I just got this announcement from the "Global Writers' Network" - they're holding a writing contest. All well and good, but these are some of the weirdest contest rules I've ever run into. Leave aside the fact that they're asking for a story synopsis, not a story, in their short fiction category. That's slightly strange. But the rest of this, especially the limitations/prohibited content, is just too bizarre not to reprint in its entirety:
*ahem*
STEPS OF ENTRY SUBMISSION:
Follow these steps illustrated in these photographs:
(1.) Go to the event page here> http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=253409678190
(2.) Follow the description of this picture> http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30711836&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=253409678190&aid=-1&oid=253409678190&id=1022673838
(3.) Then also this> http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30711837&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=253409678190&aid=-1&oid=253409678190&id=1022673838
(4.) Add your photo/entry by click the ADD PHOTOS button> http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30711838&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=253409678190&aid=-1&oid=253409678190&id=1022673838
--RGR
1st group writing competition.
Read and comprehend twice sharper than your pen. I'd write it loud so hear it clear.
1) Submit only 1 entry per writing genre. For example: if you have to join for the poetry genre competition, just submit one poem, which is related to the topic. You can join all of these 3 genres--poetry, essay, and story (only vague synopsis) but only one entry per category.
(2) Choose your preferred photo, which you think, is related to the literary piece you've written. Remember: the topic is all about LIFE.
(3) We will use the photograph application of our event page; so all entries will be posted on the photograph sub-field. Your literary piece will serve as the caption of your photograph. Follow the photograph example here> http://www.facebook.com/photoselect.php?oid=253409678190#/photo.php?pid=30707707&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=253409678190&aid=-1&id=1022673838
(4) After you have posted your entry, never comment on your entry or like on the another entries, because these features must be preserved for the voting week (January 25 - 29, 2009).
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After the submission of entries week, the event page and the Global Writers' Network will be temporarily closed; that's to make sure that no outsiders can vote during the casting of vote week. The photograph sub field also will be disabled so that no one can submit entries anymore after the date of entry submission.
During our 1st writing contest, decent and order will be prescribed. We believed that there is no substitute in the art of formality and orderliness, so we must follow rules and regulations.
I'll announce it again. There are only 3 writing genres in this contest. These are poetry, essay, and story (only synopsis). The theme is all about LIFE.
For poetry - it must be not less than 14 lines. Avoid cliches. For essay - it must be at least 500 words more, not less than 450 words. For story synopsis - it must be at least 500 words more, not less than 450 words. Must have the 3 major parts: the setting, conflict, and the climax.
RULES: No plagiarism, pornographic descriptions, rebellion against government systems or of God, green words, perverse idioms or expressions, and all unseemly violations.
WINNING CRITERIA:
MECHANICS - 60 % - Content, clarity of speech, on topic, sentiment, etc.
TECHNIQUES - 40 % - metered(only for metrical poetry--like sonnet), correct contractions, etc.
AWARDS:
1ST Place - You'll be given an electronic certificate and recognition by the GWN's admins, plus your work will be posted in the GWN's group information page as the 1st placer in our first competition, and will be posted on the FRONPAGE of the official main website of GWN which can be located within this web address: http://www.wriad.webs.com .
2ND Place - Also, will receive an electronic certificate recognized by the GWN's administrators; and your piece will also be posted on the main website of GWN.
3RD Place - You'll be recognized by the admins and your work will be posted on the INFO page of this group and on the FRONTPAGE of http://www.wriad.webs.com .
WARNING: plagiarized or just copied from another author will be automatically disqualified. GWN is not liable in any form or by any means in such case as literary robbery.
NOTE: The admins are not referees. We are also such as writing freaks. So yay! We'll join the contest. There's nothing to worry because we'll play it smooth and plain. The members are the judges. But for the sonnet department, only those who can submit a sonnet entry, or the one who will participate the contest can vote. The rest writing departments, all can vote.
SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES WILL BE ON JANUARY 18 - 24, 2009
DATE OF VOTING: JANUARY 25 - 29, 2009
DECLARATION OF WINNERS: JANUARY 30, 2009
MAIN ADMIN
-RGR
PS: Way of voting will be announced during the deadline of submission! May the best writers win! Write on and be prepare!
So there you have it. I'm completely confused. And what the hell is a 'green word'? Not to mention they're prohibiting 'rebellion against God or of government systems' and 'all unseemly violations'? What's an 'unseemly violation'?
