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FJ Thomas

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Poetry will always be a matter of perception, perspective, and personal taste. No amount of education or fame will ever change that. ~FJ Thomas...sometimes I write poetry

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About Contests - No, not drama :)

Blog Posted by FJ Thomas: 3/5/2025 1:55:00 PM

I have been mulling over the idea of hosting another contest and thought I would take a minute to try and get some feedback on what some felt may have helped them, or could have helped, when entering a previous contest(s).

Are there ways you felt something could have been made more clear, or understandable, in the 'guidelines' of a contest you were considering entering?

For example, an early lesson for me was avoiding the use of 'open-ended' type words when that is not what was meant. More specifically, "could" being used when "should" is what should have been; leading to entrants thinking they had an option regarding a requirement when they did not. -You host and you learn lol.-

Is there something, within a host's power, you hope to see added to contests, or certain type contests?

THIS IS NOT ABOUT HOW A HOST JUDGES!

There are so many on Poetry Soup that enter contests but are not really interested in hosting one, which is perfectly fine; but are there ideas you've had regarding contest setup that you thought may make entering better, more efficient, fun, or just easier to process?

Mark's blog sent my mind wandering... and I ended up here. Which, considering it is still at least somewhat regarding the topic of contests, is good for me.

I don't mind you voicing a possible downside to another's suggestion, after all, I'd like to consider all aspects, but keep pompous remarks to yourself.

NOTE: You are welcome to leave your thoughts, regarding this topic, but do not reply to the comment of someone who has blocked you from their work. If they were interested in what you thought they wouldn't have blocked you.

Thanks ~FJ

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Beej
Simrov

Date: 3/23/2025 1:06:00 PM

Hi, FJ (do you prefer Flo?), this a late comment since I am kind of an inconsistent Souper, but your blog really made me think because I decided to host a contest for the first time in like 10 years a few days before this blog lol. I guess I am not a serious contest judge, and my reason for hosting was somewhat fleeting and arbitrary, but I like that there are a variety of of contest styles. I suppose to answer your question: Perhaps if the website had a way to categorize "serious" contests from "less serious" contests (like mine lol), and offer winners something more? Like more visibility of winning poems, or a winning poems page, or somehow make the interface more appealing? Im rambling

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 6:56:00 PM

Hi Beej, either reference to me is fine :) I understand what you mean when saying 'serious vs non;' I've done both. Your ideas regarding a general winners page is good, though I have no power there lol. I am conflicted about separating serious from non for the simple reason that I would not want someone to feel they are not qualified to enter b/c a poet has labelled a contest as serious. Also, since some poets think more of themselves than one should, I would hate to fuel a contest being judged unnecessarily harsh because the host put too much thought into a contest being labelled "serious," (insert eye-roll emoji here). Hopefully PS will make the site a little less dated at some point; maybe stop adding things and just update :) I'm sorry it has taken me so long to reply Beej; been a bit under the weather as of late.

Ink
Empress

Date: 3/8/2025 2:01:00 AM

Dear FJ, Such a sincere blog, firstly, happy women's day! And secondly, i always do contests based on prompts or forms I enjoy reading, i think that would be nice for you to do too. I get a bit self conscious sharing examples of poems i expect to read cus i want poets to be just themselves and i dont consider my poems example worthy. I hope you get to choose a prompt or theme to host, best wishes always~ Sending you light always..

FJ Thomas
Date: 7/20/2025 6:47:00 PM

Empress please forgive my exceedingly late reply, things have been a bit unstable here. And I have to agree with Craig, you are more than worthy to use your writes as examples! It does seem many enjoy a prompt; maybe I will give more consideration to that option :) Thanks I.E.

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/8/2025 10:28:00 AM

Agreed (except that you aren't worthy), & I will usually write to my own prompt, but not as an example, and usually not until the contest is almost over, Because inspiration should be born within and becomes restricted, I think, by other's perceptions of the same? Also, though spontaneity is the catalyst for an inspiration, it rarely produces a finished quality write. ??!

Constance
La France

Date: 3/7/2025 2:10:00 PM

I put a lot of time into my contests, and a lot of info in my contest descriptions so all know what I am looking for, I will not apologize for that. I have multiple placements because my goal is to share poems of poets, and I will not apologize for that. I like to inspire new poems, as it takes little skill to look up an old poem, and plus there are contests for that sort of thing. I have done some from time to time like "Enter a Poem That Did Not Place". And most important if anyone has an issue with my descriptions and the multiple placements, do not enter, I am actually disappointed in some the poets comments on this blog ~

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/8/2025 9:20:00 AM

Constance - I think your contests fill an important (very important piece) in the Soup puzzle -- you should be the last to apologize for anything -- keep doing what you do! We all have choices, there is no true freedom except to be free to choose that which which we will be restricted by...

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/7/2025 2:25:00 PM

Constance I think you may be misunderstanding the intentions behind some of the comments. No one expects you to apologize for anything when hosting your own contest. A repeated message here is, if you disagree with the hosts set up, then you can keep moving on ('you' being the entrant). **This blog was for me to get individuals thoughts on ways they felt it would have helped them to enter. This is for my contest, not anyone else's. So while I definitely do not expect any host to apologize for any decisions they make regarding their contests; I do want people to be able to be honest regarding the question I asked in relation to those I may hold.

FJ
Thomas

Date: 3/7/2025 1:49:00 PM

Shoot, I wish there was a way to alert those who have already commented on a blog that something was added so it doesn't have to be done in a comment box. **An additional lesson learned: be careful the device/setting you judge on when you have line requirements. I was out of town when judging a contest some years back and a few poems were removed for exceeding the line requirement. Imagine my regret when, looking at them later from my computer, I realized they were, in actuallity, within the requirement. In that case I reached out to each and offered to run another if they wanted to re-enter. SO, either judge from a pc or laptop, or landscape your phone! ;)

Suzette
Richards

Date: 3/7/2025 1:03:00 PM

Hi Flo, If I may be so bold as to introduce another aspect from a contestant's point of view: Do they like/object/are indifferent to multiple placements? I prefer contests where there are only a maximum of 10 placements and HM (the latter is unfortunately not available with Premiere contests).

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/7/2025 1:33:00 PM

That has always been a hot topic for discussion! While I've never been one to have a large number of placements, there were the times where I may have had five amazing poems I wish I could have placed above 4th or HM. When I first began entering contests and was frustrated with the massive placements I had to ask myself, 'What exactly was I looking for from an amateur contest?' Though I had hoped PS would create an alternative icon too for winners from standard contests. Even if simply different color stars vs Premier trophies.

Suzette Richards
Date: 3/7/2025 1:32:00 PM

Craig
Cornish

Date: 3/7/2025 11:15:00 AM

M'Lady! Great question/s...but there are no clear answers except that it's T-ball here so everything goes (even in running toward third instead of first)--with many and - truly what "the soup" is about?! Some move from here having learned and grown and some - well - flourish in the environment, because a ceramic ashtray can be more, or enough, reward? Contest-wise ~ choose your devil or angel and know their preferences and accept their idiosyncrasies, and, live and die by whatever your ego is fed by? Minor errors of grammar or form never effect my choices - to me, it's simply, or complexly, a light in the dark - or a dark in the light - but rarely a known embellished truth.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/7/2025 1:37:00 PM

Lol you are very correct about the reality of the end result. I wanted to think of ways I might make it just overall more enjoyable. Of course the topic plays the majority role there most times.

Craig Cornish
Date: 3/7/2025 12:28:00 PM

@Flo - You're awesome, just do it! There are no true rules, nor faults, nor truths...and, in the end, who truly cares except the author of a thought...and even if they pause upon their own? But, if WE pause upon theirs ~ it is truly poetry? @Suzette - Honored! Still, I know your minimal is simply complex? Love those thoughts that are difficult to let go of...

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/7/2025 11:33:00 AM

I agree with your overall point, it is whatever the host chooses. As I've mentioned, if someone doesn't care for something they have the choice to move on ;) This, however, is more informational for my contests; definitely not a blog for others to feel they are being spot-lighted. Hopefully that is not what anyone takes away from this.

Suzette Richards
Date: 3/7/2025 11:30:00 AM

I love your contests, Craig, because the topics have meat on them. Minimalism seems to work for you. I might not often enter the contests, but use them as private writing prompts.

FJ
Thomas

Date: 3/6/2025 6:24:00 PM

A suggestion I forgot to include above but was mentioned below is holding off on 'pre-judging,' not pulling entries until the contest has closed. This way you won't end up judging a piece with mistakes that the author had actually corrected prior to the end of the contest. Of course some like to catch things and let entrants know so they can fix them. I was one of those, but felt, personally, it would be better if I didn't know who had written any of the poems entered. So that left it up to the poet to double check everything; which, I suppose, is how it should be.

Suzette Richards
Date: 3/8/2025 10:59:00 PM

I am in the habit of reading the entries as they land in my inbox - especially where there are a number of elements to be checked, eg syllable counts. I also check for AI-generated content and leaving it till the last minute might end up in a rush job. The contestants get a second chance to submit their corrected poems: THE OLD CRONE - Suzette Richards's Blog (poetrysoup.com)

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/7/2025 11:29:00 AM

Andi I know what you mean; I've looked at one of my poems some time after I uploaded it only to catch an error I hadn't seen before lol. But it doesn't bother me when hosts want all of that checked prior to entry; in professional contests you do not have the option to edit so it had better be correct. So I get it.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/7/2025 11:27:00 AM

DillyD I used to prefer judging in rounds, I decided to change my process, for me, so those entering actually had until close to make any adjustments. I never used the 'reenter edits' because it risks them losing out if the contest limit is reached when removing then trying to reenter. I also like reading other entries from the same I've entered; seeing the range of perspectives on a topic is quite interesting.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 3/7/2025 11:08:00 AM

I always wait until the very end. I kind of wish everyone did in case I mess up and need to edit things the sponsor won't realize if the contest has closed out and I am unsure to resubmit.

Jan
Allison

Date: 3/6/2025 11:50:00 AM

Great Blog Flo! I agree with Lin about posting an example as a reference point but apart from that I think the contest rules should be at the whim of the sponsor. I'd never heard of a haiku, never written a limerick but I've had haiku published in haiku journals and 2 books with many limericks in them and this would never have happened without soup contests. I like the chance to showcase old poems too but most contests want new ones.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/6/2025 6:18:00 PM

I agree, contest rules should always be up to the sponsor, I think most agree with that. It would seem the comments regarding those are due to the occasional 'where does the list end' guidelines. But that also falls into the 'choice solution;' if you don't like it, don't complain about it, simply don't choose it ;)

Charlotte
Puddifoot

Date: 3/6/2025 8:53:00 AM

when i'm entering a contest it puts me off if i see a load of rules and i'm also not keen on line restrictions (unless it's a form with a set number of lines obvs) it's striking how different everyone is in their approach to hosting contests and judging..i enter quite a lot of professionally run comps and i try to emulate them as far as i can and bring what i've learned to my own contests..i expect poets to be clued up about what constitutes good contemporary poetry and what is currently being published and winning comps, therefore i tend not to give any pointers, but it seems people want them so maybe i'll do that more in any future contests

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/6/2025 6:11:00 PM

Well I cannot deny I am a line restricting host. I find myself getting lost in extensive poems; many just do not keep me engaged. Though I can say I do plan on increasing my usual limit as I have a bit more time to be able and take them in. I've dabbled in a few professional contests so I think you giving tips is a good idea. There are some professionally judged winners that I've had to just smile and think, 'You deserved that.' ...aaand then there are those that left me scratching my head lol. So entrants knowing which direction you are leaning would most likely be helpful.

Gary
Radice

Date: 3/5/2025 11:35:00 PM

This is an excellent blog. My thinking here is in line with D D and Mark. From this poet’s point of view there’s a balance to be had between being prompted and letting the poetic juices flow with that of being given specific rules and trying to shoehorn them all in to fit the brief. The difference if you like between writing 'with' the judge and writing solely 'for' the judge. (I'm sure, however, many do enjoy the challenge of working to specific rules). I totally agree Mark, about the chance to sometimes resurrect older work. I often refer to the thousands of poems that never see light of day once they disappear from the poet's first page as 'The Great Unread'. All that said I have yet to sponsor a contest and enjoy the ride when I enter them.. I sense being a sponsor is not an easy task at all. Cheers - Gary

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/6/2025 6:00:00 PM

"...between writing 'with' the judge and writing solely 'for' the judge." Hm, I like how you put that. I do know with certainty that we've had 'write for me' type contests; now that you've made me consider that vantage point I would have to say I prefer to enter a 'write TO me' type contest. Where a host is wanting to feel the entries as oppose to simply reading them. My goodness you guys have my wheels spinning!

Charlotte Puddifoot
Date: 3/6/2025 8:54:00 AM

yes, it is a good blog

Suzette
Richards

Date: 3/5/2025 11:18:00 PM

If the form has been featured before and the winners list by the sponsor is still up, then it makes it easier to see if I want to write for that contest. Too much information may be due to it being a new form (for the contestants) being introduced, or pre-empting queries raised in the past. On the other hand, a scant info without an example poem, puts me off as I wonder whether the judging might be a rush job – unless I know the sponsor and their style and taste. Receiving N/A for a time-consuming contest, is disheartening.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/6/2025 5:52:00 PM

Wow, good points for both sides. I know at least two who want the prompt to take the writer's mind wherever it may which is why only a prompt is given. But if there are a lot of guidelines the host apparently knows just what they are looking for and could make it easier by giving an example. (Yep, I meant "could" lol)

Suzette Richards
Date: 3/6/2025 9:05:00 AM

Thank you, Andrea. I am inclined to follow your lead and in future only read the entries at the closing date. This will mean that it is what it is and no heads-up posts by me. Less stress all round, I think.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 3/6/2025 6:27:00 AM

Yes, it's so nice to see examples of what judges want and I enjoy seeing your examples, Suzette.

Mark
Toney

Date: 3/5/2025 7:37:00 PM

I understand why a sponsor would require only new poems because I’ve required the same myself. But it’s also fun when new and old poems are allowed, giving us the opportunity to resurrect our oldies but goodies. An added advantage with older poems is being able to read the comments from dear poets who are no longer with us.

Mark Toney
Date: 3/8/2025 10:19:00 PM

Hi, Lin. Thank you for your comment on my Poetry Marathon Contests. I plan on starting another one soon.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/6/2025 5:48:00 PM

This is one I can very much identify with. I also understand wanting new poems at times, but I rarely see a contest that says new or old. Every once in a while I do see 'old poems only;' but rarely.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/6/2025 8:45:00 AM

Hi Mark. Your marathon contests were excellent opportunities for older poems to resurface and be read and enjoyed. It's also a good way for newer poets to open a window into some of the poets they enjoy reading now without turning too many history pages. I've had a few sad moments reading comments on my poetry from those dear poets who have left us.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 3/6/2025 6:26:00 AM

I like that, mark. Sometimes we might have several past poems perfect for a contest and the new contest is asking us to outdo a poem that we already think is perfect for what the judge wants!

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 3/5/2025 5:19:00 PM

I like contests that give very clear rules but not overly complicated. Examples of what I like are the way Constance and Ink Empress compose their contests. And those who do limerick and haiku contests telling exactly how they want them. Joseph May and Emile and Tania and others describe their contests usually in ways I really understand! I could name many other judges whose contests are described in ways to my liking. I like contests knowing judges are not biased against certain forms I enjoy writing also.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 3/6/2025 10:14:00 AM

thanks, Flo. I really like blogs like this one

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/5/2025 5:53:00 PM

Clear in understanding, desirable for any education level. I have also seen what you may be referring to as form biased. Not to be mistaken with those who don't want to restrict a contest to only one form but point out that they usually like the flow of rhyme vs free flow, or vice versa. I appreciate that, it has allowed me to narrow my thought process in the past.

Lin
Lane

Date: 3/5/2025 2:52:00 PM

It's very thoughtful of you, Flo, to ask for opinions. I appreciate those who give their time to construct and then judge a contest. It's a turn off to me when overloading details and rules that hinder where I might want to take my thoughts. Sponsor's choice, so I just move on to another. New forms are challenging, but I think a judge could (or should?) post at least one poem in his/her chosen style as a reference point.

FJ Thomas
Date: 3/5/2025 5:33:00 PM

I like how you added 'Sponsor's choice,' in the end they have every right to run it as they choose. I also agree that it could...should? (yes I saw what you did there lol) be helpful to list an example, or link to an example. It doesn't even have to be theirs if it is exactly what they're hoping for. Of course that in itself may not always fit the results for which they are hoping.

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