I want to arrange a competition containing a banner-making competition, a coding competition and a writing competition. The projects will be voted by everyone. There are two rounds for each, and winners will be awarded.
Previously, I failed to consider some aspects so I feel it better to ask for advice!

Considering the fact that we have done thee as a staff team, it is unlikely that having a competition about three separate things will work well. The first is the 'work load', second is the theme that ties these things together, third is the engagement of players because this would be 6 vote threads.

I suggest keeping it simple. Banner contest, winner gets [insert whatever it is]. Submissions by x date. Votes go up next day and votes end on y date. If it works out well, then consider one of the other things (like coding).

The other thing to think about is -- what is the theme. For coding it is often making something specific. For banners there is usually something to ask about (dimensions, theme, etc). For writing, this would need specifics as well. A minimum (probably) in size or a range depending on what you are asking people to write.

there have been a few coding competitions hosted before, let me find it. one competition in 2020 went by characters redoing an existing code of another player and voting to see who redone it best. i will try to find the links when i have time so you could look through it and maybe get some inspiration.

ive never seen banner competitions or a writing competition aside from site-official description writing competitions of various forum areas eg the bathroom or dormitories. usually staff gets to vote on those.

thanks! now turned to a public ask for advice thread
do you think it can be a good idea to sell secret boxes?
e.g a secret ingredient box which gives you a random ingredient for 2 sickles
or a secret box which gives you a free order at someone's shop(meaning that I pay for you) for 3 sickles

That depends on the player's interest. Generally people want to know what they are getting but hard to say how it would be taken. As always, the risk of purchase is on the player. It is hard to maintain a shop where there is a net loss, so giving them ingredients in the box that cost more than the cost to get a secret box. However, players will feel that they were taken advantage of when/if they pay 2 sickles for something and not get the same value in items back. So getting something "better" or more valuable is a potential of the boxes assumedly, there is also the risk of getting a box that is not as valuable. There will likely be some mixed sentiments.

Solomon Lear wrote: 17 Apr 2023, 13:13 That depends on the player's interest. Generally people want to know what they are getting but hard to say how it would be taken. As always, the risk of purchase is on the player. It is hard to maintain a shop where there is a net loss, so giving them ingredients in the box that cost more than the cost to get a secret box. However, players will feel that they were taken advantage of when/if they pay 2 sickles for something and not get the same value in items back. So getting something "better" or more valuable is a potential of the boxes assumedly, there is also the risk of getting a box that is not as valuable. There will likely be some mixed sentiments.

thanks professor! it would be better if I put in things not sold IC, right? like a code or a dress designed OOC

Hi Yall! I need advice~
I am going to buy a broom. I have currently got 155 galleons to spend. I have three choices.
1. A Moontrimmer
2. A Silver Arrow
3. An Autumn Cruise
for 2&3 I need to borrow money or wait for a while

I will probably be a Beater or a Seeker(it's difficult to explain why)

any ideas? I hope someone with experience can tell me which is more useful for me

Moontrimmer is the best option for you.

Moontrimmer
Description: Product made by Gladys Boothby, this broom flies higher than any other ones.
Prerequisite: This is a twink broom, meaning that you have means of earning more money or someone with disposable income has likely given this to you if you are before your 4th year.
Stats: +3 to two separate stats of choice.
Effect: You have exceptional dodge. +10% chance to auto-dodge an attack.

As a beater the primary stat is strength which you can give yourself +3 in giving you an 8 and then another +3 in accuracy giving you 10. Stamina and evasion are generally useful for all and while you do not have evasion, you do have a 10% auto-dodge which basically gives you a 10% chance of not being hit by an attack. On a d20 this is similar (not the same because math is funny) to having a +4 in evasion.

As a Seeker the primary stat is wisdom so you can give yourself +3 to wisdom which will give you a 12 total and the other primary stat is accuracy (for grabbing the snitch) and you can give a +3 there making this also 10. Seekers are generally targeted early on, so with a 5 evasion it is likely that your character will be hit. A 10% auto-dodge will serve as some insurance for your character. The downside is that this broom does nothing to enhance your stamina (health total) which the other brooms will provide.

Silver Arrow
Description: Handmade by Leonard Jewkes and can reach speeds of 68 mph.
Prerequisite: This is a twink broom, meaning that you have means of earning more money or someone with disposable income has likely given this to you if you are before your 5th year.
Stats: +3 to every stat

The benefit of this broom is its well-rounded nature. You get the benefit of the boon across the board, so unlike the Moontrimmer which only gives this stat bonus to two stats, this is something that can enhance your stamina. Srcane power is not used in either role so is a loss really to say it is a bonus in any way and depending on the role either strength or wisdom wont be used. So you are sacrificing a bit of dodginess for a bit of extra stamina. The quaffles hit hard, it is unlikely you will survive two hits either way as a second year in terms of stamina. So for the most part 'equal' with a minor boon to stamina that wont be as impactful as you think. Due to the cost difference I suggest Moontrimmer.

Autumn Cruise
Description: There's nothing that hits as heavy as old oak. This bulky oak tree with leaves that seem stuck in autumn, often leaves a sparse path of fiery hued leaves in its wake but the canopy always appears magically full. A fork of branches serves as an oversized steering handle while a small seat has been hollowed out in the trunk.
Prerequisites: This is considered a twink broom.
Stats: +2 to all stats besides evasion.
Effect: Has an increased capacity. Can carry 5 people. If the driver has the saviour ability and they use the Return to Broom action, they can return two people in a round rather than just one.

The benefit of this one depends on your play style. This one is more about other people. Seekers are generally about themselves and Beaters are about taking other people down. This broom is very versatile and if your goal is to work with other (ie catch them and double dragon the team to victory) then this is the broom for you. The well-rounded stats would benefit you and the rider(s) for whatever role is needed in flight. I do not think that this one would be a good pick for Seekers or Beaters unless you plan on being on save duty.

Solomon Lear wrote: 3 Jul 2023, 14:27 Moontrimmer is the best option for you.

Moontrimmer
Description: Product made by Gladys Boothby, this broom flies higher than any other ones.
Prerequisite: This is a twink broom, meaning that you have means of earning more money or someone with disposable income has likely given this to you if you are before your 4th year.
Stats: +3 to two separate stats of choice.
Effect: You have exceptional dodge. +10% chance to auto-dodge an attack.

As a beater the primary stat is strength which you can give yourself +3 in giving you an 8 and then another +3 in accuracy giving you 10. Stamina and evasion are generally useful for all and while you do not have evasion, you do have a 10% auto-dodge which basically gives you a 10% chance of not being hit by an attack. On a d20 this is similar (not the same because math is funny) to having a +4 in evasion.

As a Seeker the primary stat is wisdom so you can give yourself +3 to wisdom which will give you a 12 total and the other primary stat is accuracy (for grabbing the snitch) and you can give a +3 there making this also 10. Seekers are generally targeted early on, so with a 5 evasion it is likely that your character will be hit. A 10% auto-dodge will serve as some insurance for your character. The downside is that this broom does nothing to enhance your stamina (health total) which the other brooms will provide.

Silver Arrow
Description: Handmade by Leonard Jewkes and can reach speeds of 68 mph.
Prerequisite: This is a twink broom, meaning that you have means of earning more money or someone with disposable income has likely given this to you if you are before your 5th year.
Stats: +3 to every stat

The benefit of this broom is its well-rounded nature. You get the benefit of the boon across the board, so unlike the Moontrimmer which only gives this stat bonus to two stats, this is something that can enhance your stamina. Srcane power is not used in either role so is a loss really to say it is a bonus in any way and depending on the role either strength or wisdom wont be used. So you are sacrificing a bit of dodginess for a bit of extra stamina. The quaffles hit hard, it is unlikely you will survive two hits either way as a second year in terms of stamina. So for the most part 'equal' with a minor boon to stamina that wont be as impactful as you think. Due to the cost difference I suggest Moontrimmer.

Autumn Cruise
Description: There's nothing that hits as heavy as old oak. This bulky oak tree with leaves that seem stuck in autumn, often leaves a sparse path of fiery hued leaves in its wake but the canopy always appears magically full. A fork of branches serves as an oversized steering handle while a small seat has been hollowed out in the trunk.
Prerequisites: This is considered a twink broom.
Stats: +2 to all stats besides evasion.
Effect: Has an increased capacity. Can carry 5 people. If the driver has the saviour ability and they use the Return to Broom action, they can return two people in a round rather than just one.

The benefit of this one depends on your play style. This one is more about other people. Seekers are generally about themselves and Beaters are about taking other people down. This broom is very versatile and if your goal is to work with other (ie catch them and double dragon the team to victory) then this is the broom for you. The well-rounded stats would benefit you and the rider(s) for whatever role is needed in flight. I do not think that this one would be a good pick for Seekers or Beaters unless you plan on being on save duty.

Thank you sir! It is so useful! I will go buy the broom right away!

edit: bought. Weird feeling... one sec ago I have 155 galleons to spend. one sec later, I have only 32...