Challenge - How Distinctive Is Your Writing?

[starrkers]

Indeed.

We definitely need more than 24 hours. No worries.

I'm trying to decide whether to split them into two groups. Any thoughts, guys?

I was wondering that very thing earlier. Might be the only way to handle it.
Not that it matters to me, I doubt I'll be able to correctly guess anyone, I haven't read enough.

 

[Guest]

you all need to take a course in Evelyn Woods school of speed reading.

 

[Fallenfromgrace]

you all need to take a course in Evelyn Woods school of speed reading.

I could SO do with that... if only to get through my degree, *sigh*

 

[angelicminx]

I've been able to almost finish mine. I've stolen 10 or 15 minutes here and there to write it. Polishing happens this evening and PMing shortly thereafter.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Thirty-two submittals and counting, crimenalities!

Let's see 500 words X 32 = 16,000 words (assuming all submittals are all +/- 500). It isn't 'Gone With the Wind', but that's a lotta words.

And only 24 hours to guess. Teacher, I need more time.

Of course I will be using the WAG method to determine who wrote what, so it may not matter.

Congrats on having this contest, min.

Hats off to the pretty lady!

Only your hat?

I agree, more time, please!

 

[Guest]

Indeed.

We definitely need more than 24 hours. No worries.

I'm trying to decide whether to split them into two groups. Any thoughts, guys?

Yes'em, split em in two.
I'd appreciate not having that ass-flattening/numbing experience of reading all the submissions in one sitting or 24 hour time frame.

 

[Skip1934a]

Yes'em, split em in two.
I'd appreciate not having that ass-flattening/numbing experience of reading all the submissions in one sitting or 24 hour time frame.

Maybe just extend the time to 48 hours.

 

[SimonBrooke]

Hats off to the pretty lady!

That reminds me. There's a pretty lady around here who's supposed to be taking her hat off for me...

I'm waiting...

 

[gauchecritic]

What happens with the guessing when it comes to your own work? Is that what the imposters are for?

Any one sluethy enough (assuming all else is equal) can just check out the imposter votes by each entrant. (this pre-supposes that everyone can guess exactly the author of each piece)

OK. what about those statisticians (and I know some of you are) that can tally the guesses. For eg. find out who most people think is Charley's piece and then compare Charley's vote for that piece and ekcsetra.

As to the intent of the comp. I'd say there should be three categories. The best guesser. The most recognised author. The least recognised author.

Personally I can't tell Asimov from Zelazny or Brookmire from Pratchett.

 

[SimonBrooke]

Indeed.

We definitely need more than 24 hours. No worries.

I'm trying to decide whether to split them into two groups. Any thoughts, guys?

Seriously, if you split them into two blocks, I think it would be fair to tell us who was in which block...

 

[CharleyH]

What happens with the guessing when it comes to your own work? Is that what the imposters are for?

Any one sluethy enough (assuming all else is equal) can just check out the imposter votes by each entrant. (this pre-supposes that everyone can guess exactly the author of each piece)

OK. what about those statisticians (and I know some of you are) that can tally the guesses. For eg. find out who most people think is Charley's piece and then compare Charley's vote for that piece and ekcsetra.

In the past I think the imposters are there for that reason (though I am not prepared to give my own tactic - lol), yet it is a bit like a Blackjack (note not Poker) face. You may not give yourself away in gesture, but a person who enjoys numbers may figure it all out and win the pot anyhow.

You raise a great point though, Gauche. Perhaps, that was a problem in past, which can be rectified now? I have ideas on how, but with an international guessing audience, giving an hour window in which to post our guesses is not a great idea. Do you have any ideas?

 

[past_perfect]

Hm, how about just guessing in the block you are not actually in rather than both? That would solve the problem perhaps...

 

[minsue]

Regarding the time frame for guessing, this is what I posted a few days ago. I don't think I saw any complaints then, but I could've missed them. Does this work for everybody? -

2-3 days, is what I was figuring, but it'll probably depend on what the people guessing say. If everyone wants to know, I'll post the answers. If some people want more time, the rest of you'll have to wait.

There are 36 entries so I think splitting them in two (or even three) blocks would give a much better chance at guessing and make for easier reading. Yes, Simon, I will of course also list the names with each block. (gimme a little credit here, sheesh! )


If there are worries about people figuring it out based on others' guesses, would you rather have all the guesses sent to me by PM so I can post them all at once when everyone's done? That's really the only way I can see around that, but I'm also very open to suggestions.

 

[CharleyH]

If there are worries about people figuring it out based on others' guesses, would you rather have all the guesses sent to me by PM so I can post them all at once when everyone's done? That's really the only way I can see around that, but I'm also very open to suggestions.

Personally? Too much work for you. Also and from past experiences with this challenge? I think people are more bent on trying to figure it out themselves than they are worried if they will "get it right". That's the "fun" of it, after all, for the author AND the reader.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

5:40 PM. If I go to sleep at midnight, discounting one hour for dinner, it means I still have over one hour for each 100 words. Piece of cake. Procrastinating kicks ass.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

Personally? Too much work for you. Also and from past experiences with this challenge? I think people are more bent on trying to figure it out themselves than they are worried if they will "get it right". That's the "fun" of it, after all, for the author AND the reader.

And besides, it's not like there will be more than one-quarter of the participants trying to guess (as usual). The other three-quarters will say that it's because they don't know other people's work well enough, or because they never get it right anyway, or because their ass was itching at the time, but the truth is that they won't try because that would mean they would actually have to read. Bunch of lazy asses.

OK, back to procrastinating.

 

[CharleyH]

And besides, it's not like there will be more than one-quarter of the participants trying to guess (as usual). The other three-quarters will say that it's because they don't know other people's work well enough, or because they never get it right anyway, or because their ass was itching at the time, but the truth is that they won't try because that would mean they would actually have to read

Yes - that is what I also recall.

I have faith, though ...

 

[minsue]

Bunch of lazy asses.

OK, back to procrastinating.

. .

 

[damppanties]

There are 36 entries so I think splitting them in two (or even three) blocks would give a much better chance at guessing and make for easier reading. Yes, Simon, I will of course also list the names with each block. (gimme a little credit here, sheesh! )

If there are worries about people figuring it out based on others' guesses, would you rather have all the guesses sent to me by PM so I can post them all at once when everyone's done? That's really the only way I can see around that, but I'm also very open to suggestions.

Oh yes, please. Three blocks. I'm the lazy ass Lauren's talking about.

PM guesses? But that's no fun at all!

 

[minsue]

PM guesses? But that's no fun at all!

I agree, less fun, but more fair. I don't care either way. If no one else feels strongly about it, we'll just do it the old way.

 

[impressive]

I agree, less fun, but more fair. I don't care either way. If no one else feels strongly about it, we'll just do it the old way.

I like everyone having a "guesses post" openly ... and, if you're so motivated, you can link to them in your thread(s).

 

[TE999]

Only your hat?

I agree, more time, please!

Just tryin' to be a little suave here S_O (grin).

But if you insist...

 

[TE999]

Regarding the time frame for guessing, this is what I posted a few days ago. I don't think I saw any complaints then, but I could've missed them. Does this work for everybody? -



There are 36 entries so I think splitting them in two (or even three) blocks would give a much better chance at guessing and make for easier reading. Yes, Simon, I will of course also list the names with each block. (gimme a little credit here, sheesh! )


If there are worries about people figuring it out based on others' guesses, would you rather have all the guesses sent to me by PM so I can post them all at once when everyone's done? That's really the only way I can see around that, but I'm also very open to suggestions.

Three blocks works for me. I want to be able to savor each entry and give it the attention it deserves. This is a somewhat rare opportunity to view a significant number of the Lit. authors efforts in a single venue and I, for one, would prefer not to rush through it.

But then, I'm a lousy guesser, so it may not matter how long I have (LOL).

What say you all?

 

[FallingToFly]

Why not do it like a match game? Give each story a number and list the authors, and let everyone put the authors in the order of the story they wrote?

I do think that dividing the story blocks into three sections is a good idea- but on the other hand, that narrows the odds and gives some people an advantage (and we don't need no stinking advantage) on guessing. why not put the 36 authors in the pot for every section, and then just divided the stories into random sections? That way there are 36 options for each twelve stories, and you never know who wrote what.

 

[CharleyH]

I like everyone having a "guesses post" openly ...

Me. too.