How do you judge contest credibility?

[kiarrens]

people just copy-pasted them into their current rules because they couldn't be bothered to make up their own technical rules from scratch - especially the ones they didn't understand the reasoning for.

I've seen that before -_-

Since I'm one of those people (I DID make some changes but my stuff is almost word-for-word the same as AB's), I'll defend my position.

I've always liked the way AB had their rules set up, so I figured why re-invent the wheel if I didn't need to? It seems pretty silly to re-write an entire set of rules that would wind up being almost identical. Much easier to ask permission to use the rules, then make whatever small changes need to be made.

[moonbunnychan]

I never submit to contests that absolutely require specifications different then whatever my prepared convention file is. I know it doesn't take THAT long to change but I hate doing it and I hate having multiple copies of things. I host my videos on my own webspace so I really just want to have one universal link to send out. Honestly though, I prefer that the contest have their own means of submitting. Nothing says "We have our act together" to me like an ftp or on page submission.

Also, if I'm on the convention website's amv page and can't find the vital information (ie deadline, rules, place to submit) upon a few seconds after arriving I tend to not submit. I can't even remember how many times the link to submit it is buried in a huge paragraph. I shouldn't have to use my browser's find feature to locate that.

I know it sounds greedy, but if they specify that you don't get any kind of prize unless you're there I won't submit. It's a lot of work and it's nice to get something in return. Besides since so many cons have rules that you can't have won at a certain number of other cons, I save mine for ones with prizes I can receive. (I'm even willing to pay for shipping for things, I just want the ability to receive them).

I also tend to prefer cons with audience voting. It's nice to be voted on by the masses and not just a select few. Plus, I've often noticed that people who make amvs and people who just enjoy amvs tend to judge them completely differently.

Oh...also as a nice touch, I really like it when they email you if you got in or not, even if it's just a mass email. Nicer still if they also let you know you won.

[Kireblue]

Since I'm currently running Seishun-con's AMV contest, I'm finding this thread to be extremely insightful. Based on many of the responses so far, It would seem that I'm doing everything right except for the FTP storage. I guess that within the next few months, I gotta get in contact with some of the CIS majors that I know.

[meleechampion]

Oh I forgot to mention: To me, any contest becomes instantly more credible... if it's awards/showing aren't at the end of the day on Sunday.

[Rider4Z]

I never submit to contests that absolutely require specifications different then whatever my prepared convention file is. I know it doesn't take THAT long to change but I hate doing it and I hate having multiple copies of things.

i know i've already spoken my piece but x2.