Writing Contest Opinions? \ stacker news ~BooksAndArticles

2452 sats \ 30 comments \ @siggy47 9 Apr BooksAndArticles

I'm looking for feedback on writing contests being held in this territory. We have had two so far. The first one drew a lot of engagement, great content, and positive feedback. The second one was not as well received, though the content produced by those who participated was solid. I'm looking for any opinions stackers may have on this topic, but I have two specific questions:

Should we have writing contests in this territory?
If so, what writing prompt or prompts would you like to see?

Thanks for any input.

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125 sats \ 7 replies \ @herschel 9 Apr

I wonder if having them on a regular schedule, less often, and building it up as the dates come can help.

75 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 9 Apr

This is roughly what I was going to say.

50 sats \ 5 replies \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

Yes. I think that is good advice. I'm trying to figure out how often would be optimal. Monthly? Every two months? I'm not sure. I guess I'll experiment.

92 sats \ 2 replies \ @herschel 9 Apr

Pick one day of the month. "Second Saturday Showdown" "Monthly Monday Match"

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

Good idea. I like Monthly Monday March.

75 sats \ 0 replies \ @flat24 9 Apr

I think it could be monthly and on the 21st of each month... and write about any topic but mainly about ideas of "Freedom"

75 sats \ 1 reply \ @Undisciplined 9 Apr

My first thought was monthly.

50 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

Yes. I was thinking if I announce it a month out, while also pre announcing the prompt, stackers would essentially have two months to think about, write, and edit a really good submission. We could get a really high quality, competitive contest. I'll probably throw in a boost too.

95 sats \ 1 reply \ @Scoresby 9 Apr

I'd love to see occasional fiction contests. I'm not sure how many people would be interested in writing fiction, but it would be fun to see what happens.

Themes/prompts: since SN is so heavily bitcoiner, perhaps short stories involving bitcoin in some way. Especially if the emphasis is not bitcoin itself, but imagining how the world is different when bitcoin is more widespread, integrated.

27 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

I would give it a try if there was enough interest from the community. I want to make sure there is interest before I select any prompts.

80 sats \ 1 reply \ @riberet19 9 Apr

I say yes, because if there are contests, that always encourages people a little more to create good content, I would like to continue seeing reviews and recommendations of books, also unknown books but with valuable content.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

Thanks for the response. Don't worry. Book reviews will always be a big part of this territory. Any contests would always be in addition to our regular content.

85 sats \ 4 replies \ @Fabs 9 Apr

If, then I'd like the prompts to be focused towards cultivating more educational content, instead of personal stories. This doesn't mean that there can't or shouldn't be creative prompts, but that's what I'd like to see more of.

0 sats \ 3 replies \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

I see a distinction between this territory and, for instance, bitcoin beginners. I just read that piece you're working on there. Very educational, and , for me, I think it's perfect content for that territory. For books and articles, I see it more open ended. What I would like to see here is originality, creativity, and quality writing. That doesn't mean articles can't be educational. I would just put the emphasis on creativity. To each his own.

75 sats \ 2 replies \ @Fabs 9 Apr

Well, I'm not trying to hint at Bitcoin-prompts in particular, for I also think that these kind of prompts wouldn't really fit into this specific territory.

Maybe educational is the wrong word, what about thought provoking?

Prompts like: What renewed your hope in a better future (for yourself or globally), or Financials aside: If you could dedicate your life to the / a greater good, what would it be?

Anyway, I'll see it coming as it comes. 🌞

Edit: wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow someone posts these possible prompts as posts 😜

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

Damn. Off the top of your head? I'm stealing them😀 Yes, that's exactly what I'm talking about. If you have more lodged in your cranium, spit them out please.

75 sats \ 0 replies \ @Fabs 9 Apr

Off the top of my mighty-fine head indeed!

If you have more lodged in your cranium, spit them out please.

Maybe I do, and maybe I will, fine Sir, maybe I will...😈

85 sats \ 0 replies \ @MB 9 Apr

To answer your questions in order:

Yes most definitely have writing contests. I’ve only been on SN for a few days and I’m already impressed by the creativity & ideas I’ve come across.
In a past experience of writing I’ve seen contests with a very short timeframe and using 2 or 3 words as starting points. As has already been mentioned these could be something that links the SN community. A monthly or bi-monthly schedule would be a good starting point to build from.

85 sats \ 2 replies \ @grayruby 9 Apr

Yes, contests are great but I might biased since I won a lot of sats on the first one. What was the second contest again?

50 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

This is embarrassing. I don't remember.

75 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby 9 Apr

It's ok. I found it.

#429644

Now I recall. I think it was a case of people not wanting to go into political stuff. Even though I think most stackers are aligned on the libertarian side of things. I remember reading the post and thinking "this isn't as easy as writing my bitcoin story" and then I admittedly forgot about it.

I have a framework for some bitcoin fiction you requested. I just have to sit down and hammer it out. Probably some time next week I will post it. I have a few things I need to get done this week and I am busy the week after next so I need to hold myself to account for a deadline of Friday the 19th.

85 sats \ 0 replies \ @Taft 9 Apr

Some short fiction stories involving Bitcoin will be exciting, at least for me.

75 sats \ 1 reply \ @watchmancbiz 10 Apr

I am a longtime writer, started as a young child. over 200 poems published by the time I was 20, Editor in Chief. I digress. Anyway, I'd love this idea, and would definitely find a pleasure to participate.

20 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 10 Apr

Very good to hear it. I look forward to your submissions. Also feel free to suggest topics,/prompts.

75 sats \ 1 reply \ @cryotosensei 9 Apr

I actually gave your question some deep thought while showering. The prompt must be something all Stackers can relate to. It must be a story because we are wired to remember stories. That’s why the Bitcoin prompt was a resounding success. What else binds us together? Sensei thought n thought. Eureka! The fact that we all use SN. Why not let the prompt be A day in the life of a Stacker? Must show evidence of he or she using SN lar. The Stacker can be autobiographical or fictional, depending on how we wanna tell our story xP

My 2 million sats’ worth (because my prompt is THAT good) 😌

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

Good suggestion.

75 sats \ 0 replies \ @Coinsreporter 9 Apr

We must be having some very Bitcoin Basic prompts. We can include the topics related to Bitcoin one by one.

Some of the examples are:

Mining

Consensus

Bitcoin Adoption

P2P

UTXOs

Nostr

Etc. Etc.

75 sats \ 1 reply \ @jillofallcoins 9 Apr

Thanks @siggy47 for putting this out there. I've participated in both and had been searching to see if these were still on. I like to see it continue so hope these suggestions can be of some help:

If we have writing contests in this territory the questions could be focused on a particular book/article that relates to Bitcoin and other relevant topics. You could also try them in other territories and have the contest prompt relate to one of the top posts to expand on others ideas.

Another idea is that you announce the book/article to read at the start of the month (or whatever timeframe), crowdsource the most interesting question/topic/idea related to it, then run a writing contest on it.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @siggy47 OP 9 Apr

Thanks for these suggestions.

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @03d99caedc 9 Apr

You can’t base anything off of how the community responds since how they respond is in large part determined by other things than this communities influence. The news cycle plays a role in this.