Last Writer Standing Challenge

[donutsweeper]

What is your opinion on these sort of challenges?  The idea is everyone gets a prompt and the stories are posted anonymously and then people vote on them.  The writer of whoever wrote the lowest scoring story is dropped and the rest continue on to the next round where everyone's given a new prompt and the cycle is repeated until there's only one writer left.

It seems like, as a writer, you'd be setting yourself up for a lot of stress and heartache.  And, the weirdness of not being able to respond to comments or claim your work.  But it would be interesting to see what people say when they don't know who wrote what...

Anyone done one before?  Have thinky thoughts about them?

Comments

[jadesfire2808.livejournal.com]

It's the same as 'Writer in a drawer' that...Waldo, I think...ran for Torchwood. You can post them yourself once the reveal's been done, so you can claim comments and credit then. I've done anonymous challenges (sga_santa, sga_genficathon) and all you have to do is track the entry to see what people think.

For me, I think it largely depends on the voting method and the maturity of the participants. Writer in a Draw was VERY well-run, and the voting was of the "why I did/didn't like this" variety, rather than just numbers. That seems fairer, because it brings it back to the personal - most writers know that they can't please all the people all the time, but as long as people are thoughtful about it, I don't mind so much. I think they had a bit of drama, but nothing serious and the mod kept a tight grip on everything. As long as everyone goes into it with the right spirit, I think they can be good fun. Also, it's a good way to stretch yourself, if that's what you're looking for.

Intervention may be required to stop me signing up, though. It's just my sort of thing...*meep*

[edited because apparently I suck at remembering the names of the things I do...]

[chatona.livejournal.com]

I don't know... I always thought those thingies were basically the perfect place for a lot of wank, but I never really looked into it. Hm.

No, not tempted to do so now, either. *scratches head*

[awanderingbard.livejournal.com]

I haven't done a writing one, but I've done a few icon ones. The first one I was the first one kicked out and the second I won. It's definitely not fun to be the first one to go. The problem with these, I think, is that it's a very subjective thing. Art is so personal in one's tastes for it, so it really depends on what each person likes to get a vote.

I always try when giving negative comments to do a positive/negative thing. Like, "The colour is really nice, but it's a bit over-sharpened" or "I love the crop, but it's hard to make out the text". I think that goes over better than 'omg, that sucks!'

[snakewhissperer.livejournal.com]

i joined in on one and found it totally disheartening and really pissed me off as apparently i am crap at english grammar (after having it checked by 2 english teachers -not american, but english mind you) and a gwen hater (as i needed someone to give passwords to and she was the n00b and therefore the obvious choice...)..

i'd never enter one of those things in my life again.

its not worth the stress and utter upset from sheer spite.

[dr-is-in.livejournal.com]

I did writerinadrawer, both rounds. Things went really well in the first round, but the participation in round 2 doubled and there seemed to be a lot of questionable voting, especially as people who didn't follow the prompts/requirements were making it through.