View Full Version : HCRealms/WizKids March Article Contest Winners
It's April 1, so that means that the first article contest has come to an end! The winners, as voted on by you the members are:
<A HREF="/forum/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=151">Playing the Villans</A> by Kazzigum
<A HREF="/forum/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=174">Cap's Strategy for Effective Marvel Teambuilding</A> By CapAmerica24
<A HREF="/forum/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=129">Increase your chance of Winning</A> by reynold
Those three members should email
[email protected] with there addresses so that we can send them 4 DC HeroClix: Unleashed boosters each!
The April contest starts today, so start submitting! Rules can be found here - http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83675
Remember, articles can be in any of the following subjects: strategy, unit analysis, team analysis or ability analysis. So please limit yourselves to those subjects!
That's odd.
Congratulations to the winners!
ultron police5
04/01/2004, 10:58
Nice job you 3!!!:p :p
Hey were'd the WWLA letter go? :rolleyes:
...didn't qualify as strategy?
Originally posted by tidge
...didn't qualify as strategy?
Nope. :( Which is really unfortunate, as it's a great article and had some really good info in it. It just didn't fit the assigned rules. Definitly deserves an Honorable Mention though.
TheSpirit
04/01/2004, 11:36
Congrats to all the winners. There were quite a few good articles entered, but all three winners were deserving.
By the way, Draddog, what's the prize this month?
Kazzigum
04/01/2004, 11:45
Cool. Thanks to all who read and enjoyed "Playing the Villains." I thank you and Doom thanks you.
Hmmm, that was a lot of fun. What should I try this month? <Scratches head and ponders....>
Ultimate_X-Men
04/01/2004, 12:04
Congratulations to these three remarkable winners. Great and original writing! I hope you guys get uniques in your boosters. Take care everyone, later...
MeatLoafX
04/01/2004, 12:17
Congrats and I'm glad to see that there is someone there looking at whether these articles fit the definition of the contest. I was rating articles low (1 star) even if they were good articles because I didn't think they belonged with other strategy articles.
Now I can rate and trust that the articles that don't fit will be sorted out.
Once again, congrats!
CapAmerica24
04/01/2004, 15:22
Thanks to all of you who voted for me, and congratulations to the other 2 winners as well! Time to get started on my article for next month, an in depth look at how to use smoke cloud in a DC tourney setting.
brotherjustice
04/01/2004, 16:08
:eek:
I have a question?
How were the winners of the article contest determined. It looks like after eliminating one article near the top the next three were choosen. I sort of figured that the number of votes an article recived would work into it some how.
Other wise I might have just held on to my article not releasing it to the public until the last day hoping for some high votes. I noticed my own article and I believe the one on Moloid were a couple of slots below the winners each with 60 or so votes. Thats a few more than the third place article. I just was wondering ....
Really What I'm looking for is the formula used. Assuming there was one.
oh yeah and good job with the articles guys.
Of course, the next article I was going to post was a scenario, which also does not fir in the rules...
shin-goji
04/01/2004, 17:02
Mine wouldn't have qualified either.
As the first entrant in this month's competition, I've got two quick questions:
What's the prize this time out?
And is it correct to say that the actual rating of the article doesn't necessarily effect the final selection of winners, but that it's a semi-safe barometer of general enjoyment that the judges take into consideration?
And if the final ratings don’t matter, can people please stop tanking someone’s work just because of the competition?
CyberVenom
04/02/2004, 10:50
That brings me to another question regarding what qualifies as an article for the contest. I'm considering an article about dial modding. Is that not allowed?
I think you should remove articles that are not legal from the competition. It really sucks for tidge to be in the top three and be disqualified after the end of the competition. If he knew he wasn't going to win, he might have submitted another article.
brotherjustice
04/04/2004, 13:17
No response?
what are you hiding?
afraid to admit that the votiing for the article contest is subject to slight alterations by the administrators?
I never actually expect a response to this?
I mean why justify the truth with the truth. Hell prove me wrong.I dare ya.
I think it's determined by rating, not how many votes. The article on surviving conventions was disqualified.
TheSpirit
04/05/2004, 07:43
If you check out the original message, number of votes was taken into consideration when determining the winner, not just top score. That's so somebody couldn't just post an article fifteen seconds before the close of competition, give himself a 5, and "win". Number of votes wasn't going to determine who won, but it would help determine who wouldn't.
And it's likely up to the contestants to figure out if their article meets the criteria, since it's pretty clearly spelled out. But I do like the idea of the mods removing the disqualified ones (or moving them to the non-contest forum), if they have time.
I *really* would have liked to win the 4 boosters, but I'm ok with the decision.
strategy, unit analysis, team analysis or ability analysis
On a strictly personal note - I must admit that I would never read a regular column on any of those four topics. My own preference for articles would be:
New Scenario Ideas
Tournament Tips (such as scoring, pairings, special events, etc.)
Trading/Price Guides
Rules Corrections
:noid:
CyberVenom
04/06/2004, 16:55
Originally posted by CyberVenom
That brings me to another question regarding what qualifies as an article for the contest. I'm considering an article about dial modding. Is that not allowed?
Not trying to sound rushing or anything, but can someone that's heading this contest answer the question for me above?
TheSpirit
04/07/2004, 08:10
CyberVenom, I doubt that qualifies.
Remember, articles can be in any of the following subjects: strategy, unit analysis, team analysis or ability analysis. So please limit yourselves to those subjects!
Dial modding doesn't fall into any of those categories, I'm afraid. It has to be about the game as it is, without modifications. So no "house rules" or scenarios, either.
I think the original message mentioned something about sticking to one universe as well.
CyberVenom
04/07/2004, 08:48
Originally posted by TheSpirit
CyberVenom, I doubt that qualifies.
Remember, articles can be in any of the following subjects: strategy, unit analysis, team analysis or ability analysis. So please limit yourselves to those subjects!
Dial modding doesn't fall into any of those categories, I'm afraid. It has to be about the game as it is, without modifications. So no "house rules" or scenarios, either.
I think the original message mentioned something about sticking to one universe as well.
That's true, but I'm still awaiting an "official" answer. :)
I can keep it to one universe though. Either way, once the question is answered, I'll be posting the article. :)
NickVenom3
04/10/2004, 00:46
How do you determine the winner?
brotherjustice
04/11/2004, 21:27
Yeah wouldn't it be nice to get an official answer?
don't get your hopes up. they didn't bother responding to my post so I
guess the truth is they are ashamed to admit how the contest was judged.
unrelated to hc realms but indicative of the whole heroclix setup is the following comment:
oh and don't bother writing a letter to wizkids either cause they won't even dignify it with a letter thanking you for your letter as a valued customer.
It's ok if anyone from wizkids is listening cause I put some ketchup on my horde of rookie corsairs and ate em with some root beer.
CapAmerica24
04/12/2004, 02:22
Originally posted by brotherjustice
Yeah wouldn't it be nice to get an official answer?
don't get your hopes up. they didn't bother responding to my post so I
guess the truth is they are ashamed to admit how the contest was judged.
unrelated to hc realms but indicative of the whole heroclix setup is the following comment:
oh and don't bother writing a letter to wizkids either cause they won't even dignify it with a letter thanking you for your letter as a valued customer.
It's ok if anyone from wizkids is listening cause I put some ketchup on my horde of rookie corsairs and ate em with some root beer.
What's your beef? You had to have a minimum number of votes to qualify. Once you hit that threshold, your average score determined your placement. Did you even submit an article? No? Then troll somewhere else please.
brotherjustice
04/12/2004, 05:55
Well thank you for your theoretical reply there non official hcrealms person. What you say makes sense but I'm looking for an certifed response here.
troll? are you trying to insult me sir? oh and I did submit an article I'm just not keen on the whole process. Like when someone tells me they just voted for my article and the number of vote/score doesn't change at all ever because of it make me wonder about the integrity of the whole system.
I'm just looking for a response. So if you just just keep checking this thread you will see that I will never get an offical response from hcrealms cause the whole thing isn't quite on the up and up.
"why justify the truth with the truth?"
(please note that the nature of the preceeding comments are designed to illicit a response from hcrealms. i.e. should they respond in any offical way then I would not be a moron I would of in fact accomplished my goal. This however will not happen.)
note: the preceeding comment on my comments was also designed to futher my goal.
Hey,
I'm with the brother on this one. If you really want people to participate, fairness is essential. Integral to fairness is a transparent and easily understandable voting system. Although I realize you folks do occasionally have trouble electing presidents and the like ... I would think that a system of ranking articles would be a little easier to implement. Again, if you really want people to spend their valuable time to write articles encouraging people to play a game you make money from you really should ensure that they're judged fairly. Brother's request does not seem unreasonable - it really surprises me there's not a link indicating exactly how these things are judged. Pardon my skepticism Cap'n .. but I don't think replies from the winner of the contest (especially when he can't distinguish between legitimate questions and trolls) should be taken as gospel.
C'mon admins ... give the brother some justice
What's your beef? You had to have a minimum number of votes to qualify. Once you hit that threshold, your average score determined your placement. Did you even submit an article? No? Then troll somewhere else please.
You forgot the rule: your article is disqualified for being off-topic, but only if you are in the top 3.
Really, the realms ought to keep the votes & results secret, as well as a daily review of what articles are considered valid. Right now, the system is just a lazy way of trying to generate more content for the more "official" sites.
Lee the Great
04/12/2004, 16:43
I agree with tweak...there should be a link for the article contest somewhere around the area where you submit... it should outline the rules and the prizes and any other pertinent information. Is there anyway to get an official response on how the contest is judged from someone? That should be outlined and made available too.
And don't worry brotherjustice... maybe you can save up those rookie corsairs and then melt them down into a sentinel...
TheSpirit
04/13/2004, 07:52
Geez people, have you even read the original link?
Right where you submit, right under HCRealms/WizKids April Competition, it reads:
Win DC HeroClix: Unleashed boosters! For more information and rules for this contest see http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83675
Win DC Unleashed boosters.
If you take out the bold section (stupid HCR typo) and go to that URL, you'll find the following info:
At the end of the month, the three articles with the most votes and highest rating will win.
Most votes AND highest rating.
A few limitations:
1. Articles must be limited to one universe. So they cannot discuss the advantages of Spider-Man over Batman. Only Marvel characters in Marvel, DC in DC and so forth.
2. Articles must be a minimum of 500 words.
3. Articles should be judged by members based on content and style.
4. Articles must be original, unpublished works, including any form of previous electronic publishing. By submitting an article, the writer is granting RealmWorx, LLC First Electronic Rights for as long as RealmWorx, LLC wishes to maintain the article online and relinquishes all rights, electronic or otherwise to the article.
5. We reserve the rights to disqualify any articles that are inappropriate, do not follow the rules, or do not obey the spirit of the contest. Also, members may include links in their signature to their articles, but cannot campaign for votes (including spamming, begging or cajoling votes).
6. Articles can be in any of the following subjects: strategy, unit analysis, team analysis or ability analysis. (some more HCR typos edited)
One universe.
At least 500 words.
On strategy, unit analysis, team analysis, ability analysis.
The reason there hasn't been any "official" response here is obvious. ALL your questions have been answered already, multiple times.
Your article on your love affair with E White Queen? Didn't win because it's supposed to be about game strategy, not pick-up strategy.
Your three sentence article on plasticity? Didn't win because it wasn't long enough.
Your article detailing why Batman could whup Captain America? Didn't win because it's cross-universe.
Your article on phasing that actually dealt with strategy, was the best rated at the end of the month and was really, really good? Didn't win because you entered it two days before the contest ended and only seven people voted for it.
Your article on Force Blast versus Combat Reflexes? Didn't win because the mods looked at the ISP addresses of everyone who voted for you and threw out all the extras that came from your own computer.
The powers that be likely won't comment in detail because they don't want the exact voting formula known. That would help prevent abuse of the voting system, to try to make it a fair deal. No, the system isn't perfect, but it works reasonably well.
tidge has a good idea in keeping the voting secret, and they really should consider that. But the rest of the comments I'm reading here appear to be from people who haven't bothered reading what is actually posted. Follow the links, all the answers are there for you. Honestly.
Gentlegamer
04/13/2004, 08:37
"A few limitations:
1. Articles must be limited to one universe. So they cannot discuss the advantages of Spider-Man over Batman. Only Marvel characters in Marvel, DC in DC and so forth."
Is not Open Universe an official HeroClix universe? Why can't an article address this official play format?
TheSpirit
04/13/2004, 09:05
Originally posted by Gentlegamer
Is not Open Universe an official HeroClix universe? Why can't an article address this official play format? In terms of tournament game play, yes. But in article terms, no. If you avoid using trademarked names, you should be fine.
In other words, don't build a team with specific figures from Indy, DC, and Marvel. If you want to talk cross-universe, do it generically. Instead of mentioning BatsAlly, talk about team abilities that mimic Stealth. Deal with the mechanics of the game, not the figures themselves, when you go cross-universe. It's pretty easy, actually.
We all know the publishers have had issues with mixed universes. They're willing to go along with it a bit (JLA/Avengers for example), but they'd rather keep their properties distinct. In marketing terms it's called blending brands, and it's generally avoided lest the good opinion consumers have of your brand transfer to a similar competing brand, and the bad opinion consumers have of a competing brand transfer to your own. This is just a continuation of that.
Lee the Great
04/13/2004, 10:05
thanks for the info there spirit... i did in fact read all the rules...and followed them... but it seems that lots of posts were A) too short, B) about something irrelevant to the contest, C) crossing universes. In my opinion, these articles got lots and lots of votes, that could have been directed at people who actually followed the rules of the contest. Also, if you're like me, you probably want to read the articles up top (cuz they seem to be the most popular and perhaps informative ones)... so if that area's is cluttered with articles that will be disqualified later anyways (for being too short, crossing universes etc...) lots of voters won't see great, valid articles sitting in the middle of the page. see what i mean? it's not that i'm bitter or anything, it's just that people seem misinformed on the rules... just look at the articles posted for this month... they are riddled with problems and ineligibilities...
...and i liked my sinister syndicate team....:disappoin
TheSpirit
04/13/2004, 10:21
I agree that they should have deleted articles that did not follow the contest rules. There were a number of articles that received few votes but were actually quite good. Perhaps they would have received greater attention if the disqualified articles were removed.
But then again, my article followed all the rules and stayed in the top ten the entire month (I posted the first day, and it generally floated between 3rd and 7th), but received about a third of the views as any other in the top ten. I did receive a good number of votes, but there were many, many more articles far below mine with a lot more views and a lot more votes. So being low on the list didn't really make a lot of difference.
There are better voting systems out there, but I don't think they could be implemented here. For example, instead of picking the article, you click the link and a random article pops up. You have to review it before you can vote for another article. I've seen that work well elsewhere. There are others, too, but again it's a matter of what this site can handle.
Gentlegamer
04/13/2004, 10:42
Perhaps there should be a cut off date at mid-month to give all articles submitted by the deadline time to receive sufficient votes/views . . .
CapAmerica24
04/14/2004, 02:29
Let's clarify a few things...
1. brotherjustice, nowhere did I call you a troll. I said, "so troll somewhere else please." Using it as a verb.
Definition of...
troll v. [Slang] To patrol (an area) in search for someone or something.
2. For those of you who were disqualified...like TheSpirit said, it was all in the original thread.
Lee the Great
04/14/2004, 10:24
ummm...cap24, to be fair to brotherjustice, a first reading suggests that you do imply that brotherjustice is a troll, or perhaps exhibits troll-like qualities. Besides your slang-definition, he might have that your were telling him to: (v) fish by trailing a baited line behind a boat. I mean, wouldn't YOU take offence to that?... i know i would. also, as a winner, did you receive any information on future contests that the people who lost didn't? Just curious. :noid:
CapAmerica24
04/14/2004, 19:33
No, I didn't get any "inside information." The reason I said he was trolling is because, ONCE AGAIN, everything was stated in the original contest thread...what was a legal submission, how a winner was determined, etc.
brotherjustice
04/15/2004, 08:48
If by everything you mean vague ambiguous and unclear partial details without explanation which obviously left more than a few people confused about the rules, then I agree whole heartily.
What the people want is:
a. elimination of non-qualifying articles shortly after posting with explanation to those users stating why their article was disqualified.
you said:
I did receive a good number of votes, but there were many, many more articles far below mine with a lot more views and a lot more votes. So being low on the list didn't really make a lot of difference.
you must not be sherlock Holmes or even close to being at his level of logic or analytical ability. You see articles tend to move up and down the list based on rating. wow. It is a fact that the top articles get more views. Just because some article gets more views and then consequently a lower rating from low votes and is subsequently pushed down the list doesn't mean people are scrolling down two pages to read it and vote for it.
b. the articles should remain in a thread where you can still read them with their final # of votes and rating locked in when the contest ends.
and c. to see you stop acting like an official response monkey and like normal person say something along the lines of "geeze byes I don't know why the article contest is the way it is? Maybe if we join together demanding a response instead of belittling questions about the way it was judged we might get an answer and you guess won't have to think I'm being a f**ktard.
oh yeah and for future ref I did have an article it had 60 votes and was in 4th after that one article was disqualified. "the curse of competitiveness"
TheSpirit
04/15/2004, 09:46
Sigh.
You know, I had almost completed a rather lengthy and detailed response to BJ's comments, but I don't honestly see the point. For someone to write an article about overcoming competitiveness, and then complain about the workings of a contest... sheesh.
CapAmerica24
04/15/2004, 12:38
Ah, the irony, Spirit...:)
CapAmerica24
04/15/2004, 12:41
"A few limitations:
1. Articles must be limited to one universe. So they cannot discuss the advantages of Spider-Man over Batman. Only Marvel characters in Marvel, DC in DC and so forth.
2. Articles must be a minimum of 500 words.
3. Articles should be judged by members based on content and style.
4. Articles must be original, unpublished works, including any form of previous electronic publishing. By submitting an article, the writer is granting RealmWorx, LLC First Electronic Rights for as long as RealmWorx, LLC wishes to maintain the article online and relinquishes all rights, electronic or otherwise to the article.
5. We reserve the rights to disqualify any articles that are inappropriate, do not follow the rules, or do not obey the spirit of the contest. Also, members may include links in their signature to their articles, but cannot campaign for votes (including spamming, begging or cajoling votes).
6. Articles can be in any of the following subjects: strategy, unit analysis, team analysis or ability analysis. (some more HCR typos edited)"
I just don't see where this is unclear...?
EvilGenius
04/15/2004, 12:59
Originally posted by brotherjustice
Maybe if we join together demanding a response instead of belittling questions about the way it was judged we might get an answer
Okay, I've just been glancing over the thread but this part really stands out.
Dude, really? "Join together demanding a response". Um, really?
You do get that this is a totally voluntary contest, doesn't have to conform to any rules at all, isn't federally insured by the FDIC? (I'm poking fun, not being sarcastic). :)
Lighten up a little, guys. You can't litigate your way into "winning".
No response is needed by the Mods. These "issues" don't warrent a response.
And please understand, I'm not trying to be a jerk, here, or even to dismiss anyone's complaint. But I AM suggesting that the complaints that I've seen here mostly amount to "Why didn't I win?".
Kazzigum
04/15/2004, 15:15
Hey, does anyone know when the winning articles will be moved to the official Heroclix website and into the 'Masters' or whatever article section as it said in the original post? Just curious.
Lee the Great
04/15/2004, 22:17
i wanna know how come batman doesn't dance anymore...doesn't anyone remember the batusi....cha cha...chacha.....oh oh yes... it's pure west....
What's the prize this month?
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