@QueenofMyshuno Thank you for tagging me! :) I might consider entering a new SimLit challenge, at the very least I would read the stories. I love reading SimLit!
I like the idea of using something; an object, room or Sim etc. as an inspiration for our entries and the fact it would be open to the style of writing.
I agree that having guest judges from the SimLit community might be a better idea. I think it would be helpful too if these judges were to maybe write a short paragraph as to what they liked about the writing and perhaps constructive criticism for how they feel the writer could improve. Something similar to what some judges do in the Modeling contests or even in Build-n-Share. I would leave it up to the entrants whether or not they want this kind of critique though.
I also struggle with word limits. I usually write way too much, end up not wanting to make too many editing cuts because it would hurt the vibe of my story and decide not to enter at all. Perhaps 1500-2000?
I understand the intention behind making it a rule participants must comment on other entries, but sometimes Simmers don't have time or are too shy to make comments. I personally think it might make some think twice about entering just for that reason. I know for myself, I read many, many stories, but I don't always comment for lack of time. However, I do give them a 'like' at the end of chapters just so they know I read and liked it. If this rule ends up being a part of the challenge though and I decide to enter, I would make sure to comment something. Even if it's only a 'Great story' or 'Thank you for sharing' etc. Would that work? Or were you thinking something more indepth?
So, entrants wouldn't be able to post a link to the entries here on the forum? Or are you suggesting that entrants don't start a new thread on the forum to write their story that could possibly be censored? Strictly links to stories off site are not censored on the forum as far as I know. I read at least three stories that have links here that sometimes contain NSFW images or text and the moderators have never had a problem with links to those kind of stories. At least the ones I read haven't been censored. Have others had links censored because of what the stories contain?
Lastly, I don't have a problem with text only entries, but I wonder if they would be considered 'SimLit' if there isn't at least one image of Sims or something depicted from inside the game. What exactly is the definition of SimLit anyway? Doesn't it have to be Sims related in text or text and images to qualify? Now if the text contained Sim phrases or references to the game somehow and clearly was written using the game as inspiration, I guess that would be considered SimLit, right? I don't know...
Just my thoughts... hope they don't sound too harsh or critical. o.O I'm glad you're thinking about doing this, it sounds like it has potential to be a fun project. As I shared from the start, I'll at least enjoy reading the entries if I don't enter anything myself.
Happy Simming! :)
