Ceramic DM/Short Story Smackdown '08

[WhimsyTheFae]

Hmmm...I'm actually considering doing this again...even though I said last year that I didn't like it. I suppose that I'm just a glutton for punishment.

I'll probably regret it, but count me in.

 

[Piratecat]

What didn't you like about it?

Organizationally, I think the most important things that comprise a good Ceramic DM include:

1. No one drops out. I hate it when people drop out. If you'd even consider it, don't participate; I'm much rather have a competitor post half-finished notes than post nothing.

2. Judges give feedback quickly. As a judge I violated this horribly, which is why I won't judge again any time soon. I'd rather have a one paragraph yea-or-nay in a day or two, than a long amount of feedback in a week.

3. Simultaneous matches and few pair-offs. Drawing out the competition for too long isn't fun for anyone! I'd say an idea match is 8 competitors, so the final is in 3 rounds. (8 -> 4 -> 2)

That being said, I love this challenge.

 

[BSF]

What didn't you like about it?

Organizationally, I think the most important things that comprise a good Ceramic DM include:

1. No one drops out. I hate it when people drop out. If you'd even consider it, don't participate; I'm much rather have a competitor post half-finished notes than post nothing.

2. Judges give feedback quickly. As a judge I violated this horribly, which is why I won't judge again any time soon. I'd rather have a one paragraph yea-or-nay in a day or two, than a long amount of feedback in a week.

3. Simultaneous matches and few pair-offs. Drawing out the competition for too long isn't fun for anyone! I'd say an idea match is 8 competitors, so the final is in 3 rounds. (8 -> 4 -> 2)

That being said, I love this challenge.

I have to echo Piratecat here! I really do not like it when somebody drops out. Even a partially completed effort is better than no posting whatsoever. It is very discouraging as a competitor to not have anything from your opponent.

I have had problems with judging times as well. Judging can be hard work, and I am not disparaging any of the judging efforts. I've been a judge and I have had problems with timely judgements. This is why I won't volunteer to judge again until I know I have the time I can set aside to do it timely.

I am not as stuck on simultaneous pair offs. I do think the competition runs better when an entire bracket is started and finished within a week. Whether that is simultaneous, or a pair off every 12 hours, or whatever. The 8-4-2 process works well. I am not adverse to the 16-8-4-2 process either. But with 16 competitors is is even more important to have timely judging and rapid pair offs.

Without all of this, the entire competition starts to lose momentum. If for no other reason than the fact that it is hard to keep significant smack talk going for more than 3 weeks straight!

I love this competition and I have made my share of mistakes running it. So take my thoughts in the light that they are meant - not criticism, just lessons learned on what does't work as well.

 

[WhimsyTheFae]

What didn't you like about it?

Organizationally, I think the most important things that comprise a good Ceramic DM include:

1. No one drops out. I hate it when people drop out. If you'd even consider it, don't participate; I'm much rather have a competitor post half-finished notes than post nothing.

2. Judges give feedback quickly. As a judge I violated this horribly, which is why I won't judge again any time soon. I'd rather have a one paragraph yea-or-nay in a day or two, than a long amount of feedback in a week.

3. Simultaneous matches and few pair-offs. Drawing out the competition for too long isn't fun for anyone! I'd say an idea match is 8 competitors, so the final is in 3 rounds. (8 -> 4 -> 2)

That being said, I love this challenge.

Here's why I didn't enjoy the competition in the past - laziness, a small circle of interests and a tunnel-visioned mindset made the competition too challenging for my delicate sensibilities. I'm trying to improve on all these areas and I don't think that backing away from a little creative work is going to help me.

Also, being challenged is a good thing and I shouldn't stop trying just because it isn't always easy.

As to your #1 point - you needn't worry about me. I do not take quitting lightly, so it would take something very serious for me to drop out. I'm in it to win it.

 

[maxfieldjadenfox]

I judged the last time, so I'd really rather write if that's an option. Let's see how it shakes out. And yeah, it's nice to get a timely judgement, but real life gets in the way... I just read over last summer's Smack Down, and between all of our distractions, it's amazing that Rodrigo, Herremann and I managed to get anything judged at all!

 

[Berandor]

I'd just like to echo that if a judge is really pressed for time, a "weal or woe" is much preferable to a two-week choke-up. At least in my opinion.

 

[Maldur]

I was just told, I am actually judging.

*starts dusting off the judgement hat*

 

[Eeralai]

I was just told, I am actually judging.

*starts dusting off the judgement hat*

Hooray! It will be fun to have you judge again. Anyone know the whereabouts of Mythago, Sialia, Clay or some others who know the ropes? I've been off the boards a couple of years, so I don't know who has been currently judging and playing.

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

Cool! Thanks, Maldur!

 

[maxfieldjadenfox]

Yay Maldur! One down, two to go...