((I was going to post this in the Contest Discussion sub-subforum but no one ever looks there so... I apologize if this infringes on anything.))

I just today saw Terminal had terminated (¿) the Twelve Labours series. One of my personal best pieces of writing was born as a submission to a Labour, so I—among others, I'm sure—am/are quite sentimental about that. I, being the dream-the-impossible-dream guy that I am, really want to make some kind of contest of my own. (I know I, like anyone else on here, have had my disappearing spells but managing is easier than writing for me........ lol) However, I obviously don't want to make a prompt-response-vote contest like the RPGC or do a prompt-response-judge-pass/fail contest like TTL (because, honestly, I don't have it in me to write scathing reviews like Master Terminal). My biggest struggle is coming up with a creative way to determine a winner, since the prompt-response part is kinda the root of a writing contest.

I might just come up with a grading system, award points in categories out of 100 points, and the name the winner him or her with the highest grade/score??? I don't know. I really would like to have a second contest running alongside RPGC though.

My dream is definitely to see this subform more lively and welcoming for anyone and all those who love to write. Would anyone be interested perhaps? Or is now not a good time for change?

Well, something that interested me about the pass/fail system used in the 12 labors was that while there was one "true" winner, it was possible for everyone who participated to pass a threshold and get some form of recognition for it. I don't think you need to write scathing reviews to do something like that.

The problem with a point system is that, for me, I don't really believe it's realalistic. I can tell you if I like a piece more than another, but telling the difference can be really hard. especially when asked to consider personal biases. (I like anime stories, and this is an anime story, but I do feel that it's written better. do I give it to the other guy, or do I go with my feelings?) If you did have a point system, you would need to really break it down so that there was some meaning.

I really think the best thing to do is get some judges and work with them on a system you agree on. Decide what you're looking for in writing and make sure the contestants know it. Are you looking for good grammar? Make sure everyone's good at finding mistakes. Is it for how clearly understood a prose is, or are you looking for more artistic approaches? There are a lot of ways to write good stories, but that doesn't mean all of them will win your contest.

I'm actually in the process of working out another series of TTL-like Contests with Aria.
There's currently the RPGC or something that's on going.
Hopefully with Mahz more active, I may be able to make my TTL stuff an official thing.

Currently on the table is a cycle of themes.

The First cycle being the 7 Sins.
And I'll be working on the prompts as we go along, the first three are ready.
And like TTL every submission which passes will be given honors,
But only one may 'win' it all.

The Next cycle will most likely be the 5 Elements.

If you want creativities in grading,
Consider printing out each submission and tossing them down a stairwell.
The one that landed the farthest wins.

Oh, awesome! That's good to hear. And less work for me, hehe.

I will still also write reviews for various submissions in other contests, if people find them helpful. I did not stop out of convenience or choice, so I still have all the time needed. Look out for those.