Item Icon
\"Reading Printer Friendly Page Tell A Friend
★★★★★ (15)
Rated: E · Book · Contest · #483915

Questions Answered

◀ Previous · Entry List · Next ▶
#250413 added January 31, 2026 at 4:30pm
Restrictions: None
Being a Good Contest Host
While it is understood each person will have an opinion, some may be good, others bad, we have to keep in mind that it is usually one bad apple that spoils the bushel. Contests at Writing.Com are presented in whole by a member who hosts a contest. The site itself is not responsible for the actions of the Host. Which means, as members, we must take control and own up to our actions. An opinion is based on what is written and seen. At times, what is written and seen can be made to sound more horrific than it really is. But then again, in an effort not to cause animosity amongst us, some things are left unsaid.

We see a variety of members who step up to the plate, raise their bat, and start swinging. I was impressed by this member, who took the time to show and tell, not batter, and belittle. There is no argument here, just actual documentation in the running of a contest and the impact felt by the entrants.

When you develop a contest and put it out for the public eye, you have given your permission to be scrutinized. Regardless of what your intentions were, your actions will leave a lasting impression. Having an abundance of time at the moment, tons of gift points in your bank, or a good idea for a contest, does not mean you will not be subjected to members' comments that your contest was terrible. As a contest host, you set the expectations; therefore, you can and will be held accountable when you do not follow through.

From an entrant stand point, this is what is expected:

1. Don't make promises you can't keep.

2. Give a specific or approximate date when winners will be announced, and ensure that those dates are adhered to

3. Don't promise gift points or awardicons unless you have enough in your account to make good on the stated prize awards.

4. Don't change the rules during or after the contest has closed.

5. If you announce a closing date in the original contest rules, don't change it due to a small number of entries.

6. Don't start a contest, allow members to enter, then delete the contest without at least having the common courtesy to notify all entrants individually of your intentions.

7. If you are too busy with other things to properly run a contest -- don't start one.

8. Make sure you send the appropriate gift points and or awards to those who won them. If you make a mistake, take responsibility and pay out the additional gift points or award the additional awardicon to the rightful winners.

9. Announce your winners by displaying their item in c or b format in a post in the contest forum. Send an email to the entrants notifying them that the winners have been announced.

10. Check your contest forum regularly to ensure that entries are posted correctly, and answer any questions that entrants may have.

There are many contests on the site, and it is important to realize that not all contest hosts are the same. In fact, many contests have helped writers to realize their potential by inviting them to try different genres and forms of writing.

For those contest hosts that truly do give it their all, and provide many members with inspiration and gift points. Thank-you. To the rest of you, it’s time to pull up your socks and join the ranks of being a Good Contest Host

Committing to host a contest is a big responsibility, and one that requires the individual to follow through with all of their intentions as posted in their contest forum.
*Thought*  Comment

© Copyright 2026 Wannabe (UN: gresyl at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Wannabe has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
◀ Previous · Entry List · Next ▶