for many long periods of time, but Heroscape will always be in my heart.