Competition Entries should be primarily SOLO efforts

17 Feb 2017

Updated 22 Feb 2017.

I will amend the standard competition rules, but in the interim, I wanted to make our policy very clear on competitions.

We want competition entries to be solo efforts, as much as possible. That's common sense. They are competitions, after all.

We're intestested in seeing what you have written, warts 'n' all. It's a good way for us to see how far authors have come on, and makes it fairer to all concerned, particularly newer members, who haven't yet established a support network.

With that in mind, and following a lot of discussion amongst our membership and moderation team, we've decided that:

- Proofreading and light editing of competition entries, by friends, is fine.

- Heavy editing and co-writing of competition stories, is disallowed.

If you have any questions which haven't already been raised in the following posts, please let me know.

Feedback is always welcome.

17 Feb 2017

So what you're saying is...

I can no longer have my cat ghost write my stories? But that's where the real genius lies!

17 Feb 2017

This makes me feel better about the couple of warts I found in mine after posting!

Check out my latest - a humorous collaboration with trinket and a Recommended Read

17 Feb 2017

Quote by Emerson501
This makes me feel better about the couple of warts I found in mine after posting!

I love your sig Emerson!

Great movie.

17 Feb 2017

Quote by MadMartigan
So what you're saying is...

I can no longer have my cat ghost write my stories? But that's where the real genius lies!

Hi Mad, ummm, I don't know how to say this, but some of us have been meaning to talk to you about your cat.

Uh... it's a raccoon. I mean, it's a very smart and friendly raccoon. Just sayin'...

17 Feb 2017

That's not a raccoon ... This is a raccoon:

17 Feb 2017

So in the comps we are left totally to our own devices. Please take proofing your own work very seriously.

17 Feb 2017

Quote by nicola

I love your sig Emerson!

Great movie.

~blush~ thank you Nicola. Big Hugs

It's one of my favorite movies. In fact, I'm trying to work W.W. Beauchamp into one of the humor stories I'm working on smile

Check out my latest - a humorous collaboration with trinket and a Recommended Read

18 Feb 2017

So, when someone PMs us and says, "Hey, I noticed a typo when you said..." we should ignore it? That's usually how many of my errors are found... by nice readers who PM me.

18 Feb 2017

Seriously speaking though, this seems only like an "in good will/faith" sort of requirement.

You may mean LUSH friends, but there's nothing really stopping people from having other eyes look at your work. Which ultimately kind of makes it meaningless doesn't it?

I'd rather go up against the best and that means, at the very least, close to technical perfection. Which leaves everything else in judgment, to the true meat of the story to compare against: dialogue, character, and plot, along with of course, a certain skill with a sex scene.

18 Feb 2017

Quote by MadMartigan
Seriously speaking though, this seems only like an "in good will/faith" sort of requirement.

You may mean LUSH friends, but there's nothing really stopping people from having other eyes look at your work. Which ultimately kind of makes it meaningless doesn't it?

You're right, its all about honesty. So I guess it will depend on if the writer is a person that has no compunction about cheating or if the writer is an ethical, moral person who doing the right thing means more than gaining an unfair advantage to possibly do better in a contest. It also means that a cheating writer will be involving another person, wittingly or not, into a scheme to cheat. That strikes me as worse than cheating on your spouse. It shows that they do not have the confidence to let their work stand on its own.

My Festive Flash competition story was I recently published-- https://www.lushstories.com/stories/incest-fantasy/driving-home-for-christmas Hope you read and enjoy it! Don't forget to comment. ☺️

Recently published https://www.lushstories.com/stories/lesbian/women-desire It's part two of my Women series where Kate and Maura continue their journey of fem desire. The first part is https://www.lushstories.com/stories/lesbian/women-murder

18 Feb 2017

Quote by Kee

You're right, its all about honesty. So I guess it will depend on if the writer is a person that has no compunction about cheating or if the writer is an ethical, moral person who doing the right thing means more than gaining an unfair advantage to possibly do better in a contest. It also means that a cheating writer will be involving another person, wittingly or not, into a scheme to cheat. That strikes me as worse than cheating on your spouse. It shows that they do not have the confidence to let their work stand on its own.

What about spellchecker? Or would that be more like Jimmy Carter's "lust in my heart" but not actual physical adultery?

Joking aside, and going back to the original question, the blanket prohibition against any "help" seems overly broad. Surely there is a difference between a friendly set of eyes and collaboration.

I can even remember a recent contest winner thanking such a pair of eyes in a sort of postscript within the winning entry itself. Surely every judge saw that and didn't find it objectionable.

I rarely have anyone look at anything I write beforehand because I'm a bit of a curmudgeon. I don't have a dog in this fight as I don't have a contest entry nor will I.

And going back to my not entirely facetious question... spellcheck and grammar checkers would seem to provide an unfair advantage against authors not using them. I trust those are prohibited as well?

18 Feb 2017

Of course this is a case of it being the site's ball, and the site's rules.

Sorry for being grumpy. Something about this particular competition is bringing it out in me and I should just learn to shut up.

18 Feb 2017

Quote by Kee

You're right, its all about honesty. So I guess it will depend on if the writer is a person that has no compunction about cheating or if the writer is an ethical, moral person who doing the right thing means more than gaining an unfair advantage to possibly do better in a contest. It also means that a cheating writer will be involving another person, wittingly or not, into a scheme to cheat. That strikes me as worse than cheating on your spouse. It shows that they do not have the confidence to let their work stand on its own.

That's a bit of a dark, hyperbolic way of at looking at it. I mean. Though I'm not sure what the rules are for other sorts of awards with writing, HUGO award winners are usually chosen from published works, which have generally gone through heavy edits by both writers and their publishers/editors. Strictly speaking, feedback can lead to changes (whether just technical or not) to things you might not have considered before.

I see the appeal in maintaining the amateur nature of this all by forcing people to edit their own works to determine the best for a competition. Meaning, technical ability would be part of the judging criteria in addition to plot, but when considering the true scope of a writing craft, that seems rather self-limiting.

I can edit the shit out of other people's writing and spot errors like that, but I'm often... let's just call it "color-blind" for lack of a better term right now, when it comes to my own mistakes in grammar. Basically what I'm saying is, I'm trying to find the issue with people (not particularly myself) in seeking outside opinion?

Why limit running things by a certain set of eyes and asking someone: does this really work?

I'm not talking about real collaboration pieces. Where people are getting heavy plot input. That's a distinct line. The ideas SHOULD come from the writer. The writing SHOULD come from the writer. I just struggle to see editing eyes count as technical foul cheating. I don't really look for plot help from people. I'm too controlling.

But it seems rather silly to ban editing eyes, especially in word limit stories where you may need another outside opinion to tell you... you could delete this scene you're holding on to for no real reason.

18 Feb 2017

Quote by oceanrunner

I rarely have anyone look at anything I write beforehand because I'm a bit of a curmudgeon. I don't have a dog in this fight as I don't have a contest entry nor will I.

i feel betrayed. i was led to believe you would enter. crybaby

18 Feb 2017

This has arisen, because some authors have started adding things like, "Thanks to PookieBear, for editing my story", to their competition entry.

Competitions are meant to be a challenge to yourself. Not you, a friendly Editor, and your collective network of helpful friends.

I think that's fair enough.

18 Feb 2017

This was not my decision, I am just giving my interpretation of it. I am guessing that Nicola will clarify the points raised. Having said that lets face it, there are edits and there are EDITS. If all you are talking about is correcting typos I personally do not see a problem but it is a slippery slope. Then maybe the editor fixes the dialogue punctuation. Is that okay? The writer had the story idea but they cannot properly punctuate it, should an editor be allowed to fix that? What about a writer who keeps using the same word over and over or the editor is a better writer and knows the story would be better if they just changed a few words here and there? The basic story idea is still there but it suddenly is much more readable and enjoyable to the reader. IMHO that is what is trying to be addressed. Also is it fair that some have formed friendships with good writers/editors and others do not have that luxury? We all know that best selling authors may well not be best selling without the help of editors, they make a huge difference. But as someone said, this is an amateur site. I again suspect with no knowledge that Nicola is just trying to level the playing field to give every one the same chance.

My Festive Flash competition story was I recently published-- https://www.lushstories.com/stories/incest-fantasy/driving-home-for-christmas Hope you read and enjoy it! Don't forget to comment. ☺️

Recently published https://www.lushstories.com/stories/lesbian/women-desire It's part two of my Women series where Kate and Maura continue their journey of fem desire. The first part is https://www.lushstories.com/stories/lesbian/women-murder

18 Feb 2017

Wow. I'm sorry to hear the rules need to be amended for, for common sense? My 2 cents

That pisses me off. director

18 Feb 2017

Just asking a quickie, but does that rule also mean that when you submit a story that the Mod who reads it and approves it doesn't make any edits to your story - even just cutting a word or two or changing words, leaving it completely untouched but just making sure the content is within the rules applied in the story competition set down, as that is a form of someone else editing your story?

Apologies, I just don't think that small part has not been made quite clear about someone, besides yourself, editing your story? I assume that remains in force, that a Mod can make very minor edits if needed still?

Thanks for answering smile

18 Feb 2017

Quote by John_Doe
Just asking a quickie, but does that rule also mean that when you submit a story that the Mod who reads it and approves it doesn't make any edits to your story - even just cutting a word or two or changing words, leaving it completely untouched but just making sure the content is within the rules applied in the story competition set down, as that is a form of someone else editing your story?

Apologies, I just don't think that small part has not been made quite clear about someone, besides yourself, editing your story? I assume that remains in force, that a Mod can make very minor edits if needed still?

Thanks for answering

we've always had a strict rule about editing/modding stories. we don't do it. period. we'll let an author know there are issues, but it's up to them to fix them.

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.

18 Feb 2017

Sooo, while we're on the subject, are competition vote scores (from readers) intentionally hidden from the author? Is there a reason for that? Not griping, just a nosy newb being a nosy newb ;)

Check out my latest - a humorous collaboration with trinket and a Recommended Read

18 Feb 2017

Quote by John_Doe
Just asking a quickie, but does that rule also mean that when you submit a story that the Mod who reads it and approves it doesn't make any edits to your story - even just cutting a word or two or changing words, leaving it completely untouched but just making sure the content is within the rules applied in the story competition set down, as that is a form of someone else editing your story?

Apologies, I just don't think that small part has not been made quite clear about someone, besides yourself, editing your story? I assume that remains in force, that a Mod can make very minor edits if needed still?

Thanks for answering

I know Sprite addressed this already, but I have had a Mod reject a comp entry story (and not just one) and tell me why (the major issues that needed to be addressed) and I never took that as a sign of cheating. I did fix those and a few others I came across.

I get what Nicola is saying and it's her site so if this is something she feels in necessary, then so be it. No one has to enter any of the comps. It's a choice and as such, you also choose to abide by the rules.

I'm not in this one because I just can't come up with a story idea that I feel is worthy.

18 Feb 2017

Quote by Emerson501
Sooo, while we're on the subject, are competition vote scores (from readers) intentionally hidden from the author? Is there a reason for that? Not griping, just a nosy newb being a nosy newb ;)

They are hidden from everyone until after the competition closes if I recall. I can't say for sure but I would imagine this is to stop anyone deliberately trying to sabotage another's scores? Probably other reasons too, but dontknow

The Duchess of Tart

Please check out my new story, co-written with the amazing Wilful.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/straight-sex/long-time-coming.aspx

And my latest poem, The Temptation.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/erotic-poems/the-temptation.aspx

18 Feb 2017

Quote by oceanrunner

What about spellchecker? Or would that be more like Jimmy Carter's "lust in my heart" but not actual physical adultery?

Joking aside, and going back to the original question, the blanket prohibition against any "help" seems overly broad. Surely there is a difference between a friendly set of eyes and collaboration.

I can even remember a recent contest winner thanking such a pair of eyes in a sort of postscript within the winning entry itself. Surely every judge saw that and didn't find it objectionable.

I rarely have anyone look at anything I write beforehand because I'm a bit of a curmudgeon. I don't have a dog in this fight as I don't have a contest entry nor will I.

And going back to my not entirely facetious question... spellcheck and grammar checkers would seem to provide an unfair advantage against authors not using them. I trust those are prohibited as well?

A spell check or grammar check program is perfectly acceptable - in fact, we encourage you to use them. They are readily available to all (unlike good human editors, which are rare) and it is the author's choice whether to use them or not. The problem with a human editor is that not everyone can find one, and all are different; some might do a simple spell check while others will substantially rewrite significant parts of the story. This invalidates the concept that a competition entry should be representative of your own work, ideas, and abilities.

18 Feb 2017

Quote by oceanrunner

Joking aside, and going back to the original question, the blanket prohibition against any "help" seems overly broad. Surely there is a difference between a friendly set of eyes and collaboration.

I can even remember a recent contest winner thanking such a pair of eyes in a sort of postscript within the winning entry itself. Surely every judge saw that and didn't find it objectionable.

18 Feb 2017

I couldn't agree more.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/supernatural/take-her-down-to-paradise-city-epilogue.aspx
https://www.lushstories.com/stories/supernatural/fun-with-fairies.aspx
https://www.lushstories.com/stories/love-poems/the-worst-poem-ever.aspx

18 Feb 2017

Quote by Burquette

I think this is a shame. As Mad has said above it's easier to spot others mistakes than your own. Having a fresh set of eyes to spot any mistakes you have missed because you've been staring at it for days on end working on it is quite handy.

I hope no one has suggested Ms B didn't win that competition fairly because she had someone take a look? We all know she is more than capable of winning, her story was fantastic.

I just worry now that there will be more bad sport on the part of people who don't win or make the top 10. Lots of claims of cheating and help given (shudders) I don't envy the person(s) who have to deal with that. Just my My 2 cents

I happen to think the competitions here are more than fair. I've agreed every time with who has won them.

The Duchess of Tart

Please check out my new story, co-written with the amazing Wilful.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/straight-sex/long-time-coming.aspx

And my latest poem, The Temptation.

https://www.lushstories.com/stories/erotic-poems/the-temptation.aspx

18 Feb 2017

Quote by kiera
I think this is a shame. As Mad has said above it's easier to spot others mistakes than your own. Having a fresh set of eyes to spot any mistakes you have missed because you've been staring at it for days on end working on it is quite handy.

I hope no one has suggested Ms B didn't win that competition fairly because she had someone take a look? We all know she is more than capable of winning, her story was fantastic.

I just worry now that there will be more bad sport on the part of people who don't win or make the top 10. Lots of claims of cheating and help given (shudders) I don't envy the person(s) who have to deal with that. Just my

I happen to think the competitions here are more than fair. I've agreed every time with who has won them.

I can't truly say I've read every winning story so I have always trusted the judges in their decisions. While some might not have been my "cup of tea" so to speak, there is no denying that those who have won have consistently written fantastically written quality stories that both met the criteria of the of the comps theme and was what the judges felt were worth.

The handful I've read were for the most part, amazingly written. Those that make the Top 10 or 12 (as was the case with our last comp) are always good. Plus, there are so many that while they don't make the Top 10 or 12, are still incredible stories and clever ideas.

I would never accuse anyone of cheating in the comps. I'll joke about being jealous of their win & their talent, but I respect that any and all of the writers have written their respective stories solo.

I guess what bothers me is that we encourage students to have "fresh eyes" look at their paper for spelling and grammar mistakes and now we're being told (or maybe it's just implied) that isn't such a good idea.

As for the scores, I agree they should stay hidden and thankfully Gav added the score count onto our timelines so we know if/when our comp entries qualify.

18 Feb 2017

Quote by NymphWriter

I guess what bothers me is that we encourage students to have "fresh eyes" look at their paper for spelling and grammar mistakes and now we're being told (or maybe it's just implied) that isn't such a good idea.

As for the scores, I agree they should stay hidden and thankfully Gav added the score count onto our timelines so we know if/when our comp entries qualify.

Another of the mods (who also happens to be a teacher) used a good analogy to this. She compared the usual, everyday story submittal to a homework or in-class assignment on which it's usually okay to ask for help or get a second set of eyes to look it over - hence, an editor would be no issue.

A competition, on the other hand, is more comparable to taking a test, where you rely on what you know and your own abilities to try to do well. In most cases getting help or answers from others when taking a test (the SAT's spring to mind) is considered cheating.

Quote by oceanrunner
I can even remember a recent contest winner thanking such a pair of eyes in a sort of postscript within the winning entry itself. Surely every judge saw that and didn't find it objectionable.

It's actually something that just became a subject of discussion in the past few days, so of course it does not apply retroactively. In part it arises because it seems more and more authors are using editors (or at least more are acknowledging them) which is a great thing for most stories, but not in the spirit of a one-on-one competition. As far as Burquette's win, there are a handful of Lush authors, including her, who can most certainly write lights-out, excellent stories without any help at all. I'm always sort of glad when they have mercy on those of us that are mere mortals and don't enter every time! My 2 cents

18 Feb 2017

My apparently-not-so-oblique reference to B's win (for the excellent Thin Ice) was NOT meant to even hint to suggest that she did anything wrong, or didn't deserve to win.

I suspect she already had some of the pleasure in her well-deserved win tainted by that awfully timed "RUBRIC!" thread that started on the same day that that competition's results were announced, and I'd hate to think I added to that in any way.

What I was trying to do, in case I wasn't as clear as I'd hoped, was suggest that I thought the new rule --or stricter interpretation of old ones, whichever it is-- was excessively and perhaps unreasonably strict.

Personally, I don't agree with the new rule, nor with the some of the analogies given (if I had to make a school-based one, I'd perhaps offer up the idea of an open-notes test, which is 100% legit if allowed, and 100% cheating if not. The examiner gets to decide).

And of course, ultimately it doesn't matter what I think, or anyone else not involved in coming up with the rules thinks. The drivers of the bus have that happy privilege.

Going back to matters that I hope are happier... If you haven't yet read Thin Ice, you should check it out -- it's a real treat.

Are you sure?