So... I've been feeling a bit depressed lately seeing all these highly-original contest topics and shiny contest threads. Basically, it's making me feel like I'm in a rut. As many of you know, I'm not the most creative person around here and coming up with contest ideas is not my forte. I feel like I need some revamping and some help. I thought this would be a good time to talk with contest participants in the hope of rekindling my contest-hosting spirit.

What I want to know is -

- What sort of graphics contests do you prefer? [Banners, sig sets, avatars, blends, etc.]
- What do you look for in a contest before joining?
- When voting for a contest what kind of "set-up" is helpful to you? [Pics & links, just links, thumbnails, etc.]
- When you're looking for a contest to join what sort of thread title catches your eye?
- How do you prefer awards to be posted? [In a separate thread, as part of the next rounds thread, etc.]
- Do you like contests to be more "open" or more structured in the sense that pics/themes etc. are given to you? Does it present more of a challenge when the contest is more specific?
- When you read the first post of a contest thread what do you look for? [Rules, number of participants, what the contest is about, etc.]
- More specifically with my contests, do you like having a complete list of links to previous contests and awards?
- How much time do you think is reasonable for creating your entry? [A week for a banner, 2 weeks for a sig set, etc.]
- Do you like the award system? [1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM, HC]
- What do you think should be done when there is a tie between two participants when voting? [Another vote should be held, both receive awards, etc.]
- When voting do you like the participants' names to be anonymous or included? Do you think leaving the participant's name makes people more likely to win than others?
- If you prefer the participants' names to remain anonymous what do you think it should be substituted for? [Numbers, letters, etc.]
- Do you read the rules every time you enter a contest?
- Does it make things any more difficult for you if your contest entry is required to be a specific size?
- More specifically with my contests - I tend to go over the contest participant limit. [That I have set. ] Do you think this is unfair? Or do you believe contest participant limits can be changed?
- Do you like being PMed 3 days or so before the contest due date? Is it more convenient to contact you another way?
- My system of letting participants ask to extend the due date for contest entries seems a bit flawed in the sense that it doesn't seem fair to give someone else extra time when the majority of the participants managed to post their entries on time. Should I do away with this system altogether?

Hmm.. I didn't mean for that to get so long. But, as you can see I have been giving this some serious thought. I just want all of the participants to feel as though they are participating in a fair [and fun!] contest. If you have any other suggestions please don't hesitate to speak up.

And whilst we're here, if you have any suggestions for future contest rounds [hosted by me] post them here as well. Thank you for taking the time to do so.

Lar, I just want to say that I always love your contests. You keep up with the due dates and everything so well, and they're always so well run. You definitely have your very own spot on the contest board.

Now, onto the questions:
- What sort of graphics contests do you prefer?
I love them all, though avatars aren't my strongest point.
- What do you look for in a contest before joining?
The due date! Honestly, if the contest just runs for a week or something, I probably won't join. I also love "different" ideas.
- When voting for a contest what kind of "set-up" is helpful to you?
Well, provided pictures is definitely easy, but not always fun. A large variety of a specific idea, such as the "random object" or the "lotr scene" is good.
- When you're looking for a contest to join what sort of thread title catches your eye?
Anything but a bunch of anagrams. I realize that is usually easiest to do rounds, but TOUEOIAIODHT R5 doesn't make me want to click the title. I like description. [ie. R4 - Edoras Blend]
- How do you prefer awards to be posted?
I think it's best to have them as part of the next round's thread. Unless it isn't a round contest, and then you need a new thread.
- Do you like contests to be more "open" or more structured in the sense that pics/themes etc. are given to you? Does it present more of a challenge when the contest is more specific?
I suppose I rather answered this already in a way, but...I like some specifics [even if it is more challenging], mainly because I don't like having to make picture searching the main part of the contest.
- When you read the first post of a contest thread what do you look for?
The due date, the interestingness and topic, and how many people have participated already.
- More specifically with my contests, do you like having a complete list of links to previous contests and awards?
I love it. I think it's awesome to go back through sometimes. Or, if you really liked "something someone did for that one", you can find it.
How much time do you think is reasonable for creating your entry?
I pretty much like a timetable of 2 weeks. It provides procrastination time. Seriously, it gives me time in case a week is hectic but the next I get to sit for ages.
- Do you like the award system? [1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM, HC]
Most definitely.
- What do you think should be done when there is a tie between two participants when voting?
I like the idea of them both getting the award. It was voted that way, it just makes sense.
- When voting do you like the participants' names to be anonymous or included? Do you think leaving the participant's name makes people more likely to win than others?
Well, some people have a specific "style" that you can tell is theirs. But I like it to be anonymous the most. You always have that subconscious "oh, they're good" if you see the name.
- If you prefer the participants' names to remain anonymous what do you think it should be substituted for?
I think numbers or letters work. Easy and neverending.
- Do you read the rules every time you enter a contest?
I only don't if I've participated in the same type many times and there is no indication of a rule change.
- Does it make things any more difficult for you if your contest entry is required to be a specific size?
Nope.
- More specifically with my contests - I tend to go over the contest participant limit. [That I have set. Tongue] Do you think this is unfair? Or do you believe contest participant limits can be changed?
I don't think it's unfair. It's not like you can monitor the thread 24/7 to cut it off exactly when the set limit is reached. I would feel worse, personally, for telling someone who really wanted to join that "nope, you were just late even though I didn't mark off that it was full!"
- Do you like being PMed 3 days or so before the contest due date? Is it more convenient to contact you another way?
I think that's the best way. Sometimes I forget and then "hey, I got a PM!" And then I can usually do it then.
- My system of letting participants ask to extend the due date for contest entries seems a bit flawed in the sense that it doesn't seem fair to give someone else extra time when the majority of the participants managed to post their entries on time. Should I do away with this system altogether?
Heck no! Even though I usually don't need it, I'd be mad if some unforeseen thing came up so I couldn't get my entry in on time! But I do think they need to ask, and then follow through and actually get the entry in. Not ask, then pull out later. If you know you're going to be too busy, it might be best to just pull out instead of asking for extensions --it's fairer to the rest.

_________________
going on a journey through my old claims

I thought through your questions and here is what I think...

-What sort of graphics contests do you prefer? I like banners and wallpapers the best, though I don't really care what the graphic is.
- What do you look for in a contest before joining? When it's due, and what the theme is.
- When voting for a contest what kind of "set-up" is helpful to you? Pictures and links, thumbnail pics are ok too though. I don't like just links.
- When you're looking for a contest to join what sort of thread title catches your eye? One that tells what the contest is without any frills.
- How do you prefer awards to be posted? In a seperate thread, I tend to look for them that way.
- Do you like contests to be more "open" or more structured in the sense that pics/themes etc. are given to you? Does it present more of a challenge when the contest is more specific? It's not much of a challange when specific, I prefer to have the pictures be my own.
- When you read the first post of a contest thread what do you look for? The due date, the type of contest, and if pics are provided.
- More specifically with my contests, do you like having a complete list of links to previous contests and awards? very yes.
- How much time do you think is reasonable for creating your entry? [b] 9 days, in case remider is needed.
[b]- Do you like the award system? [1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM, HC] very yes
- What do you think should be done when there is a tie between two participants when voting? both should receive awards
- When voting do you like the participants' names to be anonymous or included? Do you think leaving the participant's name makes people more likely to win than others? anonymous, for the very reason in you second question.
- If you prefer the participants' names to remain anonymous what do you think it should be substituted for? numbers
- Do you read the rules every time you enter a contest? yes
- Does it make things any more difficult for you if your contest entry is required to be a specific size? nope, I have all the basic sizes entered into my program.
- More specifically with my contests - I tend to go over the contest participant limit. [That I have set. ] Do you think this is unfair? Or do you believe contest participant limits can be changed? This is not unfair, limits can be changed, I usually come in after everyone else has.
- Do you like being PMed 3 days or so before the contest due date? Is it more convenient to contact you another way? Yes, i like the PM method.
- My system of letting participants ask to extend the due date for contest entries seems a bit flawed in the sense that it doesn't seem fair to give someone else extra time when the majority of the participants managed to post their entries on time. Should I do away with this system altogether? No, because some of us have homework and/or parents who ban them from the compy and need to ask for more time.

_________________

Married Artemis Fowl on July 16, 2007
[!+^$%=#?&]
The Seemingly Nice But Actually Really Nasty Nazgul
School ate my life. *sigh*

_________________
<center>-In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song-

^JF is awesome

There will come a time with no more tears
and love will not break your heart but dismiss your fears</center>

Thanks for responding you three! I shall take both of your answers into account. And a special huggle for you Nurr You're comments made my day.

- What sort of graphics contests do you prefer? [Banners, sig sets, avatars, blends, etc.]
I love any kind of contest. even if I'm bad at it I try it anyway.
- What do you look for in a contest before joining?
well I look for something that inspires me. if it sparks my imagination I always enter.
- When voting for a contest what kind of "set-up" is helpful to you? [Pics & links, just links, thumbnails, etc.]
I like thumbnails and links. that way I don't have to do mondo scrolling on wallpaper contests or contests with lots of people in them.
- When you're looking for a contest to join what sort of thread title catches your eye?
hmm... I like contests that I know something about. like I'd enter a lord of the rings contest and maybe not a song contest. I know lots of stuff about lotr but I don't know lots about some of the songs people do in contests.
- How do you prefer awards to be posted? [In a separate thread, as part of the next rounds thread, etc.]
if there aren't rounds I like it in a separate thread. if it is rounds it's cool on the next round's thread.
- Do you like contests to be more "open" or more structured in the sense that pics/themes etc. are given to you? Does it present more of a challenge when the contest is more specific?
I like to have some structure so it's challenging, but open enough that I can create something that's totally my style and unlike anyone else's.
- When you read the first post of a contest thread what do you look for? [Rules, number of participants, what the contest is about, etc.]
what the contest is about for sure. the rules are important too, but the number of participants is irrelevant to me unless it means I can't join.
- More specifically with my contests, do you like having a complete list of links to previous contests and awards?
yeah, if I'm voting in a contest I like to see how various people do and get a feel for their style. it's a learning experience as well as a voting experience.
- How much time do you think is reasonable for creating your entry? [A week for a banner, 2 weeks for a sig set, etc.]
personally I try and get in my entry within a day or so, but a week is reasonable for anything smaller than a blend. two weeks for anything above.
- Do you like the award system? [1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM, HC]
that seems to be the most effective. I've tried doing points, and "best" awards but they both require a lot of votes to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
- What do you think should be done when there is a tie between two participants when voting? [Another vote should be held, both receive awards, etc.]
I'd go with both receive an award. it's really annoying as a contestant when the person holding the contest drags the deadline out. when you've got your entry in, there's only so much nail you can bite!
- When voting do you like the participants' names to be anonymous or included? Do you think leaving the participant's name makes people more likely to win than others?
I won't deny that if I see someone's name it has some sway on how I vote. to keep it anonymous helps me pick what I really like, and not what I sort of like but liked their other stuff in the past.
- If you prefer the participants' names to remain anonymous what do you think it should be substituted for? [Numbers, letters, etc.]
both work but letters are probably safer. people have favorite numbers and might get mad if they aren't their favorite number.
- Do you read the rules every time you enter a contest?
heck yes. like I said the rules are the first thing I look at. I like the challenge of following the rules and creating something uniquely me within those rules.
- Does it make things any more difficult for you if your contest entry is required to be a specific size?
not at all. sometimes it takes a little extra effort and more sighs of frustration but it's totally worth the learning experience.
- More specifically with my contests - I tend to go over the contest participant limit. [That I have set. Tongue] Do you think this is unfair? Or do you believe contest participant limits can be changed?
sure I think they can be changed. having hosted a couple contests myself it's great when people want to enter past my limit. it's more input than I thought I'd get. as a contestant it doesn't bother me, it just gives me more exhilaration if I actually do well in the contest.
- Do you like being PMed 3 days or so before the contest due date? Is it more convenient to contact you another way?
nope. I pride myself in not being a person someone needs to nag about turning in entries.
- My system of letting participants ask to extend the due date for contest entries seems a bit flawed in the sense that it doesn't seem fair to give someone else extra time when the majority of the participants managed to post their entries on time. Should I do away with this system altogether?
as a contestant I'd have to say it drives me nuts when the contest date keeps getting extended because people won't turn in their entries. however I can see how lots of people may need extra time to turn in their entries. maybe you could compromise and let them turn it in after the due date with the understanding that the voting goes on as scheduled. which is another thing I really like. it drives me nuts when someone doesn't set up the voting on the day they said they would... or even the same week. my nails get bitten down to bloody stubs. lol.

[now feels like a rut]


Bleh.

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<center>

THE HALLOWFEST 2010
<a href="http://www.arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20958">information here</a>

</center>

_________________




^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*

*has nothing to say*

*gives JF a super huggle*

Well there's an idea. Dung beetles!!

[huggles JF]

_________________
<center>

THE HALLOWFEST 2010
<a href="http://www.arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20958">information here</a>

</center>

Firstly, I like entering the contests no matter what they are. It's good practice and really fun besides. =) Your contests have always been wonderful, dearie.

- What sort of graphics contests do you prefer?
Personally, it'd be nice to see more wallpaper-type contest. Even have the contestants specify whether or not people can use them as wallpaper for websites, desktops, etc. I still like the banner/blend/icon contests, though, because you can never get enough practice and dealing with limited sizes can help a ton with thinking outside the box.
- What do you look for in a contest before joining?
Usually whether or not I like the subject matter, but that's a personal thing specific to everyone.
- When voting for a contest what kind of "set-up" is helpful to you? [Pics & links, just links, thumbnails, etc.]
For banner contests, having the whole banner is a help. For blends and wallpapers, having the whole thing there takes up a lot of space and thumbnails do just fine.
- When you're looking for a contest to join what sort of thread title catches your eye?
Subject matter, round, and due date do just fine =)
- How do you prefer awards to be posted? [In a separate thread, as part of the next rounds thread, etc.]
As part of the next round is easier. It's less complicated than making another thread and for those entering the next round it's easy access.
- Do you like contests to be more "open" or more structured in the sense that pics/themes etc. are given to you? Does it present more of a challenge when the contest is more specific?
I like challenge, but I think making it TOO specific would be irritating.
- When you read the first post of a contest thread what do you look for? [Rules, number of participants, what the contest is about, etc.]
Topic, rules, contestants, previous rounds[if any], awards from previous round.
- More specifically with my contests, do you like having a complete list of links to previous contests and awards?
It's interesting to see how the contest has progressed and the ideas other contestants have had.
- How much time do you think is reasonable for creating your entry? [A week for a banner, 2 weeks for a sig set, etc.]
A week for a banner is pretty reasonable, 2 weeks for anything bigger.
- Do you like the award system? [1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM, HC]
Even though some hosts don't do HC, I really like to see what the host chooses. ^_^
- What do you think should be done when there is a tie between two participants when voting? [Another vote should be held, both receive awards, etc.]
Both recieve an award.
- When voting do you like the participants' names to be anonymous or included? Do you think leaving the participant's name makes people more likely to win than others?
I think leaving it anonymous gives everyone an equal chance, especially if only links are given for the entries. People might be more likely to click on a name they recognize.
- If you prefer the participants' names to remain anonymous what do you think it should be substituted for? [Numbers, letters, etc.]
I'd hate to reduce us to numbers, but that seems easiest.
- Do you read the rules every time you enter a contest?
Yep! It helps to know what I can and can't do so there's less risk I'll mess up.
- Does it make things any more difficult for you if your contest entry is required to be a specific size?
Difficult, but more challenging.
- More specifically with my contests - I tend to go over the contest participant limit. [That I have set.] Do you think this is unfair? Or do you believe contest participant limits can be changed?
I think participation limits should be non-existent.
- Do you like being PMed 3 days or so before the contest due date? Is it more convenient to contact you another way?
PMs are perfectly fine with me.
- My system of letting participants ask to extend the due date for contest entries seems a bit flawed in the sense that it doesn't seem fair to give someone else extra time when the majority of the participants managed to post their entries on time. Should I do away with this system altogether?
I think setting a due date should be permanent. Maybe a day extension, but not more than that.

I know I don't enter contests now, but I figured I'd help you out anyhow, since I used to love contests, and I might just get back into them during the winter break.


- What sort of graphics contests do you prefer?
Banner ones... I've NEVER entered any other sort of contest before. I'm just more comfortable doing banners. Not that I have a huge problem with any other kind of graphic though!

- What do you look for in a contest before joining?
It's always the subject of the contest... usually if it's a LotR subject banner contest, I'm ALWAYS up for it, or something to do with nature. Simple things like that.

- When voting for a contest what kind of "set-up" is helpful to you?
Nothing really... I like to go with my own flow. I prefer not to have a whole lot of rules (ex., certain pics that you can ONLY use), but things like scene contests are all right; they aren't too restrictive.

- When you're looking for a contest to join what sort of thread title catches your eye?
Mainly "LotR" and "Banner"... or "banner" and anything in the world that I'm interested in, haha. Some sort of title that actually is blunt though. I hate trying to have to figure titles out and stuff like that. I'd rather it not be overly decorated with weird little symbols and such... lol.

- How do you prefer awards to be posted?
Separated thread... I've always been more used to that.

- Do you like contests to be more "open" or more structured in the sense that pics/themes etc. are given to you? Does it present more of a challenge when the contest is more specific?
Less specific, like I said. I'd rather be more free to do what I want with my stuff, but like I also said, it's not a huge problem, having it more specific.

- When you read the first post of a contest thread what do you look for?
What the contest is about, and if there's a spot available of course, haha! I don't really pay huge attention to the first post, normally.

- More specifically with my contests, do you like having a complete list of links to previous contests and awards?
I don't mind it... since I don't use it anyway, but it might be useful for people who're trying to find the previous stuff.

- How much time do you think is reasonable for creating your entry?
A week for a banner/sig set should be plenty enough... if it takes a week to make a banner, it takes a week to make a sig set, since the avatar part of it is usually just a chopped out part of the banner... lol.

- Do you like the award system? [1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM, HC]
Yep, I use it for my contests too.

- What do you think should be done when there is a tie between two participants when voting?
I generally thing it's fairer and less annoying, if you just award them both the award... it's not a huge enough deal to have another vote just for something like that.

- When voting do you like the participants' names to be anonymous or included? Do you think leaving the participant's name makes people more likely to win than others?
I think they should remain anonymous, since people usually only vote for people because they're known to make better graphics, it seems.

- If you prefer the participants' names to remain anonymous what do you think it should be substituted for? [Numbers, letters, etc.]
Numbers or letters work the same way.

- Do you read the rules every time you enter a contest?
Yes, there could be a catch that I miss and if I miss it, I'll look like a fool.

- Does it make things any more difficult for you if your contest entry is required to be a specific size?
Not usually.

- More specifically with my contests - I tend to go over the contest participant limit. [That I have set. ] Do you think this is unfair? Or do you believe contest participant limits can be changed?
I don't see why there is a problem with allowing an unlimited number of contestants to enter. It doesn't make the host's job any more confusing or difficult... and on the contrary, it makes it funner for the voters to look at and for competitive purposes.

- Do you like being PMed 3 days or so before the contest due date? Is it more convenient to contact you another way?
PMing is good... I usually forget about contests, unless I am PMed a few days before the due date! xD

- My system of letting participants ask to extend the due date for contest entries seems a bit flawed in the sense that it doesn't seem fair to give someone else extra time when the majority of the participants managed to post their entries on time. Should I do away with this system altogether?
Yes... it's just a contest, and if someone can't have their entry due on time, it's their fault whether or not they had important affairs offline. I mean, they can by all means make the graphic anyway just for fun, or enter another contest in the future... it's happened to me more than anyone! ;P

_________________

(01) <b>What sort of graphics contests do you prefer? [Banners, sig sets, avatars, blends, etc.]</b>

I like making all sorts for contests. And even a good compilation of different graphics (like sig sets) are fun to do.

(02) <b>What do you look for in a contest before joining?</b>

I first look for how much it interests me. If I think that it might be fun to do and a way to express myself or express something that I love, I'll join it. See if they need more entries to promote the contest.

(03) <b>When voting for a contest what kind of "set-up" is helpful to you? [Pics & links, just links, thumbnails, etc.]</b>

My rule of thumb is to make it EASIEST for the voter to vote. If it's a blend contest, make thumbnails so they can do a quick overview after taking a more detailed look at it, so they can compare/contrast. Same for wallpapers and anything that the voter could not compare easily with the other entries. Blends and wallpapers are the ones that this emphasizes on. Banners, sig-sets, and avatars could be just put for them to view.
Links MAY be useful if the voter expresses a definite interest in voting however cannot view the images via thumbnail or img coding.

(04) <b>When you're looking for a contest to join what sort of thread title catches your eye?</b>

I usually take a look at the new contests, no matter what. It'd be good if the subject/theme is in the contest thread title.

(05) <b>How do you prefer awards to be posted? [In a separate thread, as part of the next rounds thread, etc.]</b>

Well, I'm biased, obviously. I try to make the least amount of threads I can, just to avoid adding to section clog. There are many other contests going on, so I just post my awards in the next round. Getting the awards take the longest time anyways and you can easily and quickly post the next info thread for the next round. If you compact them together, more people can view the awards that the award-maker took time to see AND the award thread could get used more since people come back to enter in the contest that is posted there.

(06) <b>Do you like contests to be more "open" or more structured in the sense that pics/themes etc. are given to you? Does it present more of a challenge when the contest is more specific?</b>

Personally, I think general contests are too vague. Although specific contests hinder individual creativity/personality, it gets artists to concentrate on their skills and maybe try to improve when comparing to other works and even encourage original style in their products. Entering into a variety of contest-types can help improve many different skills and creativity.

(07) <b>When you read the first post of a contest thread what do you look for? [Rules, number of participants, what the contest is about, etc.]</b>

Guidelines, due date, any limitations on # of entries, any limitations on entries themselves, etc.

(08) <b>More specifically with my contests, do you like having a complete list of links to previous contests and awards? </b>

Since I've never entered your contests, Larael, I don't know if I can answer to that. Personally, with <i>my</i> contests, even if the links are for my own personal record, I like to look back and compare/contrast the contests from way back when to now and see what else I could improve on or bring back from old rounds. Besides, do you -really- want to be taking the time and searching out old threads?

(09) <b> How much time do you think is reasonable for creating your entry? [A week for a banner, 2 weeks for a sig set, etc.]</b>

Ahahah, asking a person who's schedule is more hectic than a wild boar, I definitely can't answer that. However, I shall gage that for a banner = a week should be good. Sig sets should also be a week, blends may take a week to two weeks, etc.

(10) <b> Do you like the award system? [1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM, HC]</b>

I like 1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM, and HC. I'm really glad that I brought the idea of Host's Choice so it gives more opportunities to win an award. However, I think the HC should be respected for the host of the contest to CHOOSE which one (who hasn't already won an award) deserves an award on credibility, not just another award to give out by votes.

(11) <b>What do you think should be done when there is a tie between two participants when voting? [Another vote should be held, both receive awards, etc.]</b>

If it's only two individuals that are tied, and you only need to make one extra award, they should both get awards. I know sometimes my rounds get a good 3 extra awards to make but I think they deserve it if they tie.

(12) <b>When voting do you like the participants' names to be anonymous or included? Do you think leaving the participant's name makes people more likely to win than others?</b>

I think they should be included, but I want to believe that people would not vote for the person just because they like them but based on their entry. Although there could be gray areas to that, because sometimes I judge an entry by a person if I know how good they are and how much better they could be. (Admittedly, I do this a lot when looking at JFs or Gilraen's or Elven Archer's entries)

(13) <b> If you prefer the participants' names to remain anonymous what do you think it should be substituted for? [Numbers, letters, etc.]</b>

CODES. YES. No, I'm just kidding. I think Letters are more suitable, mainly because there'd be too many numbers in the voting panel. 1 - 4, 2- 1, gets confusing, y'know?

(14) <b> Do you read the rules every time you enter a contest?</b>

If it's a different contest, yes. If it's the same type in a series of contests, I would skim the rules to see the changes. For my contests, any changes in rules (like details on the round) are kept separately so participants will know where to look for any changes in the rules.

(15) <b>Does it make things any more difficult for you if your contest entry is required to be a specific size?</b>

Not difficult, but it's a challenge, it just adds to creativity and skill.

(16) <b>More specifically with my contests - I tend to go over the contest participant limit. [That I have set. ] Do you think this is unfair? Or do you believe contest participant limits can be changed?</b>

Eh, I think a limit seems unfair in my opinion. I especially think holding spots is unfair to others who could've gotten their entries in first. A free amount of people should be able to join, regardless of how many it turns out to be. I know my round contests tend to get up to a good 15+ entries, and I think that's good since it's a <i>contest</i>, after all.

(17) <b>Do you like being PMed 3 days or so before the contest due date? Is it more convenient to contact you another way?</b>

Again, it's the whole if you ask to be reserved a spot and you forget about thing.... I don't know---if you forgot to enter a contest that you promised, I don't think you deserve the spot. That's my cold-hard opinion though. </missunsympathetic>

(18) <b>My system of letting participants ask to extend the due date for contest entries seems a bit flawed in the sense that it doesn't seem fair to give someone else extra time when the majority of the participants managed to post their entries on time. Should I do away with this system altogether?</b>

Eh, I'm kind of ehh on due date extensions. As long as the extension doesn't pass the two week mark of the contest, I think it should be fine.


Hope that helped and added some diversity on opinions since I'm not a very active contester, but a fellow contest-hoster. [waves]

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THE HALLOWFEST 2010
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Thanks so much everyone for your thoughts and opinions! I'm taking each into account so that I can make my contests the best they can be. *hugs all around*

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^ By me and my SS *squiggle hugs*