Okay, folks. The time is drawing near. The doors open on this thing tomorrow. But, before they do, I just wanted to say one more time how excited I am for everybody. It wasn't so long ago I found myself in the exact same place as everyone who's submitting for this contest now. So I know both sides of the coin on this thing and figured I'd launch one more bit of advice to those following along here on the messageboards.
First and foremost, be fearless. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and submit an entry for this contest. Some folks get pressed for time. Or they get saddled with self-doubt. Or maybe they get intimidated by seeing some of the others who toss their hats into the ring or how competitors have fared in prior years. None of that matters. The only person you're really competing against is yourself at this stage. So muster your courage. Put something out there. And see where it takes you. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And, if you sit this opportunity out, you will regret it once RPG Superstar is fully underway.
Secondly, be awesome. It's important to write well and convey the most awesome idea you possibly can. Because an awesome idea, presented in a capable manner is more likely to capture the attention and interest of both the judges and the voters than anything else. You still want it be as mechanically-sound as possible. And you want to get all the formatting right. Getting those elements really, really wrong can sink you. But getting the idea down and writing it really well will do more to lift you into the Top 32...and beyond!
Next, be consistent. Keep on being fearless and bringing the awesome in every round after that. Don't let your foot off the gas. Paizo is looking for an RPG Superstar. Not a star that burns bright one round and diminishes in the next. Don't play it safe. Take risks. Push yourself. Push the game and the rules and your own creativity as far as they'll go. Quite simply, blow our socks off...round after round. You do that and you just might take the crown.
Then, be resilient. Even if the judges don't select you for the Top 32 or recommend your subsequent round's entry to advance, don't get down on yourself. Even if the voters don't push you through to the next round or you barely squeak by, don't give up. Stick with the competition by either following along until you can compete again next year...or, if you still managed to advance near the back of the pack, crank it up that much higher and win everyone back. Dealing with adversity is a life skill you'll need in good measure for more than just RPG Superstar. So you might as well start developing it now.
After that, be smart. Pay attention. Pay attention to the rules. Pay attention to the judges when they critique your submissions in each round. Pay attention to the voters as they comment on your designs. Adjust your designs, as necessary, to incorporate their feedback. But also, know the times when it's better to go against the grain to achieve something larger than anyone anticipated...to show them what's possible, rather than expected. In addition, pay attention to yourself. Curb the desire to comment on your stuff while voting is going on. Recognize when you're overstating things once commentary is allowed. And conduct your behavior appropriately so no one forms a negative opinion of you.
Now, be supportive. Recognize your fellow competitors. Support them. You're all going to run through this gauntlet together. And, the encouragement you offer everyone else will be returned tenfold to you. Paizo puts on this contest to find the next RPG Superstar...someone they want to work on their products, hopefully for years to come. And the RPG industry is a pretty tight-knit family. It's important to support one another in that family, because, by doing so, you're also supporting the hobby we all love and enjoy. So carry that responsibility of being supportive with you into the competition.
And lastly, be humble. I believe it isn't so much who wins RPG Superstar as what you do afterward. And it's not so much how well you do in any given round of the competition as what you'll bring the next round...or on the next assignment. So don't let success go to your head and fool you into thinking you're safe. There's a lot of creativity and skill out there, both in those who make the Top 32 as well as many of those who don't. Recognize that this is a unique opportunity. You've been given a shot at it. And however the dice (or the votes) fall, enjoy the ride.
Good luck everyone,
--Neil
I think your "be smart" advice contains some of the wisest words yet said about this contest.
Thank you for all of your support and encouragement in the pre-show. I have a feeling you'll be a fantastic judge.
Definitely be resilient.
I was a darkhorse every single round and I made it to the Top Four.
Listen to the feedback, tune out the static.
I was a darkhorse every single round and I made it to the Top Four.
I think you might be being a bit too humble there Jim. You were extremely competitive in every round. Your advice is absolutely correct, whilst you are in the midst of RPG Superstar it can feel like you are struggling to keep keep yourself above the cut off line, regardless of how you are really doing. I tried to focus on submitting what was my best work (given the constraint of 3 days per task). As you said during last year's competition 'keep moving forward'.
Besides, I'm pretty sure I was the darkhorse for the final round last year. :-)
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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I was a darkhorse every single round and I made it to the Top Four.I think you might be being a bit too humble there Jim. You were extremely competitive in every round. Your advice is absolutely correct, whilst you are in the midst of RPG Superstar it can feel like you are struggling to keep keep yourself above the cut off line, regardless of how you are really doing. I tried to focus on submitting what was my best work (given the constraint of 3 days per task). As you said during last year's competition 'keep moving forward'.
Besides, I'm pretty sure I was the darkhorse for the final round last year. :-)
No, no, no, silly. The only real DARK HORSE this contest has ever seen was the immortal Avinash, Master of the Catspaw Marauders!
No, no, no, silly. The only real DARK HORSE this contest has ever seen was the immortal Avinash, Master of the Catspaw Marauders!
...who apparently had no real villainous designs on anything. ;-P
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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And here I thought I was the dark horse.
Oh wait... I tried to draw a map of the dark horse. :-)
Seriously, my advice is close to Neil's. Stomp on the gas, charge the valley of death*, and work your heart out. Even if you get eliminated, 'play along' on the other rounds.
Most importantly... Don't take yourself too seriously. If you make the top 32 (or higher) It's a wonderful oportunity. If you get eliminated (like Highlander, there can be only one!) don't give up, get disheartened, or sulk. Suck it up and move on (yeah yeah Neil, I know I know). Keep working. The beauty of the OGL (Thank you Ryan!) is that as long as you don't stomp on IP, you can self publish your ideas, whether it be on the boards, on sites like the Pathfinder database or on your own like through google docs.
Ok enough self promotion :P
Seriously, dive in, swim around and enjoy it. You might do better than you dream.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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No, no, no, silly. The only real DARK HORSE this contest has ever seen was the immortal Avinash, Master of the Catspaw Marauders!...who apparently had no real villainous designs on anything. ;-P
No *GRAND* villainous plans. Still plans. Just not big ones. He will be irresistibly drawn to large cities, where he will back up sewers, reverse street signs, and steal everyone's left shoe. :)
I can't believe I have to wait over a month to find out if I made it to the next round. I'm going to be stressed out the whole time, I so excited. My item is awesome and fun.
No *GRAND* villainous plans. Still plans. Just not big ones. He will be irresistibly drawn to large cities, where he will back up sewers, reverse street signs, and steal everyone's left shoe. :)No, no, no, silly. The only real DARK HORSE this contest has ever seen was the immortal Avinash, Master of the Catspaw Marauders!...who apparently had no real villainous designs on anything. ;-P
Oh so cute and FLUFFY!
Gotta love Lilo & Stitch. :)
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the advice/help/do this/don't do that discussions. I'm pretty much new to the Paizo boards and item design, but I feel confident I'll make a decent showing despite those limitations. I credit the input of those more knowledgeable than I am.
Listen to Neil, people. The guy knows what he is talking about. Great advice, Neil.
Neil, you are the man.
I agree with Matt. Charles, I appreciate your call for realistic expectations. That makes sense. But having realistic expectations goes to your expectation to advance. I am not talking about that. I am talking about your decision to enter. Don't confuse those, and DO NOT let one stop you from doing the other. The fact that the odds against you seem high isn't the point. TAKE A SHOT! What Charles is saying is don't let the fact that you may not advance ruin your life or bum you out. And that is good advice. But similarly, don't let the fact of not making it prevent you from even trying. Charles, your comments: "So if you haven't put in before, stop dithering about it and submit" is right on. Nice work.
80% of life is just showing up. If you don't try, you can't win. Don't convince yourself not to make an effort just because you might not win. That is not a winner's mindset. This contest is a lot like life. Have a positive attitude, do your best, swing for the fences, stay true to yourself and put your whole heart into it. It is amazing what a good attitude and hard work can accomplish.
Bottom line. Each year there are hundreds upon hundreds of entries. BUT there are only 50-60 that are worthy of final consideration. So that means if you follow the advice here and do your homework and create a great item, you actually have pretty great chances!
Clark
There is only one way to learn, and that is getting the experience, and to do this you have to make mistakes.
Don't get too down on yourself if you don't make it, but do submit, and make it the best work you can do.
I submitted the first two years and made mistakes, so no Top 32 for me. No one starts as an expert. I went back to the drawing board and really tried to understand my mistakes so I wouldn't repeat them.
This is THE competition for roleplaying design. It is only on once a year. If you want it, you have to submit your idea!
(after carefully previewing it and checking the BBCodes :-)