StoryMash Creative Storytelling Forum

Well, today is the deadline for the contest and I submitted my entry walked away for a spell then returned to the computer to read other last minute entries. One of the drawbacks of my entry is that I thought it was rather long for StoryMash. Although, most writing contest require 1000-3000 words, I've noticed mashers are used to reading works under 1000. My work was at 2500 words. However, in less than five minutes, someone read it, and gave it low rating. According, to my guesstamation, the person had to rate it 1.5 or less. Additionally, since the rating came back so fast, I figure the person didn't read the whole story, so I'm guessing one of three things happen:

1) I received a low score because it is "too long," which is just a pissy reason for writer/aspiring writer.

2) The reader is giving everyone a low score to bolster his/her story's chance, which is desparate and won't work; the judges have the final say.

3) Really read quickly and hated what I wrote. Hence, I suck. However, I find this unlikely since I posted a throw-away story that actually achieve the top-ten for a short duration.

I'm guess #2 or a combination of #1 and #2. When I read in the forum discussions about people creating mulitple accounts to bolster their score and lower other regardless of merit, I didn't really think it happened much. Because the bottomline is if you write crap, no backhanded technique is going to get your story selected.

I have read many contest entries, and I find it deplorable that there many (not mine) good stories rated under 3.0, that are in fact better than many stories rated higher.

I don't think most people are rating spitefully to kill good stories. I have noticed that the higher rated stories attract more readership, so a few good stories sit at the bottom undeservingly, because they simply do not attract the readership the story deserves.

So what my point someone might ask. If you are doing this: STOP!

Give the stories the properly deserve rating. Rating others low, isn't going to help your chances, because in the end, the stories are based on merit, and the good stories, in the end, will rise to the top. I'm not so egotistical to think that it will/should be mine, but I'd like an accurate score regardless!

Okay, guys, thanks for listening to me blow-off steam.

...the starting score everyone gets is 3.0 or 3.1, something like that - it combines your automatic 5 with something around a .6, and I have no idea how the average works from there. So, if your score (after five minutes) fell below a 3.0, then someone bombed you and your rant is valid.

The hardest part is actually getting recognized in a sea of submissions - and if you're not on the first page, it's near impossible. Seems like the people who are willing to comment on other stories will find that the favor is returned - but not always. Sometimes leaving comments like you just did will get you read as well - as I'm heading to go take a peak after I hit save.

There is an advantage to publishing early in a contest as well. Presents a better chance of being on the front page, getting viewed and voted, and staying near the top. 'Course, the story has to merit the high votes. I say this because contrary to those who claim later stories are punished, they're not. It's accurate to say they don't have the same advantage, but there's no "punishment." The advantage to publishing late is it only requires a few 5.0 votes (and none to the contrary) to skyrocket up the charts and sabotage a spot at the last second. Add four 5.0 votes to mine and my score barely flinches. Add four 5.0 votes to a brand new submission and congratulations, you've made the top ten. A [cheap] benefit of last-minute strategy, but again, no punishment to those of us who submitted early.

That's probably why SM doesn't post at what time UST the polls close. Hopefully this issue will be remedied by the next contest.

Oh, I'm sorry that happened!
I have to point out that 'too long' in some cases means the story isn't going anywhere or is drawn out in more detail than needed. You are probably right that they just didn't read it and didn't care, though.

WB....may I just say that personally, I would much rather read a long chapter. I also tend to write long chapters. Length is a fair topic, but as long as it fits in the alloted space and keeps the readers reaing, go for it! I actually tend to lessen my ratings on the really short pieces, because, to me, they come off more a a few short paragraphs, vs a real chapter. I have never read a really great book where the 1st (or any) chapter was less than a few pages long...(excepting children's books and the bible). I have had comments on my own works telling me to omit this and that....and I have taken the advice in newer pieces I am working on. I tend to think more info is good info and that's not always the case in my works. I tend to just write what I think is important and will lend to the story, not realizing that the reader may find it trite and boring. Whatever the reason you may be rated lower, I hope that the reader was thourough and read the entire piece and left sound words of advice or serious questions regarding the work for further clarification. It's all a big learning process. Maybe I'll get it right before I die. :)