@ Sir Ophiuchus: Here, here! (I did the same thing, listened to a friend and submitted something other than... not so this year). :)
And yes, I have submitted, gotten my little "received your entry" note, and now it is just sitting back, relaxing (and likely working on some of the other rounds... y'know... just in case). ;)
Man oh man... this is gonna be FUN!
Dean
Star Voter Season 6, Dedicated Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 9
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Last year, I entered for the first time. I was reasonably hopeful. After all, I had won multiple gold in the Master DM and character creation contests back in the day on the WoTC D20 forums.
I got some rather harsh critique from Sean (I think it was him). It was however fair, and reminded me of the many times I had gotten low scores.
This year I come back more thoughtful, and little less full of myself.
So yes, in that sense, I won, which is what matters.
Just entered my item. This is the first time I'm entering and I gotta say I am a bit nervous about the second round if I somehow miraculously make it to the top 32, but I still think this should be fun. I really can't wait to see how this turns out.
...
If you are still on I would remove or edit your post. It can be an identifier in an otherwise anonymous round :(
This year I come back more thoughtful, and little less full of myself.
That's really good advice, Kerney.
When a contestant submits an item to this contest, they need to be aware that they're opening themselves up to some very frank and very professional criticism. I think one of the most useful lessons you can take away from RPG Superstar is learning to grow a thick skin and be able to put the judges' critiques into perspective. These guys know what they're doing, so you should treat each and every word they offer you like gold.
Superstar has sure generated some amazing talent over its few years. From amazing freelancers to Paizo employees. It really opens doors. And time has shown that you don't have to be the winner to get a lot out of entering.
First, there is just the success and confidence of finishing an item and submitting. That in and of itself is worthy of praise.
Second, after submitting, participating in the amazing discussion here, even if all you do is read. This is a high level discussion here at Paizo. This isn't a "you can't have a +6 sword" kind of newbie discussion (my letter to TSR back when I was like 11 or something). The superstar discussion boards are basically an online masterclass in game design. So log in, read, participate, get your online degree.
Third, participate in the "Clark critique my item" thread we have every year (that also inevitably totally overwhelms me at about item 200 and becomes "Neil and Sean finish critiquing the items for Clark" thread not to mention the amazing critiques from the other fans.
Fourth, maybe you get some feedback that you were close and you can use that for further design.
Fifth, maybe you made the cut to top 32. That process alone gets you a forum tag, which doesnt even come close to showing what an amazing accomplishment that is. To quote Charlie Sheen, if you are top 32 you are "winning."
Need I even mention advancing further in the rounds? Just look at the names. And they arent people who were names before. Superstar has really become a showcase and proving ground for some people who have used that to go on to some massive RPG design presence and industry impact. You know the names, you don't need me to tell you.
So don't just look at Superstar and say "I can't win the whole thing, so why try." I hope I've pointed out a whole slew of reasons why just entering is enough, let alone everything else that might come after.
Please, if you are on the fence...GET OFF and ENTER! Why not try? I guarantee you that you will feel amazing when you hit that...
Hey Clark, nice to have you back. I look forwards to hearing your thoughts on my item in the "Clark, please critique my item" thread. It is a fun tradition :D
Wow, these threads do stir the pot sometimes.
Well those who have been around since year 1 (of superstar, not 1 AD although I sometimes feel that old) might recognise me, then again, they may not.
Last year was hard for me, I was half way through detailed reviews of the entries when my mum was taken ill.
Im pleased to say she on the mend and much better, allowing me to have yet another stab this year.
I actually look forward to this now, it's part of Christmas and has that "home with friends" feel about it.
So do have a try - I might even have a go at giving you my tuppence ha'penny on feedback in the old feedback threads in Jan/Feb.
The people here are like anywhere else really, you always get your Eyores amongst the Pooh's and Piglet's ( yes, Clark, Neil, etc, you judges are all Owl variants from "Pathfinder: Winnie the RPG [Hardcore version]" :) )
But on the whole, and in the main, everyone here is very friendly and we all delight in playing with and commenting on each others creations, so go on, have a go... it really is fun regardless what the Eyores say.
I gotta say I am a bit nervous about the second round...
You're nervous about the second round? Dude, I'm going to be on a plane during half of the submission period of the second round. I'm hoping I'd be able to pull things together, but man it'll be tight. Even with that, I'm looking forward to it like you wouldn't believe.
I gotta say I am a bit nervous about the second round...You're nervous about the second round? Dude, I'm going to be on a plane during half of the submission period of the second round. I'm hoping I'd be able to pull things together, but man it'll be tight. Even with that, I'm looking forward to it like you wouldn't believe.
Oh don't get me wrong, I'd love to take a swing at the full contest, the second round seems like it would be the toughest for me though. I'm already spitballin some ideas though.
...
I'm gonna copy what Curaigh said above.
If you are still on I would remove or edit your post. It can be an identifier in an otherwise anonymous round :(
Idk if he is right on that but you may want to heed his advice just to be safe.
*Edit: Although I really hope he is wrong because I don't want to be disqualified for something so trivial my first time entering.
As I recall last year, one of the judges came on to say that nobody's really going to go check time codes on purpose to disqualify people, but telling the boards exactly when you entered isn't worth the risk of a judge making a connection on his own.
Good to know. Thanks Nazard.
Aye what Nazard said. Sorry if that sent your heart on a simulated climb of Everest. Mostly it would matter if there were only one or two submissions that afternoon, evening, morning, or whatever time frame the judges visit the boards. And then only if they also visit these threads as well. Considering how Clark and Neil and the others like to treat encouragement like confetti (for which we are lucky :) it can be quite frequent.
You should be fine, but better safe and wait a bit before saying anything.
That's sorta what I figured (and was hoping on) but I couldn't help but worry for a minute. Ultimately it wouldn't kill me if that happened, but I wouldn't want to lose my shot (especially cause I really like my item).
Star Voter Season 6
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Hey now, your a SuperStar
with apologies to Smash Mouth
Somebody once told me Superstar is gonna roll me
I ain't the sharpest +1 sword in the shed
My item was looking kind of dumb with a monster in a can and flavor text
In the shape of an "L" on my forehead
Well the rounds start coming and they don't stop coming
Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running
Didn't make sense not to write to please Sean
Your Wondrous Item gets tight but your head goes numb
So much to write so much to rewrite
So what's wrong with making a SIAC
You'll never know if you don't submit
You'll never shine if you don't rhyme
Hey now you're a SuperStar, get your game on - go write
Hey now you're a RPG Rock Star, get the show on - get paid
And all that glitters is Golarion
Only unique design chops break the the top 32
Very nice!
Makes me want to sift through my old Dragons for the April issues...
I love parody songs. I just listened to "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Fishmen" a few minutes ago and it made me spew coffee out of my nose. Ah, the holidays.
I love parody songs. I just listened to "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Fishmen" a few minutes ago and it made me spew coffee out of my nose. Ah, the holidays.
I had never heard of those before - thanks for making my day/week!
(youtube is one of the greatest sales tools ever invented for music)
I love parody songs. I just listened to "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Fishmen" a few minutes ago and it made me spew coffee out of my nose. Ah, the holidays.
Presumably sung in small, quiet, coastal New England towns where longtime residents tend to have a certain look about them?
I just want to say that even if you don't make the top 32, the experience you gain by going on and attempting to meet the further deadlines along with the contestants who did make it is of extreme value in learning how to design for all portions of the game. Don't give up just because you didn't make it. Keep trying, reading and paying attention to all the positive and negative comments from all the judges and guests judges. Paizo offers an extremely valuable tool to not only identify but hone the skills of future talented freelancers.
I believe you only lose if you do not try.
Well, this is a dilemma.
On the one hand, I'd be very interested to put in an item and get feedback on it. It sounds interesting.
On the other hand, I don't want to compete. That is, I am not actually interested in winning the contest. I'm too busy for freelance work of any sort, and likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future. In the event that my item got selected for the top 32, I would feel horrendously guilty for having taken a slot away from someone who wants the work.
So, is there some way to do an "exhibition only" entry that would not be formally judged and ineligible to proceed to round 2?
Last year there was a Voluntary Rejects thread on the forum where people posted the items they'd made but not submitted (for one reason or another) and gave feedback on each other's items.
If you're absolutely certain you don't want to compete, you might be better starting a thread like that after entries close for this year.
As for me, I guess I'll be trying for 4th time lucky.
I was wondering the same thing. Whenever I see the RPG Superstar logo, my instincts go "Aha! Competition! Pounce!" Then my higher reasoning functions kick in and I remember that actually no, I really don't want to be a freelance writer. It would be a lose-lose for me, since either I'd actually lose (most likely), or I'd win and feel horribly guilty for taking an incredible opportunity from someone who actually wants it. A Voluntary Rejects thread sound like a good compromise.
I noticed this thread here, I agree with much of the other posters on here. I think you do need to at least submit, if you don't you can't win. I've learned a thing or two from my experience last year, this will be my second year entering the contest. I don't think my chances of winning are that good,but I will enter again. Clark I'd like to participate in your item critique thread,as it may be a way for me to get some feedback before making my final entry! I am still fairly new to this so is there anything I need to know before posting an item? I don't want to do anything to get disqualified before making my final entry!
...I am still fairly new to this so is there anything I need to know before posting an item? I don't want to do anything to get disqualified before making my final entry!
READ:
the rules thoroughly,the sticky advice threads from SKR,
previous winner's entries,
previous non-winners's entries from any given year,
other random threads especially if they say anything about 'judges offering advice,'
previous non-winner's entries from every other year.
Probably, in that order. :)
And don't post your item looking for a critique before submitting it to the contest. Clark's "Critique My Item" thread always goes up after the Top 32 are announced to provide feedback to those who didn't make the cut. It's not really a sounding board for current ideas you're working on...though we did start a cooperative design thread based off the RPG Superstar panel discussion where everyone took their shot at designing a magic corset. And, there's a "Nine Blazing Months" thread where some folks have banded together to post and mutually critique various practice items in between competitions. Playing around there is fine. Just don't post your actual submission looking for feedback before you submit, because that'll disqualify you.
And don't post your item looking for a critique before submitting it to the contest. Clark's "Critique My Item" thread always goes up after the Top 32 are announced to provide feedback to those who didn't make the cut. It's not really a sounding board for current ideas you're working on...though we did start a cooperative design thread based off the RPG Superstar panel discussion where everyone took their shot at designing a magic corset. And, there's a "Nine Blazing Months" thread where some folks have banded together to post and mutually critique various practice items in between competitions. Playing around there is fine. Just don't post your actual submission looking for feedback before you submit, because that'll disqualify you.
my emphasis.
If it opened after the top four were announced, it would give us something to do during the longest wait :) (also give time for the 32 to shine, and possibly, keep more people around for the final vote. :)