Senior Software Developer
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Heck, I was going to submit stuff, then figured they would look at it and say "From Krome... he's a jerk... burn it and cancel his subscription and account!"
I know you're kidding but I want to reiterate just in case anyone is unsure: No such luck. The entries are 100% anonymous -- the judges can't see who submitted each item, and neither can Paizo staff.
(Technically I could dig into the database to see but I won't be doing that until after the top 32 finalists and alternates have been chosen to make sure no one took advantage of this season's bug in the entry submission process to submit multiple different items.)
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Heck, I was going to submit stuff, then figured they would look at it and say "From Krome... he's a jerk... burn it and cancel his subscription and account!"I know you're kidding but I want to reiterate just in case anyone is unsure: No such luck. The entries are 100% anonymous -- the judges can't see who submitted each item, and neither can Paizo staff.
(Technically I could dig into the database to see but I won't be doing that until after the top 32 finalists and alternates have been chosen to make sure no one took advantage of this season's bug in the entry submission process to submit multiple different items.)
WHAT?!?! I could have entered after all? Well darn it anyway. :)
Honestly I wanted to, but time is against me right now. Most of my attention is spent with making sure I have a paycheck, figuring out how to pay bills with the paycheck, and how to get a better more reliable paycheck.
EDIT: Trying to be nice...but hate when people offer opinions/advice to things when they dont have the facts.
Sorry, I was trying to be constructive and mindful that while I was replying to you my comment was meant in general. It might not apply to your write-up although it might be helpful advice to others. As I posted, if your item is complex enough that it is best to use the word limit, great. And there are plenty of other reasons to get close to the limit for good reason.
But it *could* also mean for *some* descriptions that rephrasing or considering if a fact/sentence is needed at all could improve the write up.
That being said, sometimes being under a specified word count can be just as bad as, if not worse than, being over that count.Usually one wants to get as close to such limits without going over as possible. Think of it as a version of The Price is Right, but with the addition that if you go over in this version a goblin lights your hair on fire.
True. However in my case I saw a couple of sentences that I could re-phrase and simplify the sentence structure for clarity. In another case I was adding a sentence to the description that didn't need to be there because I was re-stating an existing rule. At first I felt that would make the intent clearer, but on second thought I considered it unnecessary.
As for usually trying to get close to the limit without going over, that can be the case sometimes. But if the item isn't that complex (and is still novel in some way--it is an entry into a contest after all) don't over-complicate it. I think I remember a comment from a judge on one of last year's item winners complimenting the simplicity of the write-up.
As my 9th grade English teacher said too many years back when asked, "How long should our book report be?" "It should be like a girl's skirt. Long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep interest." I have no idea how he didn't get in trouble for that comment even back then, but I still think it is funny as heck. :)
In my opinion, I'm proud of all of those that submitted. It takes quite a bit to step up and do something like that. Yeah, there's some anonymity in this process, but it's all good nonetheless. Even if I don't make it to the next round, I'm glad I tried. That was the big hurdle, the rest is what it will be.
Good luck to everyone.
I mean, some people might even print out pictures of the judges and throw darts at them while cackling madly as part of getting over their rejection.
Actually, that sounds like a good idea reguardless of the outcome. :D
When is the soonest we will know about whether or not we were disqualified or not.
When is the soonest we will know about whether or not we were disqualified or not.
January 20.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 6
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Dedicated Voter Season 6
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Last year, I thought I had a good shot at the cut (it was a reasonably decent item), until I heard there were 800+ entries. Not so confident then. When I heard about the alternates (not sure if that was at the same time), I "knew" I'd fail the top cut, but be an alternate. What does that say about my ego? :)
What does that say about my ego? :)
That you're some sort of psychic, apparently. Quick, what are tomorrow's lotto numbers?
Well...I won't make it into this years RPGSS... I think I should focus on other stuff... Thanks a lot for those who offered their help!!! The offer is most appreciated ;)
Good luck to all the entries!
Wait, that's the combination on my luggage.
Were you watching that rerun of Space Balls this week, too?
"What kind of combination is that? It sounds like something an idiot would have on his luggage!" -- Dark Helmet
--Neil
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Chief Technical Officer
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Usually one wants to get as close to such limits without going over as possible. Think of it as a version of The Price is Right, but with the addition that if you go over in this version a goblin lights your hair on fire.
Most editors value a writer's ability to be concise. Personally, if I saw an awesome item done awesomely with only 80 words, I'd give it bonus points.
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Chief Technical Officer
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I figured I was rejected seconds after submitting it. Right after submitting I noticed CONSTRUCTION was misspelled as CONSTUCTION. Stupid Word's spell checker didn't catch it, I guess because the word was an entire paragraph.
It's highly unlikely that a truly great entry will be rejected because of a single typo.
...and thousands of women are screaming and throwing tiny pickles at me!I always appreciate a Real Genius reference.
Me too. That movie is a personal favorite.
Honestly I wanted to, but time is against me right now. Most of my attention is spent with making sure I have a paycheck, figuring out how to pay bills with the paycheck, and how to get a better more reliable paycheck.
Hey now, no more excuses next year. We're all doing the same thing as you. Time is against everyone.
For instance, I'm [edited out stuff I do so it doesnt look like I'm a bragging weenie], and I am a devoted husband and father too (which is hardly the last on this list). And I'm sure everyone else has a list like this of the one million other things they are doing in their lives.
If I can read all 1000* of these, you can write 1 of them. :)
No crying in Superstar! :)
Clark
*The reference to "1000" is purely a literary device and is not intended to reflect the actual number of entries. Do not refer to this comment as evidence that there were 1000 entries this year.
Well I'm the king of Spain... with x-ray eyes and kung-fu grip. Beat that!
Well I'm the king of Spain... with x-ray eyes and kung-fu grip. Beat that!
Did you submit an item? If so, well done. All Hail the King, Baby!
What are the chances for us, lousy english writters to make it when we can get disqualified over language? I see its quite a reasonable fact to get disqualified, but I would get quite frustrated if I was because of it. I considered having friend revise the grammanr but then again I think I have to work that issue out by myself before trying to write "professionally". Can't really do it well if I don't even know the language properly...
What are the chances for us, lousy english writters to make it when we can get disqualified over language? I see its quite a reasonable fact to get disqualified, but I would get quite frustrated if I was because of it. I considered having friend revise the grammanr but then again I think I have to work that issue out by myself before trying to write "professionally". Can't really do it well if I don't even know the language properly...
That is a difficulty, to be sure. But remember the goal here--an RPG Superstar gets a writing gig with Paizo. You dont just get to wear a cool "Superstar" crown (though Christine says the crown from last year is cool and has lasers and stuff), you actually will have a writing job to do.
So I hope you can understand that, while perhaps difficult to take, getting rejected for language problems is just part of the game and shouldnt frustrate you.
As my 9th grade English teacher said too many years back when asked, "How long should our book report be?" "It should be like a girl's skirt. Long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to keep interest." I have no idea how he didn't get in trouble for that comment even back then, but I still think it is funny as heck. :)
That is the best advice I have ever heard! Political correctness be damned!
That is a difficulty, to be sure. But remember the goal here--an RPG Superstar gets a writing gig with Paizo. You dont just get to wear a cool "Superstar" crown (though Christine says the crown from last year is cool and has lasers and stuff), you actually will have a writing job to do.
So I hope you can understand that, while perhaps difficult to take, getting rejected for language problems is just part of the game and shouldnt frustrate you.
That's totally true, and the frustration goes to myself for not taking proper english classes and overcome that difficulty at once. At least to ave myself and my bad jokes understood on the boards! ;)
Well I'm the king of Spain... with x-ray eyes and kung-fu grip. Beat that!Did you submit an item? If so, well done. All Hail the King, Baby!
I'm afraid I can't submit an item to this wondrous contest, however I can admire the scads of ingenuity and coolness from afar. That said, I love being called baby, so thank you for that. You'll always hold a special place in my heart.
I am slightly worried. Not because my item is bad but because AFTER I submitted it I found a similar idea in the Pathfinder library so to speak. In addition I had a semi-lame name, so I have some concerns, however I am confident because I went with my first idea which was unique, creative, and even if a bit mundane I think it is practical.
I hope I make it, if not that is ok too
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Director of Game Development
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Dedicated Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
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Heck no. I'm not paranoid. I had a lot of fun with this. My son put in an entry under his account. He designed it top to bottom and I was very proud of him. He also looked over my entry for me. He's 8. I'm so friggin' proud that I already won.
Tarren, that is frickin' awesome! Give my regards to your son as well!
Contributor
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Star Voter Season 6, Marathon Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 9
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Heck no. I'm not paranoid. I had a lot of fun with this. My son put in an entry under his account. He designed it top to bottom and I was very proud of him. He also looked over my entry for me. He's 8. I'm so friggin' proud that I already won.
That is very cool. My son wanted me to change my item to be a vorpal, flaming broadsword of life stealing...even after I explained that I couldn't submit a weapon in the contest. (Let alone the other reasons the item wouldn't work)
He's 8. I'm so friggin' proud that I already won.
Tarren Dei, man, that is SO AWESOME! My 10 year old isn't quite into the game enough to be creating his own items but if he was, and he'd entered, I'd definitely be as stoked as you sound. :-)
Ask your son if you can share it with us if he doesn't make the cut to top 32. And if he does make the cut... it blows my mind just thinking about it.
Good Luck!
:-j(enni)
Add my voice to the enchanted throng, Tarren. That's beautiful.
I may be. I just looked over my saved item and found a grammatical mistake created when I tried to fix the flow of a sentence. I may have fixed it before I hit submit, because I did a final tweak before I sent it in... but I'm not sure.
It was a stupid error... the kind that results from not having anyone available to read the final draft before you submit.
GAH.
*crosses his fingers*
- Ashavan
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After hitting submit and cruising the forums I found additional "nuggets" I wish I'd been aware of. Like, the format of the entry was required to match that of the rules (including the web enhancement stuff). I think my item is legal by the rules, but, I don't know that my format matches the rules. I used one of last year's entries as a submission template. :(
I submitted very early and should have waited.
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Marathon Voter Season 6
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I had to pull my price completely out of my arse as there was very little to attach it to the formula with. The closest result I could get with the formula was way out of the price range of the character levels the item was intended for. So I just looked at other items in a similar loot-range and based it off that.
My theory and plan is that if it is an off-the-wall item they're gonna look at that more than they are whether it applies to the formula.
After hitting submit and cruising the forums I found additional "nuggets" I wish I'd been aware of. Like, the format of the entry was required to match that of the rules (including the web enhancement stuff). I think my item is legal by the rules, but, I don't know that my format matches the rules. I used one of last year's entries as a submission template. :(
I submitted very early and should have waited.
That info was in the official rules/faq/round 1 info actually. It was a lot to read through, but I'm glad they made it easily available.
As for me, I'm quite confident I've already been rejected. Thank you, thank you :)
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While I'm always a smidge paranoid about such stuff, okay very paranoid, I'm more bothered by the fact that I was so done and ready that I submitted my item on day 1 without really thinking about how long the wait was gonna feel and be.
I mean, oh has it been a long wait, not as long as the wait of this weekend, since, well; ain't nothing like getting a student aide disbursement check on a Saturday, after the banks have closed, when you already have planned purchases in mind. :D
Anyhow, I always think I'm gonna fail, always, and the weird part is that it's usually the pieces I think no one would want that get picked, like the Tear of Mormo, my artifact in Relics & Rituals. I felt it was nice and twisted, but that artifacts, being so major, would be mostly done in house and, thus, no one would pick it. But, unlike the dozen other entries I had, only the Tear got selected and, cool enough, it got a half page piece of awesome art. :D
So, I've learned that my own issues don't really mean much and to always, no, to never forget to check your references.
Seriously, G4 is playing that movie a lot. :D More so than my abundance of smilies or my ability to blather on. ;)
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Ask your son if you can share it with us if he doesn't make the cut to top 32. And if he does make the cut... it blows my mind just thinking about it.Good Luck!
:-j(enni)
Thank you very much Matrissa. I will be delighted to share my entry with you guys.
To everybody, thank you for your encouragement and nice comments.
Nerrat Dei (son of tarren dei)
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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Me too. That movie is a personal favorite....and thousands of women are screaming and throwing tiny pickles at me!I always appreciate a Real Genius reference.
In that case, an appropriate quote for Superstar, since we're doing wondrous items might be:
"Why are you wearing that thing on your head?"
"Because if I wear it anywhere else, it chafes."
Ah Val, how we love thee...
What kind of magic item would cause a house to overflow with popcorn anyway?
What kind of magic item would cause a house to overflow with popcorn anyway?
Shove a Necklace of Fireballs into an Everflowing Cornucopia and run? It's also a good way to fill your house with the smell of overcooked zucchini ...
CR
What kind of magic item would cause a house to overflow with popcorn anyway?One that's full of awesomeness! Popcorn FTW!!! =D
Shove a Necklace of Fireballs into an Everflowing Cornucopia and run? It's also a good way to fill your house with the smell of overcooked zucchini ...
CR
The force is not strong in this one. All this talk and I just had to get up and make popcorn. The Cuisinart popcorn machine is a wonder.
What kind of magic item would cause a house to overflow with popcorn anyway?One that's full of awesomeness! Popcorn FTW!!! =DThe force is not strong in this one. All this talk and I just had to get up and make popcorn. The Cuisinart popcorn machine is a wonder.I'll show you! I'll show them all! I'm going to be the most powerful Jedi ever. I'll be able to keep everyone from dying! Waaaaaahhhh!
/Anakin Angst
As far as my item goes and its possible rejection, I'm not going to worry about it -- it's up the judges now. I put my copy of my entry into a subfolder deep in the far reaches of my computer and have vowed not to look at it again, so as to ward off the demons of self-doubt.
CR
Most editors value a writer's ability to be concise. Personally, if I saw an awesome item done awesomely with only 80 words, I'd give it bonus points.
Well, I hope I at least have this going for me. My entry was 83 words.
After hitting submit and cruising the forums I found additional "nuggets" I wish I'd been aware of. Like, the format of the entry was required to match that of the rules (including the web enhancement stuff). I think my item is legal by the rules, but, I don't know that my format matches the rules. I used one of last year's entries as a submission template. :(
I submitted very early and should have waited.
I was paranoid, but feel much better now. Just after submitting, I realized, for all my re-reads (my item, the related crafts & spells, the boards) I did not re-read the submission rules. Did I submit correclty? I have to wonder, when I cut & pasted did I paste the right parts? If not I fall into the 'shows you cannot follow directions' category.
Now I am better and will not be anxious until the 20th or so. O:)