timeline (AKA what happens now?) [Archive] - Absolute Write Water Cooler

William Haskins

03-28-2005, 08:05 PM

hi jenna and judges,

forgive me if this was covered in one of the rules or general questions threads, but has the timeline of how this all will play out been addressed?

i know (assume? think? hallucinate?) that 10 finalists shall be named from the first wave of entries. when will this happen and where will it be announced?

in what increments will the subsequent phases of the contest occur?

if this info exists, could someone smarter than me point me to it?

thanks,
william

Sarita

03-28-2005, 10:45 PM

Hey Haskins! I don't have an OFFICIAL time line (what good am I?) But when the auditions close, tonight at midnight, Cinderella's coach will turn back into a pumpkin...um, wait. No!

The judges will come up with their short lists and we'll duke it out over who gets to be the top 10. Once we have that established (Richard tells me it involves a lot of pie throwing and a few days), we'll post our top 10 on this board. THEN, Jenna will come up with topics each week. So, the contest should run for 9 weeks after we announce the top 10.

Jenna needs to confirm everything I say. Never trust me.

William Haskins

03-28-2005, 10:50 PM

thanks for taking the time to post, sara.

enjoy the rest of your reads (and, obviously, the pie).

i appreciate it,
william

Sarita

03-28-2005, 10:55 PM

No problem. Just watch yourself on the pie comments...

William Haskins

03-28-2005, 10:59 PM

dammit!

stupid, stupid.... never, ever mention the pie!!

Sarita

03-28-2005, 11:00 PM

:ROFL:

Sarita

03-28-2005, 11:04 PM

Didn't you say something about Pink Floyd and brownies?

William Haskins

03-28-2005, 11:08 PM

The lunatic is on the grass.
The lunatic is on the grass.
Remembering games and daisy chains and laughs.
Got to keep the loonies on the path.

The lunatic is in the hall.
The lunatics are in my hall.
The paper holds their folded faces to the floor
And every day the paper boy brings more.

And if the dam breaks open many years too soon
And if there is no room upon the hill
And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too
I'll see you on the dark side of the moon.

The lunatic is in my head.
The lunatic is in my head
You raise the blade, you make the change
You re-arrange me 'til I'm sane.
You lock the door
And throw away the key
There's someone in my head but it's not me.

And if the cloud bursts, thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear.
And if the band you're in starts playing different tunes
I'll see you on the dark side of the moon.

"I can't think of anything to say except...
I think it's marvelous! HaHaHa!"

Sarita

03-28-2005, 11:10 PM

Best concert I've ever seen... and yes, the lunatic is in my head.

trumancoyote

03-28-2005, 11:49 PM

When the 10 finalists (or somesuch) are determined, will further elimination be made by the judges, or the people on the message board?

I'm fairly sure this was explained somewhere, but I just wanted to clarify :Shrug:

wurdwise

03-28-2005, 11:54 PM

This was Jenna's beginning post in the audition thread.;)

Hello, fine writers, and welcome to the first-ever Absolute Write Idol!

Rules of the game:

We have just entered the auditions stage of the competition.

Anyone may enter at this point. All you have to do is post a writing sample below. Any genre, any topic, fiction or nonfiction, prose, poetry, screenplay, etc., 700 words or less. Excerpts are fine. Previously published pieces are fine. One entry per person.

You have until Monday, March 28th at midnight EST to get your entry in. Please don't put comments about the entries in this thread-- there's a separate thread where you can comment on any of the entries posted (and you're encouraged to comment on any stories you've enjoyed there). This thread is for ENTRIES ONLY!

Then the judges will have 2-3 days (approximately) to deliberate and choose the 10 finalists who will go on to compete to be your Absolute Write Idol. :)

Each week, everyone registered at Absolute Write is welcome to vote for his/her favorite. The person with the lowest votes each week will be eliminated until we are down to just one writer.

There will be themes/topics each week (e.g., one week might be "horror week," another might be "stories about bellybuttons."), and there will be deadlines-- finalists must get their entries in on time or lose their slots.

Prizes are listed here: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9231

So... be brave, show us what you've got, and may the best writer win!
__________________

Jenna Glatzer

Sarita

03-28-2005, 11:55 PM

Then the judges will have 2-3 days (approximately) to deliberate and choose the 10 finalists who will go on to compete to be your Absolute Write Idol. :)

Each week, everyone registered at Absolute Write is welcome to vote for his/her favorite. The person with the lowest votes each week will be eliminated until we are down to just one writer.

There will be themes/topics each week (e.g., one week might be "horror week," another might be "stories about bellybuttons."), and there will be deadlines-- finalists must get their entries in on time or lose their slots.

Hope this helps.

trumancoyote

03-29-2005, 12:02 AM

I understood that part. What I guess I didn't understand is the judges' role after the initial cuts -- are they pretty much out of the picture at that point, or do they vote too? And if they do, is their vote worth more, or?...

I'm sorry for being a bother :gone:

wurdwise

03-29-2005, 12:07 AM

Truman, I bet they have no vote. That is, if they are designing it like the TV American Idol. Only the public votes after the initial winners are picked by the judges and the judges only give feedback each week about their performance. But that was a good question. Makes me wonder if it will be that way, will our judges come in like Randy, Paula and Simon and make comments on the finalists entries each week? That sounds like fun.

JennaGlatzer

03-29-2005, 01:44 AM

The public vote is what counts after the finalists have been announced. The judges are free to comment on the entries during the following rounds, and they're free to vote, too, but their votes don't count any more than anyone else's.

The contest should run for a little more than 9 weeks. Explanation:

The finalists will have one week to write about each theme, then the public will have 2 or 3 days (haven't decided yet) to read and vote on their favorites. Then Melina will announce who got the lowest votes and is eliminated. Then the rest of the finalists will have a week to write about the next theme.

trumancoyote

03-29-2005, 02:14 AM

Jenna,

Will the amount of votes each person received be revealed, or just the people's names who didn't receive enough votes to move on?

JennaGlatzer

03-29-2005, 04:57 AM

Nope, no vote numbers (maybe just at the end). Few reasons:

1. I don't want to ruin the element of surprise if it turns out that one or two people are obviously in the lead

2. I don't want any finalists feeling bad if they get no/almost no votes

3. Even though it's a competition, I'm afraid it'll get too cut-throat if we go that far and reveal exact numbers.

Melina could say something like "So-and-so is eliminated this week by a margin or just two votes," but that's about as far as I'd want it to go.

William Haskins

03-29-2005, 05:34 AM

is voting going to be conducted via the board's polling system?

and, if so, is there any concern about people using multiple user names, clearing cookies from the cache, etc to stack votes in a less than scrupulous way?

also, one more thing (sorry)... do you like homemade mashed potatoes? i sure do.

Sarita

03-29-2005, 05:36 AM

also, one more thing (sorry)... do you like homemade mashed potatoes? i sure do.
mmmmhmmmmm

Sorry. I don't know any of the other answers.

edfrzr

03-29-2005, 06:37 AM

Why did they take a picture of only half of your face?

Sarita

03-29-2005, 06:43 AM

Why did they take a picture of only half of your face?

You will find what you seek, here:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=136725#post136725

SRHowen

03-29-2005, 07:08 AM

Best concert I've ever seen... and yes, the lunatic is in my head.

Wait. Wait. I thought that was my muse in my head--but if it's a lunatic . . . then that means my muse is a . . .

I knew it, I just knew it.

Shawn

SRHowen

03-29-2005, 07:11 AM

Oh, and I like my mashed potatoes with garlic, whole cream, and lots of pepper.

Samm

03-29-2005, 07:41 AM

I vote for the mashed potatoes. Heavy on the turkey gravy, if you please. Instant or real, doesn't matter to me. Heck, if I could get my meals in a pill, that's how I'd eat! Eating is such a waste of time. Although to look at me you wouldn't guess I felt that way. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif Can you tell I'm not agonizing over my entry? What's done is done... and I don't even have a "Sarah" in it! http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/EmoteShrug.gif

trumancoyote

03-29-2005, 10:25 AM

JennaGlatzer

03-29-2005, 11:22 AM

Votes will be done by the private messaging system, not through polls. People will send PMs to Melina with the name of the person they're voting for in the subject line, and she'll count them.

I can check IP addresses, e-mail addresses, etc. if I suspect "voter fraud."

hapsburg

03-29-2005, 09:42 PM

If it hasn't been mentioned yet, I think you should only accept votes from members of this board. It's very easy to buy votes online, someone could send out mass emails to everyone they know and spam mssg boards requesting votes from people who won't even read the entries...

maestrowork

03-29-2005, 09:56 PM

Penelope

03-29-2005, 10:06 PM

Let's just go ahead and declare Ray the winner and be done with it. :D

hapsburg

03-29-2005, 10:07 PM

Because most people are too lazy. they'll go to a site and click a button for someone or send a pm but usually won't go through the trouble of registering or adding to a board's discussions. if they do register, I say take their vote. I only mention it because I helped with a contest at a smaller board and this is what happened. A couple contestants began spamming anywhere and everywhere for votes. Only our members were allowed to vote and we ended up with more votes than we had members. We thought that was unfair and had to redo the contest. Works should stand by merit, not by who does the most online pr and gets people to do a flyby vote, or worse, a pm vote to the judge without ever even visiting the board and viewing the entrants.I'm not expecting to be in the finals, but I am expecting to vote for what I think is the best work, and hope that only the best will win.

robeiae

03-29-2005, 10:18 PM

It would seem that the solution would be to only allow users who were registered as of the time auditions closed. I'm not sure if this would be feasible, however, as I am not particularly internet-savvy.

Rob

Samm

03-30-2005, 12:36 AM

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoticonidea.gif If votes are to be by contest members only, then suppose the voter had to place their vote along with their contest entry number?

I realize that doesn't leave an option open to those who are members who did not enter an audition...

Just thinking out loud here. Hope I'm not too noisy -- I really think I should've been a spinster librarian, but maybe my husband and children wouldn't agree... http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smilepopcorn.gif

JennaGlatzer

03-30-2005, 12:41 AM

Yes, only registered members of this board can send a vote by PM.

Nope, I'm not limiting it to only people who entered or people who were registered when auditions closed.

I realize no system is perfect, but please understand that I do have ways to check for voter fraud and I'm not announcing all of them (don't want people to work on ways to get around them!).

wurdwise

03-30-2005, 12:43 AM

wurdwise

03-30-2005, 12:45 AM

Sorry, Jenna. We were posting at the same time. You de boss.

maestrowork

03-30-2005, 12:50 AM

The voting won't be done by contest entrants only. It will be done by all forum members. But I think the solution lies in what robiae suggested. Only members of who belonged before the contest ended can vote. Anyone after that will not be allowed to . Sounds like the only way to keep it fair and honest.

I don't think it's a good idea. I think it should be open to EVERYONE. Much like the American Idol contest -- anyone can vote, as long as they can get to the phone. Sure there will be some abuse (people voting multiple times) but we don't want to prevent anyone from voting because of that.

There are ways to check for fraud. Also, if someone registers just to vote for a certain person... I bet the mods can sniff that out...

p.s. and why "cheat"? You "lose" once you start to cheat. That's not the spirit and purpose of this contest. For me, it's better to lose with dignity than to win by cheating.

Kudra

03-30-2005, 01:00 AM

Well said, Ray. I'm all for everyone voting, too. However, I have a feeling that only registered users of the forum will really actually go through the entries each week. Most outside users will only drop in for a few seconds to vote for their friends. But then again, isn't that what real life is like, too?

Oh, and just wondering out lout-- in American Idol, are you only allowed to vote once or something? In Indian Idol, viewers were encouraged to vote multiple times.

WhisperingBard

03-30-2005, 01:07 AM

p.s. and why "cheat"? You "lose" once you start to cheat. That's not the spirit and purpose of this contest. For me, it's better to lose with dignity than to win by cheating.

Exactly. It's a fun, community-driven contest. I personally would like to see it keep that spirit of camaraderie throughout.

Julie Worth

03-30-2005, 01:09 AM

Oh, and just wondering out lout-- in American Idol, are you only allowed to vote once or something? In Indian Idol, viewers were encouraged to vote multiple times.

That’s a very good idea. If you had to vote for more than one, that would dilute the effect of cheating. And if you voted for the one to be eliminated, that would be even better. That way, with negative voting only, any cheating would have little effect until the last round.

maestrowork

03-30-2005, 01:22 AM

I'm all for multiple votes. The idea here is to "eliminate" the contestant with the lowest vote count (much like American Idol), but not the other way around (picking the one with the highest count). Allowing people to vote for multiple contestants would hopefully minimize the need to cheat.

firehorse

03-30-2005, 01:27 AM

Whoa. This is getting way too confusing for me.

How about one vote per person :D

Sounds like Jenna has the technology (IP addresses, etc) to determine if any one person is stacking the votes.

Julie Worth

03-30-2005, 01:33 AM

Whoa. This is getting way too confusing for me.

How about one vote per person :D

Sounds like Jenna has the technology (IP addresses, etc) to determine if any one person is stacking the votes.

Ah, but see, if there’s just one vote for, and one or two pieces are real standouts, then the decision on who to eliminate will be made by a small minority of voters. Better to vote against. Just one vote per person, for elimination.

Penelope

03-30-2005, 01:51 AM

How about instead of giving our vote through private message, we vote through private massage?

Oops...sorry, wrong thread. :D

Samm

03-30-2005, 02:20 AM

*loud, booming voice, with lots of reverberation*

"Jenna has spoken...." http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteHail.gif http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

Sometimes on American Idol I find it a lot easier to pick one out of the group who shouldn't win, so voting him/her "off" would be easier. However, that's more like the reality "Survivor"-type shows, isn't it? Voting off the loser? (I don't watch those reality shows.)

So Jenna's next contest (hint hint!) will take votes for the one that should be removed from the contest. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

robeiae

03-30-2005, 02:41 AM

Hmmph!

I don't like cheaters! How about this: since there will be about ten rounds to this contest, everyone can mail in their vote and include one of their toes in the enevelope. We could spot cheaters when they attempted to mail in more than two pinky toes!!

Rob

Sarita

03-30-2005, 02:43 AM

:Thumbs: Good idea!

hapsburg

03-30-2005, 09:18 AM

*groan*

I wonder that I should have never brought it up...

It doesn't need to be so complicated. I'm all for letting everyone vote, so long as they're a memeber (I don't care when they join).

In my opinion we should each have one vote (or at least one per entrant we're voting on). Some people have all day to sit online, I don't. My vote is weakened by the votes of people who, if we allowed multiple voting, could sit in front of their computer continuously clicking "vote". It's not terribly difficult for us who are computer saavy to write a script that will vote a bilgillion times on our behalf for who we want to win. Just because you have that kinda spare time and desire, doesn't mean you should be able to determine the winner above other voters.

I know cheaters suck, but they are a reality in online contests. I trust that Jenna will be alert because she said so. I just brought it up because one bad apple can spoil the whole thing for everyone, and that would be a shame for all of us; and I've seen it happen too often in the past. Having to cancel a contest because cheaters are running amuck and an accurate and fair vote has become immpossible sucks.

wurdwise

03-30-2005, 09:26 AM

Hapsburg, I'm glad you brought it up. I am not computer savvy, and many things have been mentioned here that alot of us have probably not considered. Of course, in a perfect world, everyone would be honest, but I agree with you, there are scoundrels about and this world is far from perfect.

However, what Jenna said eased my mind, and it sounds like only members will be voting, even if they just joined. She said she had her ways of detecting fraud, and I believe her. And besides, if someone only bothered to join for the voting, 10 weeks is a long time and they would have to be doing something other than voting, right?

BlakeOvard

03-30-2005, 09:42 AM

:Soapbox: I think Jenna made it pretty clear that only those registered can vote, and voting will be done by PMing the auditor(or whatever you call who is counting). That really does limit it to ONE vote per person per week.

I think Jenna has thought it through pretty well and has a good handle on how to count, and I look forward ot the coming weeks!! Good luck to everyone!

dragonjax

03-30-2005, 06:40 PM

SueB

03-30-2005, 09:32 PM

I finally saw an episode of American Idol last night. What I want to know, Jenna, is if you're going to be Randy, Paula, or Simon?

(Does Simon ever smile? Or is he paid by the scowl?)

Okay, sorry, back to the how-to-vote thread.

I'm sooo confused! I've been reading these posts and don't know how this works. I thought that there would simply be a panel of judges reading our submissions and they would choose the winners. I don't watch Amer. Idol and I'm not computer savvy. Can someone please enlighten me? Do we each vote once? Is PM a private message, and how does one do it?
Thanks a million from an old lady!

SueB

03-30-2005, 09:34 PM

I'm sooo confused! I've been reading these posts and don't know how this works. I thought that there would simply be a panel of judges reading our submissions and they would choose the winners. I don't watch Amer. Idol and I'm not computer savvy. Can someone please enlighten me? Do we each vote once? Is PM a private message, and how does one do it?
Thanks a million from an old lady!

and are people allowed to vote for their own piece? And if they vote only once, what good is that? I mean really, do you think that Bush and Kerry went in the booth and voted for each other????????

Penelope

03-30-2005, 10:02 PM

Penelope

03-30-2005, 10:15 PM

Oh, and if I remember correctly, we're only going to be allowed to vote once each week.

I also didn't explain the process after the top 10 is selected. Each week, the participants will be given a topic or theme that they have to write about. When the entries have been posted, the general membership will vote for who they think should win. Whoever has the least amount of votes each week will be eliminated. The remaining contestants will continue to compete every week until there are two left, and then an ultimate winner is chosen.

If that doesn't explain it, let me know, I'll try to help. :)

SRHowen

03-30-2005, 10:18 PM

I wanna know now------http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_3_10.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41442US)

Richard

03-30-2005, 10:22 PM

What Poppy said. And you should know, our eyes are bleeding right now.

Only, y'know. In a good way.

DaveKuzminski

03-30-2005, 10:28 PM

The only bad thing about the weekly categories is that a writer who's poor in the first category selected will be out. That would be a shame if that writer is actually better in every other category than the other writers. Still, it's as fair as it can be and there are always later competitions to enter and a chance to shine then if the categories occur in a different order.

Sarita

03-30-2005, 10:30 PM

What Poppy said. And you should know, our eyes are bleeding right now.

Only, y'know. In a good way.

What Richard said.

dragonjax

03-30-2005, 10:36 PM

Was there a thread out there that announced who the judges are?

:Shrug:

Penelope

03-30-2005, 10:39 PM

Was there a thread out there that announced who the judges are?

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9056 (post #12 sums it up quite nicely) ;)

SueB

03-30-2005, 10:45 PM

Hey Sue,

As far as I know, the panel of judges will only pick the top 10. After that, the general membership will be voting by sending a private message to the vote counter (Melina is that person, I believe).

It does get confusing, doesn't it? Hope my answer helps a little.

Thanks Poppy! And how do we send our PM to Melina?
I am enjoying this whole experience so much! To have found a whole community of sharing and giving in this somewhat lonely world of writing is like serendipity!

Penelope

03-30-2005, 10:50 PM

Thanks Poppy! And how do we send our PM to Melina?
I am enjoying this whole experience so much! To have found a whole community of sharing and giving in this somewhat lonely world of writing is like serendipity!

You go click on her name found by her posts and some options should come up, like view her profile, send her a private message, etc. You want to click on send her a private message. You put your vote in the title line, then click submit message. I'm sure her profile/contact info will be made more accessible during the contest.

You can practice with my name if you want. Click on poppyhullings (to the left, above that redhead picture), then choose send a private message to poppyhullings, and see if it works. These things are kind of hard to explain on a message board so I hope I'm not confusing you. Just try what I suggested and see if it works and we'll go from there. :)

Jakalyn

03-30-2005, 10:57 PM

I wanna know now------http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_3_10.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41442US)

Me too, me too!

Hey Jenna, or any other judge who can answer this, will you guys let everyone know beforehand when the winners will be announced? Like will you post something that says, ok the winners will be announced tonight/tomorrow/etc at such-and-such time, or will the winners just appear suddenly?

I am driving myself nuts checking back every hour or so!

Penelope

03-30-2005, 11:00 PM

Me too, me too!

Hey Jenna, or any other judge who can answer this, will you guys let everyone know beforehand when the winners will be announced? Like will you post something that says, ok the winners will be announced tonight/tomorrow/etc at such-and-such time, or will the winners just appear suddenly?

I am driving myself nuts checking back every hour or so!

Good question. I wanna know too. I am supposed to be doing housework, but I keep thinking...what if they post the winners while I'm washing dishes, oh, I have to go check again. :)

SueB

03-30-2005, 11:02 PM

Me too, me too!

Hey Jenna, or any other judge who can answer this, will you guys let everyone know beforehand when the winners will be announced? Like will you post something that says, ok the winners will be announced tonight/tomorrow/etc at such-and-such time, or will the winners just appear suddenly?

I am driving myself nuts checking back every hour or so!

Me too! Isn't it crazy? You would think it was like a 60 million dollar lottery or something! Just goes to show that there are things more important than money when it comes to one's talents and the validation of them.

SueB

03-30-2005, 11:04 PM

Me too! Isn't it crazy? You would think it was like a 60 million dollar lottery or something! Just goes to show that there are things more important than money when it comes to one's talents and the validation of them.

Poppy,
Did you get my PM?
Thanks!

dragonjax

03-30-2005, 11:27 PM

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9056 (post #12 sums it up quite nicely) ;)

Thanks, Poppy! Can't believe I missed that entire thread. :Smack:

I'm still a tad unclear on who all the judges are, but I suppose that doesn't matter...we'll be finding out soon enough...

Sarita

03-30-2005, 11:31 PM

I'm still a tad unclear on who all the judges are...

Richard http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?userid=107 (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?userid=107)
Three Seven http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=21 (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=21)
Sara (me) http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=9696 (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=9696)

(http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?userid=107)

(http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=21)

(http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=9696)

SueB

03-30-2005, 11:52 PM

Thanks, Poppy! Can't believe I missed that entire thread. :Smack:

I'm still a tad unclear on who all the judges are, but I suppose that doesn't matter...we'll be finding out soon enough...

Wow--thanks again, Poppy! I too, had missed that thread. Dunce..

Penelope

03-30-2005, 11:56 PM

Yes, Sue, I got your private message. I sent you one back. Did you get it? Look up in the top right hand corner at the top of the page and you should see something like this:

Welcome, SueB.
You last visited: Today at 11:04 AM
Private Messages: 1 Unread, Total 1.

It may not look exactly like that, but you get the idea. Click on Private Messaages and it should take you to a screen where you can read your messages.

SueB

03-31-2005, 12:07 AM

SueB

03-31-2005, 12:15 AM

Thanks! Sent you a PM:Clap:

So, if I have it right now, the judges will select the top 10. Those top 10 will then re-enter each week, with a new selection from a catagory dictated by the judges. We then will vote each week to choose the winner for the week's catagory. At the end of 10 weeks, our votes will have chosen the overall winner, by process of elimination.
Do I have this anywhere near right? :idea:

firehorse

03-31-2005, 12:17 AM

My fingernails are chewed down to whatever's below the quick. In addition to freaking out about this (I know I should be all "whatever happens is meant to happen," but I'm just not in that head space), I'm also waiting to talk to the freelance editor who just read my ms. She e-mailed me and said she's ready to discuss her thoughts; we set up a phone appointment on Friday. I'm a little unnerved that she didn't give me *any* encouragement in the e-mail (even as vague as "you've got some good ideas" or something). I know I'm being neeeeeeeeeeeedy, and she's been ill, so I shouldn't take it personally, especially because she's major elite-level (how redundant is that - doubly or triply?!), but... I'm still bummed. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/disappointed.gif The ms is by far the best thing I've ever written, and I spent months self-editing and using readers.

Luckily(ish), I have to have my apartment clean for my landlord on Friday, so I'm going to do my best at channeling my http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage10/19.gif energy into that.

Penelope

03-31-2005, 12:31 AM

So, if I have it right now, the judges will select the top 10. Those top 10 will then re-enter each week, with a new selection from a catagory dictated by the judges. We then will vote each week to choose the winner for the week's catagory. At the end of 10 weeks, our votes will have chosen the overall winner, by process of elimination.
Do I have this anywhere near right? :idea:

We will be voting for a winner each week, but the one with the least amount of votes each week will be eliminated so only 9 will go on to compete the next week, then 8, then 7, then 6, and so on...until there is only one, and that's the winner obviously. Does that help explain it better? I admit I'm not very good at explaining these things. :)

Torin

03-31-2005, 12:33 AM

As I see it, it's a lot like everything else in writing and we're all now at the "hurry up and wait" stage. There's a lot of hurry up and wait in the writing game.

*sigh*

Torin

Penelope

03-31-2005, 12:36 AM

Oh yeah, and if I've understood this correctly, we won't know who the winner is each week. We'll only know who the 'loser' is each week...except that last week, then we will know who the winner is, of course.

William Haskins

03-31-2005, 12:39 AM

trumancoyote

03-31-2005, 12:45 AM

Ooh, or see who can write the longest w/ their own blood before passing out!

SueB

03-31-2005, 12:49 AM

We will be voting for a winner each week, but the one with the least amount of votes each week will be eliminated so only 9 will go on to compete the next week, then 8, then 7, then 6, and so on...until there is only one, and that's the winner obviously. Does that help explain it better? I admit I'm not very good at explaining these things. :)

Ok,ok, that's what I thougt. You're great at explaining and I think I finally 'got it' :Jump:
Thanks!

pabtm

03-31-2005, 12:49 AM

"Ooh, or see who can write the longest w/ their own blood before passing out!"

You people are truly disturbed...

I like it! :Thumbs:

trumancoyote

03-31-2005, 12:58 AM

Haha. Did you ever see "Quills"?

We can always devolve to writing w/ one's feces for a tie-breaker :Wha:

But then, the winners will be given enough awards; should we allow them all the fun?

wurdwise

03-31-2005, 12:58 AM

Jenna originally said the 10 finalists would be announce in 2 or 3 days. Since there were 308 entries, I am not looking for them that to happen until at least Friday. I have no expectations of making the cut, so if I do, wowzie woo hoo, won' that be a treat? It would be way more than I dreamed of, and the competition an honor to be a part of each week, no matter the subject. I believe a decent writer can make any subject engaging. Good luck to everyone!

Eussie

03-31-2005, 12:58 AM

Anyone know when we are going to see the results? *is impatiently checking every five minutes*

SueB

03-31-2005, 01:21 AM

Anyone know when we are going to see the results? *is impatiently checking every five minutes*

Can anyone enlighten me on the avatar and our titles as "Esteemed New Member" or "Super Member"?

Just wondering.....:Shrug:

SueB

03-31-2005, 01:26 AM

Anyone know when we are going to see the results? *is impatiently checking every five minutes*

Eussie,
Anytime, I guess. Someone said they wouldn't expect them before Friday. So I guess your guess is as good as anyone else's. :Cheer:

JennaGlatzer

03-31-2005, 01:34 AM

dragonjax

03-31-2005, 01:37 AM

Richard http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?userid=107 (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?userid=107)
Three Seven http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=21 (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=21)
Sara (me) http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=9696 (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=9696)

(http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?userid=107)

(http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=21)

(http://absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?find=lastposter&t=9696)
Jackie finally has a clue!
:TheWave:

Oodles of thanks, Sara.

JennaGlatzer

03-31-2005, 01:37 AM

Most answers you seek will be in the FAQs here: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_vb_user_maintain

But in short, everyone starts as an Esteemed New Member. When you get to 50 posts, you turn into a Super Member, then you can change your avatar and title by clicking "User CP" in the top left.

Or, if you make a donation toward the boards, you automatically become a Benefactor Member and get extra features (more mailbox space, custom title/avatar, etc.).

dragonjax

03-31-2005, 01:41 AM

The judges have informed me that they've bought a dart board and 308 pieces of paper. So the results should be in any minute now.

(Um... kidding.)

They've begun hashing it out. My best guess would be Friday, too.

((SNORT))

:ROFL:

Note to self: Clear Friday for purposes of checking AW Idol board every thirty seconds.

SueB

03-31-2005, 01:43 AM

The judges have informed me that they've bought a dart board and 308 pieces of paper. So the results should be in any minute now.

(Um... kidding.)

They've begun hashing it out. My best guess would be Friday, too.

Thanks Jenna. Maybe now I can tear myself away from here for a few hours and get something done!
I can't wait to hear the results and then I want to go review the 10 winner's pieces and see if I agree. Anyone else? :Hammer:

SueB

03-31-2005, 01:48 AM

:gone: :gone: Most answers you seek will be in the FAQs here: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/faq.php?faq=vb_faq#faq_vb_user_maintain

But in short, everyone starts as an Esteemed New Member. When you get to 50 posts, you turn into a Super Member, then you can change your avatar and title by clicking "User CP" in the top left.

Or, if you make a donation toward the boards, you automatically become a Benefactor Member and get extra features (more mailbox space, custom title/avatar, etc.).

Thanks, the longer I stick around here, the more questions I have. It's like--the more you know, the more you know you don't know.........you know?
I'm going to check out that thread.

Jakalyn

03-31-2005, 02:12 AM

((SNORT))

:ROFL:

Note to self: Clear Friday for purposes of checking AW Idol board every thirty seconds.

you won't be alone.

SueB

03-31-2005, 02:20 AM

you won't be alone.

So I guess things will really slow down around here for the next couple of days...like we all will check in....say every 5 minutes? :scared:

SueB

03-31-2005, 02:49 AM

So I guess things will really slow down around here for the next couple of days...like we all will check in....say every 5 minutes? :scared:

It's me again, Margaret. :flag: Another question.......Will the judges decisions be posted on this thread? Elsewhere?
Thanks :)

Penelope

03-31-2005, 02:53 AM

:gone: :gone:

Thanks, the longer I stick around here, the more questions I have. It's like--the more you know, the more you know you don't know.........you know?
I'm going to check out that thread.

I'm not an employee here or anything and I know there's a FAQ section, but I'm just a good deed doer, so if you have trouble with anything, you can always ask me (send me a private message even) and I'll try to help. I find that writing out such answers and explanations is a good writing exercise. Plus, I often learn something in the process as well. :)

In the meantime...I'll be joining you all in checking the board constantly. :D

JennaGlatzer

03-31-2005, 04:12 AM

As soon as they finalize their list, I'll post the finalists in a thread in this section marked "THE FINALISTS ARE IN" or something like that. :)

Penelope

03-31-2005, 04:22 AM

Oh boy, I can't wait. :)

SueB

03-31-2005, 04:28 AM

As soon as they finalize their list, I'll post the finalists in a thread in this section marked "THE FINALISTS ARE IN" or something like that. :)

Thank you. I am sure you know, we're sitting on pins and needles......:scared:

rhymegirl

03-31-2005, 04:42 AM

You guys realize that Friday is April Fools' Day, right?

Torin

03-31-2005, 05:01 AM

So when I see myself in the top ten I'll know it's just a big April Fool's joke. Okay. I'm good with that. :D

Torin

bjewel77

03-31-2005, 05:04 AM

While we are waiting to see if we make top 10, how about imagining how being in top 10 could change your life. I did it, and put early response in words under a new thread called Chain of Events After My Story Makes Top 10. Here's the link if anyone is interested:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9795

Hope you enjoy it! Gotta go feed Lucille.

Bjewel77

JennaGlatzer

03-31-2005, 05:37 AM

firehorse

03-31-2005, 05:40 AM

And it's now 1am UK time, so two are likely down for the night (or will be soon).

Gimpy

03-31-2005, 05:46 AM

Me too, me too!

Hey Jenna, or any other judge who can answer this, will you guys let everyone know beforehand when the winners will be announced? Like will you post something that says, ok the winners will be announced tonight/tomorrow/etc at such-and-such time, or will the winners just appear suddenly?

I am driving myself nuts checking back every hour or so!

Oh, yes, yes. I love it when companies make an announcement saying that they are going to have an announcement. :)

"We, err, have gathered you here today to announce that in, err, a few days, we... will have an announcement! Most likely..."

lol

dragonjax

03-31-2005, 05:59 AM

2 out of 3 judges have agreed on precisely ONE entry so far.
Okay, another question: Do all three judges have to agree on all 10 finalists? Or will it be a "2 out of 3" kind of thing? (If it were 4 out of 5, we'd know you were talking about dentists and Trident.)

BlakeOvard

03-31-2005, 06:00 AM

Ha! Didn't even realize it was April Fool's Day. Never know... the decisions could come in tomorrow, but I wouldn't count on it...

2 out of 3 judges have agreed on precisely ONE entry so far.

:ROFL:

Hmmmm.. maybe you should send an email to all of the entrants to say that they have made the top 10, then at the bottom, you could put an April Fools line in it, and that they have to come to the forum to check if they really made it or not... I'm sure you could think of something particularly juicy for this April Fools, since everyone will be tuning in. :snoopy:

BlakeOvard

03-31-2005, 06:03 AM

once it's narrowed to 2 final contestants, can we have them fight to the death on a live webcast? you know, throwing typewriters, poking each other with pencils, spraying ink cartridges in each other's eyes?

that's entertainment.

Hey! I got another idea... after there is a winner (and before they get medical attention) there could be a time frame that anyone who entered the contest could challenge the winner. That way we could get a "Robot Wars" type audience for the final round. Could even get publicity from national news outlets. ;)

dragonjax

03-31-2005, 06:21 AM

Could even get publicity from national news outlets. ;)
Mmmmmm. Publicity. :)

Crunchy Frog

03-31-2005, 07:00 AM

Besides the top 10 finalists, will there be any honorable mentions? I haven't read all the entries, but from what I've seen, there are a lot more than ten finalist-worthy entries.

Birol

03-31-2005, 10:24 AM

.... I know my PM box only holds 50 messages. Jenna, you're a smart, detailed-oriented individual, so I'm assuming you've found some way to expand Melina's PM system so it can handle the votes, what with 1400 members eligible to vote and all?

maestrowork

03-31-2005, 10:33 AM

Actually, instead of swarming Melina's personal mailbox, I think it might be a good idea to set up a special account for voting, like AWIdolVoteNow or something or Melina to use. So that Melina can still use her own account. And we get one central place for sending votes...

Just a thought.

Penelope

03-31-2005, 11:07 AM

Good idea, Ray.

mkcbunny

03-31-2005, 12:32 PM

Ah, but see, if there’s just one vote for, and one or two pieces are real standouts, then the decision on who to eliminate will be made by a small minority of voters.

I agree. A writer could be everyone's second choice and still be eliminated. That'd be a little sad. What if everyone gets one PM, one "vote," but they can name more than one candidate as long as they don't vote for everyone [meaning that if there are 8 contestants in a given week, they could vote for a maximum of 7].

So each voter could "pass" however many writers they wanted to. But only one list, one message per voter.

Just an idea. Personally, I would like to be able to vote for more than one writer since each assignment will have different parameters. Writer #3 for one week may be Writer #1 in a different genre.

JennaGlatzer

03-31-2005, 01:05 PM

I changed Melina's mailbox size yesterday. Actually, I couldn't just change hers-- I had to change everyone in her "usergroup," which meant all the regular mods now have a crazy amount of mailbox space for the duration of the contest.

JennaGlatzer

03-31-2005, 01:09 PM

What if everyone gets one PM, one "vote," but they can name more than one candidate as long as they don't vote for everyone...

Nope.

:tongue

One vote for one person per week per user.

I don't mind the suggestions, but I want y'all to know that the rules really are already set. It would take a lot to change my mind about how to run it right now.

Alphabeter

03-31-2005, 03:47 PM

I don't mind the suggestions, but I want y'all to know that the rules really are already set. It would take a lot to change my mind about how to run it right now.

Define A LOT (http://www.free-graphics.com/backgrounds/misc/money.jpg)

maestrowork

03-31-2005, 07:15 PM

SueB

03-31-2005, 07:45 PM

Woo hoo! Ladies, you hear? Start sending me love notes... ;)

Good day everyone. I just checked in and couldn't believe what I was seeing!
Maestrowork, has that little dog been taking a wiz all along? Could I have been missing that all week? Or is this a new addition?:confused:

SueB

03-31-2005, 07:48 PM

Good day everyone. I just checked in and couldn't believe what I was seeing!
Maestrowork, has that little dog been taking a wiz all along? Could I have been missing that all week? Or is this a new addition?:confused:

Sure hope that scroll under him is not my submission! :snoopy:

Julie Worth

03-31-2005, 07:52 PM

2 out of 3 judges have agreed on precisely ONE entry so far.

:ROFL:

Seems like it would be easier for each judge to pick her top twenty and force rank them. That would give you sixty names, probably half of them duplicates. Add up the rakings for each name and take the top ten. No discussion needed.

SueB

03-31-2005, 08:24 PM

robeiae

03-31-2005, 08:41 PM

Alphabeter

03-31-2005, 10:30 PM

I hereby offer my bar for usage by the judges.

And I am unanimous in that.

maestrowork

03-31-2005, 10:49 PM

I hereby offer my bar for usage by the judges.

And I am unanimous in that.

I swear I thought you said bra.

Penelope

03-31-2005, 10:53 PM

Ray's not dirty-minded, just dyslexic. :)

firehorse

03-31-2005, 11:09 PM

Do you think they've agreed on two yet? ;)

Sarita

03-31-2005, 11:11 PM

Nope!

Alphabeter

03-31-2005, 11:24 PM

Ray, if you're still single I wrote bra.

Sara, PLEASE keep the updates coming!

Sarita

03-31-2005, 11:33 PM

Sara, PLEASE keep the updates coming!

Nothing new to report. Dissent, name calling, Richard and Three pulling each other's hair... :ROFL:

Actually it's going just fine.

dragonjax

03-31-2005, 11:34 PM

Is anyone else watching the thread and post numbers on the Judges' Room board, as if we could glean any insite from those numbers? :scared:

(What's really sad is that I have short stories on submission at various magazines and a novel on sub with a handful of agents and one publisher...and all I can think about lately is the AW Idol competition! Sad, sad, sad...) :Shrug:

Mr Underhill

03-31-2005, 11:50 PM

(What's really sad is that I have short stories on submission at various magazines and a novel on sub with a handful of agents and one publisher...and all I can think about lately is the AW Idol competition! Sad, sad, sad...) :Shrug:

Well at least it's keeping your mind off of those things. If something does develop, it'll be a surprise!

Speaking of which, I should think about my most recent sub... Hmm, it would surely have been returned by now if I had used insufficient postage. So far, so good! Woo-Hoo! :banana:

jdkiggins

04-01-2005, 02:57 AM

…a dart board and 308 pieces of paper and April Fool’s Day.

I’m horrible at playing darts; I’m out of paper; now you’re telling me this is a big joke.

:Smack:

wurdwise

04-01-2005, 03:01 AM

jdkiggins

04-01-2005, 03:05 AM

No, but it's really scary that Jenna is spending so much time in the "Death or Not" thread.

SueB

04-01-2005, 03:07 AM

[QUOTE=dragonjax]Is anyone else watching the thread and post numbers on the Judges' Room board, as if we could glean any insite from those numbers? :scared:

Boy I feel better. I thought it was just me. :Thumbs:

Hey, I just had a brainstorm. It struck me that I should donate a prize to go along with the other prizes for the grand prize winner. If anyone is curious, pop over to the prizes thread and take a look at my post. Let me know if I have any takers. :partyguy:

wurdwise

04-01-2005, 04:41 AM

Well, I for one am getting excited! Maybe it's my fertile imagination, but could the judging be over? Nothing has been posted in that forum for 2 HOURS! :Wha: (or maybe they just took the night off.)

I haven't been staring at the judges forum constantly, you know...well, not really!;)

SueB

04-01-2005, 05:01 AM

SueB

04-01-2005, 05:11 AM

"All's quiet on the western front," eh?

Does anyone know -- what time do the judges call it a day? I doubt they burn the midnight oil........ :Coffee: or :sleepy: ?

wurdwise

04-01-2005, 05:14 AM

http://www.funnypop.com/images/larry_king.jpg

I'll be perfectly fine if I don't win.

Birol

04-01-2005, 05:15 AM

I'm surprised no one's tried to bribe Jenna or Melina to get information about what is going on in there. They both have access, but neither is a judge.

SueB

04-01-2005, 05:18 AM

http://www.funnypop.com/images/larry_king.jpg

I'll be perfectly fine if I don't win.

:roll: :roll: :roll: I'm afraid we all may resemble this, more than we would like, by the time they announce the results!

SueB

04-01-2005, 05:54 AM

:roll: :roll: :roll: I'm afraid we all may resemble this, more than we would like, by the time they announce the results!

Wordwise, I've been noticing your name on here quite a bit. Made me curious, so I went back to the auditions and re-read your piece. I remembered it--now that's something for me---it was one of the ones that I really liked. Good luck in the competition.........and no matter what happens........keep writing! :Clap:

SueB

04-01-2005, 05:58 AM

I'm surprised no one's tried to bribe Jenna or Melina to get information about what is going on in there. They both have access, but neither is a judge.

Birol, Since you are not one of the 308, I am surprised that no one has offered you a monetary reward to do this dastedly deed for us! :Hail:

wurdwise

04-01-2005, 06:09 AM

Thank you, Sue B! That makes me feel great.:D

SueB

04-01-2005, 06:13 AM

Birol, Since you are not one of the 308, I am surprised that no one has offered you a monetary reward to do this dastedly deed for us! :Hail:

I do believe the judges have called it a night. Guess I will too.
Catch you all tomorrow! :hi:

mudflat_marshawk

04-01-2005, 06:41 AM

rofl wordwise. that photo is a gem. :Trophy:

Birol

04-01-2005, 06:51 AM

Birol, Since you are not one of the 308, I am surprised that no one has offered you a monetary reward to do this dastedly deed for us! :Hail:

I'm willing to consider bribes.

firehorse

04-01-2005, 06:56 AM

Does anyone know -- what time do the judges call it a day? I doubt they burn the midnight oil........ :Coffee: or :sleepy: ?The midnight oil comes earlier for 2/3 of the judges (I think Richard's UK too, right?), so that's why the last post in the Judges' Room was at 5:01p.m. and - ahem - hasn't changed no matter how many times I look at it :Shrug:

I'm beginning to think we won't know the finalists till, say, Victoria Day or Memorial Day. :eek:

SueB

04-01-2005, 07:13 AM

Thank you, Sue B! That makes me feel great.:D

:welcome:

Melina

04-01-2005, 01:08 PM

Actually, I don't have access to the judges' room. I'd be happy to accept bribes, but they won't get you anywhere. I know as much about what's going on as everyone else...I did, however dig Poppy's idea about private massage for the vote-counting process...

Melina

Birol

04-01-2005, 01:24 PM

Melina, shush. We might be able to get some free meals or rep points out of this. ;)

Melina

04-01-2005, 02:47 PM

Oh, yeah-heh...Disregard previous message. I have heavy influence on the judges. I am heavily under the influence myself...:Cheers:

Melina

JennaGlatzer

04-01-2005, 03:48 PM

erm... no progress.

:wag:

Well, that's not entirely true. There has been some narrowing of lists and such. But I will tell you this, and it's a testament to how many talented people we have here: The judges are having a heckuva time coming to a final 10. I'll reveal more about the process after the decision has been made, but the point is that it hasn't been a simple "I like this one," "Good-- I do, too" thing.

I can't believe I kept myself out of the judging process. Do you know how hard it is for me to keep my mouth shut and not say, "Pick this one, you fools!"?

KTC

04-01-2005, 03:54 PM

It must be a hard process, Jenna. Every judge would have different tastes. And tastes change daily too! I've read a lot of the entries. I found something I liked in each one I read. I wouldn't want to make the decision!

dragonjax

04-01-2005, 04:21 PM

I can only begin to imagine how tough the selection process is. Do all three judges have to unanimously agree on the 10 finalists? Wow -- I'm getting a sinking feeling that we're not going to get the final list today...

(Wait. Maybe that's just hunger pangs...)

:D

Julie Worth

04-01-2005, 04:46 PM

erm... no progress.

The judges are having a heckuva time coming to a final 10. I'll reveal more about the process after the decision has been made, but the point is that it hasn't been a simple "I like this one," "Good-- I do, too" thing.

A literary agent in training could’ve done it in one morning. Hell, before lunch! Pile a mountain of submissions on his desk.

The clock clicks the hour. It’s ten am— the workday begins!

“Go go go!” shouts the chief agent.

The trainee gets off to a smooth start. He slices open a submission, flattens it with one hand. Reads the first line, crumples it. “Not for us!” he shouts, tapping the little bell on his desk. Ding! He glances at his coworker at the next desk. “Full list!” she shouts. Ding! He smiles, for the game is on. Soon there’s a flurry of dings, back and forth, faster and faster. By lunch it is over. Hundreds of submissions, not one worthy of the agency’s august standards: i.e., not one writer a relative or a mass murderer. They pause to take out the trash, then a well deserved nap, for in the afternoon their real work begins—steaming the stamps from those self-addressed envelopes.

Richard

04-01-2005, 05:03 PM

Oh, well, if THAT'S how you want to play it.

Dear Entrant,

Thank you very much for submitting your entry to the contest. We read it with interest, but unfortunately, do not believe we can represent it in our Top 10 at this moment of time. We wish you the very best luck in the future.

Man, that was SO much easier. Cheers! ;-)

edfrzr

04-01-2005, 05:43 PM

I guess I'm not alone in this world , huh? But I have yet a larger problem. Not only have I pondered the outcome of this truly great contest, but I am a dyslexic insomniac agnostic. And I know all of you realizes what that means.

I am also lying awake all night wondering if there really is a dog.

Samm

04-01-2005, 06:37 PM

erm... no progress.

Thanks for the update, Jenna. I can't believe I was able to wait until 9AM today to check this board. I had a little panic attack yesterday when I kept getting a "server may be down" message. I told myself we finally crashed the board... :scared:

And that wascally William! He must realize that it is now William season....:guns:

SueB

04-01-2005, 09:18 PM

Thanks for the update, Jenna. I can't believe I was able to wait until 9AM today to check this board. I had a little panic attack yesterday when I kept getting a "server may be down" message. I told myself we finally crashed the board... :scared:

And that wascally William! He must realize that it is now William season....:guns:

William Haskins? C'mon William, level with us. Your middle name is Heckler, isn't it? William Heckler Haskins! :TheWave: