I feel that co-written stories are inappropriate for these competitions unless it is a specific co-writers competition.
Proofing and light editing I like. Heavy editing should not be done for a comp story.
The Linebacker
Join the best erotica focused adult social network now
Login
Competition Entries should be primarily SOLO efforts
last reply
120 replies
10.1k views
0 watchers
0 likes
Coco Pop
Quote by JWren
Why not make competitions truly open - including co-authors? Because two people collaborate, that doesn’t make it twice as good. I’m confident there would be individual stories of a higher standard than collaborations in any contest. Surely, the idea behind a Lush contest is for the best entry to win (in the judges opinion) - without concerns for how it was compiled. There would be no issue with an “honour system” if it was open. EVERYONE would know where they stood and they could decide whether to enter or not - as members do now.
Just asking the question.
this could be for one specific comp, i feel.
Her Royal Spriteness
Quote by Liz
How does your suggestion of allowing co-authored stories address Nicola's concerns regarding new members without many friends or a support network having a fair shot at competitions?
Just so everyone knows, for a non-refundable fee of $25 i am willing to co-author comp stories. Just putting that out there.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Scarlet Seductress
Quote by JWren
Surely, new members are of varying talents just as are existing members. Couldn't a new member win with their first entry?
There is no level playing field here. Abilities vary, and always will.
You don't think allowing co-authored stories for all competitions is in any way stacking the deck? Bear in mind that Lush allows up to three co-authors per story. What this is in effect saying, however good those new members may be, is that the stories they are going up against in the competitions may or may not have been written by up to four people.
I think story comps should be solo efforts with a friendly proofread by a third party if the author thinks it necessary.
Scarlet Seductress
Quote by sprite
Just so everyone knows, for a non-refundable fee of $25 i am willing to co-author comp stories. Just putting that out there.
Quote by nicola
I don't personally see much harm in asking someone to proofread a story, or them pointing out the grammatical errors. Particularly if you're dyslexic, or weak technically. None of us are perfect, and another set of eyes often helps.
It's the heavy editing and co-writing which has become an issue.
So, would we all be happier, if the rules were altered, so that proofing and light editing are ok, but anything more involved, shouldn't be allowed?
At the end of the day, it's an honour system, and totally unpoliceable. The message we're trying to get across, is that we want submissions, to be as close to your own work, as possible.
Feedback welcome.
Hi Nicola
I recently uploaded a story for this competition (a lengthy, not much sex filled, entirely unwinnable story) and had it rejected. I am slightly dyslexic (but technically spot on- yeah baby) and so would be utterly amazed if I ever put forward a story that is entirely error free.
That being said, I work very hard at making sure there are as few errors as possible and hate putting forward anything that's less than my best- but as I said, it will never be error free. I have a friend on here that I, therefore, ask to proof read before submitting- fully expecting mistakes to be flagged, and grateful when they are.
Before submitting my story for this competition, however, I read this and didn't, as per usual, get her to proof read it. I just did my best and submitted.
It was rejected, though, and this surprised me. Firstly, because I'm god's gift to writing (obviously), but secondly because in the rejection I was advised to get someone to proof read it...something I'd specifically not done because of this thread!!!
Now there were some comments about why it was rejected, and I can't argue against those. I've just gone and resubmitted a slightly edited version of the story with those comments in mind. That being said, I still haven't asked anyone to proof read it because I'm conscious of what I'm reading here.
I suppose, long story short, I have two comments:
1. Can it be clarified just what the rules are? It's clear that different people, and different mods, have different ideas to this.
2. If the rules are currently that no help whatsoever is to be offered, I agree that it should be the case that 'proofing and light editing are ok, but anything more involved, shouldn't be allowed'.
I have no third comment, so shall end my post here....
Coco Pop
so if it was a comp. where you specifically HAD to have a co-author, I expect the prize would be split 50/50 so each party would have to be satisfied by their co-writer's contribution before entering a piece. I presume entries in the 'Masturbation' category would be disallowed *dab*
Attention Whore
Why, oh why, oh why?
What does it matter?
The purpose of a competition is to engage with the community, to inspire them to create, and to create a buzz. Surely, the ideal is to reach and involve as many members as possible.
It seems to me that the idea of banning 'heavy editing' or 'co-authoring' is based on a flawed belief that two contributors will create something 'better' than anything that can be created by a single individual acting alone and therefore provides them with an unfair advantage. This is palpable nonsense.
A competition should showcase the best writing and the best authors on Lush. It should inspire all of us to try to do better. Hopefully, the best story will win; or at least the story that finds the most favour with the reading public will win. How many individuals contributed to the creation of that entry seems to me to be irrelevant. Creating petty restrictions merely reduces the desire of individuals (both new and long-standing) to enter the competition; which is counter-productive.
And just to settle any concerns: this post was entirely my own work; it has received no editing either light or heavy from any other person (Lush author or otherwise) and no animals were harmed in its construction.
What does it matter?
The purpose of a competition is to engage with the community, to inspire them to create, and to create a buzz. Surely, the ideal is to reach and involve as many members as possible.
It seems to me that the idea of banning 'heavy editing' or 'co-authoring' is based on a flawed belief that two contributors will create something 'better' than anything that can be created by a single individual acting alone and therefore provides them with an unfair advantage. This is palpable nonsense.
A competition should showcase the best writing and the best authors on Lush. It should inspire all of us to try to do better. Hopefully, the best story will win; or at least the story that finds the most favour with the reading public will win. How many individuals contributed to the creation of that entry seems to me to be irrelevant. Creating petty restrictions merely reduces the desire of individuals (both new and long-standing) to enter the competition; which is counter-productive.
And just to settle any concerns: this post was entirely my own work; it has received no editing either light or heavy from any other person (Lush author or otherwise) and no animals were harmed in its construction.
Yes, you should have a hazard label on you, "warning CG will be your every fantasy"
Gravelly-Voiced Fucker
Quote by nicola
I don't personally see much harm in asking someone to proofread a story, or them pointing out the grammatical errors. Particularly if you're dyslexic, or weak technically. None of us are perfect, and another set of eyes often helps.
It's the heavy editing and co-writing which has become an issue.
So, would we all be happier, if the rules were altered, so that proofing and light editing are ok, but anything more involved, shouldn't be allowed?
At the end of the day, it's an honour system, and totally unpoliceable. The message we're trying to get across, is that we want submissions, to be as close to your own work, as possible.
Feedback welcome.
I think this is a great compromise. I was giving this some more thought after I posted and was feeling even more strongly that one of Lush's strengths was the way it brings writers together, for editing help, exchanging ideas, brainstorming writing problems. So many stories of mine have been helped by feedback from others here.
I also like that Lush has a conversation with the community here, and lets our ideas be heard when establishing policy. Changing your original tack when confronted by the wishes of the community here is another reason I love Lush. Good work, guys, and thank you, Nicola.
Her Royal Spriteness
Quote by browncoffee
so if it was a comp. where you specifically HAD to have a co-author, I expect the prize would be split 50/50 so each party would have to be satisfied by their co-writer's contribution before entering a piece. I presume entries in the 'Masturbation' category would be disallowed *dab*
fuck that. i'm all about the negotiation. Now, if i'm writing with someone of your Caliber, 50/50 would work for me, but if i'm writing with Joe "i've never written a story in my life and this is my first week on lush" Dingle we're talking 95/5. and you can bet i'm going to co-author with as many writers as i can - DD, Liz, Ravenstar, Burquette, Buz... see if i can get my name on every single comp entry - nothing like free money
the point is... well, you can see why a co-authored comp might be a bad idea. :)
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Primus Omnium
Following this thread from its inception up to this point has been rather fun for me. I've entered lots of the competitions here on Lush and never been close to winning. I did get into the top ten one time but that must have been a fluke. I enter them for the challenge more than anything else. And saying that, I am perfectly happy following any rules that Nicola has set down. It's really no bother. All contests have their rules. I know how to follow rules. Just let us know what they are and I'll follow them. If I can't I won't enter the contest. So just try to enjoy yourselves and have fun with it all.
Quote by sprite
lol - i'm going to share this, cause i hope people will see the humorous side of it and not take it wrong - despite my hopefully somewhat rational responses to these kind of threads, what goes down in print is a far cry from what comes out of my mouth at times, for example.
fuck them, fuck them all, ungrateful little bitches, they don't like the way the comps are run, fuck them all, no more comps. i'll show them, show them all, make them sorry they ever pissed me off. do they not know who i am? i am SPRITE! queen of the universe! i'll delete every fucking comp story here, ban all winners, find out where they live and burn their homes to the ground and piss on the ashes! I WILL ERASE THEM FROM THE EARTH! THEY WILL RUE THIS DAY!!!! *thunder clap*
that said, we really do want to make these accessible to EVERYone, no matter what their 'talent level'. we want it to be a fun thing, and yes, we do take all the comments into consideration and yes, i do bug Nicky about reading the feed back (when she hasn't blocked me, something that happens on a regular basis). so basically, we'll see. normally, i am not involved in comp stuff - i don't judge, don't come up with themes, any of it, and yes, i will be upfront, i have had people point out typos for me in the past and it's been helpful. never had a full on editor, but then, i don't normally for any of my stories. still, a second pair of eyes has benefited me from time to time.
hope this helps with some of the comments?
I love this!
You forgot to put your fingers into your ears and go la la la la la a bunch of times. While shaking your head.
You spontaneously wrote that, and I am sure I would have felt the same. Way before now.
Attention Whore
Quote by sprite
and you can bet i'm going to co-author with as many writers as i can - DD, Liz, Ravenstar, Burquette, Buz... see if i can get my name on every single comp entry - nothing like free money
the point is... well, you can see why a co-authored comp might be a bad idea. :)
No, I can't sprite.
So you want to enter the competition 20 times with 20 different writing partners ... great.
And, I don't even mind if you win.
Yes, you should have a hazard label on you, "warning CG will be your every fantasy"
Raised on Blackroot
Quote by sprite
Just so everyone knows, for a non-refundable fee of $25 i am willing to co-author comp stories. Just putting that out there.
Do I gotta pay up front and can I use my body as payment instead? I'm super cheap.
Her Royal Spriteness
Quote by CumGirl
No, I can't sprite.
So you want to enter the competition 20 times with 20 different writing partners ... great.
And, I don't even mind if you win.
it just seems against the spirit of a comp. in all honesty, tho i know going into comps that i have a decent chance of placing, for me, it's never been about winning - i just like the challenge of writing something i might not have otherwise. personally, i like seeing a level playing field as much as possible, tho yeah, i know some of us have the advantage of experience going.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Her Royal Spriteness
Quote by MadMartigan
Do I gotta pay up front and can I use my body as payment instead? I'm super cheap.
letting that one go...
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Attention Whore
Quote by sprite
it just seems against the spirit of a comp. in all honesty, tho i know going into comps that i have a decent chance of placing, for me, it's never been about winning - i just like the challenge of writing something i might not have otherwise. personally, i like seeing a level playing field as much as possible, tho yeah, i know some of us have the advantage of experience going.
There is a level playing field. If you enjoy the challenge of writing something different and are prepared to do that more than once (even if it is in a co-authoring capacity) that doesn't give you an unfair advantage. Buying 1000 lottery tickets doesn't guarantee you a win, it just improves your odds.
Yes, you should have a hazard label on you, "warning CG will be your every fantasy"
Scarlet Seductress
Quote by CumGirl
Buying 1000 lottery tickets doesn't guarantee you a win, it just improves your odds.
Improves them a lot over the person who can only afford one ticket.
Collaborative writing efforts mean a shared knowledge pool greater than any single person. Several different personalities, with several different sets of life experiences and multiple types of creative thought process. Everyone has a particular set of skills (like Liam Neeson) whether it is a flare for imaginative plot lines, to technically precise grammar and punctuation. You put them together collectively, odds are you end up with a better story.
Doesn't necessarily mean it will be better than something one person can write by themselves, but it's still an advantage over a solo effort. Similarly with the division of labour. A lot of authors struggle even now to make the cut-off deadlines for the competitions. The adage 'many hands make light work' is absolutely true. If you're sharing the writing of a 5k word story with up to three other people, you're going to have an easy ride compared to the person who has to work their bollocks off to get it finished on time.
Doesn't sound like a very level playing field. If only some competitions were open to co-authored entries, that's different.
Editor at large
Quote by Liz
You don't think allowing co-authored stories for all competitions is in any way stacking the deck? Bear in mind that Lush allows up to three co-authors per story. What this is in effect saying, however good those new members may be, is that the stories they are going up against in the competitions may or may not have been written by up to four people.
I think story comps should be solo efforts with a friendly proofread by a third party if the author thinks it necessary.
Sorry Liz, we are not going to agree on this.
I don't believe that a combination of 3 or 4 people would necessarily write a better story than one person (established members or a newbies). It's down to standards and 3 or 4 "bad" writers collaborating will still fall short of a more skilled writer. But everyone is entitled to have a go at winning.
I really am done with this now until the verdict is in but, for what it's worth, I have no axe to grind. It's simply that during my time as a Mod and since, I've thought that contests were open to abuse. They need to be more transparent to avoid this unworkable, informal "honour system."
As I've previously stated, if editing is banned then I WILL NOT continue to assist other writers. Will everyone else follow suit?
That's me finished. It's up to Nicola and I'll abide by that decision whether I agree or not
Quote by CumGirl
No, I can't sprite.
So you want to enter the competition 20 times with 20 different writing partners ... great.
And, I don't even mind if you win.
IF, and it's a big IF, Nicola were to allow co-authored stories in comps, I would suggest that there should still be a limit of one story per author per comp counting co-author credits. So if you are a credited co-author on a story, that's your one entry. No solo entry or other co-author entries allowed. Co-authoring comp stories, IF allowed, should not become a backdoor to multiple entries per author.
Personally, though, I think a comp for co-authored stories would be an interesting idea at some point (I have never co-authored a story save one that was more of a heavy edit) but regular comps should remain solo with proof-reader assistance allowed.
Bug
I kinda think collaborations shouldn't be for contests unless the contest is all collaborations.
I actually think that 3-4 people working on a project together can write a better story than one person at similar skill level. Also, what happens when 3-4 writers with a winning track record in the contests decide to collaborate together? Is it still going to seem fair if they win?
Either way, it won't stop me from entering future competitions if the prompt strikes me. That's what I enjoy most about them: guidance for my next story.
I actually think that 3-4 people working on a project together can write a better story than one person at similar skill level. Also, what happens when 3-4 writers with a winning track record in the contests decide to collaborate together? Is it still going to seem fair if they win?
Either way, it won't stop me from entering future competitions if the prompt strikes me. That's what I enjoy most about them: guidance for my next story.
Wouldn't you rather have a nice cup of tea?
I'm amazed that people enter these competitions to actually win them (well, not really. It sounded better when I was thinking it). I've been playing just for the love of the game. I don't expect to beat anyone, but the challenge to write based on a random prompt is fun, and that's reward enough in itself for me. To that end, I like the idea of turning the individual sport into a team-competition (like the two-man luge or mixed-doubles badminton).
It wouldn't be that hard: One story per writer, two writers per story, the reward is split 50-50. Meaning if Sprite wanted to pair up with Illiterate Joe and do 95% of the work, that's her problem (and Illiterate Joe's good fortune... I shouldn't really make fun of Illiterate Joe... but he'll never read this, anyway! Haha! Suck it, Illiterate Joe, you useless bastard!... Um... I got off topic there...).
It would be interesting to see who pairs with who, and how they decide to work together, with the added pressure of a time limit to get the story done. I've only done one collaboration with anyone on this site, which I think turned out alright (as a story, and an experience). However, there are lots of great writers I respect a lot, like Browncoffee, whom I'd never work with because our writing styles are very different. So a big part of the competition would be in finding the right partner and working together.
It wouldn't be that hard: One story per writer, two writers per story, the reward is split 50-50. Meaning if Sprite wanted to pair up with Illiterate Joe and do 95% of the work, that's her problem (and Illiterate Joe's good fortune... I shouldn't really make fun of Illiterate Joe... but he'll never read this, anyway! Haha! Suck it, Illiterate Joe, you useless bastard!... Um... I got off topic there...).
It would be interesting to see who pairs with who, and how they decide to work together, with the added pressure of a time limit to get the story done. I've only done one collaboration with anyone on this site, which I think turned out alright (as a story, and an experience). However, there are lots of great writers I respect a lot, like Browncoffee, whom I'd never work with because our writing styles are very different. So a big part of the competition would be in finding the right partner and working together.
Don't believe everything that you read.
Quote by Just_A_Guy_You_Know
It would be interesting to see who pairs with who, and how they decide to work together, with the added pressure of a time limit to get the story done. I've only done one collaboration with anyone on this site, which I think turned out alright (as a story, and an experience). However, there are lots of great writers I respect a lot, like Browncoffee, whom I'd never work with because our writing styles are very different. So a big part of the competition would be in finding the right partner and working together.
That would certainly be my challenge. I'm a bit of a loner at heart and writing is kind of a passion for me so I'm not sure how I would handle another set of hands on the product. Could be fun with the right collaborator but, as you say, harmonizing styles and approaches to writing would be a challenge. In the end, I doubt I would approach anyone myself (I don't even send out friend requests generally) so it would probably be someone approaching me with an idea that clicked.
Matriarch
I am utterly surprised by the continued dialogue and fascination about co-written stories.
I agree partly with comments that several good authors, working on a piece, would be very unlikely to displace one of our site's rockstar writers (you know who they are). However, their effort, would likely better one written by a good author working alone.
Competitions are meant to be for individuals to compete against each other. They aren't meant to be collective efforts.
Head to any other story site, and you'll notice that every one of them, either directly stipulates, or heavily infers, that submissions should be individual efforts.
I have no desire to discuss the subject of co-written stories, further. They are not accepted in normal competitions, end of story.
The first post in this thread, has been amended, to sum up where we're at. I'll keep this thread open for comments for a few more days, then close it off.
Now you've all got me thinking it might be fun to have a competition specifically for co-written stories... Competition title ideas; "Ruined Online Relationships", "Forever Unfriended", "Never Again", "One's Company" "Creativity Quashed" "Coming Together"
Joking aside, it could be fun if there's enough demand.
I agree partly with comments that several good authors, working on a piece, would be very unlikely to displace one of our site's rockstar writers (you know who they are). However, their effort, would likely better one written by a good author working alone.
Competitions are meant to be for individuals to compete against each other. They aren't meant to be collective efforts.
Head to any other story site, and you'll notice that every one of them, either directly stipulates, or heavily infers, that submissions should be individual efforts.
I have no desire to discuss the subject of co-written stories, further. They are not accepted in normal competitions, end of story.
The first post in this thread, has been amended, to sum up where we're at. I'll keep this thread open for comments for a few more days, then close it off.
Now you've all got me thinking it might be fun to have a competition specifically for co-written stories... Competition title ideas; "Ruined Online Relationships", "Forever Unfriended", "Never Again", "One's Company" "Creativity Quashed" "Coming Together"
Joking aside, it could be fun if there's enough demand. Her Royal Spriteness
Quote by nicola
I am utterly surprised by the continued dialogue and fascination about co-written stories.
I agree partly with comments that several good authors, working on a piece, would be very unlikely to displace one of our site's rockstar writers (you know who they are). However, their effort, would likely better one written by a good author working alone.
Competitions are meant to be for individuals to compete against each other. They aren't meant to be collective efforts.
Head to any other story site, and you'll notice that every one of them, either directly stipulates, or heavily infers, that submissions should be individual efforts.
I have no desire to discuss the subject of co-written stories, further. They are not accepted in normal competitions, end of story.
The first post in this thread, has been amended, to sum up where we're at. I'll keep this thread open for comments for a few more days, then close it off.
Now you've all got me thinking it might be fun to have a competition specifically for co-written stories... Competition title ideas; "Ruined Online Relationships", "Forever Unfriended", "Never Again", "One's Company" "Creativity Quashed" "Coming Together"
so, it's cool if we co-write comp stories then? that's what i got out of all this. honestly, i stopped paying attention after the first few words. all sort of blah blah blah after that.
You can’t truly call yourself peaceful unless you are capable of violence. If you’re not capable of violence, you’re not peaceful. You’re harmless.
Empress of the Moon
Quote by sprite
so, it's cool if we co-write comp stories then? that's what i got out of all this. honestly, i stopped paying attention after the first few words. all sort of blah blah blah after that.
I stopped reading this thread after you suggested burning houses and pissing on the ashes. I had to rush out and buy matches and gasoline. When can we start. Can we build palaces from the bones of our enemies? I've always wanted to do that, but I've never had the opportunity. They'll wish they hadn't started this when I'm dispensing justice from my skull throne.
[url]http://[/url]
Raised on Blackroot
Quote by sprite
so, it's cool if we co-write comp stories then? that's what i got out of all this. honestly, i stopped paying attention after the first few words. all sort of blah blah blah after that.
You write all the dialogue, I'll think up all the fucked up ways to take the plot.
Savvy?
Forum Player
Quote by sprite
Just so everyone knows, for a non-refundable fee of $25 i am willing to co-author comp stories. Just putting that out there.
Do I get my money back if I don't win?
Oops, missed the non-refundable part. 
R_R
Quote by CumGirl
Why, oh why, oh why?
What does it matter?
The purpose of a competition is to engage with the community, to inspire them to create, and to create a buzz. Surely, the ideal is to reach and involve as many members as possible.
It seems to me that the idea of banning 'heavy editing' or 'co-authoring' is based on a flawed belief that two contributors will create something 'better' than anything that can be created by a single individual acting alone and therefore provides them with an unfair advantage. This is palpable nonsense.
A competition should showcase the best writing and the best authors on Lush. It should inspire all of us to try to do better. Hopefully, the best story will win; or at least the story that finds the most favour with the reading public will win. How many individuals contributed to the creation of that entry seems to me to be irrelevant. Creating petty restrictions merely reduces the desire of individuals (both new and long-standing) to enter the competition; which is counter-productive.
And just to settle any concerns: this post was entirely my own work; it has received no editing either light or heavy from any other person (Lush author or otherwise) and no animals were harmed in its construction.
I totally share the sentiment of this statement.