B&R writing contest-a proposal

[SFG75]

Being one who writes about as well as a brick or Saul Bellow, I appreciate good writing when I see it. We have some good writers on this forum and we need a way to recognize them. I'd like to propose that a writing contest be held. Andy can select a few well-qualified members to do the judging or perhaps people could vote in a "blind" poll, where only Andy sees the numbers and he announces the winners. Awards could be a B&R shirt, mug, or perhaps a donated book or specially made avatar.

So how about it?

 

[joderu95]

Sounds fun, I'd like to see it.

 

[Andy R]

That's an interesting idea. I am all for trying things and if they are successful and people enjoy them then we can iron out the process to make it easier to manage on an ongoing basis. I am willing to get some B&R stuff to give away or even some gift certificates for an online bookstore.

I would like a little time to get to know everyone and address any small issues before jumping on this. So please make a note to bring this idea up again in 6 weeks if you don't mind? I am subscribed to this thread now, so if you just post here that will email me a reminder.

 

[steffee]

I think this is a good idea. We have some fabulous writers on this forum, and the majority of them probably do post their works at other places, due to the lack of interest in and around writing, here.

I would hope that, despite being a moderator, Stewart would be encouraged to participate, rather than serve as 'judge'.

 

[Stewart]

...due to the lack of interest in and around writing, here.

Well, the site is about reading, isn't it? There are forums out there for writing.

I would hope that, despite being a moderator, Stewart would be encouraged to participate, rather than serve as 'judge'.

No chance. Either way.

 

[Litany]

But you'd look adorable in a curly white judge wig, and think of all the fun you'd have hitting stuff with your hammer.

 

[sparkchaser]

But you'd look adorable in a curly white judge wig, and think of all the fun you'd have hitting stuff with your hammer.

He doesn't have to participate in a writing contest to do that.

 

[steffee]

Well, the site is about reading, isn't it? There are forums out there for writing.

Well, yes, but in the past the writing discussions and threads have been popular. Surely reading and writing are not distinctly separate - fair enough, many readers have no interest, or skill, in writing, but I would have thought that the majority of writers must have a firm interest in reading.

No chance. Either way.

Why?

 

[Stewart]

many readers have no interest, or skill, in writing,

Many writers have no interest, or skill, in writing either. The evil that is James Patterson is example enough.

Why?

Because I take my attempts at writing seriously (when I do them) and if I was going to enter a writing competition then it would be for a respectable prize and not for a B&R T-shirt. (Not to say a T-shirt isn't respectable, but it wouldn't suit my style.) And I wouldn't be interested in judging because having seen the volume of pieces posted here and on other sites, I'd be inclined to do a Zadie Smith.

 

[steffee]

Many writers have no interest, or skill, in writing either. The evil that is James Patterson is example enough.

Agreed. But we were talking about why this forum, a book forum, should not have its members participate in writing contests.

Because I take my attempts at writing seriously (when I do them)

I know you do, and that's why I even mentioned that you should be free to enter any 'contest', rather than be obligated to judge it merely because you're a moderator of the forum.

... and if I was going to enter a writing competition then it would be for a respectable prize and not for a B&R T-shirt. (Not to say a T-shirt isn't respectable, but it wouldn't suit my style.)

As for the prize, nobody knows what (if any - in fact, if there even is to be a contest) they are. I think you'd look stunning in a B&R T-shirt, for what it's worth

And I wouldn't be interested in judging because having seen the volume of pieces posted here and on other sites, I'd be inclined to do a Zadie Smith.

You'd be more than inclined, you'd see it as your duty!

Interesting link.

 

[Stewart]

I think you'd look stunning in a B&R T-shirt, for what it's worth

I'd look stunning in anything, let's face it.

 

[steffee]

I'd look stunning in anything, let's face it.

You most certainly do... er, I mean would.

 

[jaybe]

Me fink it ud be grate to ave a wrighting compititon. A big gold syber cup piktour cud be the pryze. A shurt storey wud be best bekos a long 0ne wud bee hard to juge.

 

[Stewart]

Me fink it ud be grate to ave a wrighting compititon. A big gold syber cup piktour cud be the pryze. A shurt storey wud be best bekos a long 0ne wud bee hard to juge.

We have a winner.

 

[steffee]

We have a winner.

Thought you didn't want to be judge.

 

[Stewart]

But I know quality when I see it.

 

[G4G]

Many writers have no interest, or skill, in writing either. The evil that is James Patterson is example enough.

But, but... looky.

 

[Stewart]

But, but... looky.

Sad, isn't it?

 

[G4G]

Sad, isn't it?

Yes.

 

[Litany]

But libraries are used by poor people. It's to be expected that they would read substandard books.