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Site Updates

Contest minimums have been increased. The featured box now randomly shows 7 of the top 15 bids, and rewards only show one item per person.
1) The minimum awards for a contest has increased to 400 points, Points have been made more plentiful over the last year or so, so hopefully this won't be as much as a burden as it might sound. As always, I'll be keeping an eye on how contests work/change due to this, and will make tweaks.

1a) I'd toyed with the idea of adding a 100 point deposit on contests (which would make the minimum to run 500), but which you'd get back at the end of it. But this is being pushed off until later.

2) The featured box now randomly displays 7 items of the top 15 bids. This may help with keeping costs lower. The best method of keeping costs lower of course is trying to click+comment as much as possible...

3) Rewards now only show one rewards per page per person. So clicking 'Read' at the top won't show you only Amunet Wolfbane's poetry

4) The "No more than X contests per day" thing has been fixed to actually count how many contests you've added in the last 24 hours.

5) Lots of other little changes and bug-fixes. Like the new header on the front page - it will change every season or so!


Thanks for being a member, and happy poetry writing!

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1 - 57 of 57

  • DramaQueen469 Greeters member
    November 7, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I love the changes, it's awesome! One thing... I don't know where all my trophies came from!! Were you ever thinking about rigging something up where if you click on someone's trophies, it takes you to a list of which poems won what trophies? Currently you can only see the ones that are still entered in the contests... but I was here back in the days when poems could only be in one contest at a time!! (boy, that's going back now). Anyways, that's my two cents, as I said, I'm loving the changes, it's just making AP even more awesome!! (Who knew that was possible!! )

    ~*~DramaQueen469~*~

    • Kevin Moderators member
      November 7, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      unfortunately yeah, there's no way to see what contest the trophy came from once it's been removed from the contest Trophies are stored as a count in the user profile, so it's not really related to any poem or contest anymore.

      • DramaQueen469 Greeters member
        November 7, 2008
        Edit | Reply
        *sighs* yeah, that's annoying. I don't really care what contest it was, but I keep coming across contests that are for "gold-winning poems" and I don't know which ones I can enter!! Lol. But anyway... guess I'll just have to remember Cheers

        ~*~DramaQueen469~*~

  • adsaige gold member
    November 2, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I like the new changes, and I love the versatility and freedom we get with customizing and personalizing our poetry. I thank you so much for this site; it has truly been a life-saver.

  • Nicolette gold member
    October 19, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Some nice work all around, Kevin - thanks! How about one being able to "lower" the number of points in a contest after it was posted? Currently the site only allows an increase of points (and sometimes one does make a mistake, lol)



    ~ Nicolette

  • between slices
    October 19, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    AP's cool.
    I like the new changes.. The random featuring is a great idea. It would give others a chance.

    As for the contest.. Sometimes, it feels like the gold winner getting so much points is not in par with the quality of the write, like when the contest doesn't have awesome entries.. so why not break the 400 into the same 300, or 350 for gold and put a minimum for bronze and silver or only silver? The charge and increase is fine. I'm not complaining about that.

    400 for gold and optional for silver and bronze.. which many leave at zilch and only trophies.. I don't know.. It almost feels like a bias of sorts..

  • And Hyetal
    October 19, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Great changes. I like how the font looks when you're typing a comment.

    The new front page is pretty, though the side color doesn't match it.

    Great work, Kevin!

  • Wandering Woodchuck silver member
    October 19, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Nice work on the site. The things that I enjoy the most about AP are that most of the people are relatively civilized and that the mods are very responsive.

    I appreaciate the work that all you guys do.

    Mike
  • riley
    October 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I have an idea. Why not combine the change in minimum contest size and fee into one change? Leave the minimum contest size at 300, but charge the 100 fee, that's refundable when it gets judged. I like the fee idea since I ended up in a contest that never got judged once and it sucked, but I think 500 points is a bit steep minimum requirement to be able to start a contest. I'd be able to afford it, but I rarely create contests any more.
  • Starz of Heaven gold member
    October 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    A Glitch maybe

    When I add a plain background to my poems I get the normal line that is under my name but then above the title of my poem between my name and the ap logo there is another line and it only happens on the plain backgrounds I have seen this on a few contest pages also will you please fix it. Other then that I like the changes so far.

  • Night Hope gold member
    October 18, 2008
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    I love Gypsy.

  • raspberry Greeters member
    October 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Yes Kevin..

    That sounds like a good thing..

  • Symphony
    October 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    thanks

    Thanks Kevin, it's great to be part of such a big site which has updates, and staff that care about it

  • Kari gold member
    October 18, 2008
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    When I send out a note in a contest I get this Error 500 sending message, please try again.

  • waydownuponjoy
    October 18, 2008
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    Ya' gotta love it !

    always nice to see improvements and change!
    Thanks for the site too for there's no other like it! jy

  • Danna Hobart
    October 18, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Just when I had earned almost enough points for a new contest I was excited about

    • poetryality silver member
      October 18, 2008
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      Hi Kevin!



      I like your number 2 up there. If we pay a 100 point deposit on a contest, even if we don't have the points when the contest is posted, we can earn them through making comments before the contest ends. Does that make sense? It's early yet! I'll get back after I get my coffee.

      Thanks for keeping us updated!

      Life is so techno-mechanical. I never thought. I used to detest compturers, and now... I don't know quite what I'd do without one (that is not a test question God). LOL



      Renee

    • poetryality silver member
      October 18, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Yeah right! With all the contests you win!

      How are you?


      Renee

      • Danna Hobart
        October 18, 2008
        Edit | Reply
        LOL

        Almost as soon as I win them, I spend them by hosting a contest. I never learned how to save for a rainy day

  • Jeremy0826 gold member
    October 17, 2008
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    Well done Kevin and thanks a lot for keeping us updated here!


    Jeremy0826

  • Kari gold member
    October 17, 2008
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    Overall I am very happy with the updates...just wish the yellow on the front page wasn't so....yellow?

  • paulcreates silver member
    October 17, 2008
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    I agree with the person who mentioned the clash of hue between the border and the new header picture. If you understand color theory, all color is relative to the color adjacent to it. The purple in the border 'turns' the color of the green grasses a terrible almost florescent yellow. I'd choose a different border color if I were you.
    Having said all that, I think we're blessed to have such an attentive and talented web designer.

    Paul

  • Blooming Poet
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    thanks for the info

  • Amunet Wolfbane Moderators member
    October 17, 2008
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    <

    I don't think Kevin meant that to run down anyone, it is not his style at all. He was just using the name as a reference since that poet had many reward items and the way the system placed them before bunched all of one poet together. I've allowed Kevin to use me as an example there

  • symitar Moderators member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    <

    I know Kevin meant no insult. He would never do that intentionally. Sometimes he uses our names, you just never know, as examples. He knows that member is popular and writes a lot, but I don't think anything negative was intended. Thats just not Kevin. Perhaps he can change the name to one of the mods - and its just for example, not for real, so none of us will care.

    symitar
    moderator manager

  • a humble servant
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Did you change the group application check box in the edit group option to the 0 -999 system or was it just reset, as are group was changed from not having to apply for application to having to apply. Just curious, otherwise all other site changes seem to be good!

  • SmokinHotWhiteTiger gold member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    I LIke It

    Hi Kevin kudos on the new things added to allpoetry. I do feel like the site is movng better faster since I am on piss poor dial up connection and I no longer get kicked while I am logged in. any ways I agree with the idea of bumping up the points for a minimum gold winner and well enjoy the way the banner has changed. I was thinking to myself will they do a seasonal holiday banner ya know like Halloween this month ThanksGiving next month Christmas for december. and well maybe new years for janbuary Valentine's day for February St. Patrick's Day March Easter for April I think May being like flowers or something and June being whtever ya want July being the Independance Day and well August im unsure LOL! oh well just curious maybe you have done this and I failed to pay attention * admits he does that often * otherwise very much enjoy the site

  • Miss Faerie Greeters member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Default font has changed too I see. I like it


  • Seven Kinky
    October 17, 2008
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    Can we get new background colors to match the new header? It's...hideous with the purple junk. 0_0

  • Adios Muchachos gold member
    October 17, 2008
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    What Wanda says!

  • thelordreigns gold member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Thank you Kevin. It all sounds good to me.

    I love the new header graphic.

  • cricketjeff gold member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Another though ...
    The maximum of 5 HMs seems like a good idea but Sue and I have run many contests with 50+ entrants where we have given more than 5 on the other hand we have all entered contests with 8 entrants where all participants got one. any chance of something like 1 HM per 5 entrants being able to be added after the contest is closed?

  • cricketjeff gold member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    The contest charge of 100 still appears on the add a contest page

    Award amounts (all points+100 are charged now; you have

  • Riftkin gold member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Oh my, but I love to hold contests.... how many are we allowed to hold in this 24 time frame?

  • Capitaine Rouge
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Hey, I thought the header was different! That's cool!

  • CookieZeal Greeters member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    uHHHHHHh. I'm getting that feeling again. My autistic side is trying to fence me in and that intimidates my intelligence.lol.

    I will have to read this again, and maybe after some protein and carrot juice as it doesn't sound dramatically different to me.

    As always, it's gracious of you to always stay motivated to polish the site even though we
    aren't positive about the outcomes.

    Can't stop progress.

  • Dienush
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I loved the previous home page header. But ah well, I'm here for the poetry more than seascapes... but still...

    I didn't feel strongly about contest points, but I remember a lot of people asked for that and I think it's nice of you to take member suggestions into account

    I don't understand the use of a point deposit... but if you meant to make sure the judge judges it, that'd be nice. Though I doubt it would be useful - as you say, points are plentiful and, I think, they mean far less than they used to...

    The rewards/feature updates sound great (even though I personally don't use those).


  • Silent Guardian
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    Kevin, I've noticed that everytime I try to Upload a background I have made it goes fine until I come to the page where I adjust how much of a border there is on the left side of the page. For some reason When i get to that page it always says an error occured and kicks me off of that page so I have to come back to the site manually by typing in the site address into my browser. Is there any way you can fix this?

    -Justin
  • ea silver member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    There's something now wrong with the contests in that you can't go back in and edit them! I keep trying to, because I need to note which titles are being used, and it keeps kicking me back to server error without the changes I made showing up.

    • Kevin Moderators member
      October 17, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      Lol, and I get an email each time you do hehe Should be fixed now!
      • ea silver member
        October 17, 2008
        Edit | Reply
        lol...okay, yes, it is fixed now. Thanks!

  • StormGoddess Greeters member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply
    I think all these fixes are good for the most part. But I dothink some warning about the extra costs of contests would have been nice. I was kind of surprised by this when I started a contest today.
    Also, I agree with Tammy, what is this with the "cost" of 100 points per contest? Personally, not that my opinion holds much bearing, but if we are going to be charged additional costs for contests, then either we should be able to decide how many we want to spend points on per day instead of only being allowed three, or we should go back to the old way points were given to us when we judged a contest.

    ie, I ran a contest that was not a quickie, someone else labeled it as such, and as I can't remove their labels, even though more than 20 entries were in it, I was still only awarded the quickie allotment for this.

    Keep it up Kevin

    • Kevin Moderators member
      October 17, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      I replied to the first few questions below on tammy's post...

      Also, the limit per day is calculated better now, hopefully that will be handy.

      Quickie tags - you should be able to edit the labels on the contest page? If there are a few magic keywords in the title, it'll automatically add quickie or PIF to the tags, though.
      • ea silver member
        October 17, 2008
        Edit | Reply
        Quickies and PIFs are not the same thing, though. I am running a week-long contest currently that is a PIF but it's not a quickie. There's a difference.

        • Kevin Moderators member
          October 17, 2008
          Edit | Reply
          Though not in my vision of both of them as "small-style" contests...

          Also, I've now removed the 100 point "fee" idea for now. It may be revisited later in a different form
          • ea silver member
            October 17, 2008
            Edit | Reply
            It's misleading to entrants or potential entrants who see "Quickie" listed on the contests and don't bother to look at the closing date which is still a ways away, which means they have time to write something, though.

  • Little Eagle Greeters member
    October 17, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    Okay

    I am a little confused about the 100 points 'cost' of contests. Does this mean the host has to pay an additional 100 points that do not go to the winners of the contest? If that is the case, is this meant as a deterrant for too many contests?

    • Kevin Moderators member
      October 17, 2008
      Edit | Reply
      It's meant to increase the "gravity" of a contest. To make them a bigger deal. That it'll be a deterrent is somewhat negative, but I guess adds to the gravity as well. I'll be keeping an eye on it to see how it effects things.

      • Little Eagle Greeters member
        October 17, 2008
        Edit | Reply

        lol

        Well, maybe it will cause members to be more thoughtfull about the type of contests they want to run. I certainly think it will cause a decrease in the amount of contests being held. I think especially in the quickie arena where they only want to award for gold.

        • Kevin Moderators member
          October 17, 2008
          Edit | Reply
          I've now removed the 100 point "fee" idea for now. It may be revisited later in a different form, such as the deposit you get returned when you judge, as we discussed...

          • poetryality silver member
            October 18, 2008
            Edit | Reply
            I thought it would be a "down payment", and the remainder paid at contest's end. Make it 1/2 down (250 points) and the remainder collected at the end of the contest. That would lower the cost to start a contest, yet increasing the cost of the contest to 500 points. It is still spreading the points around. Although some of us hold contests with first prize above the suggested 500 points, with points for Silver and Bronze Cups.

            Anyway, you didn't remove that one or is it to stay and discussion to be continued? I've had about two sips of coffee. I'm getting there.



            Renee

          • Miss Faerie Greeters member
            October 17, 2008
            Edit | Reply
            I think that the fee is a good idea
            That the 100 points should be in the event that people think holding a contest is fine but can't be bothered to judge them, leaving it to the mods.

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