A contest is a writing competition. You have to read and follow the contest criteria, and write a poem that includes all the rules as stated by the host of the contest. Points are given to the poet whose poem is selected as first place, and trophies are displayed on the winners author page.
How do I enter?
At the top of your page you will see a tab with the word "Contests". Click on this and it will take you to the page where all the open contests are listed. Browse through the pages until you see a contest that interests you. If you are new to the site you will see a contest there open to all new members to AP for that particular month. New Members only are allowed to enter this particular contest.
{New Members - Joining AP in the month of that particular contest - allowances may be given for members joining on last day of the previous month. this particular contest is judged by the whole of the Greeter Team - we each select our choices and then a final decision is made}
There are a wide variety of contests so there is sure to be something there to interest and inspire you. Check the closing date, and make sure you give yourself time to write. You'll notice a link that says, "Enter this contest today." Click that link to post your poem. Posting to a contest is the same principal as posting to your own author page.
How will I know if I have won the contest I have entered?
You will be sent a system IM saying 'please check the winners of the contest'. Click the link and it will take you to the page of the contest and there you'll see the winners, they're the ones with the trophies next to their name and poem.
What do I get if I win a contest?
You'll notice whilst reading the criteria, you'll see an amount of points given to first place. (The minimum is 300). This amount is determined by the host of the contest, sometimes you will also see that 2nd and 3rd place may receive points too.(this is at the discretion of the contest holder) Winners receive a trophy,(Gold, Silver or Bronze) which will be placed on your author page.
What are trophies?
You will receive a Trophy if you win, for First prize you get Gold , for Second place you receive a Silver one and for 3rd place you receive Bronze.
Can I host a contest?
If you have the points accrued - Yes!
Click on the contest tab, and then click on "add". Here you will be able to set the criteria, ending date and winning points amount. To host a contest you need 300 points that will go to first place and if you want to give 2nd and 3rd place points you're allowed to do so. These are your points and you can do with them as you please.
How do I judge my contest?
Please take the time to read this article by 'Hoosierpoet' - it has a series of guidlines to assist you to judge your contest.
allpoetry.com/Column/446864
Judging your own contest: throughout the duration of the contest, keep notes after reading the entries, some may inspire you immediately, other may not have followed your set criteria, ive that person a chance to correct their entry if they wish. It's up to you - it's what you want and what you asked for.
Your contest will close automatically on the date you selected when you created it. (USA time) To judge it, select the "Manage Entries" link on the page next to the title. Here you will see 3 boxes - scroll through the entries for the 3 placings and then 'judge' contest - the remainder is automatic and points will be awarded to the first place winner. Trophies will automatically be placed on the author pages of the winners. An automated system Message will be sent by IM to every entrant informing them the contest has been judged and they are then able to 'follow the link' to check for themselves.
This column will further explain how to hand out trophies and such.
allpoetry.com/Column/2025129 In Conclusion
This is a fast and easy way of earning a large amount of points, also gives the writer a variation of styles and topics to work on. It is a good way to broaden your writing skills. Maybe if you're an angst writer try a happy lighthearted one, or write sad stuff, and so on. This is a great way of learning styles if you look carefully too.
Good Luck
Adding your comment:
Just keep working at it... also, the minimum first prize is now larger than 250- it's been raised to 300 Points, so all the better for the winner 
