QUOTE:
I would love to see this back next year, but have a few comments.
1) Shorten the time to write to 10 minutes.
Originally, when I've done this for
MTAC, the time limit is 15 minutes. I do agreethe 20 minutes may have run a bit long, too, though.
QUOTE:
2) Increase the number of words to 20. Writers must incorporate AT LEAST 10, but do not need to use all 20. Writers using all 20 receive an extra prize even if theirs is not the winning entry.
That's a very interesting suggestion and we'll definitely take it into consideration.
QUOTE:
3) Not to take anything away from the winner, for her story was excellent, but it appeared as though several people recognized her as an established fanfic writer (one of the contestants said she would participate but already knew the other writer would win). I suggest asking that contestants be someone who has written only for fun, or not had more than 2 or 3 stories posted or published, or has never written yaoi themed fics. This to encourage other writers to want to have fun with this, and not be worried about losing. And yes, I realize the audience wants to be entertained with the stories, but I think they will be with newbie writers' efforts.
Well, as it IS a contest, the contestants will naturally vary in their skills. Only those who were very certain of their skills should take part in any writing contest. Yes, the winner IS a fairly well-known fan writer, but that shouldn't disqualify her from participating. Who was to say that a perfectly unknown but possibly more skilled writer wouldn't have wound up winning instead?
QUOTE:
4) Packets of Pocky as prizes was a fun idea! Maybe next year, the different flavored Pocky along with the regular chocolate.
We'll take that under advisement, as well.
QUOTE:
5) Not sure what to do with the audience during the writing period. Someone thought the AMVs might be too distracting, but the stories still turned out pretty good so I don't know if the writers were distracted at all. (They were all at the back of the room). Maybe some puzzles or quizzes handed out on sheets to complete. Like how many pairs can you name or word search puzzles with seme/uke names (hmm, maybe I can make some of those ...) or pass out crayons with pictures to color ... hmmm, maybe I can make some of THOSE.
The reason I did choose AMVs was because of the lesser distraction it would provide. If the room was left quiet, it wouldn't be for long -- eventually, people would begin discussions and it'd get increasingly loud. At least with the AMVs, the writers would have the benefit of little talking and possibly even some "mood music".
I do like your ideas for alternative activities, though. Maybe you'd be interested in helping out with next year's "sit-out" event?
QUOTE:
6) In addition to the fan favorite by audience applause, have a small panel (even if only 2 people) to act as judges to determine a winner following certain protocol: number of secret word ingredients used; creativity; originality; unexpected use of word, etc. I realize this last may not be feasible but it's worth asking for. :wink:
I think if it were a standalone event and not up against the Cosplay Contest and Auction, this might be more feasible. But as it was, it was designed to give attendees something else to do in the event that they couldn't or didn't want to attend either the Cosplay or Auction. But I do like the panel idea, as it would give the writers more specific feedback on their work.
Of course, writers were encouraged to go ahead and make it a bit ridiculous, too.
Thanks so much for the great feedback! I do apologize for our seeming haphazardness with it -- much of the preparation for the Triple Play was lost under the need to prep for other largers areas of the con. I do appreciate everyone's patience and even their helpful suggestions. I was admittedly brain-dead by that time, so the help was wonderful. ^^
Tracy
Forums 
