Welcome to the first annual Raven Contest.
Note: Several issues have arisen since the launch of the contest that are now addressed in the new FAQs page. Please revisit this link for more commonly asked questions.
Mission Statement
The Raven seeks to uncover genius in the written word by actively pursuing and endorsing the creation of notable works through a paradigm of recognition.
Contest Outline
The final round of the Raven is open to each author who placed with an honorable mention or better in any 2007 qualifying round. This, the final round of the contest year, will run from August 1st, 2007 until September 1st, 2007. As in the qualifier, site assigned contest end dates will be extended to meet that time-frame. Entries into this contest will be accepted during those dates only.
On September 1st, 2007 judging of the entries will begin. The current judge pool will provide the results of this contest no later than October 1st, 2007. Unlike the qualifying round, all standing disputes and other issues must be resolved prior to that date.
Questions concerning the suitability of certain entries or works may be addressed to ravencontest@comcast.net or to the Allpoetry name Raven Contest. It is recommended that you read the Raven Contest Regulations and FAQs page before posing a question to the staff.
The RCR has been amended within contest year 2007. While most, if not all, of the changes made to the text pertain to the administration of the contest it is nevertheless encouraged that all entrants read and understand these regulations.
Prize Pool
The prize pool for this round is as follows:
First Place: 6,000 award points, 3,000 grant points and $100.
Second Place: 4,500 award points, 2,500 grant points and $60.
Third Place: 4,000 award points, 2,000 grant points and $40.
Honorable Mention: 150 points.
Additionally, each of the first three places will also be invited to judge the 2008 Raven Contest and will receive a copy of the assembled 2007 Raven Contest collection of accredited works, which will be distributed through the same mechanism as cash awards.
The total number of trophies awarded in this final round will be twenty-three.
Grant points are redeemable through the grant redemption process as outlined in the RCR.
Cash prizes are redeemable through the cash redemption process as outlined in the RCR.
Rules, Suggestions and Information
1 ) There is no prohibition against formatting, including sticky caps, background or colors, or off-mainstream character use. Some judges may dislike them, however, and so you use them at your own risk.
2) Entrants are allowed one entry only, regardless of the number of trophies won during any and all qualifying rounds.
3) Works entered must be of your own creation. Plagiarism, even with the author's permission, is strictly forbidden.
4) Works espousing, promoting, or otherwise praising hatred or intolerance are generally prohibited from receiving prizes or standings. For this reason, entry of these works is discouraged.
5) Entries must be in a poetic format, but rhyming is certainly not required. Short stories, or entries that would constitute prose, are prohibited. If you are unsure whether your entry is poetry or prose by contest definitions please do not hesitate to contact ravencontest@comcast.net or the Allpoetry name Raven Contest.
6) The Raven Contest seeks to uncover genius in the written word. Given that, you should enter your best writing, and hold nothing back.
7) The Raven Contest offers advertising consideration to those who wish to sponsor the contest. Information on sponsorship can be obtained here. Contest sponsors are prohibited from entering.
8) Questions regarding any aspect of the Raven Contest may be directed to any judge or RavenContest@comcast.net. Issues regarding dispute resolution should be directed to that address.
9) You are not required to read all or any of the rules listed in the RCR. However, the rules pertain to judges and entrants alike, regardless of familiarity.
10) The use of author's notes to completely reveal the intended nature of your entry is highly encouraged, but not required.
Notes
The Raven Contest is sponsored in part by Life, DRF LLC and by the current and former judge pools.
Navigate the Raven! Use the Raven Navigational Portal for access to articles, contests, information and all things Raven.
Congratulations to our qualifier winners for earning the right to enter and participate in this year's Raven Contest.
The contest administration would like to thank all entrants, contest judges and staff, and especially Allpoetry.com owners and employees for providing the mechanism for our search to uncover genius in the written word.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on October 1, 2007
- Rewards: Gold: 6000, Silver: 4500, Bronze: 4000, Honorable mention: 20 people
- Final notes: Thank you all for participating in this year's Raven Contest. Ordinarily this would be the part where the contest holder would say something like; "gee, this contest was so hard to judge" or "the entries were all of superb quality." I won't go down that road except to remind everyone involved that each of you managed to beat out over 800 others to earn your way into this contest. Everyone who has entered and waited patiently for the contest to be judged has proven their ability by succeeding in this regard.
The judge pool feels that some of you chose to enter works rapidly after the end of the qualifier round, and while each entry was judged carefully and fairly, it is our opinion that the haste could not have helped. Also, quite a few entrants neglected to include authors notes. While it was stated in the contest description that this was not required, each of the judges was loathe to recognize efforts that we did not understand. In this case the blade cuts both ways - but if you entered what you feel to be a stellar piece, and it didn't get recognized, the fault is probably ours.
I have no trouble believing that everyone who made it here for this contest should have equal chances of excelling in the 2008 Raven and, on behalf of the rest of the judge pool, we earnestly hope to see you there.
A part of the contest this year was an attempt on our part to let you know where we were coming from and what we were expecting. AlmostToBedford and I both wrote articles on what genius means to us individually that should have given some enlightenment to that end. Northern Raven has also written an article on the subject that I will post in the Raven Navigational Portal that you can access from this link: http://allpoetry.com/poem/2664728 .
You might want to read it and, if you haven't already, the other judging articles, and keep their content in mind both for the 2008 Raven and for the Feedback contest that will begin next month on 11/01/07. The Feedback contest will give you a chance to tell us how we did this year, give us suggestions for next year, and add some trophies to your Raven collection.
Preparation for this year's Raven contest began on 02/10/07. This has been a long road and I feel positively about where we have come together. The 2007 Raven Collection of Accredited Works will be available for free download via a link in the RNP no later than 01/01/08. You may also purchase a copy for the cost of its production and shipping which will be set at the time of printing. You will be contacted by us if your work is scheduled to be included. For more information on this, the 2008 Raven Contest, or all things Raven please, as always, send an email to ravencontest@comcast.net.
This year's winners of cash and grant prizes should consult the RCR for instructions on redeeming your prizes. The RCR can be found at: http://allpoetry.com/poem/2664506 .
The judge pool, REO staff, general contest staff and administration wishes to extend its thanks and warm regards to everyone who has participated in the 2007 Raven Contest as well as the Allpoetry.com website and supporting staff.
See you next year!
Contest Winners
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3301062, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
-
in the ashes of November
lie the remnants of the dayby malkinpuss 52 lines, 51 comments, on Nov 29 7:51 PM 2004. In Contemporary, Angst
Silver trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
by liltandrhyme 27 lines, 36 comments, on Aug 3 5:29 PM 2007. In Spiritual, Historic/Fiction
Bronze trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
The knight of Pencroft Palace / Rode from his home one day / Adorned in hoary armor / Upon a steed of flaxen gray / Trappings of blue and g• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
-
As he walked through the old park gate / the sky was cold and grey, /by Sue Cardwell 60 lines, 19 comments, on Jul 22 11:44 AM 2007. In Contest, Make It My Own, Sad, Thoughts, Love
Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] - Error: Unable to find finalist item 2932762, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
-
For L, who is as much a part of my life as the letter L is a part of my name. Without her, it doesn’t make sense.by shewalksintomine 93 lines, 18 comments, on Dec 22 10:21 PM 2006. In Love, Friendship, Long Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3360304, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
-
In quiet, wee hours
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
- Error: Unable to find finalist item 3218186, it seems to have been deleted :( [remove]
-
Tragic beryl spill in watershed,
veiled in silence, never heard.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
We are titans in the wasteland
Damned by the ruling gods• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
I asked her where she lived
And she said, "everywhere"...by Connor Blackbird 167 lines, 8 comments, on May 12 3:02 PM 2006. In Lyrics, Society Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
-
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
Entries [53]
1 - 53 of 53
-
This world is crossedby poetsruletheworld 61 lines, 5 comments, on Aug 1 9:42 AM 2007• Commented on by judge.
-
We stand as one
amongst the rocks catching sunshine-• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
by Kaleidoscopeyes 19 lines, 10 comments, on Jul 29 9:55 PM 2007. In Sad• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
Platonic unconditional love,• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
Seductive whispers and
Erotically arousing moans escape her lips.• Commented on by judge. -
• Commented on by judge.
-
by Ryno 38 lines, 12 comments, on Jul 29 1:44 AM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
Deep from within the bowels of the earth
A low sigh may perhaps be heardby aslanlight 55 lines, 7 comments, on Aug 2 3:41 PM 2007• Commented on by judge. -
by Honesty Abounds 36 lines, 7 comments, on Mar 15 7:35 PM 2006. In Hope• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
Cremate my laughter and sew my lips shut
Pictures I saved burn the person you cut• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
Raindrops dance upon my skin / As you gently caress my chin / Gazing at you through sparkling rain / Desire flowing through every vein / Thby Twilight4Eternity 29 lines, 14 comments, on Jun 28 12:06 AM 2007. In Nature, Longing, dream, hope• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
In the heat of the night
Words spokenby freebutsafe 49 lines, 5 comments, on Aug 3 8:04 PM 2007• Commented on by judge. -
Chest patters, grinding like the tip of chain saw.
My rib cage against a spluttering heart.by alexandrathegreat 76 lines, 13 comments, on Aug 4 12:00 AM 2007. In Hope, Personal, Thoughts, Imagery• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
Love is universal and may not easily understood
But some may ask a poet what is loveby rosepoet 35 lines, 19 comments, on Apr 28 2:55 AM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
by SoldierOfTheCross 52 lines, 4 comments, on Aug 7 4:20 PM 2007• Commented on by judge.
-
This Marks the Death of My Friend
This marks the deathby Fim Fivver 106 lines, 7 comments, on Feb 16 2:36 PM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
by brightraven 27 lines, 18 comments, on May 19 3:13 AM 2006. In Other• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
Slowly I was sinking, / into a sea of sin. / Right to the very bottom, / never to rise again. / I called out to my Father, / "Please help m• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
Wax slithers down her physique, / Strewn cross her bed, aflame and weak. / Lavender sheets caress white candle's vein, / Her heart just asby Saturninity 36 lines, 21 comments, on Jun 1 4:44 PM 2007. In strange, weird, pain, depression, lyrics, life, thoughts, dark, other• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
Broken by his stained glass tears
She mourns for her son's martyred years• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
Another day, another year / Another hope, another fear / Tonight I write of sorrow / As the sand lays, crushed, in my hand / And hope for a• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
-
She wanted to make a statement with her death but then she thought about the few people would care if she left.
She always thought of fall• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
Ebon ink, pads softly across the page
as inspired whispers purring in my earby Tamera 25 lines, 18 comments, on Aug 22 8:37 AM 2007• Commented on by judge. -
by Athena of Starlite 72 lines, 14 comments, on Aug 15 12:40 AM 2007• Commented on by judge.
-
I am plagued by a past
Screaming into the night• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
Centrifuge of proclivities denial
Drunkenly they ask you please do not smile• Commented on by judge. -
For that northern star tumbled from its precipitous vantage
Plasma crystallised in its luminous wakeby Previn 25 lines, 23 comments, on Aug 31 3:21 AM 2007• Commented on by judge. -
Oh all the humanity,
Inherent brutality.by truelover 33 lines, 4 comments, on Aug 18 6:10 AM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
Emotions twisting,
overflowing with traces of yesterday.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
July 13, 2007, 01:31:am
spongy moss repels imprints• Commented on by judge. -
by Aodes 52 lines, 38 comments, on Aug 27 10:10 AM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
Add a comment
Comments
-
How do you know if you qualified?
-
-
You would have received an invitation.
-
-
Thank you so much for the trophy and invitation!
I have the same question as below..What is the theme or topic?
Thanks Jeannie -
-
None specified.
-
-
I am most honored to receive a trophy in this competition and an invitation to continue. I will return with an entry. Thank you!
~Lori ♥ -
-
You're welcome. Good luck in the final.
-
-
Thank you for the honorable mention.
-
-
You're welcome. Good luck!
-
-
Thank you for the invitation to the Final.
This is a stupid question but I'll ask it anyway.
Is it possible to enter this round with a poem I played in the earlier round?
Specifically, the poem that got me to the Final?
Anyway great to be here and good luck to all.
I'm off to try and find my muse
Regards
Previn -
-
There is no rule prohibiting you from doing so, but it is very unadvised. Judges are free to take into account the recognition a piece has already received - which would be considered substantial if it has already won a Raven prize (not to sound egotistical).
-
-
I am not sure if this is a great question to ask but are you looking more for new pieces or would you rather contestants pick an old poem to submit?
-
-
The Contest seeks to uncover your best work. Whether that is a past, present or future writing only you know.
-
-
Once again, thank you very much for the cups and invitation
Just one little question (since there's the possibility to enter prewritten poems)
Will there be any difference in judging when you enter a prewrite (probably not, but to make sure I prefer asking it
)
good luck to all and to the judges
-
-
All poems, prewrite or new, are judged on an equal basis.
We advise you to enter a different one to that which has already been reviewed and awarded as we may take into account the recognition a piece has already received. -
-
okay
I will let things ponder a bit and see if I can come up with something new
thanks for the reply
-
-
-
thank you so much for the honorable mention!
I am so honored -
-
We are honored that you have decided to continue on this journey with us. Good luck in the final. :-)
-
-
Thank you
Thank you so much for the two HM trophies and points I really appreciate it and feel honoured I am able to enter this brilliant contest.
I will try my best not to disappoint.
Good luck to everyone who enters and congrats on getting this far.
Countrybabe
-
-
Delighted to have you! Good luck in the final. :-)
-
-
I see its about to close but the outline for the contest says itll be open till sept. 1st, should i enter a blank piece to reserve my spot, or will i be alright to enter in a few days, im taking alot of time to work on mine, more than i oringinally thought.
-
-
The contest is open till 1st Sept so there is no urgency to enter. If you're creating a new write, it's advisable to take your time and give us your best. Good luck
-
-
My entry got shunted to the second page so I'm posting it here
Cut Glass Magic: Whispers in the Wood
scurrying squirrels
obfuscate nut stashing spots
frequenting false holds
-
Judgeing
Do you have any idea when this contest will finally be judged ? -
-
The answer may be found in the contest description, but to save time the contest will be judged on time, meaning, by October 1st.
-
-
Thanks for the HM! Congrats to the other winners and to everyone who made it to this round.
Chelsea
-
-
You are certainly welcome. Congratulations.
-
-
thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to present our work ... I appreciated the profound and attentionate comments by the judges very much ...
I truly enjoyed this adventure ...
heartfelt congratulations to all the winners ...
and a big thank you to the Raven Judges ...
maa -
-
Thank you for participating. Hope to see you next year!
-
-
Thanks for the honourable mention in your contest and congratulations to the other winners and indeed, to all that were able to enter.
Best Wishes.
Georges. -
-
Well worth it. At least one judge is a serious fan of your work and has continually given it the highest rankings. We don't pretend to be professional critics, but an honest fan is probably worth more than the trophy.
-
-
Thank you so much for seeing my entry worthy of an honorable mention Since English isn't my maternal language, I am more than thrilled to see that I actually came this far in this brilliant contest
congratulations to everyone and thank you dear judges, for putting all the work and effort into this!
Leander -
-
Honestly I preferred Daffodil Lament, but your entry into the final was no slouch either. Congratulations.
-
-
Thank you so much for the Bronze award in the Final of this contest, I am simultaneously dumbstruck, humbled and proud.
PJ -
-
Well earned. Your work represented a large part of the intelligence base throughout the contest. Congratulations.
-
-
Thank You
Eventhough I didn't win anything in this contest, I wish to Thank the Ravin Commitee for acknowledgeing my works. It was a competition with alot of talents entered and I feel you all did a spledid job in judgeing.Thank You Very much, and hopefully I will see you next time..Lovin Charmer -
-
You're welcome. We look forward to having you in 2008.
-
-
Sincerest Gratitude
Thank you for the honorable mention in the 2007 Raven Contest. I appreciate the insightful and intelligent comments and critiques on my work. As artists, we strive to better ourselves and (permit me the pun) "stretch our wings". The Raven contest not only allowed me to do just that, but also gave me the chance to read works from other exceptional writers who have now become some of my favorites.
Again, my sincerest thanks for the chance to participate and the recognition. I look forward to Raven 2008!
All the best to you,
~Elora~ -
-
We look forward to seeing you next year. Congratulations.
-
-
I Am So Very Honored & Astonished!
I still have not fully recovered from the shock of seeing my poem awarded gold and fear my expression of gratitude will fall short in conveying how much this recognition means to me! What I don't want to fail in conveying is how much the interaction on this site rewards each writer here. I have been given so much encouragement, friendship, helpful critiques, and inspiration; making the time spent on AP very valuable as far as my writing goes. I want to thank AP for my growth and send my sincere appreciation out to several of my dear friends here who gave me so much of their time and encouragement when I struggled with a write in general or a competition submittal. I also would like to extend a large debt of gratitude to the judges and organizers of this Raven competition.
To actively search-out writers in the hopes of bringing great efforts to light is a wonderful endeavor. I hope each person involved in this series of competitions agrees that there is much talent to be found and shared. I look forward very much to learning, sharing, and most of all-writing. Thank-you and a huge congrats to everyone here at AP who contributed with their writing efforts...I know I very much enjoyed reading so many of these entries. Blue -
-
On behalf of all the Raven judges I extend our congratulations Blue Rew.
Your entry, Drowning Out The World, is a very worthy winner and we are as proud to have you in the spotlight as you are to be there.
As you so rightly express, sharing poetry is a wonderful experience and we hope you continue to enjoy writing and sharing it with all on AP. Each and every entry into this years contest has been of value and we look forward to seeing you all take up the challenge again.
-
-
Wow, this seemed like a long time ago Amazing that it is done. Thank-you so much for a very fun and dedicated-to contest. Congratz to the winners; all 23 Finalists. Thanks again
-
-
Forever Ryan, thank you for taking part in this years contest and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
-
-
-
-
Matt, thank you for taking part in this years contest and we look forward to seeing you again next year. Your entry can be found on page 2 of the contest.
http://allpoetry.com/contest/show/2362382?ilimit=75&limit=30&ipage=2 -
-
there was no page 2
when i last looked
have you considered the implication of such of the second page?
I believe you're perfectly capable of placing all poems on 1 page -
-
Hello Matt. The implication of a second page as far as I am aware, is that there were more entries than one page could display. Page 2 has always been accessible from just under where the number of entries is displayed and this link is now just under the promoted poems.
Entries move within the list as they are commented on and as I have commented on 87 I can only assume that 10 entries have been removed from the contest since it was judged, thus moving the other entries in the list.
As you are familiar with holding (9) contests yourself, you will know that the removal of entries is at the discretion of the author and not the contest holder, so there has been no case of 'shunting' your poem as you have suggested further up the page. You asked where your poem is and I have shown you.
This contest was held by RAVEN CONTEST and not myself so I suggest you contact him via his name or email ravencontest@comcast.net stating the nature of the problem and I'm sure he will discuss it with you.
-
-
-
Adding your comment:
