So, I decided to re-write the rules to make it more clearer for all participants and Judges. Please take the time to read it if you still have questions or are confused about something.

What is this contest about?

The main focus of this contest is to find the best puzzleshipping story out there. Not only does this contest give puzzleshipping fans an opportunity to interact with each other but it also shines a light onto the many different types of stories out there that have been overlooked. This is a chance to connect with authors who inspire you and give them the recognition that their stories deserve. And hopefully, along the way, you’ll meet people that you share similar interests with, build bonds, and create friendships.

What are the rules?

Each month, both readers and Judges alike will nominate one of their favorite Puzzleshipping stories. At the end of the month, the Judges, after reading all of the nominees, will vote on a winner. The next month, the process will be repeated.

There are only two rules when it comes to nominations. The first is that you cannot nominate one of your own stories. The second exception is that you cannot nominate a story that has already won in any of the prior months.

Example:

If we receive five nominees for the month of February and nominee #2 wins the most votes then it cannot be entered again in any of the following months of THAT year (Note that every new year, all previous monthly winners and yearly winners can be re-nominated). However, the remaining four nominees that didn't win for the month of February can still be nominated again in a different month.

How many stories can I nominate?

Each individual can only nominate one story per month so please choose wisely.

What kind of stories can I nominate?

As long as the story is centered around Puzzleshipping, it is qualified to be a nominee.

Stories:

-Can be either oneshots or multi-chaptered.

-Can contain adult content such as Yaoi, Incest, Language, etc…

-Can be written during any time frame.

-Do not have to be completed.

-Do not have to have happy endings.

-Can be submitted even if they are located on other sights (such as AFF and MediaMiner).

-Can be any rating (K, K+, T, or M)

-Can be any genre (Supernatural, Angst, Romance, Humor, etc…)

Who can be a Judge?

Anyone can be a Judge! All you need is to have an open mind and be willing to read, evaluate, and vote on other people’s stories regardless of the contents in their stories. You must remain unbiased at all times.

As of right now, I will keep the number of Judges at ten. If I feel that more is necessary then the number will rise. If you want to be a Judge then please say so under the ‘Judges’ thread. Though all the spots are currently filled, I encourage you that you still leave your name and whatnot under the thread, that way if I ever need more Judges then I will know where to find them.

What will the stories be judged on?

The stories will never be judged on the context exclusively, but rather more on the style, form, and originality as well as grammar, spelling, and organization. Does the story leave you craving for more? Does it take your breath away? Does it make you laugh out loud at your computer desk or does it send you to tears? All these questions are important for it is the essence of the story that will be judged.

How does the voting system work?

So, each Judge is given TWO votes. This is to ensure that Judges are not simply voting for the story they nominated. This way everything remains fair.

Every month, the Judges will vote on their favorite stories out of the ones nominated and whatever story gets the highest amount of votes wins.

Now at the end of year, the Judges will take the twelve finalists (the winners of the monthly contests) and decide on one story to be named Best Puzzleshipping Story of THAT year.

What if there’s a tie?

If there is at any point a tie then all the remaining stories that received the least votes will be eliminated and the Judges will cast another vote on the two (or however many) stories that received equal votes.

When is everything due?

Basically, at the beginning of each month, nominations for that month will start. You can nominate a story at any time during the first two weeks of that month. Nominations will NOT be accepted after the end of the second week. I will specify an exact date when we come to each month.

Now for Judges: The final two weeks of each month is so you all can read each nominee. You MUST read all nominees to vote. If you have read one of the nominees in the past then you don't have to re-read it unless you don't remember it then I suggest that you scan over it once more to refresh your memory. Now, of course, you can start reading the nominees as soon as someone nominates them. This is only to ensure that you have a full two weeks without any added nominations so that you can focus on any stories that you have not read yet. Deadlines for votes will be specified each month as well.

Questions & Answers.

If there are ever any questions that you have that I haven’t answered then please feel free to PM me. I love talking to/hearing from you guys! Thanks for all the participation! Talk to you all soon.

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