Forum:Hourly writing contest (again!)

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The contest was happening now. Make sure you list your article here and here before 19:00.

Participants: Please try to be on IRC during the competition.

Evening citizens, myself and Dr. Skullthumper have decided that the time is ripe to run the hourly writing competition again.

For the uninitiated here be the procedures:

Beginning at 18:00 UTC on Sunday the 20th (that's today!!!), you will all have one hour to write an article. Any namespace. Any subject. Rewrites are not allowed and stupid in this context anyway.

However, there is a catch.

You cannot write the article in your userspace. You cannot even copy it to your userspace. You cannot rely on the construction template or anything else to save your article once it's done. At the end of the hour, judgement will be handed over to VFD for judgement, which everyone will be expected to participate in. Other VFD entires will be locked and taken off at this time.

In the next hour (19:00 UTC - 20:00 UTC), votes will be cast. Some articles will die. Others shall live. After this period of judgement is over, all VFD noms that were taken off will be replaced and operations will resume as normal.

For those of you of a more European disposition a second contest will take place next week, likely on the same day, but there is nothing to stop you participating in this one if you want to.

Sign me up!

Sign here

• Me me me. Also, what UTC is midnight EST? And what day is it then in Belgium? And why is that girl staring at me? —Sir Socky (talk) (stalk) GUN SotM UotM PMotM UotY PotM WotM 12:48, 13 March 2011
• Hell yeah eastern standard time! -- T​K​F​​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​UU​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​CK 20:49, March 13, 2011 (UTC)
• Magic man It's past my bed-time, but I'll do it anyway. -- 15:21, March 16, 2011 (UTC)
• Lollipop I'll give everyone magic lollipops if I win. -- Lollipop - CONTRIBS - WRITINGS - SHOP - Now adopting! 19:38, March 16, 2011 (UTC)
• -- The Zombiebaron 19:07, March 17, 2011 (UTC)
• Probably, if nothing else is happening or the rain is falling. Aleister 19:10 17-3-'11
• I'll take part if I manage to be concious when it's happening. It's iffy, though. 1234 ~ 08:40, 20 March 2011
• --~  12:49, March 20, 2011 (UTC)
• UTC is GMT? mAttlobster. (hello) 13:07, March 20, 2011 (UTC)
• Ill try my hardest to make it, but 1800 UTC is like, when we're having our post sunday obscenely-ginormously large-lunch afterwards nap time. I think Mimo has an even more obscenely ginormous lunch and even longer nap in Greece, but I see he has signed up. If I compete, and when my article is emmediately deleted, that is why...because im stuffed and tired, and or because of the bad spelling. (shifty eyes). :) --ShabiDOO 13:16, March 20, 2011 (UTC). No ... because what I write is confusing ;) --ShabiDOO 17:33, March 20, 2011 (UTC)
• I'm in. --Scofield 14:42, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

The time is whack

5:00 UTC? Why not 1, 2 or 3 UTC, seeing that this is a two-hour commitment? And what stops someone from writing the page beforehand (which is why the giving-each-other title thing works in the Happy Monkey contest)? Aleister 13:52 13-3-'11

See the answer you were given here. --ChiefjusticeGameCube 13:00, March 13, 2011 (UTC)

Too odd of a time for some, I'll stick to the European version unless something keeps me awake or wakes me up (I may live in Iceland, down the street from Bjork, so unless she screeches some song I may miss this one) Aleister 14:11 13-3-'11

I love Bjork. I'll definitely do the Euro one, that was so much fun last time. Is Mordillo hosting again? Has he brushed up on his time zones in the interim? --Black Flamingo 14:35, March 13, 2011 (UTC)

Yeah, for someone who has to get up at 6am, this isn't going to happen. If there's a Euro contest, I'm in, though. ~  Talk 18:39, March 16, 2011 (UTC)

By the way,

a contest like this is very popular in Russian Uncy. It has been held there every week since the first HWC was announced here. Plagiarized, yeah. But it helped them to get past 3K articles. — Praetorian the Glorious Strategist. 21:39, March 13, 2011 (UTC)

Sounds like a good idea, imho. My only beef with these kinds of contests: why do we only do them in the middle of the week? Why not over the weekend or something, eh?--Something smells... FISHY. hmm... 18:23, March 16, 2011 (UTC)

Exactly! If it was on the weekend, it wouldn't have to be in the middle of the bloody night, either! Although knowing you lot, it probably still would be, but... er...

Also, what's with people and using weird earth-based timezones? What's wrong with Uranus Standard Time? 1234 ~ 18:38, 16 March 2011

Lol. Uranus. --Something smells... FISHY. hmm... 18:53, March 16, 2011 (UTC)

The problem is, no one would be able to write anything because they'd be laughing to much thinking about the word "Uranus". -- 19:28, March 16, 2011 (UTC)

And that is what separates the men of true class from the plebeians like you. *adjusts monocle* 1234 ~ 19:34, 16 March 2011

Back up everyone. Look at what Praetorian said. Dr. Skullthumper's idea emerged here but was such a good one that the Russian language uncy adds new article every week! They should build one of those Russian shrines to the Dr., or send him a free Russian bride to use for a month. What a good thing came from this. Praetorian, have you guys tried the Happy Monkey contest rules yet (a 24-hour writing contest - or is this what you mean, do you do an hour contest of a 24 hour conteat - in which someone else give you the topic, you "trade" topics). Putin rules! And rules, and continues to rule...Aleister 19:34 16-3-'11

P.s.:

Lyrithya, Fuck you. -- 19:40, March 16, 2011 (UTC)

We've mixed the rules. Each participant of our "Sprint" gives three topics to another one and vice versa. Then they have two hours to write an article on one topic chosen from those three. Two hours are not equal to one, of course, but nevertheless some of the articles written in this time get huffed, so our conscience is clear. And yeah, we have that contest at the weekend. — Praetorian the Glorious Strategist. 07:26, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

And am I reading this right, is the contest tonight at midnight e.s.t., 4:00 UTC?

No, it's tomorrow. -- 19:42, March 16, 2011 (UTC)

OK, the top said at midnight Thursday, which would be in a few hours (It turns Thursday at 00:00). So tomorow then. Aleister 19:45 16-3-'11

Wait, so what time is that EST? I got no time to learn me up on some time zones. -- T​K​F​​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​UU​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​U​CK 22:57, March 16, 2011 (UTC)

How do you tell how long ago people have commented, or any of the other stuff that happens at specific times around here? 1234 ~ 00:00, 17 March 2011

Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 18:00:00 UTC is the same as Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 2:00:00 PM EST. -- 00:48, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

Hey wait!

Isn't the 19th a Saturday? -- 00:36, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

Hey, who gave you a calendar? A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Aleister 00:46 17-3-'11

But really, can I change it or not?!? -- 00:47, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

I dunno. Which one do they mean, the 19th or Sunday? One of those is likely correct. Aleister 00:50 17-3-'11

I thought the 20th was Saturday, I have a helicopter simulation that day at HMAS Albatross FTW! Gen. Fudgem0bile Open an orphanage. Hold child throwing contest. 00:53, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

Saturday might be the 15th, if I'm not mistaken. Beware the Ides of this Saturday. Aleister 00:55 17-3-'11

My computer says the 15th was 2 days ago O.o Gen. Fudgem0bile Open an orphanage. Hold child throwing contest. 00:56, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

You need to debug your computer. Saturday is either the 15th or the 22nd, I forget which. Aleister Friday around noon

It's Thursday here; so in 2 days (Saturday) its the 19th? Gen. Fudgem0bile Open an orphanage. Hold child throwing contest. 02:17, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

YES! That's what I've been saying the whole time!! -- 02:23, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

Psst! DO you live in the southern hemisphere> Gen. Fudgem0bile Open an orphanage. Hold child throwing contest. 02:32, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

Fixed, you picky bastards. --ChiefjusticeGameCube 07:41, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

We've accounted for Daylight Savings Time, right? Or is that a dumb question? ~  Talk 13:02, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

Okay, well at that time I might not be able to write. I'll have to see. But if I never show up, you know why. -- 13:09, March 17, 2011 (UTC)

Oos

I can't understand. I live in greece. what time should I start writing? --~  13:41, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

At 20:00 as you are presently 2 hours ahead of UTC. --ChiefjusticeGameCube 13:58, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Can I write it at 18.00 too but with greek time? --~  14:00, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Your timestamp is in UTC; you write when that says 18:00. --Black Flamingo 14:03, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Yes but it's too late for me and that's not fair. --~  14:04, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Life's not fair. Then again there is one for Europeans next week, we can both take part in that. Maybe life is fair after all. --Black Flamingo 14:12, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

What time will it be in Canada? -- Lollipop - CONTRIBS - WRITINGS - SHOP - Now adopting! 14:16, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

You are 4 hours behind UTC so it will be 14:00. --ChiefjusticeGameCube 14:27, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Okay. That's good enough. Speaking of which, when is the next volunteer admins vote? -- Lollipop - CONTRIBS - WRITINGS - SHOP - Now adopting! 14:32, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

You want to be an admin? --~  14:53, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

I think i'd make a great admin. At least that's what I think. Canada needs more representation. -- Lollipop - CONTRIBS - WRITINGS - SHOP - Now adopting! 14:54, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

But you have Zombiebaron. --~  14:56, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

As far as I know we aren't currently planning to make temporary admins a permanent addition to the site, it was a trial exercise. Either way this is not the place to discuss it. --ChiefjusticeGameCube 15:00, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Thank you, Chief. -- Lollipop - CONTRIBS - WRITINGS - SHOP - Now adopting! 15:04, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

JUST SO THERE IS NO DOUBT

We choose our own topics, and it is assumed we did not do any scribling or writing before?

We can write news or howto? --ShabiDOO 17:25, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

I think news and howto's are fine, anything at all. I just got my title about ten minutes ago while talking to a friend on the phone (not about the topic but the name popped into mind regarding something we were discussing and I told her "That's it" and told her about the "contest". I won't think about it or plan ahead until the clock strikes 18:00, which is a lot of striking for the clock to do. Aleister 17:33 20-3-'11

Okay. so we are free to chose any topic? Great. Rockaroll --ShabiDOO 17:38, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Wouldn't it be better if other people chose the topic? mAttlobster. (hello) 17:45, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Possibly, but not this time. --ChiefjusticeGameCube 17:48, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Being assigned a topic is great in terms of randomness, competition and creativity, but we use the honour system no? and since there is no ranking (I assume?) the point is to get new articles on, so if someone writes their articles in advance, it doesnt matter that much and it would probably be a little obvious? Or is what im writing confusing everyone ;) ? --ShabiDOO 17:51, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Wouldn't it better if, as a global society, we put aside our hate and prejudices? mAttlobster. (hello) 17:52, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Matt, what you are saying is seriously confusing. What on earth do you mean? --ShabiDOO 17:55, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Matt, you just unknowingly gave me my topic in your whole prejudice stuff ;) --ShabiDOO 17:58, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

Instructions

Since some of you still seem unsure of the way the competition should work I shall explain the steps here:

• At 18:00 you create and write your article, you should create your article in mainspace not userspace.
• At some point between 18:00 and 19:00 you add your article to the list below along with your signature.
• At 18:30 the VFD contest page will be unlocked, add your article as you would a normal VFD nomination. Do not vote for other articles at this time you should only vote to keep or delete your own.
• At 19:00 all articles will be locked, no exceptions.
• Between 19:00 and 20:00 vote to keep or delete the articles on the VFD page. Everyone is expected to participate in this round of voting.
• At 20:00 the VFD contest page will be locked and the articles there will be kept or deleted.
• All surviving articles will be unlocked. Feel free to ask for your article to be restored to userspace if it has been deleted.
• At 21:00 there is a big party round at mine, cake may or may not be provided.
• At 22:00 we all continue to live our lives. All except for <insert name here> who doesn't have one.

--ChiefjusticeGameCube 14:25, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

List of articles

Once the competition begins please list your articles below. You should also nominate your articles here. --ChiefjusticeGameCube 14:11, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

• Halloween Yoga Bar Aleister (this new work of art, this unexcelled use of the English language, is now showcased right here.)
• Large yak 1234 ~ 18:53, 20 March 2011
• Global society --ShabiDOO 18:54, March 20, 2011 (UTC)
• Videoing Firework Displays mAttlobster. (hello) 18:56, March 20, 2011 (UTC)
• Why?:Everything Was Better In The Past —Sir Socky (talk) (stalk) GUN SotM UotM PMotM UotY PotM WotM 19:00, 20 March 2011
• I only have seven minutes to write this article. --Something smells... FISHY. hmm... 19:02, March 20, 2011 (UTC)
• HowTo:Be Hated by your Kids -- Lollipop - CONTRIBS - WRITINGS - SHOP - Now adopting! 19:07, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

THANKS

I think this was a really sucessful competition. I think the best part of it was the sense of peer evaluating (we all wrote and all evaluated) and that we have a few new articles, and one unanimously liked one (bang!). I hope we do it again. Thanks for organising it! ;) --ShabiDOO 20:05, March 20, 2011 (UTC)

So...

When's the European version gonna happen? Since I couldn't take part in this one I'd like to take part in that one. So when is it? -- 19:45, March 23, 2011 (UTC)

We should seriously have an exlusive european one (not at Sunday lunch time) and add a little eurocentric content no!? Seriously! Who wouldnt want to make fun of Merkell going down on Zarkozy while Federer and Nadal slap around Heidi Klum all in the Eurovision contest cocain lounge :) --ShabiDOO 22:24, March 23, 2011 (UTC)

Are you saying you don't want me to participate?! *Stars crying and runs off* -- 02:04, March 24, 2011 (UTC)

What was particually unEuropean about the last one?mAttlobster. (hello) 10:12, March 24, 2011 (UTC)