Re: Reply

A Harry Potter Competition Idea by Kitty Eden on 2013-07-30 11:57:00 UTC Reply

Hi all,
I'm fairly new, and I'm pretty sure that this is my first new thread. I know that Harry Poter is the most popular fandom on the Pit. Consequently, there are a whole lot of badfics. I was browsing and found a Hermione/Bellatrix LEMON. Ugh. But m point is that we make the most of it. If we all claim a Harry Potter badfic and get permission to spork it, we can hold a little competition and give out writing tips. Is this a good idea?

Another idea. by Neshomeh on 2013-07-31 22:45:00 UTC Reply

Perhaps not for right now, but:

We have a game called Fill the Plothole wherein someone posts a selection of funny or odd fanfic summaries on the Board, and people write short stories based on any of the summaries that strike their fancy, "filling the plothole" of the summary in the process. Usually these end up being humorous, but they don't have to be. You can see examples from previous games here.

It's not a competition and agents aren't involved,* but you could definitely pick all summaries from Potterverse fics if you wanted to start a game sometime.

~Neshomeh

* Usually. People *coughmecough* have used FtP as a platform to write mini faux-missions, but that's not the point of the game. At all.

Reply by Kitty Eden on 2013-08-01 03:52:00 UTC Reply

Aha, now that's an idea. Tell me more...

Not much more to tell, really. by Neshomeh on 2013-08-01 04:42:00 UTC Reply

It's pretty much as simple as it sounds. Someone goes onto fanfic.net or wherever, looks through the categories for likely summaries, and copies & pastes the most bizarre, entertaining, or otherwise intriguing of them into a post. Just the titles and summaries—the actual content of the fic doesn't matter. Then, the Boarders who want to play look at the summaries, pick one that gives them an idea (usually something that attempts to make the summary make sense, "filling the plothole"), and write a short story based on it, which they post in a reply to the original post. It's a good idea for them to include the title and summary they're using so we know what their prompt was. The rest of us read, react, and perhaps respond. People can respond to as many of the summary prompts as they want, and the person who starts the game can also participate, so it's truly all-inclusive. {= )

~Neshomeh

Interest by Storme Hawk on 2013-07-30 18:50:00 UTC Reply

I'd be interested in doing something like this, however I agree with Phobos' second and third points.
Re: A Harry Potter Competition Idea by Phobos on 2013-07-30 13:25:00 UTC Reply

There are some merits to what you are proposing. Encouraging people to write is always fun. We've had writing contests before, with varying degrees of success. So the idea can definitely work. I would just caution you on a couple of things.

First off, being as specific as which fandom to write in might turn people off of the idea. Some people may not like Harry Potter, or they may want to do something else. Widening the focus a little might not be a bad idea.

Secondly, your idea hinges on everyone getting permission, which is unrealistic. There are going to be a few people who just are not ready for it. So, I would again shift the focus to something that doesn't require permission. This will allow everyone to participate.

Thirdly, while you may get some people to participate for writing tips (hS runs a writing challenge that runs on everyone involved giving concrit to at least one other participant), you might have better luck with some other type of incentive.

Really, all of that is logistical. If you can find a way to make it work, then there is no reason not to give it a try.

-Phobos

Reply by KittyEden on 2013-07-30 14:35:00 UTC Reply

Thanks for the input. The reasons I thought HP was that one, It's overflowing with badfic, and two, I'd like a famlliar fandom.
when I said permision i meant normal spork permission.
And what incentive would you suggest?

Re: Reply by Phobos on 2013-07-30 14:49:00 UTC Reply

What do you mean by "normal spork permission"? We only have one type of permission in the PPC. You only need permission to write in the PPC's shared world, so writing an MST or any other kind of sporking doesn't need anyone to sign off.

As for incentives, offering to review a future story, draw a picture, or beta for people have all worked in the past. The problem is that the best incentives tend to be time consuming. Maybe you can come up with something that will interest people, that doesn't take forever to get done.

Just think about what people want, make sure it is something you can do, and find a way to give them that as a reward.

-Phobos