There are... and they ARE implemented in the numerous warnings, but if the author can't even be troubled to pay attention to the word count in the submission mechanic, it has to be pointed out that you can only dumb down things so much before you get to a point of diminishing returns. And the idea of a contest like this is to filter out people who won't take the time and effort to abide by professional guidelines.Not to mention, sticking to a word count is really not what I'd call "strict." It's bog-standard to the publication industry, and the first thing ANY writer for ANY kind of vaguely writing related profession needs to be able to do. Exceeding a word limit will result in instant rejection for the majority of publishers, from academic journals to fantasy fiction and beyond, whether blog piece, magazine article, or printed hardcover. If you're LUCKY, someone MIGHT ask you to pare down your piece post submission, but that's normally after you have an established reputation with that publisher/editor and you've specifically been invited to submit a key piece, and even then, that's rare.
Unfortunately, I think a lot of people just read "contest" and get excited, and don't really think about what it is they are submitting to--a chance to show off professional potential. Some folks don't get past "ooh, enter for a chance to win!" I wish there were a way to discourage that, but I don't know if it's possible.
I meant more to emphasize the professional goal of the contest than the word count issue specifically. I've felt in the past there is sometimes a conflicting tone in this forum particularly, where one side is saying "Submit to this fun fun contest because it's fun fun fun! Look at all the pretty colors in the logo!" and the other side is noting, "Hey, you're aiming ultimately to get a module published by Paizo. It's kind of like a job interview, except unlike a job interview, you work is up for popular vote by thousands of people." While people SHOULD have fun, the latter I feel gets lost sometimes.
Please bear in mind when considering your tone that the person who started this thread exceeded the word count and may well still be reading it.
RPG Superstar 2015
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Marathon Voter Season 6, Marathon Voter Season 7, Marathon Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka mamaursula
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Marmasula's Dream Engine
... etc.
Whew... I am the only one who reads Mamaursula with the R in the wrong place... Marma just rolls off the tounge so much easier...
;)
Perhaps, but I am a momma bear, not a kangaroo named Sula ;-)