Contest Rules--Read first!

[mariaschneider]

This is the forum to post essays for the Editor Unleashed/Smashwords "Why I Write" essay contest.

Before posting an entry, please read the rules:
1. If you're new to the Editor Unleashed forums, welcome! Please introduce yourself in the Introductions Forum.
2. Entries may not exceed 750 words. This word length will be strictly enforced and entries that exceed word length will be removed.
3. Only one entry per person.
4. Please give your entry an original title, not "Why I Write."
5. You must be the original creator of the essay.
6. No comments on specific entries until the contest is over and the winners are chosen.
7. No editing will be allowed. Please preview your submission prior to posting it.
8. No HTML, emoticons or attachments.
9. All entrants grant Editor Unleashed and Smashwords non-exclusive digital rights.
10. To post an entry, simply hit the "New thread" button and paste your entry into the text box.
11. No X-Rated content please! It will be deleted.

This contest will feature a popular ranking on the forum along with final judging by an editorial team. The 50 best essays will be included in the “Why I Write” anthology on Smashwords. And one Grand Prize winner will receive $500 and promotion here and on Smashwords. Mark Your Calendar:


• Post Your Entry: Monday, November 9 – Friday, January 31 *deadline extended
• Popular Ranking: Monday, February 1 - Friday, February 26 *deadline extended
And be sure to subscribe to the blog (free!) and follow me on Twitter to get contest updates.

Have fun!

[mariaschneider]

Voting for the Editor Unleashed/Smashwords Why I Write Essay Contest begins at 12 noon EST today!

Voting will take place from Feb. 1 - Feb. 28 on the Editor Unleashed forum. You must be a registered forum member to participate in essay ranking (registration is free).


Here’s how to vote:
1. We’re using the star ranking system (examples: 1 = terrible, 5 = excellent) to rank stories.
2. To rank a story after you’ve read it, click on “Rate Thread” in the upper-right hand corner. Choose a ranking for that essay (1-5)
3. You may read and vote on as many stories as you want. But please only vote on the stories you’ve read.
4. Only one vote per forum member per story.
5. No lobbying for votes on the forum, although you’re welcome to ask for votes elsewhere.
6. You're welcome to read and rank as many or as few entries as you like.



Good luck to all who entered and thanks for participating!
Thanks to Mark Coker of Smashwords for co-sponsoring this contest!

-Maria Schneider
You can follow me on Twitter or subscribe to this blog’s feed for contest updates and more.

[KCLAnderson]

I am trying to rate one of the stories but I can't find a “Rate Thread” icon or link in the upper-right hand corner. Help?

[mariaschneider]

Go to "Rate Thread" in the top upper-right of the text box. Click on it and a drop down menu with the ratings choices will appear.