Hi all. Just finished a long road trip, but I'm back.
I see a lot of good ideas with potential in the posts above. Splitting into long and short form stories sounds like it has potential. It still gives more than just one overall best, and it splits along a universally known set of properties about stories. I like this.
I also like the special topic, though I think I'm going to hold off on implementing it. For one, I'm on vacation right now, and its the middle of the month. Perhaps in a few months I might add that one given enough support.
Right now, authors can opt out, but we might do better having them opt in. Interesting. I wonder how many would go out of their way to opt in, and on how many of their stories. I sure would, but I'm competitive by nature. (I joined another board once, learned it had a contest, and my entry was my first post there.) But I think it would decrease the numbers of entries. I like to think everyone will just jump in, but I'm sure some writers know their work won't win, especially with so many entries. Any authors have any thoughts on this?
As for hiding the vote counts, I don't think that's an option with the board software, but I'll check. I don't know that I support that one, though I see its logic. Most contests do announce the score, at least at the end. I shall think on it (if it's even possible.)
Thanks for the feedback, all.