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Rated: E · Book · Contest · #483915

Questions Answered

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#227801 added January 31, 2026 at 3:35pm
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How to Create a Contest Forum!
Most, if not all, contests are done in a forum. What is a message forum? A forum is an item that allows you to place a large amount of information in a header, and then provides a place for members to post a response to what you have asked or requested in your information block. Messages are stored to allow for continuous viewing by the host and all members who visit.

You have done the groundwork for your contest; now it is time to create the forum so that others can see and participate.

We can create the forum together, but you will need to have two windows open to complete this task. One so you can continue reading, and another so create your contest forum. At the side of your screen, click on “Create New Item”. From this menu, select “Message Forum”. Now, a new screen will appear, to which you can fill in the blanks as follows:

*Bullet*Title: Make it catchy, but to the point

*Bullet*Brief Description: A teaser to entice members to check out your contest. The teaser can include genre, gift point value, contest dates, or the kind of item you're looking for, like story or poetry.

*Bullet*Intro Rating: Select from the drop-down menu

*Bullet*Add a Cover: add an image, a stock photo, or something which relates to your contest.

*Bullet*Main Body: Finally, we are at the root of the contest. In this section, you will detail the kind of contest you are having, and exactly how you plan to host, receive and judge all who dare to enter. Be sure to cover all your bases so your entrants are not left with questions. Use images and writingml to decorate.

*Bullet*Other: This is the type to choose from the dropdown menu [contest].

*Bullet*Folder: this is where you want it kept in your portfolio; use the dropdown to select.

*Bullet*Content Rating: Use the dropdown menu. Your rating is important, so choose it wisely. Remember, all the posts that will appear in your forum must adhere to this rating.

*Bullet*Make Public, allow Everyone: this is the access default. Use the dropdown menu. Choose who you want to give access to for your contest.

*Bullet*Keywords: Keep words relevant to your contest description. examples: love, romance, woman, adult, contest, mystery, relationship. Now, if a member chooses one of those words in their power search, they will find your item listed.

Forum Settings
*Bullet*Direct GPs to Group ID: if your contest is part of a group activity, you can enter your group number, and all points will be donated to your group page. If you do not have a group, leave this blank, and GP will go directly to you should someone donate anything.

Advanced
In this section, you can leave the defaults or choose from the dropdown menus to alter any selection.

Done Setting Up
*Bullet*Save Item: If you are done with everything, click save. And you will be taken to your portfolio, to the link to your contest.

*Bullet*Save and Edit: If you are still working on your item but want to see the current progress, click this button, and your document will stay in edit item format. This works best if you have two windows open so you can review your document in one window, and edit in another.
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