The "Don't Talk About Your Entry" Thread

[Chris Shaeffer]

Okay recruits! Great job getting your maps in on time, being super supportive of each other, and making this competition altogether worthwhile!

Now restrain yourselves.

Every year I think we get lured into a false sense of "it's okay to talk about everything!", due to the seeming immediacy of being allowed to respond to comments on our items.

From this point forward, think before you post. Don't talk about why you did your map a certain way or what you would have done if you had more time. And when the entries go live and those urges to respond to comments on your entries arise, stomp on them like a pissed off elephant on a sneaky little snake.

In the past few years, we've basically decided that even a "thank you, vote for me!" type of comment is pushing it. The best option is to just hunker down and work on the next round.

Even so, every year there's someone who gets a little too glib and pushes the envelope. Don't be that person.

I tell you this because I care. Now get out there and make some monsters! RAWR!

[Taylor Hubler]

So I can't tell anyone how I couldn't fit all the pink unicorns in the map and that there was supposed to be a tea party area?

[R D Ramsey]

When I said [redacted], I really meant "teddy bear picnic".

[Eric Hindley]

Honestly, I think I'm the current world of Superstar, I wouldn't post anything relevant at all. No glib [redacted] posts. No "thanks for commenting" bumps. Let your work stand up for itself. I might even make a statement to such effect ;)

I can tell you from experience that they don't help. Bumping your stuff seems like a good idea, but it makes you look desperate. Acting witty can help, but it's better served in other parts of the board. Your superstar tags follow you, and carry weight wherever you post, especially when they're current.

If you really want to post on these boards, take a good, long minute (or a few) and ask "can this make me look bad?". You'll be amazed at what can hurt you overall...

[Oceanshieldwolf]

Going to echo Eric here. The less the better thanks. I want to judge your work, not your social etiquette. The judges and Paizo may wax lyrical about "professional conduct" and conducting yourself genially etc, but as a voter I get turned off by preening, group hugs and crowing about success.

Let your submissions speak for themselves - a bunch of you already have forum reputation/presence - I'm trying to ignore that and vote for what you produce.

[Taylor Hubler]

That is good to know, and both Frank Gori and Jabcob W. Michaels have been on me about this. I am not so good at knowing when and when not to keep my mouth shut. In hindsight, the comment above wasn't something I should have posted.

I'll work on improving my skills instead of making comments.

[Mikko Kallio]

When in doubt, don't say anything. :) It's a good idea not to talk about your entry in any manner until the round is over.

Actually, I recommend that you don't talk too much about the other contestants' entries, either. Congratulating your fellow finalists and wishing good luck is fine, but I frown upon any finalist assessing the weaknesses or strengths of other finalists' entries before the round is over. Don't "help" the voters reach any conclusions. Please leave that to the judges and voters! (This is just my personal opinion on the matter, not a rule per se.)

Speaking of which, I want to encourage everyone else to comment on the entries as much as possible! Some people say that they don't feel they're competent enough to comment, but I disagree. Everyone who's played even just one session of Pathfinder is definitely competent to comment on the entries. :) If you feel unsure about putting on the "designer hat" when commenting, you can discuss how you would use the entry in your own game, either as a GM or player. Trust me, designers love to read comments like that. (I know I do.)

[Chris Shaeffer]

One of the greatest feelings is someone saying "I'm going to use this for my character / in my campaign." :)

[Wren Brown]

The First Rule of Superstar is....

At least for the Top 32. Everyone else should talk about it as much as possible! :)