Music Forum Contest Discussion Thread

[III]

I'm very excited about this contest. Can't wait to see what ya'll come up with. You can view contest details here (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84798).

[KTC]

What a completely awesome idea. I have so many things floating around in my head right now! You're the best for putting this on!

K

[Stew21]

What a great contest. Yay!

[KTC]

Really, eh. Music weaves our lives together. There are so many songs that have come at pivotal moments. I hope you get a ton of entries!

[poetinahat]

III, this is wonderful. It's a great contest, and now I know where all the kindred spirits are.

I'm going to love this. The only problem is going to be writing just one entry.

[rhymegirl]

Ooh, I just saw this.

Excellent idea! I have many songs that have held special meaning in my life. Guess I'll have to pick one.

Thanks, Jay. You rock!

[III]

Okay, I saw about a million Kill Haggis buttons in sig lines. I'd love to see the Music Forum Contest button start popping up in a few. Btw, the button is a picture of my old Ibanez Voyager guitar that I used to sell it on EBay. Great piece of trivia, huh.

[Serena Casey]

Hey, great idea! I'd been wondering what you were going to come up with. I'll be entering if at all possible.

[III]

I'll be entering if at all possible.

That's what she said. ;)

[benbradley]

This isn't quite what I expected, I wasn't thinking of writing solely about one song, but that may be the only way I can keep it under 1500 words anyway.

My first challenge in writing it is to decide between "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Prelude #1 (http://www.musicalgearbox.com/prelude.mp3)."

[DamaNegra]

Only 1 song?? Dammit!!! Well, I'm in.

Wait, are the prizes for US residents only? You know, because of international shipping costs and all that...

[III]

Only 1 song?? Dammit!!! Well, I'm in.

Wait, are the prizes for US residents only? You know, because of international shipping costs and all that...

Let me check on that for ya DN . . .

[Shadow_Ferret]

Sounds like a great contest. Too bad I can't write on spec.

[III]

Only 1 song?? Dammit!!! Well, I'm in.

Wait, are the prizes for US residents only? You know, because of international shipping costs and all that...

GOOD NEWS!
Prizes can be shipped internationally!

[DamaNegra]

GOOD NEWS!
Prizes can be shipped internationally!

:PartySmil

I'm in :D Nah, who am I kidding, I would've still entered if I couldn't get prizes. Not that I'm going to win if I'm competing against you guys, but it's all about the fun, right? :)

[truelyana]

I thought we had to write a song, until I re-read the competition. Can the story or essay be flowing within a musical style? Or is it just the theme that tells the story? I think am a little unsure of how to go about it. I do like the sound of it though, and may participate. :)

[III]

I thought we had to write a song, until I re-read the competition. Can the story or essay be flowing within a musical style? Or is it just the theme that tells the story? I think am a little unsure of how to go about it. I do like the sound of it though, and may participate. :)

I wanted to keep it pretty wide open, so if you can write it in a musical style I think that would be brilliant. I'm hoping to see a wide range of entries, from the deeply personal to the wildly imaginative.

And don't worry, I'm planning some actual song-writing contests in the future. I wanted to start off with something a little more literary to get things rolling.

And for people wanting to de-stress from NaNo, this should be a fun little exercise. :D

[KTC]

Got my song!

[dolores haze]

Got my song!

How did you decide? I can't decide which one - it's driving me nuts!

[III]

How did you decide? I can't decide which one - it's driving me nuts!

It's the one that changed your life, silly.

[dolores haze]

It's the one that changed your life, silly.

What can I say - I've had a very interesting life. Many twists and turns in the road, and music in the background the whole time. Only one entry, right? I think I'm gonna have to put my songs in a cup, and just pick one that way. At this rate I'll never start writing.

[Serena Casey]

No song yet here, either. It's a tough decision! It has to be just right...

[III]

What can I say - I've had a very interesting life. Many twists and turns in the road, and music in the background the whole time. Only one entry, right? I think I'm gonna have to put my songs in a cup, and just pick one that way. At this rate I'll never start writing.

I'm such a softy I'm tempted to say "aw just put all the songs in your essay", but realistically the purpose of these contests is to stretch each of us as writers, and part of that is deciding what makes for the strongest story and what beloved things to trim for the sake of the story.

[KTC]

I was going to do Bob Dylan's Baby Blue. You can read about that one in Ray's House of Love. When I decided that one was just too significant, I went with my next obvious choice.

[truelyana]

I wanted to keep it pretty wide open, so if you can write it in a musical style I think that would be brilliant. I'm hoping to see a wide range of entries, from the deeply personal to the wildly imaginative.

And don't worry, I'm planning some actual song-writing contests in the future. I wanted to start off with something a little more literary to get things rolling.

And for people wanting to de-stress from NaNo, this should be a fun little exercise. :D

I let my imagination flow last night, as I really liked the sound of this one. So I just wrote, without any set mind frame and now I'm just adding it onto Word. I'll send it to you soon. :) It definetly is fun.

[DamaNegra]

What if I want to make it about a song in Spanish? Can I make the essay in Spanish too?? :D

[III]

AWESOME NEWS! We've got a special judge for the Music Forum Contest! Check out the announcement here (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1850530&postcount=2). I'm so psyched!

Also, I've already received 4 entries and I have to say the bar in this contest is already set HIGH. Ten days left to be part of a fantastic contest.

[III]

What if I want to make it about a song in Spanish? Can I make the essay in Spanish too?? :D

Absolutely, but keep in mind a majority of the folks on this board can't read Spanish, so if you want more people to read it and vote for it you'll want to submit an English translation as well and I'll post them together. (Pssst - everyone pretend like you don't know which entry is hers ;))

[Serena Casey]

AWESOME NEWS! We've got a special judge for the Music Forum Contest! Check out the announcement here. I'm so psyched!

Also, I've already received 4 entries and I have to say the bar in this contest is already set HIGH. Ten days left to be part of a fantastic contest.
That's fantastic! Now I'm scared.

And wow, 4 entries already? Still working on mine...

[KTC]

That's awesome news, Jay! Way to go!


Now I hope a whole bunch of people get in on this and get their entries in. Come on, people! We all have songs that have changed our lives. That's one thing all of us here have in common. Get writing!

[Pat~]

Well, I just had to enter. There IS one stand-out song in my life, and it's time to share it with the world.

[DamaNegra]

4 entries?? What?? So early?? Dammit!! *gets to work*

[III]

Make that 5 entries as of tonight!

[KTC]

Keep them coming people!

I'm doing something. Don't try to stop me...

[III]

6 entries as of this morning.

I'm not just saying this because I'm modding here - this is going to be a very special contest and I'd encourage you all to be a part of it. The entries so far are truly touching and you'll kick yourself if you miss out on being a part of this event.

[DamaNegra]

Dammit! My inspiration killed itself last night, I can't think of any song :cry:

[Serena Casey]

That's okay, Dama, it'll be back! Don't give up; there's still lots of time. I'm sure your entry would be great.

[DamaNegra]

Hey, do I have to mention the song in my entry? Or can I write about a song that changed my life without mentiong which specific song did it?

[III]

Hey, do I have to mention the song in my entry? Or can I write about a song that changed my life without mentiong which specific song did it?

I think it'd be okay to not mention the specific song if you think it would make the story stronger, as long as the essay is still on topic.

[benbradley]

I think it'd be okay to not mention the specific song if you think it would make the story stronger, as long as the essay is still on topic.

Yeah, but then everyone would be trying to guess what the song is! Can you stand the pressure? Would you be willing to name the song after the contest is over??? Inquiring music enthusiasts want to know... :)

[KTC]

Not only that...now we all know who owns the entry that doesn't name the song...

[Shady Lane]

I didn't name the song either, so you can be confused again.

[KTC]

I enjoy confusion.

[III]

I didn't name the song either, so you can be confused again.

I figured it out and it's been stuck in my head ;)

[Shady Lane]

Wellll it is pretty obvious...and GOOD. It should be stuck in your head. It is Best Song Ever.

[Serena Casey]

Okay, someone just asked a question in the short fiction forum about using lyrics in a short story and whether you need permission (possibly an entrant of this contest, I don't know?). I know of course you would need permission if you were publishing the story, but does that apply in this contest? Would that be a no-no to include some lyrics of the song we've chosen?

[Shady Lane]

Okay, someone just asked a question in the short fiction forum about using lyrics in a short story and whether you need permission (possibly an entrant of this contest, I don't know?). I know of course you would need permission if you were publishing the story, but does that apply in this contest? Would that be a no-no to include some lyrics of the song we've chosen?

....hoping not...

[KTC]

Let's just pretend we're not doing it. And ssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh! We don't want every famous lyricist from here to timbuktu to catch on and scan AW for copyright infringements! The place would blow up! Duck...I think I just saw Elvis Costello and Nick Cave walk in. They're inspecting the place for words...I just know it!

[Shady Lane]

*hides*

good call, by the way. That's what I was gonna suggest...

[dolores haze]

Nick Cave's here? Ooh, oh my. Could you kiss him for me, Kaytee, I'm too intimidated.

[KTC]

Nick Cave's here? Ooh, oh my. Could you kiss him for me, Kaytee, I'm too intimidated.

Ummm. No thank you. I'm too busy kissin' Siouxsie.

[dolores haze]

Ummm. No thank you. I'm too busy kissin' Siouxsie.


Oh, so that's why you're all a-sparkle. Makes sense.

[KTC]

aha. Does don't it. I can't help myself, Daze.

[dolores haze]

Bring back those lazy, hazy, crazy daze of summer. I'm cold. Time to drag the space heater out of the attic.

[benbradley]

Bring back those lazy, hazy, crazy daze of summer.
Aww, and we were just talking about not violating copyright! I posted a longish post in that other thread.
I'm cold. Time to drag the space heater out of the attic.
And (while I'm in lecture mode!) please observe all safety precautions with that thing.

[dolores haze]

Aww, and we were just talking about not violating copyright! I posted a longish post in that other thread.

Oops! What thread?

And (while I'm in lecture mode!) please observe all safety precautions with that thing.

Good advice, Ben, and I'll be taking it. I write in a corner office, it's dumping snow right now, and I can't write when my fingertips are numb.

[truelyana]

Good advice, Ben, and I'll be taking it. I write in a corner office, it's dumping snow right now, and I can't write when my fingertips are numb.

*Blows wind of warm air, your way*

[III]

Okay, I got some official feedback on quoting lyrics in the contest and posted the information here (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1859835#post1859835).

Basically, you can quote passages, but not the entire song, and please credit the writer, either within your essay or as a footnote at the end.

[KTC]

Hey III...I just read your other post. If we already submitted, do we have to send a PM with the attribution?

[III]

Hey III...I just read your other post. If we already submitted, do we have to send a PM with the attribution?

Good question. I'll just do the research and add the footnotes at the end of each entry myself just to cover all our bases. I'll PM anyone if I run into any issues.

[KTC]

Thanks much, kind sir.

[Serena Casey]

Thanks so much for the explanation, III, I appreciate it.

Whew!

[III]

Thanks so much for the explanation, III, I appreciate it.

Whew!

And I thank JST5150 and Mac for the clarification. I just copied and pasted. :D

[benbradley]

Aww, and we were just talking about not violating copyright! I posted a longish post in that other thread.

Oops! What thread?

This one:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85415
I peruse "New Posts" so I read everything that catches my attention, regardless of what fourm it's in.

[KTC]

Everybody get your entries in! I wanna read your deepest thoughts on your pinnacle songs.

[rhymegirl]

Everybody get your entries in! I wanna read your deepest thoughts on your pinnacle songs.

Okay, I wrote something, Kevin. Now I just have to reread it and make sure it sounds good.

[III]

Just a reminder, Monday night is the deadline for entries, so polish them up this weekend and send 'em in!

[KTC]

You heard the number, people! Get those entries in!

[cray]

i'm psyched to read the entries!
giddy up

[Pat~]

III, how many entries are in now?

[III]

We have 8 entries so far. I know of at least a few more that are supposedly in the works.

[III]

Make that 9 entries

[III]

Did I say 9? Cuz now there's 10!

[KTC]

I do Meposian Dance of Joy.

[Pat~]

Keep those entries coming!! :snoopy:


(in spite of the fact that I was hoping to win by default...)

[III]

Just got another one. We're up to 11!

[Stew21]

turn it up to 11!

:)

[KTC]

http://www.mentalfloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/SpinalTap_Edith_503.jpg

[rhymegirl]

Oh look, it's Father Kevin.

[III]

Make that 12.

[III]

We're up to 14!

[Stew21]

stop it! That's too much competetion! :D

[III]

Today's the LAST DAY people! Give the baby to the stork and let it go.

[Pat~]

Hey III, any chance you might be able to post them tomorrow?? :D (I'm itching to read them...)

[Stew21]

I'm itching to read them too.


I hate to see what i'm up against but my curiosity is getting the best of me.

[III]

That's the game plan. Hopefully before 10:00 am Central. You will not be disappointed. There are so many outstanding entries and a very good diversity. The hard part will be choosing which ones to vote for. I hope it's cold all across the country tomorrow so everyone can curl up with a blanket and a hot cup of coffee and read these stories.

[Serena Casey]

That's the game plan. Hopefully before 10:00 am Central. You will not be disappointed. There are so many outstanding entries and a very good diversity. The hard part will be choosing which ones to vote for. I hope it's cold all across the country tomorrow so everyone can curl up with a blanket and a hot cup of coffee and read these stories.
Yay! Can't wait.

[BruceJ]

... everyone can curl up with a blanket and a hot cup of coffee and read these stories.
III, why is it when I look at your avatar I can't quite picture you "curling up with a blanket"? :tongue

We're guys...we don't "curl up"...we "plop". :D

[truelyana]

I can't wait neither, although I won't be here tomorrow as I have my graduation ceremony in the afternoon. Might be on tomorrow night though, we'll see. :D Look forward to reading them all the same. Yey :D

[poetinahat]

Darn it.

I had my songs narrowed down to three... and I've missed the deadline.

Does it help if I vote twice instead?

(sorry, Jay...)

[III]

Darn it.

I had my songs narrowed down to three... and I've missed the deadline.

Does it help if I vote twice instead?

(sorry, Jay...)

You still have seven hours, bro. Besides isn't there some sort of time-warp between Australia and the U.S.? You probably have a few more days. PM me if you wanna get in.

[rhymegirl]

III, why is it when I look at your avatar I can't quite picture you "curling up with a blanket"? :tongue

We're guys...we don't "curl up"...we "plop". :D

He meant that the ladies can curl up with him and read the stories. ;)

[III]

He meant that the ladies can curl up with him and read the stories. ;)

My wife might have something to say about that:whip:

[BruceJ]

He meant that the ladies can curl up with him and read the stories. ;)
Well...okay...we can go with that. Curling is good. :)

[III]

The entries (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1876007#post1876007) are now up and voting is now open. The password to get into the Music Lab and view the entries is andante. Please make sure you change the links in your sig line to the new link in my sig line below (you can also click on it to get to the entries). Let's keep this thread as the place to discuss the entries. Enjoy!

[rhymegirl]

This is gonna be hard to choose.

[benbradley]

Did I get my sig right?:D

[III]

Did I get my sig right?:D

You did, but I may have to recruit you to hand-draw the next contest logo.

[III]

And just a reminder, the password to get into the Music Lab and view the entries is andante

[Serena Casey]

Decisions, decisions! There are some very moving entries, and they were all so enjoyable to read. I'm going to have to read them again in order to decide.

[rhymegirl]

My wife might have something to say about that:whip:

Who is doing the whipping there, you or your wife?

[Stew21]

good entries.

hard choices to make.

[truelyana]

Ooooh yey, they are up. Wohoooo :D I'm reading them right now, and am really enjoying them. :D

[III]

Who is doing the whipping there, you or your wife?

I'm happily whipped.

[KTC]

Well...I've read all but one. No need to read mine...Yikes. I will be rereading and voting within a day or two. Outstanding entries all. I love the diversity of genres. Wonderful outpourings here...the stories were just as I suspected they would be. This is going to be a hard decision...but I'd rather it be hard because they're all so good than the alternative! Take bows, people!

Sign me,
Ghost in the Machine.

[sunna]

This is going to be a hard decision...but I'd rather it be hard because they're all so good than the alternative! Take bows, people!

Seconded. I had to read through them all 4 times before I voted. I got absolutely nothing done at work today... :D



:Clap: :Clap: :Clap: , folks. This is good stuff.

[Shady Lane]

The thought of you guys reading something I wrote so many times makes me a little shaky...

[III]

The thought of you guys reading something I wrote so many times makes me a little shaky...

Yours was worth reading several times.

[Shady Lane]

Yours was worth reading several times.


:D

That is soooo sweet.

[KTC]

Is everybody reading and voting? Show of hands. Let us discuss this thing...

(-;

[rhymegirl]

Is everybody reading and voting? Show of hands. Let us discuss this thing...

(-;

I am reading, but I haven't voted.

[Stew21]

i have my choices. i'm pretty sure i'm sticking with them, but one more read through should confirm it.

[Pat~]

I've read and voted (finally). It was a wonderful read. So many different styles of writing about the topic made it difficult to choose places.

[sunna]

Read and voted - going to go back and just read for pleasure now. :)

[Serena Casey]

I voted. The ones I liked on my first read-through are the ones that stuck with me on subsequent reads. Placing their order was a bit more difficult. But fun!

Are you getting a lot of PMs, III?

[dolores haze]

I'm having a tough time picking my top four. I'm afraid I'm going to have to utilize a process of elimination until I get it down to four. Then I'll be going with my gut.
Very high standard - thanks, everyone, for the great reading. Can't wait to find out who wrote what, though I've made an educated guess on a couple of them.

[III]

Dang, Kev, I thought someone hijacked your avatar! You went and changed your username you sly dog. Please keep your av for a while till we get used to your new name, okay?

Now that that shock is wearing off, I've received a total of 4 votes so far. And, I might add, those were all from participants. I know youse guys are reading, I can hear you scrolling. It is encouraging that people are having a hard time deciding. I haven't heard back from our special Guest Judge yet either, so I'd imagine he's still digesting them as well.

[cray]

i'm enjoying these as well - nice work everyone!

it'll take some time to boil them down though~~

[KTC]

Memo to III: Please do not use the thing YOUSE. It really, really hurts.


People who did not enter: READ! VOTE!

[III]

Memo to III: Please do not use the thing YOUSE. It really, really hurts.


Okay, I won't youse it anymore. I'm not the kind of person that likes to make trouble.

[dolores haze]

Memo to III: Please do not use the thing YOUSE. It really, really hurts.

What's wrong with youse? English needs a good you (plural) word. It's perfectly acceptable in the Scottish dialect. I like y'all, too.

[Serena Casey]

Can't wait to find out who wrote what, though I've made an educated guess on a couple of them.
Me, too. There are three or four besides my own that I think I know the author, so it'll be interesting to see if I'm right.

[III]

What's wrong with youse? English needs a good you (plural) word. It's perfectly acceptable in the Scottish dialect. I like y'all, too.

If I had to stop using "dude" and "y'all" I wouldn't know how to hold a conversation. Yes, I'm 12.

[KTC]

Dope.

[III]

You're right. I guess I am kinda dope and pretty darn fly. Well observed, Kevin!

[sunna]

If I had to stop using "dude" and "y'all" I wouldn't know how to hold a conversation. Yes, I'm 12.


Nothing wrong with "dude". Or "man" or "bub". Or "bubba", though that one is reserved for when I'm trying to provoke my husband, 'cause he hates it. :D

I don't use "y'all" very often, being a Yankee, but I couldn't make it through a discussion without "dude".

[dolores haze]

This new guy - Nebby or Sebby of whatever his name is - is kindofa vocab nazi, doncha fink?

And yeah, III, you're pretty fly (for a white guy).

[KTC]

Listen, Purple Haze...don't get all uppity with me.

[dolores haze]

Ah, Sebbly, I've had a lifetime of people saying that to me, and all it ever did was make me WORSE.

[III]

BTW, just for the record, I'm not voting in this contest but I wish I could.

[popmuze]

As the guy previously best known for my list of Top 10 favorite potatoes, I know I should have entered this Fray (hint hint). But at least I just voted, making me feel clean and democratic all over.

I would really be interested in the identities of some of these fine writers; then again, even knowing the names they go by here wouldn't necessarily reveal their true identities. I myself, for instance, am a lot more famous than people would assume, even if they met me.

(If Blacbird entered this contest, I'll bet it was with #12, the guy with the Birds. Although I know he loves Steely Dan).

The truth is, I didn't enter because I'd have had to be honest. The song that changed my life was "Calcutta" by Lawrence Welk. That's the song I was seen dancing to on The Lloyd Cole Show on Channel 5 in New York City (not that I knew how to dance). The following day the coolest guy in the school approached me saying he liked my new green sports jacket. (Okay, it wasn't quite Hairspray, but it was a hell of a moment). He even offered me a spot as a second baseman on his Saturday morning softball team. I hit 297 in 33 at bats.

Even though I never again danced on television, I've definitely had the feeling people have recognized me on the street ever since.

[KTC]

Well...I entered my vote. Hard, man. Hard! Trish...if you voted, we'll have to share our guesses in Rep comments. Let me know. I'm almost certain I know which one was yours.


Anybody want to discuss particular entries without divulging which way they voted? I feel like I could discuss every entry, since I reread them so much.

Discuss...

[Shady Lane]

Well...I entered my vote. Hard, man. Hard! Trish...if you voted, we'll have to share our guesses in Rep comments. Let me know. I'm almost certain I know which one was yours.


Anybody want to discuss particular entries without divulging which way they voted? I feel like I could discuss every entry, since I reread them so much.

Discuss...

I loved #2, but I'm not sure I completely understood it. I thought #4 was freakin adorable.

[KTC]

YES! #4 was adorable. I love the line about the three sisters having a hand in the demise of the song. Too cute!

[Shady Lane]

I like #8 a lot, too. Love the title.

[dolores haze]

I loved that bit in #8 where the unhappy woman turns to the childish man, and sees that he's crying. Beautifully executed turning point, IMO. And, yeah, great title.

[KTC]

Yes...that was a touching moment. It softened her.


And I agree on the title being great too.

[Shady Lane]

Okay, now you guys have to bring some up or it'll get too obvious which mine is :D

[dolores haze]

I love how the kid in #9 randomly selected a record, and it turned out to be The Beatles. The kid got lucky there. Could've ended up with Pat Boone or something.

[Shady Lane]

haha, I know!

[III]

I'll hold off discussing till the post-game talk so I don't accidentally let anything slip or influence the voting. But man, I can't wait to discuss....

[Stew21]

I voted.

[KTC]

Trish...you have a rep question...

[Stew21]

you have a rep answer.

[KTC]

You have a rep answer answer.

[jst5150]

Can't wait to get home and read these tonight (he says, posting from his Blackberry).

Hope you're al well.

[III]

Can't wait to get home and read these tonight (he says, posting from his Blackberry).

Hope you're al well.

Justin, let me know if you want me to email these to you so you can read them on your Blackberry.

[jst5150]

Jay, thank you. Yes. Send to jason@jasontudor.com. Hopefully my battery won't die and my flight from vegas will be a. Tad delayed.

Jt

[KTC]

Just an FYI...once he gets the email addy, you might want to delete it. Web crawlers might catch it for spam...

[rhymegirl]

I VOTED!!!

[KTC]

YAY! Good for you, Ma'am!

[Serena Casey]

Good idea making it easier for people to find the entries and vote, Sebby. I've followed your example and changed my sig.

As far as the entries go, I was also touched by the turning point in #8 and the emotion throughout. Very nicely done.

I also enjoyed #3 with the writer and "Dog," especially the line about the sun and Dog being low on their respective horizons. I heard that song on the radio the other day for the first time in a while.

And the journey to the department store in #9. I felt the excitement of buying your first record. I liked how she and her mother played it with reverence. What a nice memory to have.

I have thoughts about some of the others, too, but I really need to get some work done today! :) Maybe it'll be easier to discuss once the results are in, too, and we can find out more about the motivations behind these great pieces of writing.

[III]

Yup. Great idea with the voting. I updated my sig line too.

[KTC]

hehe. I loved the horizon part about the dog and sun too...beautiful.

[rhymegirl]

YAY! Good for you, Ma'am!

Living dangerously, Colonel.

Yup. Great idea with the voting. I updated my sig line too.

Copycat.

[KTC]

Calm down, Ma'am.

[benbradley]

Yup. Great idea with the voting. I updated my sig line too.
Me too!

[Serena Casey]

Woohoo - I'm in someone's signature! :D Doesn't take much to make me happy, does it?

(III: Don't say it.)

[KTC]

Is everybody still reading and voting?

[Shady Lane]

I am driving everyone on the YA boards crazy because I tell them to vote all the time.

And I still want to hear everyone's impressions...we've only discussed 3 or 4 entries, right?

[Serena Casey]

Okay, I just started a thread in Office Party as a reminder that Sunday is a great day to read and vote on the entries.

[III]

The voting is really heating up among the top 3. Almost every entry has received votes so far. Wednesday night's the deadline!

[Serena Casey]

I thought the deadline was Wednesday night - ? I think that's what it says in the voting instructions.

[III]

I thought the deadline was Wednesday night - ? I think that's what it says in the voting instructions.

D'oh you're right. Sorry, I'm on cold meds today. Should make for some fun reading for the rest of you, though. Thanks SC.

[benbradley]

I've been printing out and reading one or two at a time, until last night when I printed out the remaining 10 or so and read them through last night. I decided on a winner after my first reading, but picking between #2, #3 and #4 is a harder decision I'm working on right now, and I'll submit my vote later today.
D'oh you're right. Sorry, I'm on cold meds today. Should make for some fun reading for the rest of you, though. Thanks SC.

Seeing Serena's response questioning your deadline statement of Wednesday night was a bit confusing! I then looked back, and yes, you surely HAD said something else, then you edited your post after Serena's post to make it right...

I'm still so used to email lists and Usenet newsgroups where once you post something it's "out there," and this 'revisionist' BBS posting is still a bit weird to me.

[KTC]

VOTE

[popmuze]

I can't wait to read what the great Bruce Pollock will have to say. Is his vote going to count more than any other individual?
As far as my preferences, I'm not revealing my top choice, but I do have to say I wasn't as moved as everyone else by the man and woman in the car story--maybe it's me, maybe it's Big Head Todd and the Monsters--or the one winding up with the person buying the Beatles record, which I felt was kind of a random choice, like what was the first record I ever bought, which could be another poll or thread.

[sunna]

I thought they were all wonderful. I had such a hard time choosing. The breakdown scene in #2 was really moving; the sense of breaking out of an old pattern in Free (can't remember the #) was very well-drawn, IMO. And Dog was such a great companion.


VOTE, all you peoples who haven't! You don't know what you're missing!

[jst5150]

In reading the entries, what struck me is the diversity each entrant has in his/her music choices. For instance, how many of us would believe a Jackson 5 soung could change someone's life? Alter slightly even? Seeing Lou Reed and Big Head Todd was like seeing old friends.

All the entries were crafted with care and all had high points. However, three or four of these held me from top to bottom, which is usually my measure of mettle. I particularly enoyed "Still life with Snow." Big Kudos to you. The entire piece felt like a song, with a cadence of language; almost a consistent 5/4 time going all the way through. I also very much enjoyed the pace and rhythm of "The Wild Side." Also, "Breaking Through" deserves kudos for candor.

Again, the biggest leap is ENTERING a contest -- so, congrats to everyone who did and has the courage to continue to get their writing out there.

[Serena Casey]

I can't wait to read what the great Bruce Pollock will have to say. Is his vote going to count more than any other individual?
I got the impression Mr. Pollock would choose his favorite, which may or may not coincide with the 1st through 4th place finishers as chosen by the rest of the voters. Is that right, III? Either way, we'll find out Thursday, I guess. I'm interested to see what he thinks, too.

[III]

I got the impression Mr. Pollock would choose his favorite, which may or may not coincide with the 1st through 4th place finishers as chosen by the rest of the voters. Is that right, III? Either way, we'll find out Thursday, I guess. I'm interested to see what he thinks, too.

That is correct Ms. Casey. Bruce will choose a special "judge's winner" and will offer commentary on all the entries. This will be separate from the voting for 1st - 4th place.

[KTC]

I just read my entry for the first time...argh...I should have edited.



I can't wait to see if my votes are in line with the winners.

[III]

Today is the LAST DAY to get your votes in, people! It's a tight race right now so every vote counts!

[cray]

i'm going to take one more pass on my top picks

i'll get my votes in soon - i promise.

[truelyana]

I may be voting later...

[rhymegirl]

Today is the LAST DAY to get your votes in, people! It's a tight race right now so every vote counts!

Can I vote again?

[KTC]

loser

[rhymegirl]

Who are you calling a loser?

[Stew21]

So will we find out tomorrow who the winners are? What about the special judge winner?

I'm excited to know who wrote what.

Trish

[III]

Yeah, I originally said I'd post winners on the 21st to give myself a day of padding in case I needed it, but I think I should be able to post all the winners tomorrow (especially since I won't be online on Friday). Probably around 10:00 am CST, but we'll see how the morning shakes out.

[III]

I don't recall if I've mentioned this, but since a few folks have asked, none of the entries are mine. I didn't think it would be fair for the one counting the votes to also have an entry :D. I bet Trish is the only one on AW who knows what that song would be, though.

[KTC]

I don't recall if I've mentioned this, but since a few folks have asked, none of the entries are mine. I didn't think it would be fair for the one counting the votes to also have an entry :D. I bet Trish is the only one on AW who knows what that song would be, though.

Bad Blood by Neil Sedaka? You Better Shop Around by the Captain and Tennille? Fly Robin Fly by Silver Convention?

[KTC]

Who are you calling a loser?

Sorry. Wasn't I clear? You.

[III]

Bad Blood by Neil Sedaka? You Better Shop Around by the Captain and Tennille? Fly Robin Fly by Silver Convention?

Yeah, like I could pick just one Captain and Tennille song! The Bionic Watermellon was my role model, though.

(sweet heavens, that repressed memory just popped out of nowhere!)

[rhymegirl]

III, Sebby is making fun of me. Stomp on him please.

[rhymegirl]

I think III's favorite song is Strangers In the Night.

[III]

III, Sebby is making fun of me. Stomp on him please.

(that only encourages him. might i suggest a relentless attack of cyber-tickles via rep points. nobody can withstand cyber-tickles. they're just so creepy)

[rhymegirl]

(that only encourages him. might i suggest a relentless attack of cyber-tickles via rep points. nobody can withstand cyber-tickles. they're just so creepy)

You want me to tickle him or you?

[III]

You want me to tickle him or you?

Ewww! You!!!!

[KTC]

tickle me not.

[III]

3 1/2 hours left! So far I've received 22 votes! Your vote can still make a difference. This is a pretty tight race!

[KTC]

1/2 hour left now, readers and voters. Get your votes in!

[benbradley]

I was about to ask what time I could change my sig again. I only put in the "LAST DAY TO VOTE" thing about 11-12 hours ago. I'll take it out in a few more minutes.

So, will you tell us the total number of votes as well as all the winners and such? (ETA: NOW I see where you said 22 votes so far) It looks to me that enough of us have been posting with these sigs all over the board that a whole lot of people should know about it.

[KTC]

22 votes. that is sad...nigh on pathetic. With 15 entries...you have to presuppose that the 15 entrants voted. That's 7 non entrant votes. How sad. )-;

[reigningcatsndogs]

I read, and I voted, but it was a hard decision!!! So when do we find out who won?

[KTC]

You won...for voting. God bless ya.

[rhymegirl]

22 votes. that is sad...nigh on pathetic. With 15 entries...you have to presuppose that the 15 entrants voted. That's 7 non entrant votes. How sad. )-;

I thought the same thing when I saw that only 22 people voted.

[reigningcatsndogs]

You won...for voting. God bless ya.
:thankyou:Thank you!!! :snoopy: I won!! Finally, I won!!!!

It was hard to choose. There have been so many amazing entries in the contests here, how can a person not read and vote?

[BruceJ]

I think the diversity of entries was surpassed only by the quality of the writing. Some good stuff!

[BruceJ]

Just saw the results - CONGRATS to the winners! Great reads!

And thanks, III, for hosting. This was fun.

[III]

The results are HERE (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86873)! I'm still doing some admin / cleanup stuff but ya'll can start the post-game discussion on this thread and I'll join in later. Btw, I've put the names on the entries so now you can see who each mystery writer is. Don't forget to change your sig lines.

And Congratulations to our Winners! And big thanks to everyone who made this such a special contest.

[TrainofThought]

Congratulations to all entrants! Each one was unique and I connected with so many of them.

Congrats and keep writing to the winners!

[Serena Casey]

NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY!

III, are you sure those cold meds didn't make you count funny? I can't believe it. I really can't.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners - Sunna7kore, Sebby, Dolores Haze, and Sebby again! It is an honor to be named among you. Woohoo!:hooray:

[TrainofThought]

NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY!

III, are you sure those cold meds didn't make you count funny? I can't believe it. I really can't.
I voted for yours, Serena. Great story the way a form can show life from rhythm it really made me think about the power of music. Way to Go!

[cray]

congrats to everyone! really really nice work --- i enjoyed reading these!

serena - wow! way to go. really moving piece of work. again, thank you for sharing.

[truelyana]

Well done Serena, and all the winners. You did a mighty good job. ;) Way to go everyone for taking part, including me. Congrats. :partyguy:

[III]

Btw, if any of the entrants want to know how many points you received, you can PM me. I'll probably be offline from 12/21 - 12/25 so hit me up today.

[Pat~]

Woo-hoo! Congratulations, Serena, and all the winners! These were wonderful to read!

[maestrowork]

Congrats to all the participants and winners. Well done. And thank you, III.

(Ray, who got 0 point because he didn't enter! :o)

[KTC]

Congrats, winners! great entries all. I'm pretty stunned by the judge comments...thank him very much for me. I'm actually feeling pretty overwhelmed...

Thanks to JAY and all who participated.

[Stew21]

oh, Kevin - I knew that story was going to be ranked pretty highly. It's a great one!

[jst5150]

Congrats to everyone and thanks to Mr. Pollock for his work and prizes!

jt

[Shady Lane]

Congratulations, guys!!

[KTC]

Congrats to everyone and thanks to Mr. Pollock for his work and prizes!

jt


Yes...thank you to Mr. Pollock!


And thanks to you, J. That t-shirt may very well serve as my means of entry into your fair country. (insert evil laugh here.)

[Serena Casey]

Thank you very much to those who donated prizes. And to Mr. Pollock for his time and comments!

[dolores haze]

Wow, just got back from Christmas shopping, and found I have an early Christmas present. I'm so happy to have placed in such a high calibre contest.

Congratulations to the winners. I really enjoyed this contest (though it was a little intimidating putting my writing up against y'all), and it helped me get over a bit of a writing block.

Many thanks to III for all his hard work! And thanks to Mr Pollock for taking the interest and the time.

[sunna]

I was pretty surprised and thrilled too. :)

This was a wonderful contest, with so many great entries and I enjoyed reading all of them. Much thanks to III for all your hard work, and Mr. Pollock for for taking the time to read and comment!

[Stew21]

Congrats to all of the winners! There were some great entries there (and my votes lined up not-quite-but-similarly to the top 4).

Great job!

[Susie]

I'm a little late, but congrats to all the winners! Super writing, guys and great contest.