How Do I Make a Contest?

[beeps]

In light of the high number of PMs Ive been receiving asking me how to make a contest, Ive come up with this sticky to try and condense everything you need to know about contests for all you newbies out there.

1. Do you qualify? You must qualify to be allowed to host your own contest on this site. Firstly, you must have at least 20 posts (in any forum on this site). Secondly, you must have successfully participated in at least one contest on this site as either a judge or a contestant. Successfully participating in a contest means that you judge for the entire duration of the contest OR you must have made it through at least the application round, first round, and second round of a contest if you've chosen to participate as a contestant.

2. Have you read the rules? You MUST MUST MUST read all of the rules written for the Sims Contest Forum (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=341258) before you submit a contest template. Why? There is so much important information included in the rules, and nearly every question you have will be answered if you just read through the rules. Sisaly has also structured a wonderful Contest Picture Taking Tutorial (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=337362), so make sure to take advantage of that as well if you decide to become an active participant in this forum.

3. Have you looked over the template guidelines? There are a wide variety of templates than can be used, however, hosts must be SURE to include specific information regarding their contest, including how they meet the hosting requirements, time required, etc. Please look them over Template Guidelines (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=465417) before submitting a template.

4. Start a thread. Please post your contest thread in the general Sims Contest Forum here (http://www.modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=569). Once your contest is through the Application Round, it will be moved to the correct subforum as soon as its labeled "In Progress." And remember - threads in this forum are moderated, so your contest thread will not show up on the forum immediately after posting. If your contest template is approved, it will be listed on the Waiting List (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=337969), which will show you where your contest is in line.

5. WAIT PATIENTLY. I cant stress this enough - dont PM heaven (http://www.modthesims.info/m/2650007) and ask when your contest will be approved. If its on the Waiting List, wait. If its not listed on the Waiting List, you must have either not qualified and therefore your contest thread was rejected, or you must have submitted a contest too general/not unique enough for approval.

:here: FYI: I approve batches of contests together, and Ill approve a new batch every 7-10 days. You can therefore use this as a rough timeline. Dont PM me and write "There are only 2 contests open for applications, you better approve some more!" I'm on this site every day, check in with the contest forum every day, and know it like the back of my own hand. So please, do me a favor and wait patiently for your contest or new contests to be approved.

I'll leave this thread open for any additional questions you have after reading this and all the rules/threads Ive linked here. Chatter or 'thank you' posts shouldn't be posted here ... only questions please :)

[cassieandra]

Say my contest doesn't go to plan and I get less then 10 people apply - does my contest get kept for a while or do you just outright delete it? And once it's cancelled is there anyway of keeping the template?

[beeps]

Contests remaining in the Application stage for up to 2 weeks will be deleted. If you, the contest holder, cannot accumulate enough entries for a successful contest (10 entries) in a 2 week time, your contest thread will be deleted.
Contests have two weeks to accumulate up to 10 contestants. If you cannot get 10 contestants in those two weeks, your contest will be deleted.

You should always keep a copy of your contest template in case something happens to it at any time. I (nor are any of the other Mods) am not held responsible for your contest template. Just keep it in a word document on your computer somewhere for safe keeping and delete it once your contest is over or until you dont need it anymore.

[Stormy_SC]

Can two people host one contest? That way if one host is not able to come online on a day when a next round is suppose to take place or on a day when it's time to post the judging results, the second host will be there to do it.

[beeps]

No, two people cannot host a contest together. It was attempted before, and it turned out to be a disaster mixed up with fixed judging and a winner declared by forfeit. So the answer is no.

If you as a host run into something where, during the course of your contest, you dont think you will be able to post scores/round info, you can always ask me or one of your judges to post it for you.

[JoeSims]

But what if the contest that the two "hosted" together was well planned out and they e-mailed each other round info and things like that. Or even bounced idea's off one another. Is that able to happen? So there won't be any confusion. Also, one of the hosts could be a judge, but could also host if the other host ended up absent.

OH! I get it, like one host already knew how things went and the other host joined to win by cheating. Is that what you meant?

I hope this makes sense, because I think I lost myself somewhere.

[beeps]

Two people cannot host a contest together; only one person can host a contest. Thats the final decision.

[emaone]

Must each contest have 4 rounds?

[beeps]

You can have as little or as many rounds as you would like or you can manage in the time allotted (1 month). But for your contestants to be able to earn a star, they must have won a contest with 4 rounds (yes, the application round is included in those four rounds).

[emaone]

just wondering but how long does it take for a contest to appear on the waiting list if it is accepted?

[JoeSims]

I can answer this one.

Depending on your submission of your contest, and the placement on the list, it is a possiblity that you could have your contest approved and appear on the contest thread 2 or 4 weeks. 4 weeks maximum!

[emaone]

wait but how long does it take to appear on the waiting list ?? as in be approved to run but not placed open for apps yet?

[happycowlover]

It's usually a day after you send it. I sent my contest, Project Domination 2.0, two days ago and it's still not on the Waiting List either. We just have to wait for bP to update. :)

[readysetgo88]

wait but how long does it take to appear on the waiting list ?? as in be approved to run but not placed open for apps yet?

I've actually noticed that the waiting list is updated when new contests are opened to applications. I'm pretty sure they're not added any other time.

[beeps]

just wondering but how long does it take for a contest to appear on the waiting list if it is accepted?
4. WAIT PATIENTLY. I cant stress this enough - dont PM me and ask when your contest will be approved. If its on the Waiting List, wait. If its not listed on the Waiting List, you must have either not qualified and therefore your contest thread was rejected, or you must have submitted a contest too general/not unique enough for approval.

:here: FYI: I approve batches of contests together, and Ill approve a new batch every 7-10 days. You can therefore use this as a rough timeline. Dont PM me and write "There are only 2 contests open for applications, you better approve some more!" Im on this site every day, check in with the contest forum every day and know this forum better than the back of my own hand. So please, do me and yourself a favor and wait patiently for your contest or new contests to be approved.
Just use this as a reference. If I approve a new batch of contests every 7-10 days, I will update the Waiting List every 7-10 days as well.

It's usually a day after you send it.
This is not true. I update the Waiting List every time I approve a new batch of contests (every 7-10 days).

[happycowlover]

Well, can't get everything right. LOL

So, what about contests that are in Round 1 but still taking apps and when they move into whatever section they're supposed to be in, do you open up contests in their place? Does the same rule apply?

[beeps]

So, what about contests that are in Round 1 but still taking apps and when they move into whatever section they're supposed to be in, do you open up contests in their place? Does the same rule apply?
Im not completely sure on what youre asking, but what I understand your questions to be are: Can contests still hold applications into Round 1; and Do you open contests in place of contests when they move into the "In Progress" status?

Well firstly, yes contests can hold open applications through Round 1. After Round 1, applications should close. And secondly, contests do not open immediately in place of contests which move into the "In Progress" status. Contests are approved in batches (by me) every 7-10 days, with few exceptions.

[happycowlover]

I understood what you said but I was wondering about contests that were in Round 1 but were still accepting apps and a new batch of contests opened up. Once they close the application stage and move into either Beauty, Houses, or Other section, do you replace those contests with other contests on the Waiting Lists or do you still wait for the 7-10 day approval before opening up new ones? Hope that made sense. :)

[beeps]

Yes, I still wait for the 7-10 day approval before opening up new contests.

[Nihon_Dreamer]

I submitted a contest about a week ago, the WL was updated yesterday. Its not there, so I assume it was rejected, but I have no idea why. Is there any way I can know why it was rejected? Thanks for your patience.


EDIT: I read over this and see it asks for three judges. i can get three, but I wanted to see if my contest would even be approved. Is that enough for a rejection?

[readysetgo88]

Nihon, you don't get the judges until after your contest is approved.

Have you participated in a contest before? That's a necessary step. Also, you have to have a certain number of posts (I think it was 20 before).

[lovelybones_SC]

1. Do you qualify? You must qualify to be allowed to host your own contest on this site. Firstly, you must have at least 20 posts (in any forum on this site). Secondly, you must have successfully participated in at least one contest on this site as either a judge or a contestant. Successfully participating in a contest means that you judge for the entire duration of the contest OR you must have made it through at least the application round and first round of a contest if youve chosen to participate as a contestant.
Does this answer your question, Nihon?

[beeps]

Nihon_Dreamer... lovelybones is correct, you didnt qualify.

[Stormy_SC]

Do I have to have a certain amount of contestants for a contest? I'm sorry if this has already been asked or stated. I must've overread something.

[beeps]

You do not need 20 contestants for a successful contest. Many people close down their contest because there are only a few contestants who enter during the Application Round. As long as you have at least 10 contestants, you still have a good competition.
Nearly everything is answered in the contest rules announcement.

[cookiecakes2]

i would love to runa contest but how do i do it do i jsut start it cause i have an idea for a contest

[beeps]

i would love to runa contest but how do i do it do i jsut start it cause i have an idea for a contest
How about you read the very first post of this thread. Since the thread is entitled "How Do I Make a Contest?" Im thinking it will answer your question.

[stylequeen_SC]

I know this isn't exactly for this thread but I think it's the most suitable place to ask it

-How often are official contests?

[beeps]

Official contests are run by staff and are not run very often. The last official contest was the S2C Banner contest and before that was the Miss S2C Beauty Pageant. As to when the next official contest will be held? Thats a secret :)

[NotACrime]

I had a great idea for a contest that involves making small movies with the sims. In the allowed contest section it didn't say anything about movies. Is it allowed?

[beeps]

As long as the movies are Sim-related (ie a movie of something in-game, a slideshow of Sims pictures, etc), that would be fine.

[lovelybones_SC]

Okay. Beauty and the Geek: Season 1 is up. It's a contest, of course. But I was wondering what if not enough geeks join in my contest?

[FurryPanda]

What exactly does a contest host DO? 'Cause there's all the fuss about this being one of the most complex forums and there being all the requirements and so on, but in the contests I've judged it doesn't seem like the hosts do much beyond posting the rounds and judging. Is that the big deal? Cause it doesnt seem too mind-bogglingly complex... Mebbe tis like figure skating, looks easier than it is... but is there any more to hosting than posting the rounds and judging? And coming up with the template of course.

Sorry if this is posted somewhere, but I followed all the links and saw naught on the subject.

[EuroSand]

What exactly does a contest host DO? 'Cause there's all the fuss about this being one of the most complex forums and there being all the requirements and so on, but in the contests I've judged it doesn't seem like the hosts do much beyond posting the rounds and judging. Is that the big deal? Cause it doesnt seem too mind-bogglingly complex... Mebbe tis like figure skating, looks easier than it is... but is there any more to hosting than posting the rounds and judging? And coming up with the template of course.

Sorry if this is posted somewhere, but I followed all the links and saw naught on the subject.


You also have to be organized, punctual, responsible and polite to your contestants too. Sometimes that can be tough when real life gets in the way... it is like figure skating: looks easier than it really is.

[beeps]

But I was wondering what if not enough geeks join in my contest?
This is clearly outlined in the Contest Rules. Please read through them thoroughly before posting questions here. If its something more specific that youre wondering about, please PM me about it. This thread is for general contest questions.

You do not need 20 contestants for a successful contest. Many people close down their contest because there are only a few contestants who enter during the Application Round. As long as you have at least 10 contestants, you still have a good competition.

What exactly does a contest host DO? 'Cause there's all the fuss about this being one of the most complex forums and there being all the requirements and so on, but in the contests I've judged it doesn't seem like the hosts do much beyond posting the rounds and judging.
A contest host is responsible for a LOT when running a contest, and its really impossible (and would be redundant) if I listed all of those responsibilities here. Read through the Contest Rules and Contest Template thread and post here if you have something a little more specific to ask rather than "What do they do".

The reason its stated site-wide that this is a complicated forum is because SO many members start contests not knowing the responsibility and work-load to which they are committing. Therefore, we used to get a lot of abandoned contests or miserably unsuccessful contests, so thats why we have implemented these rules and have made some requirements in order for a member to host a contest. If you want to host a contest, it can be easy sure. But hosting a successful contest or a feature-worthy contest? Thats not so easy and requires a LOT of time and work on the host's part. Its definitely like figure skating.

Look at Nukeya's new contest as an example of a great contest (which in turn gives her tons of responsibility to run it): Clicky (http://forums.sims2community.com/showthread.php?t=46835)

[summer_wine]

I'm gonna be hosting my first contest and i wanted to know what the prizes policy is. can i just PM people and ask if they'll donate? or should i wait for them to offer?

thanks!

[beeps]

If you wish to offer prizes which are normally pay content, you must PM the creators and ask for their permission to offer them as a prize. Then once you get their permission, you must forward that written permission to me via PM or my email (ask me privately for my email). Otherwise if you want people to donate a prize, just ask them.

[Sizza]

If I submit a contest now but want to keep it on hold should I state that in the original post or PM you?

[JoeSims]

You should state that in the post at the very top. It will be noticed by bP when she places it on the waiting list. :)

[beeps]

You should state that in the post at the very top. It will be noticed by bP when she places it on the waiting list.
Thanks Joe; thats exactly correct.

[golden_SC]

if the prizes are made by myself (if i am the host), or if someone donates a prize, do i need any other permission, say, from you?

[EuroSand]

if the prizes are made by myself (if i am the host), or if someone donates a prize, do i need any other permission, say, from you?

you don't need permission from bP if you're the creator of your prizes or if they come from free sites (such as www.doursim.com).

[golden_SC]

ok thank you^^ now i think i got everything down to start planning my contest.

[beeps]

you don't need permission from bP if you're the creator of your prizes or if they come from free sites.
Right. But if you are offering prizes which are available as pay items on a site, you MUST get the creator's written permission (and forward it to me via PM or email) to distribute their content.

[honeynutcows_SC]

i dont know if i should put this here but this seems the best place are contest owners or whatever you call them allowed to double post eg if they were last to post and need to post scores not to bump up the thread

[beeps]

Contest hosts can double post if its warranted (ex: the host just posted scores, then posted the next round information). Bumping their thread is not allowed as well as double posting something that could easily be condensed into their last post.

[DirectorsCheese]

I'm planning a contest right now, and three things just occurred to me.

1. I was in a contest and made it through the eliminations of the application round and the first round but I had to drop out because of a huge spike in schoolwork. Does that count as a participant in one competition, or does it not because I was forced to leave?

2. When submitting a contest application do you want everything? Like, all the images that would be used in the round posts and all the posts for all the rounds? Or do you just want the initial "introductory" post?

3. If we are absolutely terrible at photoshopping or image editing (I've just downloaded the GIMP and I'm still getting used to it), is it allowed for someone else to make the avatars/group shot - maybe one of the judges or prize donators - or do the contestants have to go without?

Thanks for your time! :howdy:

[lovelybones_SC]

I'm planning a contest right now, and three things just occurred to me.

1. I was in a contest and made it through the eliminations of the application round and the first round but I had to drop out because of a huge spike in schoolwork. Does that count as a participant in one competition, or does it not because I was forced to leave?

2. When submitting a contest application do you want everything? Like, all the images that would be used in the round posts and all the posts for all the rounds? Or do you just want the initial "introductory" post?

3. If we are absolutely terrible at photoshopping or image editing (I've just downloaded the GIMP and I'm still getting used to it), is it allowed for someone else to make the avatars/group shot - maybe one of the judges or prize donators - or do the contestants have to go without?

Thanks for your time! :howdy:
1. Well, you could also participate as judge in another contest. But you have to judge thorought the whole contest.
2. You don't need images just include everything else as much as you can to get it approved. I've submitted a contest before without images and bP approved it and it was on the waiting list. I just added images once it was in the App. stage. You may want to include: About the Contest, Rules to the contest, Application round and it's requirements, Judging info, and prizes info. For the other categories, just put TBA (To be announced).
3. You could do that. I've done that before because I was terrible at making avatars and group shots because I've never had done those before. I've asked someone and they said it was okay. And they don't necessary always need avatars.

Hope this helps!

[beeps]

DirectorsCheese...

1. No, it does not count. Successfully participating in a contest as a contestant means participating through the entire duration of the contest OR participating until you are eliminated by the round scores.

2. Judges do not have to be included in the contest template, but you must have 3+ judges by the time your contest moves into the first round (pending approval of course). But there should be a basic contest template there (including a blank contestant list, a list of rules, a good description of your contest, a blank -or complete- list of jugdes, etc). You definitely dont need to post all the information for each round, just make sure to include the application round info in that first post.

3. There is no rule that contest hosts have to make their contestants an avatar. Its something thats just become popular through the years, but it certainly isnt necessary. And its just fine if you ask someone else to make avatars for your contestants. Just make sure that person doesnt mind doing it for you :p

(Thanks lovelybones for your response)

[summer_wine]

My contest is currently at round one. i only have 10 contestants, now one of them has dropped out. can i still continue my contest with 9 contestants?

[lovelybones_SC]

My contest is currently at round one. i only have 10 contestants, now one of them has dropped out. can i still continue my contest with 9 contestants?
All I know is that you need at least 10 contestants to get passed the application stage. And yes, you can still continue with your contest, I'm guessing.

(Thanks lovelybones for your response)
Anytime, bP. Always here to help.

[beeps]

My contest is currently at round one. i only have 10 contestants, now one of them has dropped out. can i still continue my contest with 9 contestants?
Yes. You just need 10+ contestants minimum for the contest to be able to move into the first round, so you are fine.

Again, I urge people to read through the Contest Forum Rules before posting here. Nearly every question is answered in the announcement:
http://forums.sims2community.com/announcement.php?f=28

[Girl4Sims2]

Is there any criteria to being a judge? I've never judged before and i'm fairly new so not many people know me, does that matter? Also, i want to start a contest when i meet the requirements, but how does the gold star work, is it something i have to give out after 4 rounds or is it automatically given?

[beeps]

1. There is no criteria to be a judge. Anyone can start judging at any point, but there are a few things about judging (http://forums.sims2community.com/announcement.php?f=28) if you take on the task and fail miserably (which I dont assume ;p).

2. Gold stars for contests are not given by contest hosts but rather by S2C Staff when one or more of the following requirements are completed:
Anyone who places first in a member-run contest - This is limited to contests where there is one clearly defined winner with a first, second and third place. This does not include any group-type contests with multiple first place winners. Please post here with a link to the post indicating you are the winner. The contest you win must have at least four rounds.
Anyone who runs 3 successful and by the rules contests - This is the one that we've had the most trouble with. Here's the deal: This is decided by the mods of the site, most likely boolPropped and myself as we actively moderate the contests section - with feedback/input from other mods as needed. Now, anyone can run a beauty contest - anyone can run three of them very well. But the thing is, they're pretty simple and - much like silly boys - a dime a dozen. So what we're looking for is not only that you run them successfully and by the rules, but that you're creative with them. Put a spin on the norm, do something really out there - add some excitement to it. These are the kinds of contests that will grab our attention and put our eyes on you to see how many contests you run and eventually award you with a star.

[lovelybones_SC]

Say I host a contest, that is on cycle two, and it should go in the 'other' cateogory. But the first cycle was in the 'beauty' category. Is that okay?

EX: Little Miss Cutie Pie Cycle 1=Beauty Category
Little Miss Cutie Pie Cycle 2=Other Category

[beeps]

Yes, that would be fine.

[honeynutcows_SC]

i dont know if i should post this here but i dont know where else to if you are in a contest that is badly run has boring tasks or is genrelly not very nice to be in is it ok to drop out of said contest ive never been in one yet but i have seen some like this in the past and wondered if i was ever in one if it would be ok to drop out

[beeps]

i dont know if i should post this here but i dont know where else to if you are in a contest that is badly run has boring tasks or is genrelly not very nice to be in is it ok to drop out of said contest ive never been in one yet but i have seen some like this in the past and wondered if i was ever in one if it would be ok to drop out
If the contest is being badly run, it should be brought to my attention first (via PM) to see what can be done. Dropping out usually isnt a great thing to do, so would PM me first and then see if the contest can be turned back on-track before just dropping out.

[emaone]

is it correct to be able to have 2 winners?

[beeps]

is it correct to be able to have 2 winners?
Yes, you can have two winners. But note that a contestant is not eligible for a star if he/she places first in a contest with more than one winner.

*Anyone who places first in a member-run contest - This is limited to contests where there is one clearly defined winner with a first, second and third place. This does not include any group-type contests with multiple first place winners. Please post here with a link to the post indicating you are the winner. The contest you win must have at least four rounds.

[Shenanigans_SC]

I've read the rules about needing 10 applications to move into round one, but I've seen times when Applications had stayed open during round one. So I thought I'd ask for clarification.
My current contest has nine applications, but one of which has already said they'll probably drop out. I figured I could move into round one, leaving applications open, maybe I'll get that one (maybe two) more contestants I need. However, if I don't get that one or two contestants, I'm going to feel really bad about having to shut down a contest after eight other people worked on the first round.

My applications have been open for five days, and I suppose I could hold out another two or so, but then I'm worried that I won't finish the four rounds up in time to be done in the alloted month time frame. So I was just wondering what your reccomendation is for a situation like this bp. I'm soooooooo close! It's frustrating.

[RainbowCyberGoth]

Yes, you can start round one during the application period.

[beeps]

Looks like you have 11 contestants, Shenanigans, unless Im reading something wrong. So for the sake of clarification: you can leave applications open through Round 1, but you cannot proceed with your contest until you have 10 cumulative contestants. So basically, you can hold Applications and Round 1 for a while, but your contest thread will not be moved into "In Progress" and subsequently submitted to the correct category until you have 10 contestants minimum.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Looks like you have 11 contestants, Shenanigans, unless Im reading something wrong...

Yeah, :blush: a few more joined since I had posted that. Thank you for answering. It would have been heartbreaking if I only had nine contestants after round 1 and had to discontinue it. But thankfully that wasn't the case. :)

[FurryPanda]

Bit late of me to ask this (I think), but is qualification to host a contest based on post count and participation status at the time the thread is submitted or the time contests are approved? Thank you muchly in advance!

[beeps]

is qualification to host a contest based on post count and participation status at the time the thread is submitted or the time contests are approved?
At the time the thread is submitted.

[banana_squared]

I have a few questions regarding the actual structure and appearance of a contest, should I just PM you about it bP?

[beeps]

You can feel free to PM me, yes. But if you think your questions and my answers to them may benefit other members, please post them here :)

[Wanabee_gangsta_013]

when you ave posted up a contest is it possible to see where you are on th waiting list.....JW

[FurryPanda]

Nope, the waiting list only gets updated whent he contest forum gets updated. If you noticed this time there was only one contest on the list, yet four appeared. And if theres more than whatever number the quota is, you don't know at all where you are. I'm not sure if you get told if you're not approved as opposed to not being on the waiting list. Hope that helps! And more so, hope its right, lol.

EDIT: See post 15 in this thread... and post 1 and several in between and afterwards, heck, page one is gold... :) Or the rules, they say alot too...

[Wanabee_gangsta_013]

:howdy: is there anyway to no if your contest has been denied.......JW

Also on the waiting list if a contest has on hold does that mean that no-other contests will be approved until after that date

[beeps]

If your contest was submitted before the date that the Waiting List was updated, then that means your contest was not approved. As to why a contest isn't approved, there is no way to know this other than to PM me.

"On Hold" tags are only applicable to the one, particular contest. Others can/will be approved before it.

[banana_squared]

I posted a contest recently waiting for approval, but I wonder. There is a waiting period of 7-10 days, does that apply to the day I posted it, or does it apply to the time you last made an addition to the contest forum?

[FurryPanda]

If your contest was submitted before the date that the Waiting List was updated, then that means your contest was not approved.

So... all the contests waiting to be approved are approved at once? If so, two questions, what's the contest forum moderation queue you've spoken of and what's the deal with the "approvals can take up to a month" comment int he rules? And if I had it interpreted correctly in the first place... nevermind.

[beeps]

I posted a contest recently waiting for approval, but I wonder. There is a waiting period of 7-10 days, does that apply to the day I posted it, or does it apply to the time you last made an addition to the contest forum?
The 7-10 day waiting period is only a rough timeline of how often a new batch (usually around 5 contests) of contests gets approved from the Waiting List; it has nothing to do with how long a contest may be in wait. However, contests in wait usually are added to the WL within about of week of submission, but it's not a solid timeline. If the WL is long enough, you could wait for up to a month until it is approved.

So... all the contests waiting to be approved are approved at once? If so, two questions, what's the contest forum moderation queue you've spoken of and what's the deal with the "approvals can take up to a month" comment int he rules? And if I had it interpreted correctly in the first place... nevermind.
No, all the contests on the WL are not approved at once. New batches of contests (usually around 5) are approved every (approx) 7-10 days.

The Moderation Queue is a private control panel where only staff is allowed, and it houses all threads that must be approved by a Moderator. Contest threads, picture threads, "Common Threads" threads and other threads that need to be moderated before posted on the forum are stored here. It's kinda like an archive.

Approvals can take up to a month... if the WL is long enough. Obviously during the holidays, there is a lull in contests. So there hasn't been too many submittions/approvals during the last month because of the holidays. But once the WL gets busy again, you could possibly wait for up to a month until your contest is approved. Not saying for sure you will wait for a month, but it could happen.

[FurryPanda]

Actually what I was asking was if every contest that got approved got put on the waiting list, the one at the top of the forum, when it was approved. Like if twenty people submitted contests that got approved in the one 7-10 day period between approvals, would all twenty appear on the waiting list? Or would only the first *insert quota here* appear? Sorry if I was unclear.

[beeps]

FurraPanda... Every contest gets put on the WL. However sometimes if there isn't a wait, for say a house contest, it will be approved with a new batch immediately (without making it to the WL). But yes, if there is any kind of wait (which there usually is), all accepted contests will appear on the WL for some time before they are approved and opened for applications.

[LostSock]

This is a question, and I'm not sure if it should go with this thread, but hopefully it's alright.

Is there a thread for a contest wish list? For example I'd like to participate in some home building contests (like small cool houses, or build and decorate with x amount of simoleons), but it seems I just have to wait until someone decides to host one of those. Is there anywhere contest creators can see what people are interested in doing?

Thanks!

[Urbanique]

This is a question, and I'm not sure if it should go with this thread, but hopefully it's alright.

Is there a thread for a contest wish list? For example I'd like to participate in some home building contests (like small cool houses, or build and decorate with x amount of simoleons), but it seems I just have to wait until someone decides to host one of those. Is there anywhere contest creators can see what people are interested in doing?

Thanks!


I'm sure eventually someone will do a contest like that, but you never know for sure when that may happen. The contest subforum hasn't been as active as it has been in the past. Maybe PM someone that has done a contest like that before (?)

Over at Simfinity (http://www.sim-finity.com) they have a Contest Idea Exchange thread where people request/suggest ideas for contests. You should stop by and take a look. :D

[LostSock]

Over at Simfinity (http://www.sim-finity.com) they have a Contest Idea Exchange thread where people request/suggest ideas for contests. You should stop by and take a look. :D

Oh cool, thank you! I didn't know about that site. :)

[heidi_aston]

I have looked in all the rules and guidlines and not found what I'm looking for...........When a contest comes out of the waiting list and people can start applying, I was wondering if the time waiting to accumlate contestants is included in the 1 month contest duration? does that make sense!!
Or the 1 month timeline starts from Round one?

Thanks for your time!!

[beeps]

When a contest comes out of the waiting list and people can start applying, I was wondering if the time waiting to accumlate contestants is included in the 1 month contest duration?
Yes, it is included. All applications and contestants must be gathered within the 1 month time limit of your contest. Usually hosts take about 5-7 days for the application period and then use the rest of the month for rounds and judging.

[elpemmy]

Does being an emergency judge and having 20+ posts make you qualify? or do you have to be a proper judge, or a participant?
Thanks,
Em

[beeps]

You must be a proper judge and judge during every round of the contest.

You must have at least 20 posts (in any forum) and have successfully participated in at least one contest as either a judge or a contestant. Successfully participating in a contest means that you judge for the entire duration of the contest or you compete the entire duration of the contest or until you are eliminated.
http://forums.sims2community.com/announcement.php?f=28

[PuX- 80's]

Since I'm going to be on vacation for these 2 following weeks should I post now with a note stating that it should be held for after the 18th to be out of the waiting list (that is if it goes into the Waiting List)?

[kattenijin]

I've been looking, but not seeing; what is the rule on the contest host also being a judge or EJ of that contest? If the answer is already posted somewhere, just put the fact that I missed it to early onset senility.

[beeps]

Since I'm going to be on vacation for these 2 following weeks should I post now with a note stating that it should be held for after the 18th to be out of the waiting list (that is if it goes into the Waiting List)?
Yes, submitting it now and making a note to hold for a few weeks is definitely acceptable.

I've been looking, but not seeing; what is the rule on the contest host also being a judge or EJ of that contest? If the answer is already posted somewhere, just put the fact that I missed it to early onset senility.
Yes, contest hosts can act as a judge or an emergency judge in their own contest.

[lisa21]

What if I'm an old user who can't log into my old account. I had more than 20 posts but i can't log in, can i still host a contest?

[beeps]

What if I'm an old user who can't log into my old account. I had more than 20 posts but i can't log in, can i still host a contest?
If you are having a problem with your account, you should see if an Administrator can help you sort out the problem. Maybe this thread (http://forums.sims2community.com/showthread.php?t=53445) describes your problem with your old account?

If you cannot get your problems sorted out though, you will need to accumulate 20+ posts and participate in a contest in order to be eligible to host a contest.

[Emma_SC]

Can we co-host a contest? If not, make a contest with a host but the other assists?

[beeps]

I ended up answering Emma's question via PM after she poked me, but I thought I would post here anyways so that everyone knows...

We do not allow co-hosting of contests. There were a few attempts in the past, which all resulted in disasters (fixed scores, judging bias, etc etc). Contests may not have co-hosts or assistant hosts.

[LostSock]

If the host of a contest doesn't show up after it was approved (The Architect contest), can someone else take it over? I'm quite interested in doing this challenge. :)

[beeps]

Well the current "The Architect" contest hosted by MissTech seems to be proceeding just fine. MissTech promptly checked in on her thread and has been efficiently answering questions and giving updates just as a good host should do. So for this specific case, I'd just sit back and let MissTech do her job of hosting as she already has been :)

In the case of a hypothetical contest being taken over: contests can be taken over from Round 1 and on, the member taking over must have already successfully run at least one contest on this site.

[clw8]

Ok, so, I know in the rules of contests, it says you have to have been in/ or judged a contest, in order to hold your own contest. Does this mean that I must wait for one of the contests I'm in to be completed? One of them has a deadline of Feb. 1.

[beeps]

Yes, you have to wait until the contest has finished before you submit a contest to host.

[PuX- 80's]

How do we know if a submitted contest was rejected?

[beeps]

If your contest doesn't show up on the Waiting List within a reasonable amount of time after you submitted it (reasonable amount of time = 3 days), then it is likely that it was rejected.

The only way to make certain it WAS rejected or WHY it was rejected is to PM me :)

[PuX- 80's]

Certified "Maxis-Has-Never-Looked-So-Good" Contest
beeps, What does that mean?
It appeared yesterday and it creeped me out, but certified is usually a good thing...

[cavilez]

Where did you see that at PuX?

[PuX- 80's]

At the top-ish of my Maxis-Makeover Contest.

[cavilez]

Oh that's so cool. That's the first contest I have seen that in. It probably means exactly what it says. :D

[beeps]

beeps, What does that mean?
It appeared yesterday and it creeped me out, but certified is usually a good thing...
It might have been a message from a certain contest moderator who is impressed at your contestants' hard work on making Maxis houses look so awesome ;)

[PuX- 80's]

That cool! :D
...Mmm, who could that have been...;)

[HyghTyme_SC]

I know only one host per contest is allowed, but can someone else who helped plan it judge or EJ?

[beeps]

I know only one host per contest is allowed, but can someone else who helped plan it judge or EJ?
Yes, that would be fine.

[1306]

I don't know if this is where I should ask this, but--if in a contest there is no elimination, is the winner still eligible for a star?

[beeps]

I don't know if this is where I should ask this, but--if in a contest there is no elimination, is the winner still eligible for a star?
Yep - as long as it meets the rest of the criteria (i.e. 4 or more rounds, one declared winner).

[jewaukeela]

Two questions:

1. If you submit a contest, but you say you want to postpone it being started, will it still appear on the waiting list within the three days?

2. I know that most or maybe all contests have three judges, is that the number of judges we are required to have no more no less? Or is that just tradition?

[simsimsims]

not sure about your first question, but as for judges, I found this on the Sim Contests Rules & Guidelines thread.

"3+ judges are required. To keep this forum running in a fair, unbiased format, ALL contests require 3 or more judges. These judges must be used in ALL rounds (with the exception of a judge dropping out). Judges can NOT be your mother, sister, cat or remote control. You must have 3 members of this site help you. Judges cannot be secret. You must list your judges' forum names before the first round of judging. This ensures no favoritism and will help contests run smoother"

Contest Rules and Guidlines (http://forums.sims-community.com/announcement.php?f=28)

Hope that at least answers your second question :P

[beeps]

jewaukeela... simsimsims is correct with their answer to your second question. As for your first question: if you submit a contest with a note to keep it on hold, it will still appear on the Waiting List right away.

[Norikoann]

You can have as little or as many rounds as you would like or you can manage in the time allotted (1 month). But for your contestants to be able to earn a star, they must have won a contest with 4 rounds (yes, the application round is included in those four rounds).

Does that one month start from when the contest is approved or from when the contest has enough contestants to move forward, i.e. one month from the end of the two weeks allotted to get ten contestants.

[beeps]

Norikoann... That one month starts as soon as your contest is approved and is listed in the Contest Forum. The application round and subsequent rounds must be held within the 1 month deadline.

[Norikoann]

Okay thanks bool. I have another question. What if the contest has no elimination. Are you still qualified to host a contest if you've gone through the first two rounds. i.e. I have submitted all four rounds for a competition but the competition judging is not over with yet. Am I qualified to host a competition yet.

[beeps]

Norikoann... You would need to complete all the rounds of a no-elimination contest (and wait for scores) in order to qualify to be a host.

[KyleTheArtist]

If you want to host a contest, do you need to be a winner of one other contest( as in first place) or you are fine as long as you took part? I am confused about the first rule of creating a contest...

[cavilez]

I am pretty sure you just need to make it past the application stage, or fully judge a contest.

[beeps]

Kyle... Here is the rule for qualifying as a host.
To Be a Host. In order to be able to host a contest on this site, you must qualify. You must have at least 20 posts (in any forum) and have successfully participated in at least one contest as either a judge or a contestant. Successfully participating in a contest means that you judge for the entire duration of the contest or you compete the entire duration of the contest or until you are eliminated. You must have made it through at least the application, first, and second rounds of a contest if youve chosen to participate as a contestant to be able to meet the requirements for hosting a contest of your own.

[KyleTheArtist]

I am in judging Jearts consume stars right now, so after I am done my contest can be approved?

[beeps]

Kyle... After the contest you are judging comes to an end, you can submit your contest for review.

[KyleTheArtist]

I already submitted it though D: Oh well. Thanks beeps!

[Deatherella]

I cannot find the Contest Rules thread to check to make sure the contest I invented is within bounds. All the links lead back to the main forum page and the only Contest Rules I can find anywhere is for Official Contests. I fee like such a dummy, so can you link me up to the right page?

[beeps]

Deatherella... For now, you can find the contest rules here (http://old.sims-community.com/announcement.php?f=28).

[Deatherella]

Thank you, bp, that was very helpful. Now, that I've tweaked up my contest a bit, do I submit it in its whole form or do you need an outline? My written out copy is all the round descriptions, point system, etc. The only thing missing is logo pics. What do you need?

[beeps]

Deatherella... Just submit it in it's whole form, no outline is needed. As far as final touches (like banners/logo), you can always edit those in after your contest is approved.

[KyleTheArtist]

Do i have to resubmit my contest after the current one I'm judging ends? because silly me already submitted it D:

[beeps]

Kyle... No, you don't have to re-submit.

[KyleTheArtist]

Okies :D thanks again beeps!

[ktbcca]

Will there be a separate section for Sims 3 contests? Or will it have to be pointed out in the contest description if it is TS2 or TS3 only? Is it possible to have a contest where contestants can use either TS2 or TS3 to create their entries?

[simsimsims]

Will there be a separate section for Sims 3 contests? Or will it have to be pointed out in the contest description if it is TS2 or TS3 only? Is it possible to have a contest where contestants can use either TS2 or TS3 to create their entries?

Hehe, it's funny you asked that, since I had to PM beeps regarding this the other day. - Someone asked me if they could use sims2/sims3 content in one contest.

The Reply she gave was, that Sims 2 and Sims 3 shouldn't be merged into one contest, and that as soon as the sims 3 launches, host's will need to "select" whether the contest is for sims 2 or sims 3. I'm not sure if there will be a subforum, but I think most likely you will need to state whether it is for sims 2 or sims 3.

Hopefully beeps will answer this better than I can anyway :P

[ktbcca]

Thanks simsimsims :)

I figured that would be the answer.

[sakrayami]

I finally won a contest run by ktbcca, and i am so happy about it :D Will i get a star now?

SimCity's Most Eligible Bachelor 2009
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=337983&c=1&ht=&page=1&pp=25#startcomments

[piyokochan]

What if you suck butt at making stuff, and only go on MTS2 to download and discuss? Can you run a contest without a prize? If not, how do you find someone who's willing to make the prize for you? o.0

[simsimsims]

What if you suck butt at making stuff, and only go on MTS2 to download and discuss? Can you run a contest without a prize? If not, how do you find someone who's willing to make the prize for you? o.0

Hey Piyokochan, as far as I know you do not have to provide a prize in your contest, I don't have any prizes in my current contest (yet) and I assume most people would rather enter the contest for the fun of it anyway :P - Also I have seen past contests, without prizes.

Plus they also win a star providing the contest meets the guidelines too which is a huge achievement in itself :D

Of course there is the chance that someone could offer a prize during your contest, but it's not essential :p

[Petchy]

I'm thinking of making a contest - bearing in mind that it will be around two weeks away from now.. if I go to plan on it - but I'm kind of worried that I won't get enough applicants / my idea isn't original enough / My theme is too abstract / People just don't want to do this stuff anymore.

Can I have some advice?
Would now be a good time, or should I just forget it? :)

[simsimsims]

I'm thinking of making a contest - bearing in mind that it will be around two weeks away from now.. if I go to plan on it - but I'm kind of worried that I won't get enough applicants / my idea isn't original enough / My theme is too abstract / People just don't want to do this stuff anymore.

Can I have some advice?
Would now be a good time, or should I just forget it? :)

Petchy I understand how you feel completely :p I am hosting a contest now, and it has taken a week to get 3 contestants, although I am hopeful for more as apps dont close till the 7th (shameless plug I know)

I would reccomend following the current and past contests, and see what type of thing people go for - Some things do better than others, I know for example beauty contests are always supported rather well, but some things struggle.

Seeing as beeps approves contests in batches, your contest would be amongst other contests, so It's sometimes usefull to view the contest waiting list here (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=337969) ,which will give you an idea of what the next batch of contests will be like, to make sure yours would offer something different.

I Reccomentd at least giving it a go, as I don't think much will change :p especially with Sims 3 coming out soon, which could steal even more people away. Just my Opinion though, you must do what you feel is right :p

[KyleTheArtist]

I am curious: when do contests in the waiting list go to the actual contest list?

[simsimsims]

I am curious: when do contests in the waiting list go to the actual contest list?

4. WAIT PATIENTLY. I cant stress this enough - dont PM me and ask when your contest will be approved. If its on the Waiting List, wait. If its not listed on the Waiting List, you must have either not qualified and therefore your contest thread was rejected, or you must have submitted a contest too general/not unique enough for approval.

FYI: I approve batches of contests together, and Ill approve a new batch every 7-10 days. You can therefore use this as a rough timeline. Dont PM me and write "There are only 2 contests open for applications, you better approve some more!" Im on this site every day, check in with the contest forum every day and know this forum better than the back of my own hand. So please, do me and yourself a favor and wait patiently for your contest or new contests to be approved

I think Beeps normally waits for the current contests in the application stage to die down a bit before putting on more. Shouldnt be too long now, but Just sit tight. It's probably better this way, since contests are struggling to fill up as it is and there are 5 contests currently in application stage. :D

[MissTech]

I finally won a contest run by ktbcca, and i am so happy about it :D Will i get a star now?

SimCity's Most Eligible Bachelor 2009
http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=337983&c=1&ht=&page=1&pp=25#startcomments


Perhaps you will, but all of us who already had stars (from the Community) havent gotten them back yet. You can read here (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=341156) what was said because I already asked about that. Congrats on your contest win though. :)

[KyleTheArtist]

I think Beeps normally waits for the current contests in the application stage to die down a bit before putting on more. Shouldnt be too long now, but Just sit tight. It's probably better this way, since contests are struggling to fill up as it is and there are 5 contests currently in application stage. :D
I thought so :D Thanks :P

[Fobok]

There'll obviously be Sims 3 contests, since there's a forum for it. Will they have a separate queue once some are submitted? Or will they share the same waiting list?

[beeps]

ktbcca... I'm sure you have, but just in case you haven't already seen it, we've added a Sims 3 section (http://www.modthesims.info/forumdisplay.php?f=589) to contests!

sakrayami... S2C stars will be coming back, eventually :)

piyokochan... You definitely don't have to offer a prize. It's just a nice thing that hosts offer if they want to. You can post a note in your contest to the effect of "I'm looking for prizes! If anyone wants to donate, please let me know!"

Petchy... The best place to ask (me) for advice about a contest is via PM. I'd be more than happy to give you my thoughts!

Kyle... It varies. The merge had temporarily halted approvals altogether, then slowly they started coming back after a better approval system was set up for staff. But basically it all depends on how many contests are currently in the application stage and how many are on the Waiting List. I would say they wait anywhere from 1-3 weeks.

Fobok... They will share the same Waiting List as TS2 and TS3 contests will use the same queue.

[Mysticrose_x3]

I've been keeping an eye out for a ts3 contest to enter, and no luck yet. Just curious- is there a reason why there are none yet, or has no one started one yet?

[w_sims]

Mysticrose .... it's probably because people are still familiarising themsleves with The Sims 3 at the moment. I am sure TS3 contests will start popping up soon, but I do know that serveral cotnests (inlcuding my own) started after the release of The Sims 3 and allowed entries from both games.

[Mysticrose_x3]

Okay, thanks. I was just curious because the sims 3 subforum doesn't even have a stickie on it, and the waiting list hasn't been updated since last month. That, and there was a contest posted up in the challenges forum, someone locked the thread but I guess the OP decided not to reenter their contest, or they didn't qualify. Thanks again :D

[SolidGoldFunk84]

Just to clarify, to host a contest here, you have to have participated in a contest here at MTS? I would like to host a contest but am unsure as to whether or not I qualify even though I've participated in contests on other forums.

[beeps]

SolidGoldFunk84... Correct, you must have participated in a contest here at MTS (or on our old sister-site, S2C (http://old.sims-community.com/)). I've added that clarification to the rules sticky now :)

[SolidGoldFunk84]

Sorry but I have another question.

The Contest Forum Rules states that you must have successfully made it through the application, first and second round to be allowed to host a contest. Here it states that you must have successfully made it through the application and first round. Which guideline is the requirement to host a contest here?

[missroxor]

I had no idea how tough it is to become eligible to host! :blink: I have a question regarding the ‘commit to judging’ paragraph in the Contest Rules, particularly, “Any judge known to have abandoned their position as a judge may not be able to judge a future contest”:

I became an EJ in a current contest however, on the first round I was asked to judge I made a comment which I intended as an explanation as to why I had deducted some points. This became a rather large bone of contention (I’m sure you know which one I’m referring to) and after several rather heated PMs from one of the contestants and a message from the host saying she has a policy of trying not to re-use EJs I decided it would be better for all concerned if I just removed myself from the situation. At the next round the host had substantial difficulties finding judges so she asked me to come back to judge that round which I happily did.

I realise now that I should probably have sought your advice at the time but we live and learn. Does this count as abandonment or do the circumstances combined with the fact that I came back when asked mean that I am still eligible to judge and host contests in the future (once I’ve met all the requirements)

Edit: Dunno if this is in the wrong place but I put it here because I want to be able to judge a contest so I can be eligable to host.

[beeps]

SolidGoldFunk84... You must make it through the application round, first round, and second round as a contestant to qualify as a host (OR you can qualify to host as acting as a judge throughout the entire duration of the contest). Either way, I will be sure to clarify the rules :)

missroxor... I am aware of your previous situation that you just described, and this particular instance will not disqualify you from judging again.

[missroxor]

Woohoo! Many thanks Beeps, just need to find another contest to judge/participate in then I can submit my own! :D

[SolidGoldFunk84]

Thanks beeps! I didn't want to bump the thread but I was really wondering what the rules were. :)

Sorry about all of the questions but they just keep coming! :anime: Well, my question is, can we hand pick our judges? There seems to be a lot of unreliability among people who choose to judge in the contests here. (I've only recently started browsing the contest thread here but it seems to be a pattern.) Contestants aren't getting scores in a timely manner and aren't getting critiqued on entries as they should. I've seen a couple who seem to be good at judging and I would love to be able to have people who can actually do the job and know what they're talking about as opposed to random people who cannot interpret what they see.

Sorry to go off topic here but, missroxor, I can't wait to see what you submit! :D

[RingzTerritory]

SolidGoldFunk84... Correct, you must have participated in a contest here at MTS (or on our old sister-site, S2C (http://old.sims-community.com/)). I've added that clarification to the rules sticky now :)omg thank you for posting that link, I thought I was nuts when I joined this site...everything looked different and I had no username LOL xD

um yea..sorry off topic ;_; lol

[janedoesim]

Ok this may sound silly... I was wondering if there can be a thread for contest requests. A sort of.."Host my contest idea thread".I have great ideas for contests, but with my lack of experience in hosting a contest I would like to see if someone else would like to take my idea and host it, someone more experienced. Feel free to smack me and tell me that's a stupid idea...

[beeps]

janedoesim... I believe there was a thread at one time for members to brainstorm contest ideas. I can't find it now, but feel free to start another thread like it if you'd like. Although it should only be a "contest ideas brainstorming" thread, not a "please host my contest" request thread :)

[nene1234]

Hi! :)
I have never heard of Contests, hmm! =P
Do they even... still exist?
Hahah there are no contests right now, I wasn`t sure if they were still going on, I`m not exactly sure how this works.
There are no threads in the Sims 3 Contest area, and I can`t start any since I`ve had no part in any Sims 3 Contests and I can`t have any part in them because there aren`t any... hahah do you see my problem? =P But I would be very interested in this. :)

[kustirider2]

There doesn't seem to be many contests. There was quite a few going on before the merge happened but since then, the contest section seems a bit empty. You have to wait until someone creates a contest. However, there are other sites that host contests too, such as: Sims 2 Supernova and, I think, Black Pearl Sims. :)

[Petchy]

I think it would be great for a new Storyline Contest to be made soon.. but I'm not exactly the best at hosting, and I'd love to participate more than anything ^_^
What ever happened to that Brainstorming Sticky?

[beeps]

nene1234... Welcome to the contest section! Yes, contests still exist. This forum does tend to lose steam while RL gets busy (with holidays and whatnot), but it will pick up from time to time as members submit new contests. Unfortunately there are no contests running right now, nor are there any on the Waiting List. I see your problem, but the only thing to do is to wait until a contest does open up and then join in as either a judge or participant. Check back regularly as a new contest may pop up sometime soon!

[nene1234]

Okay, thanks! :) I'll keep my eye out for any new contests popping up... ;)

[Jezebella*]

I've got the same Problem like Nene... I would be happy to take Part in a Contest (Ahhh, I hope I spelled that right) but since there aren't any... Wouldn't it be possible that the Team opens a Contest or some People who participated already? See, you've got at least two Contestants waiting here... And I'm sure there will be other People joining too.

[beeps]

Jezebella... Members waiting to participate in contests must be patient. Unfortunately that's all that can be said. We can't force members to host contests after all ;) Be patient and hopefully something will open up soon!

[DollyRot]

beeps, I am interested in maybe hosting a contest soon, but all the links in the OP redirect to the community forums.

[beeps]

Dolly... Fixed :)

[DDTKID]

I'd love to see some new Sims 2 contests :D

[yorkielove1]

there have only been 2 sims 3 contests, so if your subitting a sims 3 contest idea do you have to have participated in one of them

[LifesLover]

I feel like I'm raising a dead thread, but I had a question. Will we receive notification if our contest has been approved or not approved? I realize that I'm not supposed to harass the mods on when my contest will be approved, and I hope this won't be taken as such, but I'm just wondering if we'll receive some kind of PM or something about when our contest has been approved or disqualified. I'm sorry if this has already been answered and I just didn't see it.

[jade&jolie]

Could someone please open a Sims 3 Contest? I mean... Come on, where are all the Ideas? There are some People waiting out here'^^

[LifesLover]

Contests will only open when the moderators have approved them. I'm sure there have been contests submitted that have not been approved yet. All we can do is wait.

[LadyAwesome]

Hey I was wondering about the waiting list because it has not been used in a while.

[lipglosschaos]

I've seen the "Contest Template" mentioned quite a bit around this forum; is that something I type up by myself or is there a sort of form I have to fill out with the information?

[LifesLover]

The Contest Template is something that you create yourself. It's basically the format and rules for the contest you want to host. Basically, start a new thread in the Sims Contest forum, create the template there and then send the message. The moderators will either approve or deny the contest. Look at past Sims contests to get an idea for contest templates. However, you have to have participated in a contest, either as a judge or a contestant, in order to submit your own contest. There will be new contests opening up, hopefully soon.

[suzetter]

What is the difference between a contest and a challenge on MTS?

[Ghost sdoj]

It is my understanding that a contest has a time frame, and judges. A challenge is open-ended, and participants are on their honor to follow the guidelines. There are no winners in a challenge, just people who have completed it.

A contest has winners, and cannot be longer than 30 days. So you can't have someone come in 2 months after it was started and say "This looks fun. I want to do it too!" You also need a minimum number of participants before it ever gets off the ground at all, while a challenge can be ignored for a year and still be valid. (Although if it was ignored for a year it probably won't get many people seeing it, because it will have been bumped down to the next page by new ones.)

[Riptide651]

Wow, no replies for 8 months....

Oh well, I don't know if this has been answered before, but can we host 2 contests at once?

[heaven]

No, you may not host 2 contests at once. This is covered in the Contest Forum Rules. You may also not be currently competing in one competition and host another.

[Riptide651]

Ok thank you.