Planet Exploration Contest Winner

[nhamlett]

Congratulations to Thalasi! He wins a beta key and a special forum title. You can read his entry on the Contest Winners Page (http://www.startrekonline.com/node/169).

Stay tuned next week for the runner up entries.

I'd like to thank all of you that submitted your stories. They were for the most part very enjoyable reads and it was extremely difficult to choose just one first place winner.

[Genex]

Congratulations!

[phifur]

Good job :D

[JeanNYGUARD]

I like it. Great Story.

You should write a book or two ;)

[Nasedo]

Congratulations Thalasi

you did very will. i loved your story

[Voyager24]

Congrats! excellent story way better then mine lol :)

[IcarusTyler]

Nice

What is quite interesting is that my Piece of text, which I abbandonned after my pc crashes (taking all data with it, including my text) wasn't that different story-wise.

I wonder if other contestants had similar story points, like destroyed moons and extinct civilizations.

[willriker09]

nice job, kind of disappointed that mine didn't get it (although, of course, I think it should have lol :))

[marscentral]

Congratulations on the win, it's a good read.

[Manx]

Congratulations Thalasi :D

[Silvermistshadow]

Wish I could've entered- although I'm ineligible for the beta key anyways, I can't sign stuff by myself, and I doubt my parents would let me use it, since I am just a child to them, and incapable of doing tasks like this. Somehow, I missed the area in which we submit stuff like this, but anyways, congrats to Thalasi.

[SelorKiith]

Very good and congratulations!

[Rillanor]

good job with the story. well done! :D

[callsign11b]

well done.
Pleased you won... impressed that he made only one post on STO, and was able to pull this off.
I guess spends time reading than posting.
Still very nice story... well done....
Congrats......

[AdmiralWynn]

A hearty grats indeed to Thalasi!

Well envisioned scenario for the planet, and I liked how you accounted for the asteroid belt in the foreground.

Best wishes for your future beta testing and STO gaming enjoyment... and good luck everyone else, as we wait to see who the runners-up are!

[Captain-Picard]

I liked it, it was like reading a poem. I better be a runner up or I'm just going to be in a bad mood.

[Rgoodfel]

It is a very good story, very wothy of the title of winner. I salute you.

[RogueEnterprise]

Cool entry... very worthy of the win!

OK Cryptic, you know what to do... make this into an actual STO mission/episode!

[Stormnet]

Congrats to you Thalasi!

A very good read. I never had a chance :)

[derektodd]

Nice story! Congrats on the Beta Slot! I was really hoping like everyone that mine was going to win, but I am happy to say yours was a good read.

[Janeway_fan]

If only they let more than one winner... win. But you definitely deserved the win I wish I won though.:D:cool:

[OrabIbo]

Congrats Thalasi!

I liked the numurous tie-ins you made with the Star Trek universe. You created a very nice rich lush history for it.
It's to bad that there isn't more to find on the planet but some old artifacts and possibility of alien tech.

A living civilization would be nice! hehe

Good Job all the same!

[SteveTheMeek]

Hmm, to tell the truth I am a bit disappointed.
Not much of a story, more like a wikipedia entry.

[Janeway_fan]

lol :D it's funny cause it's true

[miqrogroove]

It's better than mine would have been. I'm glad I didn't bother to enter :p

[General]

Congratulations Thalasi!

Party!

:D

[Thalasi]

Thanks everyone, this is very exciting for me! I know it wasnt the greatest story ever told or anything but you can only be so detailed with a word limit and I did my best. Now we just need to get this beta under way, I cant wait! :)

Thanks again for all the kind words, I look forward to exploring the galaxy with you soon.

[krot]

Congratulations! You clearly put some thought into the idea and handled that thought well.

However, I must be honest here...
Without putting down the winner one iota, the story seemed just a tad above ho-hum, with a good idea of the lava bomb just another weapon to add to the huge array of weapons launched by many writers. The add-on element of "environmental consciousness" drafted through the structure of the breaking moon killing those who caused it, seems just a politically correct ending.

I am led to the conclusion that the judges were not really looking for deeply creative ideas, but for ideas that could be safely taken through the management trail at their company without any backlash. Maybe not, but years in that environment speak loudly.

Unfortunately, this win could seriously dampen the enthusiasm of those brilliant writers who no doubt entered the contest, only to sigh in disbelief at the winning entry.

To the winner: please don't take this personally - it's merely constructive criticism that I hope will help you in your writing endeavours.
To the judges: please be honest and very clear about what you are wanting and what your decision criteria will be, and communicate this to future contestants.

Thank you.

[47Wasps]

Hmm, to tell the truth I am a bit disappointed.
Not much of a story, more like a wikipedia entry.

I agree.
I don't mean to sound arrogant or disrespectful to the story winner...but...I just didn't particularly like the winning entry.

[joecool280]

Hmm, to tell the truth I am a bit disappointed.
Not much of a story, more like a wikipedia entry.

Here here, I want to be one of the few that thinks this was a little weak, this isn't because of jealousy, im quite pleased he won, its just it leaves a lot to be desired, its like cavier, everyone says Cavier is so tasty and fantastic but the truth is, its not and there agreeing with popular oppinion rather than making themselves seem uneducated by saying what it really tastes like, wake up people, this story was wishy washy. Id give it 4/10

[cv_coco]

Despite my doubts of the lava bomb having any impact on a moon, a fine story combining politics, science and morality fitting to ST. Congrats Thalasi!

[Manx]

Despite my doubts of the lava bomb having any impact on a moon, a fine story combining politics, science and morality fitting to ST. Congrats Thalasi!

Not every moon is a dead lump of rock. Io and Triton both a volcanic activity, although it is a little different than what we get here on Earth. Also Ganymede has a megnetosphere, suggesting a liquid iron core.

[Thalasi]

The add-on element of "environmental consciousness" drafted through the structure of the breaking moon killing those who caused it, seems just a politically correct ending.

I appreciate your criticism and I dont take it as an insult but in my defense I didnt give a single thought to an environmentalist slant while I was writing it. I felt that a destroyed moon would be the most likely way in which those asteroids would be there being that no planet in our on solar system has asteroids orbiting it and I also remember no planets in Star Trek with an asteroid field around them. It seemed to me that the best way to approach it would be that their was previously a large conflict in the area. As for the climate changes on the planet itself I believe its accurate to say that the change in disposition of the lunar mass would have wide scale effects on tidal forces which in turn would alter climate. So in short, I felt the effects on the planet were a natural side effect of the destruction of its moon and not an attempt at political correctness. I also felt it worked well in the Star Trek universe as a cautionary tale since most episodes end with a moral and it seemed like the kind of lesson you might learn about in Starfleet Academy.

And again I would like to point out to the people that say its too vague and unrefined and say I gave as much story as I could but I couldnt add any more than I did because of the 500 word limit(mine was 493).

Anyway, to those that liked it, Im really happy you enjoyed it. Ive never shared my writing with anyone other than close friends so Ive been pretty nervous about it. And for those that didnt like it, that's ok. I did my best and it cant please everyone so Im happy with what I did.

[Shatterhand]

Excellent work, Thalasi! Creative yet relevant, imaginative...well done! Congratulations!

[SteveTheMeek]

I agree wholeheartedly with Krot.

Don't want to sound like a mean green eyed *******, Thalasi, but one can write a good story in less than 500 words. That's not the point.
My point was that your piece seemed to be just a set of facts, explicit and predictable, like a file in some database. As such it was fine.



Oh, there I go again, being mean...

I'm sorry really. You obviously did well and I don't want to rain on your parade, as of now, you won't hear a word about it from me.
Congrats.

[Lance_Maddison]

I seem to remember that people were going to post their stories at some point. Are they doing it now, or after the runners up are posted?

I'm looking forward to seeing what people came up with. :D

Grats to the winner! :)

[solarmanJc]

For some reason I could not understand what to do to enter the contest .. is there going to be any others
and is there a way that I could get some help ...
I went to the website but I did not understand what to do to enter

:-(:mad:

[Drunk1n]

I would like to congratulate you on your story. I am disappointed as well, not because the story wasn't detailed enough, nor because I didn't like how it was written. I am not upset that I didn't win (I'm Canadian so I accepted that I couldn't win - even though I entered anyway) nor that your story was weighed in one direction or another.

I thought it was well written, and has all the bases to a ST episode. It covers the bases that would need to be included in the outline of a story and leaves an open ended story that can be developed on. What I was missing was the culture, and excitement of another culture. I quickly got over this though because I remember how hard it was for me to get a culture under 500 words, with the explanation of a planet, and its system. I think you handled this problem very well. So in a summary you did a great job, and it is unfortunate that you do not share your writing more often. I hope to read more of your stories - :D

Now onto some of these responses --

Congratulations! You clearly put some thought into the idea and handled that thought well.

However, I must be honest here...
Without putting down the winner one iota, the story seemed just a tad above ho-hum, with a good idea of the lava bomb just another weapon to add to the huge array of weapons launched by many writers. The add-on element of "environmental consciousness" drafted through the structure of the breaking moon killing those who caused it, seems just a politically correct ending.

I am led to the conclusion that the judges were not really looking for deeply creative ideas, but for ideas that could be safely taken through the management trail at their company without any backlash. Maybe not, but years in that environment speak loudly.

Unfortunately, this win could seriously dampen the enthusiasm of those brilliant writers who no doubt entered the contest, only to sigh in disbelief at the winning entry.

To the winner: please don't take this personally - it's merely constructive criticism that I hope will help you in your writing endeavours.
To the judges: please be honest and very clear about what you are wanting and what your decision criteria will be, and communicate this to future contestants.

Thank you.

I think that is an overly harsh attitude towards the writer (who you did say you weren't attacking so we will ignore that) and the judges. Cryptic has said that it is developing this game to be like "episodes" so with that in mind re-read the story. I also think that it seems a bit caddy to say that they didn't explain what they wanted clearly enough. This story clearly covers all there requirements and it does so with literary grace. To be honest this sounds like an upset writers tantrum. The environmental consciousness you are talking about is more just a scientific fact that would happen if a moon was exploded.

I know it is hard to read another entry as the winner rather than your own - but don't say the judges cheated you.

Here here, I want to be one of the few that thinks this was a little weak, this isn't because of jealousy, im quite pleased he won, its just it leaves a lot to be desired, its like cavier, everyone says Cavier is so tasty and fantastic but the truth is, its not and there agreeing with popular oppinion rather than making themselves seem uneducated by saying what it really tastes like, wake up people, this story was wishy washy. Id give it 4/10

I like Caviare. I also thin kit tastes great - and that is from my personal experience. More people may like Caviare then you are aware, it is a desired dish in many countries of the world. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean that everyone else who does is uneducated and hasn't done/tried it before. So I just wanted to say that seems like an odd statement to make.

I appreciate your criticism and I dont take it as an insult but in my defense I didnt give a single thought to an environmentalist slant while I was writing it. I felt that a destroyed moon would be the most likely way in which those asteroids would be there being that no planet in our on solar system has asteroids orbiting it and I also remember no planets in Star Trek with an asteroid field around them. It seemed to me that the best way to approach it would be that their was previously a large conflict in the area. As for the climate changes on the planet itself I believe its accurate to say that the change in disposition of the lunar mass would have wide scale effects on tidal forces which in turn would alter climate. So in short, I felt the effects on the planet were a natural side effect of the destruction of its moon and not an attempt at political correctness. I also felt it worked well in the Star Trek universe as a cautionary tale since most episodes end with a moral and it seemed like the kind of lesson you might learn about in Starfleet Academy.

And again I would like to point out to the people that say its too vague and unrefined and say I gave as much story as I could but I couldnt add any more than I did because of the 500 word limit(mine was 493).

Anyway, to those that liked it, Im really happy you enjoyed it. Ive never shared my writing with anyone other than close friends so Ive been pretty nervous about it. And for those that didnt like it, that's ok. I did my best and it cant please everyone so Im happy with what I did.

I agree it is very hard to write a planets detailed history in 500 words most people use 5 000+. Once again good job, and I look forward to reading more stories, entries and posts from you. See you in beta (*crosses fingers* as long as i get in as well :rolleyes:)

[evan.is.weyoun]

who won the second prize, just a forum title? It said in the contest rules that the runner up would get the special forum title.

[Drunk1n]

hasn't been posted yet

[Captain_Ryugi_Kazamaru]

Firstly, congrats to Thalasi for having his work picked for the winning work. That's quite an honor, and you should be very proud of yourself. It's hard to write anything from start to finish, and you did that well.

However, as far as setting out to "Explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no-one has gone before." this pick seems to fall a little short on the part of the developers' choosing.

Star Trek has always been about exploration, not necessarily facts about the world you encounter. As good as Thalasi's writing is at describing the alien people and their society's history, it does little, if any, in the way of actual exploration. Why call a contest "Planet Exploration Contest" when you are not going to give out a prize for "exploration" of a planet?

This is in no way an attack of Thalasi's writing. It's quite good for an LCARS file on the alien species and their planet, but as far as the contest itself is concerned, it doesn't seem appropriate.

For example, here is my entry...

USS Ticonderoga NCC - 1987
Captain’s Log – Stardate 86544.2

We’ve concluded our survey of planet Omeron Delta V, but each answered question created dozens that remain unexplained. The planet’s surface is mostly uninhabitable with frigid deserts spanning across all hemispheres. The red color was consistent with an iron oxide-rich soil, which suggested water on its surface at one point, but none was found today. Anyone would be daft to think that such a world could have sustained life, yet, our deep scans detected pockets of liquid water below the surface of the planet, along with an oxygen rich environment.

After discerning that the atmosphere in the cave systems was tolerable for human life, and surprisingly warm, I assembled an away team, and we beamed down to the caverns. We were stunned by what we saw. As eyes adjusted to the darkness, we became aware that the walls were alight with a soft blue glow. Tricorder readings confirmed that bioluminescent algae were feeding off an unknown mineral in the cave walls and exhaling oxygen as a byproduct.

While two of us stayed behind to gather samples of the algae, my first officer and I made our way deeper into the caves when, suddenly, a splash startled us. Phasers at the ready, we spotted what had caused the disturbance. A clump of the algae had fallen into a pool of water, and continued to sink into its depths. As it sank, we were treated to a spectacular show of animals, each nibbling away as it sank to the bottom of the pool, bubbles rising from its murky depths.

Our other team returned from collecting their samples and, together, the four of us walked deeper into the cave. After more scans and pools, the team came to an enormous vaulted cavern, and pools of water lined with glowing algae. It was beautiful. Stalactites and stalagmites seemed to hold the roof up like pillars in a Roman Temple, lit by the bioluminescent torches of algae. It was then that we spotted something completely unexpected.

It was an obelisk. Tricorder scans dated the tool marks to roughly six million years ago. To think that as our ancestors evolved in the heart of Africa, the obelisk had been crafted on this planet light years away. It was a humbling experience that truly spoke of mankind’s youth when compared to the seemingly eternal age of the universe itself. Sadly, as I ran my hands over the massive artifact from a lost civilization, the cave beneath our feet began to shake violently.

Scans explained the bubbles in the pools and the caves’ warmth as heat from geothermal activity, and we were smack dab in the middle of a massive quake. With an emergency beam out we were quickly back onboard the Ticonderoga, but with many questions. I’ve suggested that Starfleet send a proper science vessel to the planet to study it in full. Until then, I’ll be puzzling over the planet’s mysteries for a long time.

End Log

Now, obviously, I had to cut it a bit short due to the limitations of the contest, and that is readily apparent. However, this piece actually explores the planet in question, and gives it far more intrigue. It gives the planet character, and matches the exploration spirit of seeking out new worlds and civilizations.

Thalasi, your work was excellent. It was straightforward and to the point. And you did an excellent job. So, please don't take these words as an insult to your writing, because they are far from that.

If anything, I believe that the people who chose a winner might not have considered "exploration" as a part of their final votes, in which case, I believe the contest's name was misleading to what they were ultimately looking for.

And that, is what I find a tad frustrating.

[krot]

I appreciate your criticism and I dont take it as an insult but in my defense I didnt give a single thought to an environmentalist slant while I was writing it. I felt that a destroyed moon would be the most likely way in which those asteroids would be there being that no planet in our on solar system has asteroids orbiting it and I also remember no planets in Star Trek with an asteroid field around them. It seemed to me that the best way to approach it would be that their was previously a large conflict in the area. As for the climate changes on the planet itself I believe its accurate to say that the change in disposition of the lunar mass would have wide scale effects on tidal forces which in turn would alter climate. So in short, I felt the effects on the planet were a natural side effect of the destruction of its moon and not an attempt at political correctness. I also felt it worked well in the Star Trek universe as a cautionary tale since most episodes end with a moral and it seemed like the kind of lesson you might learn about in Starfleet Academy.

And again I would like to point out to the people that say its too vague and unrefined and say I gave as much story as I could but I couldnt add any more than I did because of the 500 word limit(mine was 493).

Anyway, to those that liked it, Im really happy you enjoyed it. Ive never shared my writing with anyone other than close friends so Ive been pretty nervous about it. And for those that didnt like it, that's ok. I did my best and it cant please everyone so Im happy with what I did.

Then I stand corrected on my "environmentali" interpretation of your work. My apologies Thalasi. All the best.

[Trekkie]

Congratulations to the winner! The winning entry was very good and definitely deserved it in my opinion. I hope that there are other contests similar to this one in the future, because I really enjoyed participating in this one!

[krot]

I would like to congratulate you on your story. I am disappointed as well, not because the story wasn't detailed enough, nor because I didn't like how it was written. I am not upset that I didn't win (I'm Canadian so I accepted that I couldn't win - even though I entered anyway) nor that your story was weighed in one direction or another.

I thought it was well written, and has all the bases to a ST episode. It covers the bases that would need to be included in the outline of a story and leaves an open ended story that can be developed on. What I was missing was the culture, and excitement of another culture. I quickly got over this though because I remember how hard it was for me to get a culture under 500 words, with the explanation of a planet, and its system. I think you handled this problem very well. So in a summary you did a great job, and it is unfortunate that you do not share your writing more often. I hope to read more of your stories - :D

Now onto some of these responses --



I think that is an overly harsh attitude towards the writer (who you did say you weren't attacking so we will ignore that) and the judges. Cryptic has said that it is developing this game to be like "episodes" so with that in mind re-read the story. I also think that it seems a bit caddy to say that they didn't explain what they wanted clearly enough. This story clearly covers all there requirements and it does so with literary grace. To be honest this sounds like an upset writers tantrum. The environmental consciousness you are talking about is more just a scientific fact that would happen if a moon was exploded.

I know it is hard to read another entry as the winner rather than your own - but don't say the judges cheated you.



I like Caviare. I also thin kit tastes great - and that is from my personal experience. More people may like Caviare then you are aware, it is a desired dish in many countries of the world. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean that everyone else who does is uneducated and hasn't done/tried it before. So I just wanted to say that seems like an odd statement to make.



I agree it is very hard to write a planets detailed history in 500 words most people use 5 000+. Once again good job, and I look forward to reading more stories, entries and posts from you. See you in beta (*crosses fingers* as long as i get in as well :rolleyes:)


Hi Zott. In point of fact I did not submit any work. No "writer's tantrum" here. Such a response would be immature and destructive, and serve no useful purpose. However, it is an open forum where we can each express our thoughts and values, and as such, I expressed mine. And I'm sure Thalasi would agree. I certainly appreciate his comments. I don't mean at all to be harsh, but simply honest in a direct way. Just as other critics may express themselves in a subtle and indirect way, I choose to be plain. I do of course respect your opinion. All the best.

[CaptainBaumer]

Congratulations!

[SenshiBat]

Interesting take.. a myriad of possibilities .. On to next adventure.

[SirReginaldo]

I enjoyed the story, because, it was less of a story and more of a history. It was like reading about the past civilizations before us, however this is not true because it is in the future:D It made me feel like I was part of that future, and that these occurances were real. It was a vidid experience and I thouroghly enjoyed it:p Have a nice time in the Beta dude;)

[Acidrain]

Congratulations to Thalasi! He wins a beta key and a special forum title. You can read his entry on the Contest Winners Page (http://www.startrekonline.com/node/169).

Stay tuned next week for the runner up entries.

I'd like to thank all of you that submitted your stories. They were for the most part very enjoyable reads and it was extremely difficult to choose just one first place winner.

Awesome, Congrats to the winner! Will we see the ones that werent posted? I would like to see the ones that weren't chosen?

[CptCody]

Congratulations!

[Emissary55]

Jeez people stop hating on him cuz you didnt win. They said there will be more chances to gain entry to the beta. I submitted a story, which I have now spun off into a book I hope to get published but I am not complaining. If anything I am glad for the contest, it reawakened to writer in me and I couldnt be happier.

Congratz winner, enjoy the beta.

[Tharanicus]

Congrats on your achievement!

If any are interested I have posted my story here
http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?p=367446#post367446

*salute*

[AdmiralWynn]

...Anyway, to those that liked it, Im really happy you enjoyed it. Ive never shared my writing with anyone other than close friends so Ive been pretty nervous about it. And for those that didnt like it, that's ok. I did my best and it cant please everyone so Im happy with what I did.

Grats again! Another thing I liked about your story is that there was a moral in keeping with the philosophy of Gene Roddenberry.

Question: When do you get the special forum title as the contest winner? It seems not to have been added... I was looking forward to seeing it in your signature!

I understand that similar titles will be awarded to the two runners-up... so I was curious to see what it looked like. Perhaps Awen can enlighten us on this matter.

[Blackfire2]

Well done Thalasi! You did a great job :)

[Aq3nt]

Congratz:D

[Konya]

Congratulations! Very good entry!

[Collapsingstar]

Congratz! Fun read. Lot's of movement. Inclusion of the warning at the end was a great touch.

[malikmay]

congrats:D, but wats a beta key??:confused:

[marscentral]

congrats:D, but wats a beta key??:confused:

Basically, it's a password to get in on the beta, much like when the game is released there will be a product key in it to prove that you have a genuine copy of the game and not a pirate one.

[ronaldheld]

Congratualtions.

[Revod]

Well done! Enjoy your beta testing experience :)

[whatinblueblazes]

Well done and congratulations!

[fireraven]

Interesting story... I enjoyed it was well done for something so short.

As for those complaining cause they didn't win.. get over it and try again... I got bored reading the one someone else posted as superior... couldn't even finish it... does that mean it is bad? no just not to my liking

[picardalpha2clearance]

Well done...........................

[No1UKnow]

Congrats! Since you'll undoubtedly be writing your first novel and not have way too much time on your hands..

can I have your beta key!

Quit shoving! I asked first!

[Maj_Odee]

Congratulations on the Beta key Thalasi. :cool:

Spot on Krot.

Can hardly wait to see who the runners ups are.

[Lenton]

Congratz on the story.

[STO_NPG]

Gratz! Nice work!

[ymichael]

Well done Thalasi...the piece was both rich and entertaining. STO made a great choice.

[HolyCrusader]

I give congratulations to the winner of the story. I know that some people here that have replied were somewhat disappointed that they didn't win, but I think some of the complaints are justified.

The original contest page itself strongly implied that the planet in question was an unknown planet, or was primarily involved with some sort of exploration While the winning story was a good story, it felt more like a historical piece, with only hints of any exploration and political involvement (Romulans looking for data on the Lava Bomb).

Second, is while a winner of the contest was announced, there are no announcements of the runner-ups (there's supposed to be 2 runner-ups). Having been involved in running various competitions over the years, I never would announce any winners until all entries are fully judged and all of the winners are determined before announcing. I also personally prefer to announce winners in order of 3rd place, 2nd place, 1st place, and give a little reason as to why each contestant won their respective position. The impression I get here is that we have a contest that was rushed to completion, since the judging was delayed due to the unexpected popularity of the contest.

My hope is that we will get to read all of the other contest entries eventually. That more than anything else is what I'm looking forward to.

[McCartney]

Congrats. :)

[Starship01]

:cool:Well done on winning the contest

[Sir_Cedric]

Congrats Thalasi, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. :D

[The_Sisko]

Would it be bad of me to mention that there were a few run on sentences?

Though I have to admit, I actually liked the morals about environmentalism and xenophobia. And if I had submitted an entry, I would have ignored the asteroids altogether; I was just staring at the Miranda.

[Eidolonael]

I am led to the conclusion that the judges were not really looking for deeply creative ideas, but for ideas that could be safely taken through the management trail at their company without any backlash. Maybe not, but years in that environment speak loudly.

Unfortunately, this win could seriously dampen the enthusiasm of those brilliant writers who no doubt entered the contest, only to sigh in disbelief at the winning entry.

Someone also mentioned that this read more like a wikipedia entry...

My comments echo yours in that this entry basically turned the planet into an unexplorable, uninhabitable rock that is worthless in gameplay terms... I was disappointed in the read itself and the fact that they chose a story that locks the planet down as unusable in the scheme of things...

[Eidolonael]

I give congratulations to the winner of the story. I know that some people here that have replied were somewhat disappointed that they didn't win, but I think some of the complaints are justified.

The original contest page itself strongly implied that the planet in question was an unknown planet, or was primarily involved with some sort of exploration While the winning story was a good story, it felt more like a historical piece, with only hints of any exploration and political involvement (Romulans looking for data on the Lava Bomb).

Second, is while a winner of the contest was announced, there are no announcements of the runner-ups (there's supposed to be 2 runner-ups). Having been involved in running various competitions over the years, I never would announce any winners until all entries are fully judged and all of the winners are determined before announcing. I also personally prefer to announce winners in order of 3rd place, 2nd place, 1st place, and give a little reason as to why each contestant won their respective position. The impression I get here is that we have a contest that was rushed to completion, since the judging was delayed due to the unexpected popularity of the contest.

My hope is that we will get to read all of the other contest entries eventually. That more than anything else is what I'm looking forward to.

I agree with everything you said and am disappointed that they posted the winner without stating why it was chosen and without posting accompanying runners up. It is a bit of a disservice to the rest of the contest entrys...

[LordEnn]

Despite my reasonable dislike for the winning entry, I concede that it was decent. However you may view that story, its author seems to be a reasonable person. Such people are more suitable for testing the game than most.

Congratulations, Thalasi. I hope that you enjoy being one of the first members of this community to play the game.

:p

[Mullaly]

Someone also mentioned that this read more like a wikipedia entry...

My comments echo yours in that this entry basically turned the planet into an unexplorable, uninhabitable rock that is worthless in gameplay terms... I was disappointed in the read itself and the fact that they chose a story that locks the planet down as unusable in the scheme of things...

I don't think it necessarily made it unusable. Think about the possibilities -- archeological digs, ancient powerful weapons. It may not be too much to look at, but it could be a good place for some missions.

[Eidolonael]

Did you notice the comments regarding how the planet is irradiated? Granted, one could clomp around in overbearing environmental suits, but who wants to stay in those things longer than a few hours at most? No thank you...

[STO]

For those that posted negative comments about the winner's entry, I have to say I am very disappointed in you. For once, act like an adult, congratulate him/her and be done with it. There is no need for negative feedback on his/her story, he won fair and square.

Here is what a doctor has say about such attitudes.

A certain amount of this behavior is normal and reflects a child's stage of development. Toddlers and preschoolers, for example, don't yet have the words to express the intense emotions they feel. They're also experimenting with ways to handle their frustration and desire for control. They find it hard to lose for the same reason they find it hard to share toys with other children.

So share the excitement with the winner and don't ruin this for him/her.

STO steps off his soapbox

[SirReginaldo]

Someone also mentioned that this read more like a wikipedia entry...

My comments echo yours in that this entry basically turned the planet into an unexplorable, uninhabitable rock that is worthless in gameplay terms... I was disappointed in the read itself and the fact that they chose a story that locks the planet down as unusable in the scheme of things...

Now I will voice the true part of the story, that had relevance. The weapon:D Dude the planet is insignificant compared to the knowledge and power that could come from obtaining that weapon. Some how, if it is true, that the Romulans have rounded up the survivors, then at all costs should other factions be trying to infiltrate and secure the knowledge as well, to either build a weapon or a defence against it. Plain and simple it opens up so many possibilities that it would be a major "operation" that could span weeks of the STO gametime of players. Searching for the survivors, without being captured/killed in Romulan space, then once you find them, trying to recover them from go knows what.... Man, I feel that people need to read into the story and think about the applications of such a tale:p

[Hetfield]

Hi together,

@STO: why does "negative" posting have something to do with "child's stage of development, etc."? Everybody showed respect to the efforts of Thalasi and congratulated him.

But the people with "an other opinion" (yes, they are out there...) also showed that they expected another type of story to win. Maybe Cryptic didn't clearly enough explain what they were looking for, but Thalasis' story is definitely rather "technicaly" and more like "a Wikipedia entry." If we consider the game to be a MMORPG, people expect quests, mysteries and stuff like that. And therefore a story with more elements of mystique, role playing, personal conflicts etc. could have also been the winner. And that's why some people posted "negative" comments.

Let us see what the next contests will bring. I'm so excited about Star Trek Online - can't wait for it to finally hit the Beta Testing phase!


Greetz, Het

[SirReginaldo]

Hi together,

@STO: why does "negative" posting have something to do with "child's stage of development, etc."? Everybody showed respect to the efforts of Thalasi and congratulated him.

But the people with "an other opinion" (yes, they are out there...) also showed that they expected another type of story to win. Maybe Cryptic didn't clearly enough explain what they were looking for, but Thalasis' story is definitely rather "technicaly" and more like "a Wikipedia entry." If we consider the game to be a MMORPG, people expect quests, mysteries and stuff like that. And therefore a story with more elements of mystique, role playing, personal conflicts etc. could have also been the winner. And that's why some people posted "negative" comments.

Let us see what the next contests will bring. I'm so excited about Star Trek Online - can't wait for it to finally hit the Beta Testing phase!


Greetz, Het

I wouldnt mind if it was already open Beta :D But this is true, however, here is a funny quote "We all cant play the same tune, when we all play different instruments". Remember dudes, sharing your opinions on other peoples work is good, and gives peeps a chance to learn.

edit
And maybe I shouldnt preach to the preachers :(... And I dont mean to offend:o

[Drunk1n]

Firstly, congrats to Thalasi for having his work picked for the winning work. That's quite an honor, and you should be very proud of yourself. It's hard to write anything from start to finish, and you did that well.

However, as far as setting out to "Explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no-one has gone before." this pick seems to fall a little short on the part of the developers' choosing.

Star Trek has always been about exploration, not necessarily facts about the world you encounter. As good as Thalasi's writing is at describing the alien people and their society's history, it does little, if any, in the way of actual exploration. Why call a contest "Planet Exploration Contest" when you are not going to give out a prize for "exploration" of a planet?

This is in no way an attack of Thalasi's writing. It's quite good for an LCARS file on the alien species and their planet, but as far as the contest itself is concerned, it doesn't seem appropriate.

Thalasi, your work was excellent. It was straightforward and to the point. And you did an excellent job. So, please don't take these words as an insult to your writing, because they are far from that.

If anything, I believe that the people who chose a winner might not have considered "exploration" as a part of their final votes, in which case, I believe the contest's name was misleading to what they were ultimately looking for.

And that, is what I find a tad frustrating.

I think the 'wikipedia' type entry is better (Your was very wikipedia like as well) The contest winners was more about the history of a planet that can no longer sustain life. Writing 500 words of dead objects is boring, however writing how it was destroyed is a very enlightening read.

Hi Zott. In point of fact I did not submit any work. No "writer's tantrum" here. Such a response would be immature and destructive, and serve no useful purpose. However, it is an open forum where we can each express our thoughts and values, and as such, I expressed mine. And I'm sure Thalasi would agree. I certainly appreciate his comments. I don't mean at all to be harsh, but simply honest in a direct way. Just as other critics may express themselves in a subtle and indirect way, I choose to be plain. I do of course respect your opinion. All the best.

Fair enough krot, and I don't want to sound like a grumpy man so I feel it is fair to explain. I think it is great that people are expressing there opinions, and no one is being rude to anyone as far as I can tell -- SO that is great! Also sharing your discontent might help cryptic redesign a contest in mind - you never know. I am not saying that you shouldn't, or you have to tip-toe around what you are saying. I myself am also direct and to the point and appreciate said posts. I was just expressing that saying Cryptic cheated the contest seems harsh. His story was about exploration of a culture and the death of a class M, and had lots of information in it. More importantly (which I'm sure is why it was chosen as the winner) it was completely different and outside the box. All and all it was well done. So I wanted to let you know I respect your opinion as well - thanks for replying (my first response was a bit harsher then intended upon a re-read)

Jeez people stop hating on him cuz you didnt win. They said there will be more chances to gain entry to the beta. I submitted a story, which I have now spun off into a book I hope to get published but I am not complaining. If anything I am glad for the contest, it reawakened to writer in me and I couldnt be happier.

Congratz winner, enjoy the beta.

Well I hope you will get it published and share sneak peeks on the forum. I am thinking of maybe turning my entry into a novel as well - only time will tell. Check out this link for more stories: http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=14787

I give congratulations to the winner of the story. I know that some people here that have replied were somewhat disappointed that they didn't win, but I think some of the complaints are justified.

The original contest page itself strongly implied that the planet in question was an unknown planet, or was primarily involved with some sort of exploration While the winning story was a good story, it felt more like a historical piece, with only hints of any exploration and political involvement (Romulans looking for data on the Lava Bomb).

Second, is while a winner of the contest was announced, there are no announcements of the runner-ups (there's supposed to be 2 runner-ups). Having been involved in running various competitions over the years, I never would announce any winners until all entries are fully judged and all of the winners are determined before announcing. I also personally prefer to announce winners in order of 3rd place, 2nd place, 1st place, and give a little reason as to why each contestant won their respective position. The impression I get here is that we have a contest that was rushed to completion, since the judging was delayed due to the unexpected popularity of the contest.

My hope is that we will get to read all of the other contest entries eventually. That more than anything else is what I'm looking forward to.

I agree we are all waiting for the runner ups. I'm sure that judging this was hard, and after reading all the stories this is the one that stood out in there mind, and that is why it was chosen. I'm sure the runners up will be here shortly.

Now I will voice the true part of the story, that had relevance. The weapon:D Dude the planet is insignificant compared to the knowledge and power that could come from obtaining that weapon. Some how, if it is true, that the Romulans have rounded up the survivors, then at all costs should other factions be trying to infiltrate and secure the knowledge as well, to either build a weapon or a defence against it. Plain and simple it opens up so many possibilities that it would be a major "operation" that could span weeks of the STO gametime of players. Searching for the survivors, without being captured/killed in Romulan space, then once you find them, trying to recover them from go knows what.... Man, I feel that people need to read into the story and think about the applications of such a tale:p

Agreed - many episodes to come!


And once again i wanted to let everyone know that I have started a page for all the entries so we can all enjoy the stories as well, so check it out and add your own if you feel desired to:

http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=14787

[skip]

Gratz nice job.

[Krajor]

I liked that story, it could have come right from the show or novel as a back story to the location they were at. Very impressive.

[Eidolonael]

For those that posted negative comments about the winner's entry, I have to say I am very disappointed in you. For once, act like an adult, congratulate him/her and be done with it. There is no need for negative feedback on his/her story, he won fair and square.

It's called peer criticism and it's part of any artists efforts into shared expression whether it be paint, word, or stone... The very fact that you are responding with this type of namecalling (essentially calling people who didn't like the winning entry or had something to say about it other than "great story!" a baby) shows that you have no idea what it means to submit a novella, short story, or other creative piece of literature to an editor only to have it returned with so much red it looks like someone mopped up a crime scene with it.

You take it in stride and move on. That's what criticism is all about. If noone criticised your work, you would never improve...

[Eidolonael]

Now I will voice the true part of the story, that had relevance. The weapon:D Dude the planet is insignificant compared to the knowledge and power that could come from obtaining that weapon. Some how, if it is true, that the Romulans have rounded up the survivors, then at all costs should other factions be trying to infiltrate and secure the knowledge as well, to either build a weapon or a defence against it. Plain and simple it opens up so many possibilities that it would be a major "operation" that could span weeks of the STO gametime of players. Searching for the survivors, without being captured/killed in Romulan space, then once you find them, trying to recover them from go knows what.... Man, I feel that people need to read into the story and think about the applications of such a tale:p

I had no problem with the weapon... I just had a problem with it being about a planet and the planet didn't receive enough attention. The focus seemed to shift from the planet itself, and exploration on that planet, to another object that really didn't evolve the planet at all in the sense of making it explorable and tennable as an in-game resource.

I agree, the weapon has potential, but this was a planet exploration story contest, not a create-a-weapon with a story behind it contest.

[SteveTheMeek]

It's called peer criticism and it's part of any artists efforts into shared expression whether it be paint, word, or stone... The very fact that you are responding with this type of namecalling (essentially calling people who didn't like the winning entry or had something to say about it other than "great story!" a baby) shows that you have no idea what it means to submit a novella, short story, or other creative piece of literature to an editor only to have it returned with so much red it looks like someone mopped up a crime scene with it.

You take it in stride and move on. That's what criticism is all about. If noone criticised your work, you would never improve...


LOL!
Well said.

[denster]

I have only one question to Thalasi...even though your story was good and gave the planet a good background...
Why was the Federation ship there? Atleast finish the story now that you've won. :rolleyes:

[Tomkan]

Nice story. GJ

[Nonderyon]

Grat Thalasi, gj :)

[AaronH]

Well, I do have to give him congrats on the simple fact that regardless of what anybody else has said so far, his story was more interesting than mine.

[Nerdock]

Nice

What is quite interesting is that my Piece of text, which I abbandonned after my pc crashes (taking all data with it, including my text) wasn't that different story-wise.

I wonder if other contestants had similar story points, like destroyed moons and extinct civilizations.
tbh mine was from the view of the bridge, of a hazard squad op, a red shirt, but yeah i wondered what other perople wrote as well.

grats Thasasi.

[Veggiesama]

Congratulations, Thalasi.

That said, I do agree with some of the other posters: it's a bit too encyclopedic. No real characters or antagonists, just groups of long-dead people. The one hook related to the Romulans was a little derivative. I also don't understand how a bomb injected into the planet's core ends up nuking the planet's moon (if it was tested on the moon, maybe, but AFAIK few moons have liquid cores, and the Earth's moon does not).

But don't worry about my criticisms: I'm just a sore loser.

I'm hoping the contest people end up selecting a few more writers, and I hope that more of these contests continue. If somebody's a good writer, that usually makes them good at providing beta-test feedback. ^_^

[grimman]

Congrats! Great story.

[Drunk1n]

Congratulations, Thalasi.

That said, I do agree with some of the other posters: it's a bit too encyclopedic. No real characters or antagonists, just groups of long-dead people. The one hook related to the Romulans was a little derivative. I also don't understand how a bomb injected into the planet's core ends up nuking the planet's moon (if it was tested on the moon, maybe, but AFAIK few moons have liquid cores, and the Earth's moon does not).

But don't worry about my criticisms: I'm just a sore loser.

I'm hoping the contest people end up selecting a few more writers, and I hope that more of these contests continue. If somebody's a good writer, that usually makes them good at providing beta-test feedback. ^_^

Just because the earths moon doesn't have a liquid core doesn't mean that another moon can't. I will have to re-read the story but I thought the weapon was developed on the planet and shot at the beings on the moon.

I agree with the beta tester comment - and Cryptic has already said there will be more contests like this so we will have to wait to see what it is.

It's called peer criticism and it's part of any artists efforts into shared expression whether it be paint, word, or stone... The very fact that you are responding with this type of namecalling (essentially calling people who didn't like the winning entry or had something to say about it other than "great story!" a baby) shows that you have no idea what it means to submit a novella, short story, or other creative piece of literature to an editor only to have it returned with so much red it looks like someone mopped up a crime scene with it.

You take it in stride and move on. That's what criticism is all about. If noone criticised your work, you would never improve...

This is very true -- and so far no one has attacked Thalasi or his story -- just stated they didn't like how he 'explored' the planets history. It has started some overall good conversation.

The criticism I find odd is the ones that are saying Cryptic isn't keeping true to contest, and cheated some of the other stories. Exploring a planets history is just as important as the planet himself, and he did tell you exactly what it looked like - barren. There isn't anything left but artifacts for the Federation science team to find. It is a waste land, and that isn't easy to write 500 words about so you end up writing about how it became a waste land.

I had no problem with the weapon... I just had a problem with it being about a planet and the planet didn't receive enough attention. The focus seemed to shift from the planet itself, and exploration on that planet, to another object that really didn't evolve the planet at all in the sense of making it explorable and tangible as an in-game resource.

I agree, the weapon has potential, but this was a planet exploration story contest, not a create-a-weapon with a story behind it contest.

There was lots of information about the planet - although subtle. He explained why the debris field was around the planet. Why it was red. The fact that it was barren and used to have life. Lots was offered as planet exploration, including history on the species that used to live there. Just because he didn't use 182 words describing the beauty of the northern hemisphere, or 78 words about the creatures in the jungle, doesn't mean that he hasn't explored the planet. Picard went to many barren planets. some of them used to be class M's and he was considered exploring new worlds. So I ask you if you where a judge would you want to read 1500 similar stories. This was probably a winner because it was well written, and it was memorable - Thalasi thought outside the box.

[USS_Parallax]

Congratz but I have tons of problems with that story...

Why would a race try to take another race's MOON? The Klingons might as well take our moon. It makes no sense!
A mine that makes "all" of the magma go to the surface? lol... What? That's ridiculous. Might as well blow up the planet since it would probably take less energy and effort. It mentions ruins but if ALL the magma went on the surface there'd be nothing freakin' left as the whole surface would be magma.
The moon fractured into dozens of pieces? I'd think hundreds or thousands or millions would be more like it. Dozens of main parts maybe but it's not told like that.
The tidal wave part doesn't make any sense. If anything with the moon spread out more the pull would be lessened and since it's a ring around the planet the tide would be pretty much the same all the time.

[Drunk1n]

Congratz but I have tons of problems with that story...

Why would a race try to take another race's MOON? The Klingons might as well take our moon. It makes no sense!

They could have been two civilizations at war - he didn't really have enough words to explain that.

A mine that makes "all" of the magma go to the surface? lol... What? That's ridiculous. Might as well blow up the planet since it would probably take less energy and effort. It mentions ruins but if ALL the magma went on the surface there'd be nothing freakin' left as the whole surface would be magma.

True enough - but it could have been that the magma was blow out at such velocity that it was in its stratosphere, and more or less just suffocated the planet, or was shot high enough that by the time it came down it was more or less just like giant rocks and ash covering all -- like Pompeii.

The moon fractured into dozens of pieces? I'd think hundreds or thousands or millions would be more like it. Dozens of main parts maybe but it's not told like that.
The tidal wave part doesn't make any sense. If anything with the moon spread out more the pull would be lessened and since it's a ring around the planet the tide would be pretty much the same all the time.

I don't know what to say - I think that is far to literal of a reading on a story with a 500 word cap, but yes there are some inconstancies.

[AaronH]

Congratz but I have tons of problems with that story...

Why would a race try to take another race's MOON? The Klingons might as well take our moon. It makes no sense!
A mine that makes "all" of the magma go to the surface? lol... What? That's ridiculous. Might as well blow up the planet since it would probably take less energy and effort. It mentions ruins but if ALL the magma went on the surface there'd be nothing freakin' left as the whole surface would be magma.
The moon fractured into dozens of pieces? I'd think hundreds or thousands or millions would be more like it. Dozens of main parts maybe but it's not told like that.
The tidal wave part doesn't make any sense. If anything with the moon spread out more the pull would be lessened and since it's a ring around the planet the tide would be pretty much the same all the time.

Something tells me their choice wasn't made based on scientific accuracy.

If that was the case choosing star trek may not have been the best choice to begin with.

[Drunk1n]

haha - there is SOME scientific bases in trek, although it is mostly just good entertainment.

[Eidolonael]

haha - there is SOME scientific bases in trek, although it is mostly just good entertainment.

I do enjoy the pseudoscience in trek as opposed to the "it just works" philosophy of Star Wars... but then again I love the philosophy and faith aspect of Star Wars and the Jedi that was missing from Star Trek until the introduction of the Bajoran people... thus the reason I will be half vulcan half bajoran in STO...

[malikmay]

Basically, it's a password to get in on the beta, much like when the game is released there will be a product key in it to prove that you have a genuine copy of the game and not a pirate one.

thxs alot:D

[Drunk1n]

beta keys are also highly desired by many of the STO forum members. It is a limited gift of sorts to the lucky few that receive them.

[Romulus1]

That's like Christmas in February!

[Trpko_62]

As first, congrats to the winner.

second I know I couldn't win:p. My story was too long (666 words with my name and address, so no hard feeling there. All thaw, I think first version of contest required 700 words. Could Criptic give us some of reasons on their decision.

third: I hope there will be more this kind of contest. It will bring lot (from winers and other) of idea to the dev-team.

fourth: I hope Criptic will oppen page with best (let's say best 10 entrance).

fifth: congratulations to the winner.

[neon007]

truly amazing story, definitely deserved the win :)

[EremiticWolf]

Congratulations Thalasi.

I'm awaiting the next contest. :D

[AdmiralWynn]

Congratulations Thalasi.

I'm awaiting the next contest. :D

Actually, this one isn't over yet. We entrants await the announcement of two runner-up prize winners sometime in the next week, who won't get Beta keys but will have (I believe) the honor of a special title in their forum signature.

Thalasi, assuming he was entitled to both the Beta key and the title, didn't seem to get a signature title right away and still does not have one to my knowledge, and has fallen silent in this thread after a couple posts (having 5 posts total to date, he is not a prolific STO forum poster), so there is no way of knowing at what point this prize is effectuated.

[Drunk1n]

As first, congrats to the winner.

second I know I couldn't win:p. My story was too long (666 words with my name and address, so no hard feeling there. All thaw, I think first version of contest required 700 words. Could Criptic give us some of reasons on their decision.

third: I hope there will be more this kind of contest. It will bring lot (from winers and other) of idea to the dev-team.

fourth: I hope Criptic will oppen page with best (let's say best 10 entrance).

fifth: congratulations to the winner.

if you want you (and anyone else) can post there stories in this thread:

Planet Contest Entries (http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=14787)

[AdmiralWynn]

if you want you (and anyone else) can post there stories in this thread:

Planet Contest Entries (http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=14787)


Stories that are obviously disqualified are fine.

It is not clear if posting a currently-entered story would disqualify one for being a (in this case 2nd place) winner. Perhaps Awen could clear that up, thanks in advance.

If in doubt, I'd suggest not posting just yet.

[yankeejim]

Congrats man, very nice story

[jdfimage]

Now why didn't I think of that idea lol :) Good job. I hope they take up where you left off in game. Would be a fun story to explore. Good luck to all the Runner Ups!

[Trpko_62]

Stories that are obviously disqualified are fine.

It is not clear if posting a currently-entered story would disqualify one for being a (in this case 2nd place) winner. Perhaps Awen could clear that up, thanks in advance.

If in doubt, I'd suggest not posting just yet.

I too would like to hear more from dev's.:confused:

[Flatfingers]

We'll know more about the unstated criteria that Cryptic used to judge the entries in this contest (in addition to the four stated criteria) once they release the runner-up entries.

But I think we can already see something interesting in Thalasi's winning entry. Read it closely -- do you notice how there's really very little there that's specific to Star Trek?

One of the virtues of Thalasi's entry is that someone who's new to Star Trek could read that, whether as a work of creative writing or a contest entry or even as an actual bit of content in Star Trek Online, and not be left shaking their head wondering what the heck's going on. There's no "treknobabble" at all.

Which means that it's a lot more welcoming to a broad audience than a piece that uses a lot of the technical jargon that a hardcore fan of Star Trek would be familiar with and enjoy.

Again, once the runner-up entries are released we'll see whether that was really something important to those who judged this contest's entries, or if I'm using one data point to perceive a pattern that's not really there.

In the meantime, just something to think about. Congratulations, Thalasi!

--Flatfingers

[vmann]

Congratulations, Thalasi! Nicely done!

[Taco-Paco]

gratz! A good read for sure, you definitely deserve it.

[Sherp]

Congratulations to Thalasi! Great story. I can tell he put a lot of effort into it and the final result is a great read. Awesome job and congrats on your beta slot, man!

[KirksOtherSon]

Congratulations, Thalasi!

You managed to combine dramatic action with a little bit of philosophical/ethical consideration. Very Trek, that! Well done.

Do us proud during the beta test by helping to squash any bugs you may find!

Cheers,

KOS

[Llewelyn]

Congratulations on the win. Of course I'm a little dissapointed that mine didn't win, but that takes nothing away from a well told morality tale. Nice tie in with Trek philosophy and Starfleet Academy.

[xx_muggles_xx]

How many times did I have to rework to get in that 500 word limit OH man. Gratz on your beta spot and the like. May the Shwartz be with you.

[Drunk1n]

We'll know more about the unstated criteria that Cryptic used to judge the entries in this contest (in addition to the four stated criteria) once they release the runner-up entries.

But I think we can already see something interesting in Thalasi's winning entry. Read it closely -- do you notice how there's really very little there that's specific to Star Trek?

One of the virtues of Thalasi's entry is that someone who's new to Star Trek could read that, whether as a work of creative writing or a contest entry or even as an actual bit of content in Star Trek Online, and not be left shaking their head wondering what the heck's going on. There's no "treknobabble" at all.

Which means that it's a lot more welcoming to a broad audience than a piece that uses a lot of the technical jargon that a hardcore fan of Star Trek would be familiar with and enjoy.

Again, once the runner-up entries are released we'll see whether that was really something important to those who judged this contest's entries, or if I'm using one data point to perceive a pattern that's not really there.

In the meantime, just something to think about. Congratulations, Thalasi!

--Flatfingers

I hadn't noticed that, good eye Flatfingers. That was a hard feat to accopmplish on its own. Congrats Thalasi

[Magelord]

I have to say very well done! I enjoyed the story! :D

[TheHybrid]

Congrats! Well done.

[HolyCrusader]

As first, congrats to the winner.

second I know I couldn't win:p. My story was too long (666 words with my name and address, so no hard feeling there. All thaw, I think first version of contest required 700 words. Could Criptic give us some of reasons on their decision.

third: I hope there will be more this kind of contest. It will bring lot (from winers and other) of idea to the dev-team.

fourth: I hope Criptic will oppen page with best (let's say best 10 entrance).

fifth: congratulations to the winner.

Out of curiosity, did you get a message stating you were automatically disqualified due to length?

Technically, I wouldn't think that enclosing your name and address would automatically disqualify your story by making it too long. The contest said each story//entry was to be a maximum of 500 words. However it did not say anything about additional information in the email that is not directly part of the entry itself, or that it would cause a disqualification due to length. After all, nowhere in the contest rules was it stated that the email itself had to be less than 500 words.

Also, one thing I hope is clarified in the future - the exact measuring of words. Now adays, most programs count words by the actual number of words in a document (anything separated by a space), but alternate word-counting methods used a formula of (Document length divided by 5-7) to determine the exact word length.

[Trpko_62]

Out of curiosity, did you get a message stating you were automatically disqualified due to length?

Technically, I wouldn't think that enclosing your name and address would automatically disqualify your story by making it too long. The contest said each story//entry was to be a maximum of 500 words. However it did not say anything about additional information in the email that is not directly part of the entry itself, or that it would cause a disqualification due to length. After all, nowhere in the contest rules was it stated that the email itself had to be less than 500 words.

Also, one thing I hope is clarified in the future - the exact measuring of words. Now adays, most programs count words by the actual number of words in a document (anything separated by a space), but alternate word-counting methods used a formula of (Document length divided by 5-7) to determine the exact word length.

No, have recived no message up to today.
Just to satisfy your curiosity.

back to my original. I would like to hear (read) more from dev's.

[Thalasi]

Out of curiosity, did you get a message stating you were automatically disqualified due to length?

Technically, I wouldn't think that enclosing your name and address would automatically disqualify your story by making it too long. The contest said each story//entry was to be a maximum of 500 words. However it did not say anything about additional information in the email that is not directly part of the entry itself, or that it would cause a disqualification due to length. After all, nowhere in the contest rules was it stated that the email itself had to be less than 500 words.

Also, one thing I hope is clarified in the future - the exact measuring of words. Now adays, most programs count words by the actual number of words in a document (anything separated by a space), but alternate word-counting methods used a formula of (Document length divided by 5-7) to determine the exact word length.

I just typed "word count" into google and cut and paste my story from word into it to get my count(which varied from 493 to 499 depending on the page, probably something to do with the issues you mentioned). In any event after including my forum name and real name I was over 500 so Im sure they are counting the story length and not the email length.

[fireraven]

Out of curiosity, did you get a message stating you were automatically disqualified due to length?

Technically, I wouldn't think that enclosing your name and address would automatically disqualify your story by making it too long. The contest said each story//entry was to be a maximum of 500 words. However it did not say anything about additional information in the email that is not directly part of the entry itself, or that it would cause a disqualification due to length. After all, nowhere in the contest rules was it stated that the email itself had to be less than 500 words.

Also, one thing I hope is clarified in the future - the exact measuring of words. Now adays, most programs count words by the actual number of words in a document (anything separated by a space), but alternate word-counting methods used a formula of (Document length divided by 5-7) to determine the exact word length.

the length of the story wouldn't be the main thing to disqualify Trpko but being from Europe would. From what I understand Awen got it approved for future contests to be available outside the US

[BigEPratt]

Congrats! I hope that I finished in the 'runner-ups' just for ego purposes.

[AdmiralWynn]

I just typed "word count" into google and cut and paste my story from word into it to get my count(which varied from 493 to 499 depending on the page, probably something to do with the issues you mentioned). In any event after including my forum name and real name I was over 500 so Im sure they are counting the story length and not the email length.

This is good information to know; thanks for taking the time to give us the update. To be on the safe side I included my title and introductory sentence regarding the contest, but I would have loved to have had a few more extra words.

By the way, I thought you got a special title in your signature as part of winning the first prize. I see it is still not there... Has Awen informed you as to when that might happen?

It will be the only reward for those taking second place prizes, so I was just curious about that. Thanks again.

[Vuk]

Congratulations and good job.

[Thalasi]

By the way, I thought you got a special title in your signature as part of winning the first prize. I see it is still not there... Has Awen informed you as to when that might happen?

I haven't been contacted by anyone about the contest yet, I learned about winning from the main site on Friday. I assume they're waiting until they have the runners up announced first before they do anything else which makes sense.

[TrodenMouse]

Congratulations, you wrote a very nice story. You managed to get a lot in for having only 500 words.

[Drunk1n]

I just typed "word count" into google and cut and paste my story from word into it to get my count(which varied from 493 to 499 depending on the page, probably something to do with the issues you mentioned). In any event after including my forum name and real name I was over 500 so Im sure they are counting the story length and not the email length.

That is good to know for next time - I didn't include much else other then the story.

the length of the story wouldn't be the main thing to disqualify Trpko but being from Europe would. From what I understand Awen got it approved for future contests to be available outside the US

I hope so because I don't like not qualifying because I am Canadian.

I haven't been contacted by anyone about the contest yet, I learned about winning from the main site on Friday. I assume they're waiting until they have the runners up announced first before they do anything else which makes sense.

Seems weird that they would announce a winner without the runners up =S

[denster]

I just typed "word count" into google and cut and paste my story from word into it to get my count(which varied from 493 to 499 depending on the page, probably something to do with the issues you mentioned). In any event after including my forum name and real name I was over 500 so Im sure they are counting the story length and not the email length.

I'm surprised you didn't use the word count in Microsoft Word.
Most people that can't afford that program go with OpenOffice (which is a free alternative to Microsoft Office without the fancy look to it) and the word processor in there also has a word counter.

Don't know if you already knew all of that...but I thought I'd just throw it out there anyway for the people that didn't.

[Freejack]

Victory is bittersweet, eh Thalasi?

Grats, mate. ;)

[AdmiralWynn]

I hope so because I don't like not qualifying because I am Canadian.
Seems weird that they would announce a winner without the runners up =S

Yes to both statements. I find myself nodding in frustration. Why go out of your way to annoy those who in good faith take the time and trouble to write up a contest entry and disqualify them because they don't live in the "right" country?

Why delay the runners up? (It is now a full two weeks since the original date we were told would be the announcement of the three contest winners, the one first prize and two second prizes.)

It gets worse. Why change the rules in midstream from a 700 to 500 word limit? It's almost seems like Cryptic is trying to annoy people. Add to that no word of apology... which is easy to do, and costs Cryptic nothing.

I used to be in the PR biz. Lemme tell ya, from my pov (and with all due respect) Cryptic has broken just about every rule in the book here.

Of course, if I am announced as a contest runner-up winner, my ego will bloat, and I'll take it all back. 8D

[Freejack]

Yes to both statements. I find myself nodding in frustration. Why go out of your way to annoy those who in good faith take the time and trouble to write up a contest entry and disqualify them because they don't live in the "right" country?

Simple answer? Lawyers.

Why delay the runners up? (It is now a full two weeks since the original date we were told would be the announcement of the three contest winners, the one first prize and two second prizes.)

The suspense is killing me! ;)

It gets worse. Why change the rules in midstream from a 700 to 500 word limit? It's almost seems like Cryptic is trying to annoy people. Add to that no word of apology... which is easy to do, and costs Cryptic nothing.

Could've been a simple typo, and I believe there was an apology.

I used to be in the PR biz. Lemme tell ya, from my pov (and with all due respect) Cryptic has broken just about every rule in the book here.

"Just about EVERY rule"? The epitome of hyperbole.

Of course, if I am announced as a contest runner-up winner my ego will bloat up and I'll take it all back. 8D

Here's a tissue. You got some brown stuff on your nose. :D

All in good fun. You can't please everyone, so do your best to please as many as you can. That's PR. You can complain when you're a paying customer. :cool:

[dlsimp2]

great story !

[AdmiralWynn]

Well obviously I don't agree either with your viewpoint or tone, Freejack, which is like slapping someone and saying it's all in good fun. You are entitled to your opinion, of course.

When I was in the media biz, if we had a contest, we rewarded it asap. Just sound, common-sense policy.
We never changed critical rules in midstream, nor did we say entrants from one area were allowed, while others were not...

And I see no apologies for the multiple rule-changes in this or the contest announcement thread, having done a search. If you have a link, I'd be interested to see it, but I've been watching this thread carefully.

My criticisms of Awen and Cryptic are meant to be constructive and instructive. However you want to term it, I've never seen anything quite like the way this contest has been conducted, and it is my hope that Cryptic will learn from their obvious mistakes.

[matty]

your story is ridiculous. there may be some bull-headed species in the star trek universe, but no advanced civilization would destroy their own moon as moons are vital to a planet's habitat. A warp-capable species would know this. I could go on and on about this lame story, but I'll just ask, why was this story chosen? And why are you people praising it? I may not be an accomplished writer, but my story is better and there had to be better than mine.
-severely disappointed

[matty]

here-here, i concur...

[matty]

here-here, i concur...

[matty]

here, here, i concur. i do have another opinion you sheep

[AdmiralWynn]

your story is ridiculous. there may be some bull-headed species in the star trek universe, but no advanced civilization would destroy their own moon as moons are vital to a planet's habitat. A warp-capable species would know this. I could go on and on about this lame story, but I'll just ask, why was this story chosen? And why are you people praising it? I may not be an accomplished writer, but my story is better and there had to be better than mine.
-severely disappointed

Anyone who is following this thread knows that I do not hesitate to question Cryptic, but here I draw the line. The story is good in many ways, and I think we have to accept and congratulate the winner.

[Thalasi]

your story is ridiculous. there may be some bull-headed species in the star trek universe, but no advanced civilization would destroy their own moon as moons are vital to a planet's habitat. A warp-capable species would know this. I could go on and on about this lame story, but I'll just ask, why was this story chosen? And why are you people praising it? I may not be an accomplished writer, but my story is better and there had to be better than mine.
-severely disappointed

It specifically stated that the destruction of the entire moon was not intended. The aim was just to wipe the moon clean of life with massive volcanic eruptions all over the moon at the same time.

[-One-]

What I don't understand is how it won as a "Planetary Exploration" essay if it says that the "story is still told at Starfleet Academy".

If the story is 'still' told at the academy, how can he be 'exploring'?

It's a good story but I don't think it qualifies as exploration.

It was more of a Planetary Exposition.

[Trpko_62]

Winner story maybe is not Nobel prize winner in Literature, but it is good story, he is the winner, and we have to congratulate him. This might be feeling similar to "World Handball Championship" finale be sett by refery, and still be man enough to congratulate France.
Hope there will not be lasting offense to either France (They were finale team, rest is history :-); or to Denmark.

First, thank you for confirming I'm not imagining rules have changed.

Second, If there is any comment from dev's on rules change, I didn't see it, so I would be very interested to see link to it.

Third, it is big PACERAJ (Croatian slang word for bad job) way this contest was leaded. Hopefully, game will be rued better, and this all is way to find what Cryptic have to change to make good game, otherwise Trekkie's will have to wait more to have good game of "their" universe.

Best regards to all,

[dturne10]

Grats Thalasi.

I'm just the latest victim of a nasty green-eyed monster ;)

[STO]

I hope they do NOT choose any runner ups, too many complainers.

[Chimo927]

Congrats on the win :)

[Drunk1n]

Yes to both statements. I find myself nodding in frustration. Why go out of your way to annoy those who in good faith take the time and trouble to write up a contest entry and disqualify them because they don't live in the "right" country?

It was stated that it was due to international law - although that has been cleared up already (read the trivia disclaimer)

Why delay the runners up? (It is now a full two weeks since the original date we were told would be the announcement of the three contest winners, the one first prize and two second prizes.)

There was more entries then expected, and they were also at NY Comic Con - they posted a note saying results would be delayed, it has only been 4 days since the winner was posted so it isn't a big deal. I am just curious to read more stories.

It gets worse. Why change the rules in midstream from a 700 to 500 word limit? It's almost seems like Cryptic is trying to annoy people. Add to that no word of apology... which is easy to do, and costs Cryptic nothing.

It was a typo - and was fixed within 24 hours. Anyone who is complaining about the 700 - 500 word discrepancy never checks the forum often enough. On the first page it said 500 words and on the official rules it said 700 - the corrected the rules to say 500.

I used to be in the PR biz. Lemme tell ya, from my pov (and with all due respect) Cryptic has broken just about every rule in the book here.

Of course, if I am announced as a contest runner-up winner, my ego will bloat, and I'll take it all back. 8D

I vaguely understand your frustration but I think you are taking it a bit personal - not to mention your Cryptic flaming isn't desired, wanted, or helpful. No one wants to respond to a forum when there is a good chance they will be mobbed by people for something they did and tried to correct. Everyone at Cryptic is VERY busy so cut them some slack - I hate to say it but almost all the forums I have been reading with you replying to recently you have been flaming Cryptic, enough is enough already.

Well obviously I don't agree either with your viewpoint or tone, Freejack, which is like slapping someone and saying it's all in good fun. You are entitled to your opinion, of course.

When I was in the media biz, if we had a contest, we rewarded it asap. Just sound, common-sense policy.
We never changed critical rules in midstream, nor did we say entrants from one area were allowed, while others were not...

And I see no apologies for the multiple rule-changes in this or the contest announcement thread, having done a search. If you have a link, I'd be interested to see it, but I've been watching this thread carefully.

My criticisms of Awen and Cryptic are meant to be constructive and instructive. However you want to term it, I've never seen anything quite like the way this contest has been conducted, and it is my hope that Cryptic will learn from their obvious mistakes.

They don't need to apologize for a typo fixed within 24 hours.

your story is ridiculous. there may be some bull-headed species in the star trek universe, but no advanced civilization would destroy their own moon as moons are vital to a planet's habitat. A warp-capable species would know this. I could go on and on about this lame story, but I'll just ask, why was this story chosen? And why are you people praising it? I may not be an accomplished writer, but my story is better and there had to be better than mine.
-severely disappointed

It was stated in the story that the destruction of there moon was accidental - please only post if you have constructive criticism.

I hope they do NOT choose any runner ups, too many complainers.

I am starting to quickly agree with you STO,

[shildkrote]

I loved the story. And to all you naysayers...PTHBTH. Try and do better.

[Nerdock]

Try and do better.
Do or do not. There is no try.

boo contests imo. people type "grats" but p-UH-leeze. these are just demoralizers. it really doesnt make me want to play the game that much more. :/

for those who were...less then fortunate to have been chosen, (myself included) do remember these are peoples opinions not set in stone fact. this is why there are several zillion entries; different takes = interesting. if you like your story, more power to you, thats whats important. funnyman 1 says: no whats important here is the beta key. and my pre-emptive reply: Your knowledge of sarcasm and language is belie the size of your cranium my friend. we will all play the game eventually. the idea is to create a community, share ideas, create something wild and awesome, not choose whos best.

But thats just me.

[AdmiralWynn]

[snips]I vaguely understand your frustration but I think you are taking it a bit personal - not to mention your Cryptic flaming isn't desired, wanted, or helpful. No one wants to respond to a forum when there is a good chance they will be mobbed by people for something they did and tried to correct. Everyone at Cryptic is VERY busy so cut them some slack - I hate to say it but almost all the forums I have been reading with you replying to recently you have been flaming Cryptic, enough is enough already.

Glad you vaguely understand, at least. And I have stood up for the contest winner and Cryptic's decision to award it to him, which you decided didn't help your case against me, and therefore left it off your list...

Listen, like you, I'm ready to read some entries, so we agree on that. Perhaps we can continue to find some common ground?

It's now 14 days - a full two weeks- past the original date (Feb. 3rd, I believe) that the three winners were to be announced. I'm not the only one saying here Cryptic botched this contest in numerous ways; it's my view they need to learn from their mistakes. To date, I see no indication of that.

I'm now a Senior Member, for what that's worth. I notice a pattern on these boards. Those with a bone to pick with Cryptic get hit hard and fast by their defenders (I'll refrain from using the inflammatory term) for daring to speak out when they feel something needs improvement. Not a healthy situation, imo.

[bradley1701]

I support Cryptic and their decision on the winner as well. The rest are sore losers and poor sports...I'm getting an idea of what gameplay in STO is going to be like just by reading the forums each day hahaha

[SenshiBat]

Still awaiting to see the Special Winners Icons..... Swag? I'm sure we'd settle for a T or cap or club scarf?


I still have my REd Storm Swag from Rainbow 6 Winning is fun Beta has its rewards.. Don'T be too competitive its all worth the wait.

but no Laura Croft shrines.. gave it to the special gal friends kids..they love it next to the geisha in the black lacquer glass box.

Loosing honourably can be harder for some then winning humbly

[CherryTerri]

Nerdock @ Where did you find that icon?!

As for the story, I didn't find out about it until too late.

It is true that each have different takes on what makes a story.

Hopefully if Cryptic does this again, the rules are much more defined as it seems some were changed in the middle of the contest after a few entries were given in.

Gratz to the winner and hey, to me .. anyone who can take time to write a story no matter what, deserves a thumbs up from me! Way to be creative.

You can see two of the entries on the Hailing Frequency site thread ...

http://hailingfrequency.co.uk/boards/index.php?topic=1372.msg8879#msg8879
http://hailingfrequency.co.uk/boards/index.php?topic=1372.msg9253#msg9253

[drevan]

first off, congrats thalasi on being the first.
second, it was a decent story that can be dissected and utilized however cryptic wishes to fit in the star trek universe. I just hope cryptic leaves locations to be habitable.
finally, I dont know about the rest of you, but I was confused as to where to place relevant info like our login name, whether in the work written, or in the email subject, or where?
I hope that thalasi's work places a bar for future work submitted so that anything new has at least that level of quality or higher

[Drunk1n]

Glad you vaguely understand, at least. And I have stood up for the contest winner and Cryptic's decision to award it to him, which you decided didn't help your case against me, and therefore left it off your list...

Listen, like you, I'm ready to read some entries, so we agree on that. Perhaps we can continue to find some common ground?

It's now 14 days - a full two weeks- past the original date (Feb. 3rd, I believe) that the three winners were to be announced. I'm not the only one saying here Cryptic botched this contest in numerous ways; it's my view they need to learn from their mistakes. To date, I see no indication of that.

I'm now a Senior Member, for what that's worth. I notice a pattern on these boards. Those with a bone to pick with Cryptic get hit hard and fast by their defenders (I'll refrain from using the inflammatory term) for daring to speak out when they feel something needs improvement. Not a healthy situation, imo.

I'm not attacking you I'm just pointing out that the way to be heard by a dev isn't to flame them. My vaguely wasn't that I was hard to understand it was that I wasn't opposed as strongly as you, or rather than opposed, I don't seem to see it as big of a disaster as you. Adding [snips] to my quote was an unnecessary manipulation. I never said that you where against the winner of the contest, or cryptic for choosing him so do not put words in my mouth. What I did say was to say that the contest was a disaster, and you would expect better is well beyond over kill. Cryptic doesn't need to do anything with the forums to the extent that they are (all the contests, updates, and general activity - up until NY Comic Con - was rather frequent (a reply from cryptic for a question that was answerable would happen within 30 hours). There are games that due better, and there are standards that are much worse. I just don't want to see this activity to diminish because of a few sour apples. So to rephrase everything I said to you earlier so it cannot be misinterpreted:

Stop flaming cryptic on everything they do. I am not saying everything has been perfect, infact there have been several bumps, and a few of them of decent proportions. The fact of the matter is I personally (and I am sure a few other regular posters) get tired of listening to the same 'Cryptic is screwing everything up' dribble. As this game, community, and forum develop some things will become smoother -- until that happens refrain from blanket statements, and before you start a rant make sure you have all your facts.

[AdmiralWynn]

I'm not attacking you I'm just pointing out that the way to be heard by a dev isn't to flame them. My vaguely wasn't that I was hard to understand it was that I wasn't opposed as strongly as you, or rather than opposed, I don't seem to see it as big of a disaster as you. Adding [snips] to my quote was an unnecessary manipulation. I never said that you where against the winner of the contest, or cryptic for choosing him so do not put words in my mouth. What I did say was to say that the contest was a disaster, and you would expect better is well beyond over kill. Cryptic doesn't need to do anything with the forums to the extent that they are (all the contests, updates, and general activity - up until NY Comic Con - was rather frequent (a reply from cryptic for a question that was answerable would happen within 30 hours). There are games that due better, and there are standards that are much worse. I just don't want to see this activity to diminish because of a few sour apples. So to rephrase everything I said to you earlier so it cannot be misinterpreted:

Stop flaming cryptic on everything they do. I am not saying everything has been perfect, infact there have been several bumps, and a few of them of decent proportions. The fact of the matter is I personally (and I am sure a few other regular posters) get tired of listening to the same 'Cryptic is screwing everything up' dribble. As this game, community, and forum develop some things will become smoother -- until that happens refrain from blanket statements, and before you start a rant make sure you have all your facts.

Ah but as you yourself note, I don't flame Cryptic for everything they do, because the record in this very thread (my post #144) I strongly support Cryptic's contest winner in the face of an extremely harsh attack, saying "Anyone following this thread knows I do not hesitate to question Cryptic, but here I draw the line.I think we have to accept and congratulate the winner." Perhaps you should have all your facts?

You don't seem very consistent in your crusade to defend Cryptic... why have you no words of condemnation for the poster 'Apokolyptic' and his multiple bashes against contest winner Thalasi, and against Cryptic for choosing him?

I tried to reach out to you in my post, asking to find common ground. You turn away, and again, fail to acknowlege that. There's no nice way to reason with you, it seems, so we will have to agree to disagree on the definition of the word 'flame'. Seems to me that you are the one throwing out the flamebait, bro.

I call 'em as I see 'em. You want to call that a "rant" (more flamebait, btw) fine. But don't think that your tactics will stop me from speaking out, which is what your posts appear to me to be trying to do, instead of seeking common ground.

EDIT... LOL! Dude, I failed to notice in post #133 in this thread you saying of Cryptic "Seems weird that they would announce a winner without the runners-up" You also grumble about not qualifying because you are Canadian! So, it's ok for you to be a critic of Cryptic, but not anyone else?
ROFL!

[Sheftu]

It was stated that it was due to international law - although that has been cleared up already (read the trivia disclaimer)
It's not the international law what prohibits or restricts it for Europeans to take part in this contest - be assured, such contests are in no way a problem in the most European countries. It's Cryptics lack of knowledge about the legal situation which let them decide afterwards (!) not to accept entries from countries other then the USA and Canada even if these are definitely eligible according to their own contest rules.
Firstly this contest was open to everyone (except a few exceptions), then during the contest itself Awen wrote in a forum posting it should be open only for "US residents" (even if this was not covered by the terms of their 6310-words-rule), then after (!) the contest we learned that Canadians are suddenly eligible too... I'm no lawyer, but I'm sure that THIS is not according to international law.

There was more entries then expected, and they were also at NY Comic Con - they posted a note saying results would be delayed, it has only been 4 days since the winner was posted so it isn't a big deal. I am just curious to read more stories.
Yes, you're right - but it's not a deal to post the names of the two other winners too, so everybody can publish his/her own entry without fearing that doing this would disqualify him/her for the runner-up-prizes.
Even if there were more entries then expected this explains the understandable delay in the announcement of the winner but not why it's not possible to let us know which are the other two chosen entries. :)

It was a typo - and was fixed within 24 hours. Anyone who is complaining about the 700 - 500 word discrepancy never checks the forum often enough. On the first page it said 500 words and on the official rules it said 700 - the corrected the rules to say 500.
Not the typo was the problem - I suppose it was more the way how it was silently corrected without any further notice, which bothers some participants who send in their entries very early.

I vaguely understand your frustration but I think you are taking it a bit personal.
To be honest - I don't think that you understand how it feels when you put time and passion in a contest entry only to learn that it was never read because you are simply living in the wrong country.
In the Trivia contest one of the winners who had stated his location in his profile was disqualified and the runner-up was chosen... he was European too (according to his own posting) but without putting this in this profile so he was eligible to get the point for the day - I' assume, they both shouldn't take it personal too?

They don't need to apologize for a typo fixed within 24 hours.
Not for the typo...

[AdmiralWynn]

Thanks for speaking up Sheftu. Check out my post #160 at the bottom of the previous page, and the edit in particular, regarding Zott's post #133. Seems it's ok if he complains about Cryptic, but no one else is allowed to.

Thanks again for your excellent points, however.

[Freejack]

It's not the international law what prohibits or restricts it for Europeans to take part in this contest - be assured, such contest are in no way a problem in the most European countries.

I think he meant U.S. International Laws (since the contest originated in the U.S.); not European international laws. :confused:

[Deems]

Grats Thalasi

[Flatfingers]

IANAL, but I think I'm safe in saying that U.S. law has nothing to do with Cryptic's statement that this contest would be open only to citizens of certain locations.

The issue here is that different locations (usually nations, but not always) have different rules regarding how contests must be run. For Cryptic to insure that they complied fully with all contest laws in all major locations would likely impose real financial costs far in excess of any value they might expect to receive from running the contest.

For example, here is a link (http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/dynamicSearch/telecharge.php?type=3&file=/L_6/L6R3_1_A.htm&PHPSESSID=7e2d90081950ca028ef848945baae44f) to the laws just for Quebec on what anyone must do who wishes to make their contest open to residents of Quebec.

Now multiply that by every location that has different rules.

And that is why Cryptic has stated that this contest is open only to residents of a few specific locations. It's not because U.S. law is stupid, or because the people at Cryptic are jerks -- it's because contest laws vary widely, and Cryptic is trying not to expose their company to international lawsuits by failing to respect the laws of each nation.

There's a clear entry (http://www.howstuffworks.com/question541.htm) at HowStuffWorks.com on this subject.

I appreciate the disappointment some here are feeling at not being eligible to participate in this contest. That's understandable.

But those of us who want Cryptic to survive as a company in order to finish making Star Trek Online should be supporting them in exercising a sensible caution regarding contest eligibility, not criticizing them for international legal complexity that isn't their fault.

Just something to consider.

--Flatfingers

[AdmiralWynn]

Fair enough. My contest criticism of Cryptic on that particular point is hereby withdrawn.

But if Cryptic communicated these facts in clear ways to the potential contestants, I am unaware of it. In other words, seems to me contest eligibility could have been handled a bit better, to say the least. (I'll say it again; since you have a clear and insightful way of putting things, you oughtta be on the payroll.)

Perception in Public Relations is everything.

[Eidolonael]

It was a typo - and was fixed within 24 hours. Anyone who is complaining about the 700 - 500 word discrepancy never checks the forum often enough. On the first page it said 500 words and on the official rules it said 700 - the corrected the rules to say 500.


Normally I would agree with you; however, being someone that appreciates the formality of official rules (policies and procedures), I found it a bit absurd that the news article was correct while the official rules, which are normally gone over with a fine toothed comb for legality purposes, were incorrect and in need of editing. When I saw the opportunity for a contest, I circumvented the news article and went straight for the blue highlighted hyperlink to the Official Rules so I could lock in the parameters by which I needed to confine my writing for the contest. I trusted in the official rules as did others and because I felt no need to check back with the news item in regards to the story because the official rules are normally set in stone, I was never informed of the change. In fact, no notation was ever made of the necessity for a change. Did Cryptic post a news item stating there was a discrepancy? Did they offer more time to let the 700 word club edit their work down to 500? No and no.

There are a few concerns regarding this choice. If they are not going to post changes regarding a story contest, what is to say they will refrain from posting changes to in-game issues later on? If they are not going to compensate people who were affected by an error, who is to say they will not compensate people in-game that suffer due to the effects of an error? The happenings in regards to this contest reflect on the possibilities of in-game related events later on down the road and are vital to the building up of trust between the staff at Cryptic and we, the gaming community.

So, to say "Anyone who is complaining about the 700 - 500 word discrepancy never checks the forum often enough" is trite and ill-contrived. The error was never announced nor was the correction announced. It was not 'fixed' in 24 hours as has been stated. I checked the rules page a few days in a row to make certain of several rules and guidelines and the 700 word limit remained in place for those few days. I still believe an apology by the staff for the confusion would be in order and perhaps them announcing a winner from within the 700 word club might help assuage some of the ill feelings directed towards the decisions made by the staff.

All in all I believe it was a fun contest but I do not believe everyone was treated fairly when all was said and done and the lack of communication from the staff regarding the contest or the incident does not put me or some of the others at ease regarding their procedures in dealing with the community when things like this happen and a change or correction announcement is necessary.

[SenshiBat]

Thanks for speaking up Sheftu. Check out my post #160 at the bottom of the previous page, and the edit in particular, regarding Zott's post #133. Seems it's ok if he complains about Cryptic, but no one else is allowed to.

Thanks again for your excellent points, however.

Selective enforcement is a powerful tool or discretionary power...

MAybe the logic is we don't need the corridors to our Cabin if we're busy fighting on the bridge and planets?

When that works out well we can all enjoy Adventure together?
Because I'm seeing a lot of creative minds out here..

[Sheftu]

Selective enforcement is a powerful tool or discretionary power...

MAybe the logic is we don't need the corridors to our Cabin if we're busy fighting on the bridge and planets?

When that works out well we can all enjoy Adventure together?
Because I'm seeing a lot of creative minds out here..

:confused:

[Sheftu]

IThe issue here is that different locations (usually nations, but not always) have different rules regarding how contests must be run. For Cryptic to insure that they complied fully with all contest laws in all major locations would likely impose real financial costs far in excess of any value they might expect to receive from running the contest.

I understand where you are coming from, but if you read their contest rules carefully you will find that Cryptic found already a way to deal with this problem: if such a contest is prohibited/restricted in a certain state a resident of these areas is automatically not eligible without any further costs for them. They even make certain that they won't be in no way responsible if someone who is not eligible send an entry nevertheless.

Even in the worst case that their three winning entries would have come from residents of three different states they would have to confirm only that these three were allowed to enter such contests - something they have to do for much more nations in the near future anyway if they consider contest for their European costumers too.

What I don't understand is...

1. Why have they chosen this rule which explicitly allowed everyone (with a few expectations) to take part if they were never intended to follow it? Why not writing "only US residents" from the beginning instead of all the changes they made afterwards? They even used it a second time for the Trivia contest knowingly that it will be inconsistent with their statements regarding the matter of eligibility in the forum.

2. And why didn't they stick to their "US residents" then instead of subsequently (after the end date of the contest!) declare Canadians for eligible too?

[SenshiBat]

:confused:

Exactly no one wins this kind of war of words.. and the cryptic forum police are closing in issuing warnings for nothing so lets have a truce here before they get involved.

Acts of omission are different then acts of commission..
Civil Tort laws in EU areas are not exactly what US or provincial courts or
even individual judges decide through judge made law from the bench.

Local Magistrate different from District attorney or
Regional Appellate Courts
to the Highest Court in the land.
Laws are interpreted by individuals.
Rules are drafted and in due course amended as peer review and deviations for Letter or Intent occur.

first series of Trivia saw a few hiccups but a well meaning and good intentions. The rules were listed at the start and explained who was eligible for this round and not every round to come..

IT was chance for us to see the process and Critic it to a fashion.

The biggest point is look at
the "Time stamps" for every posting Tied for the correct answer on the first page not just an servers arbittrary listing for exactly the same time..

[Flatfingers]

It's not my intention to try to speak for Cryptic. My earlier comments were specifically concerned with the charge that either U.S. law or deliberate malice by Cryptic were responsible for not keeping this contest open to everyone. Although I appreciate the feeling behind them, I don't believe those complaints are justified in their substance. Since there was some information I could offer to explain that position, I thought it might be helpful to share that information.

I personally feel, like AdmiralWynn, that there were some aspects of this process that Cryptic could have handled better. But I don't see any malice in anything that anyone with Cryptic has done, either while the contest rules were being devised or afterward when the rules were being corrected and clarified.

That said, to your specific complaints:

1. Why have they chosen this rule which explicitly allowed everyone (with a few expectations) to take part if they were never intended to follow it? Why not writing "only US residents" from the beginning instead of all the changes they made afterwards? They even used it a second time for the Trivia contest knowingly that it will be inconsistent with their statements regarding the matter of eligibility in the forum.

I don't know. I can speculate: perhaps the lawyer(s) who drafted the legal text of the contest rules didn't communicate the eligibility restrictions; perhaps the importance of publishing those eligibility restrictions was not made clearly enough; perhaps they were left out by mistake. Or maybe it just never occurred to anyone that different eligibility rules applied, and that omission was addressed as soon as it was discovered.

I like to think I would have somehow known to clearly spell out for everyone when the contest was first announced exactly who would be eligible. And like you and others, I wish Cryptic had done so. But there's just not enough evidence that this was anything but an unfortunate omission to justify a conclusion that anyone at Cryptic did anything severely wrong here.

2. And why didn't they stick to their "US residents" then instead of subsequently (after the end date of the contest!) declare Canadians for eligible too?

To be fair, you're giving Cryptic no way to win here. You're criticizing them for expanding eligibility in this contest once they made the legal determination that it was acceptable to do so, but wouldn't you be criticizing them even more vigorously if they had initially said that Canadians (outside of Quebec) were welcome to participate then retracted that offer?

Of course it would have been better if Canadian eligibility in Cryptic contests had been confirmed before the first contest ended. But isn't it better to be able to include Canadians in future contests than to simply draw a line for the sake of convenience to say, "Sorry, no one but U.S. citizens can ever play?"

...

There's a saying: "Once is happenstance; twice is coincidence; the third time is enemy action." Is there really a clear pattern of malice or malfeasance here already? I don't believe there is.

We agree that Cryptic could have handled the eligibility and word count aspects of this contest more effectively. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt this time, and hold them accountable (in a friendly and reasonable way) for better performance next time around.

--Flatfingers

[Sheftu]

To be fair, you're giving Cryptic no way to win here. You're criticizing them for expanding eligibility in this contest once they made the legal determination that it was acceptable to do so, but wouldn't you be criticizing them even more vigorously if they had initially said that Canadians (outside of Quebec) were welcome to participate then retracted that offer?
They did exactly THAT with the Europeans, didn't they?

Of course it would have been better if Canadian eligibility in Cryptic contests had been confirmed before the first contest ended. But isn't it better to be able to include Canadians in future contests than to simply draw a line for the sake of convenience to say, "Sorry, no one but U.S. citizens can ever play?"
That's not what happened - I'm not speaking of future contests. They included them retroactively for THIS contest.

[Drunk1n]

It's not the international law what prohibits or restricts it for Europeans to take part in this contest - be assured, such contests are in no way a problem in the most European countries. It's Cryptics lack of knowledge about the legal situation which let them decide afterwards (!) not to accept entries from countries other then the USA and Canada even if these are definitely eligible according to their own contest rules.
Firstly this contest was open to everyone (except a few exceptions), then during the contest itself Awen wrote in a forum posting it should be open only for "US residents" (even if this was not covered by the terms of their 6310-words-rule), then after (!) the contest we learned that Canadians are suddenly eligible too... I'm no lawyer, but I'm sure that THIS is not according to international law.

No it did state in the rules that the contest was only open to us residents. Which is why All europeans and canadians where disqualified. I am canadian and spent a week writing my essay - even though I knew it wouldn't win I thought the devs might enjoy the read.

I don't know about the finite details for European law, but I do know that it took the length of the contest for canadians to be allowed in the next contest. So the canadians were not 'suddenly' eligible. If you notice on the Trivia Contest the rules have been reworded so ANYONE can enter, but Cryptic isn't at fault if your international laws do not allow it - so in theory you are allowed to enter future contests as well.

Yes, you're right - but it's not a deal to post the names of the two other winners too, so everybody can publish his/her own entry without fearing that doing this would disqualify him/her for the runner-up-prizes.
Even if there were more entries then expected this explains the understandable delay in the announcement of the winner but not why it's not possible to let us know which are the other two chosen entries. :)

I agree completely - I do find this odd that the posting will happen at different times.

Not the typo was the problem - I suppose it was more the way how it was silently corrected without any further notice, which bothers some participants who send in their entries very early.

the rules did dictate that you were able to re-submit and the most recent submission would be taken as the final - this meant that all the other entrants had to do was shave 200 words off of there essay. I know that this isn't easy, and most likely not even possible with some of the entries. So I do understand the frustration but the rules did correct for this that is why my opinion is that - yes it was unfortunate but it wasn't a disaster and did not deserve an apology.

To be honest - I don't think that you understand how it feels when you put time and passion in a contest entry only to learn that it was never read because you are simply living in the wrong country.
In the Trivia contest one of the winners who had stated his location in his profile was disqualified and the runner-up was chosen... he was European too (according to his own posting) but without putting this in this profile so he was eligible to get the point for the day - I' assume, they both shouldn't take it personal too?

I am going to leave the attack at me alone for this as I have answered it in an earlier section of the post. This is news to me so I won't say it isn't true, but I will say that it may be due to a different reason -- I am not sure if that is the case so I will have to go through those threads with a fine tooth comb.

Not for the typo...

I still disagree, I understand the frustration, but I disagree.

I would also like to restate - without all the facts please refrain from flaming. I do understand the international frustration, and I will go through the Trivia rules and check but I believe from the last time I went through it that it made it open to all who wanted to play the trivia game.

[Drunk1n]

Ah but as you yourself note, I don't flame Cryptic for everything they do, because the record in this very thread (my post #144) I strongly support Cryptic's contest winner in the face of an extremely harsh attack, saying "Anyone following this thread knows I do not hesitate to question Cryptic, but here I draw the line.I think we have to accept and congratulate the winner." Perhaps you should have all your facts?

You don't seem very consistent in your crusade to defend Cryptic... why have you no words of condemnation for the poster 'Apokolyptic' and his multiple bashes against contest winner Thalasi, and against Cryptic for choosing him?

I tried to reach out to you in my post, asking to find common ground. You turn away, and again, fail to acknowlege that. There's no nice way to reason with you, it seems, so we will have to agree to disagree on the definition of the word 'flame'. Seems to me that you are the one throwing out the flamebait, bro.

I call 'em as I see 'em. You want to call that a "rant" (more flamebait, btw) fine. But don't think that your tactics will stop me from speaking out, which is what your posts appear to me to be trying to do, instead of seeking common ground.

EDIT... LOL! Dude, I failed to notice in post #133 in this thread you saying of Cryptic "Seems weird that they would announce a winner without the runners-up" You also grumble about not qualifying because you are Canadian! So, it's ok for you to be a critic of Cryptic, but not anyone else?
ROFL!

I wrote this and it didn't seem to post so here it is again:

First off I would like to state that I think there has been a tone miss-translation for both of us -- forums have that negative downside.

I have never said that all you do is flame cryptic so please don't infer that I have. I know that you have said that you commend the winner, and think that cryptic made a good choice. I don't choose people to flame - in fact I'm not trying to flame anyone. Nor am I on a crusade to defend cryptic. I believe, and agree with what you are saying - I just disagree with your method. It seems somewhat counter productive to me. The difference between you and most anti-cryptic posters on this thread (this is interpretation so I may be wrong) is that yours seemed disgruntled in the organization, and seemed to have a few information gaps (which I was simply trying to help fill) rather then the sore loosing disgruntle.

By all means point out discrepancies, and issues that is how the dev will be able to fix them, I just think there is a more effective way then rampaging the forums -- like most people they respond better to honey then vinegar.

I mainly think there is three things to be accomplished in this post --

1) Try not to read between the lines of what I am saying - I have no problem in stating what I think (for example this post is more like flamebait then any I believe I have posted, and also I feel more argumentative then mine -- although this may just be a perspective.)

2) I think that there is a better way to accomplish advising of errors then to smash an acorn with a 20 lb sledge hammer. I also think that one should have as many facts as they can before they start debating - or arguing for that matter. I believe that anyone posting a complaint should read the post they are complaining against one last time before complaining.

3) Note this is the most important -- I think (upon about the 8th reread of your posts) that the main issue at hand is a tone misunderstanding for both of us. For my part on that I apologize, all I was trying to do was help fill in the blanks.

[Drunk1n]

IANAL, but I think I'm safe in saying that U.S. law has nothing to do with Cryptic's statement that this contest would be open only to citizens of certain locations.

The issue here is that different locations (usually nations, but not always) have different rules regarding how contests must be run. For Cryptic to insure that they complied fully with all contest laws in all major locations would likely impose real financial costs far in excess of any value they might expect to receive from running the contest.

For example, here is a link (http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/dynamicSearch/telecharge.php?type=3&file=/L_6/L6R3_1_A.htm&PHPSESSID=7e2d90081950ca028ef848945baae44f) to the laws just for Quebec on what anyone must do who wishes to make their contest open to residents of Quebec.

Now multiply that by every location that has different rules.

And that is why Cryptic has stated that this contest is open only to residents of a few specific locations. It's not because U.S. law is stupid, or because the people at Cryptic are jerks -- it's because contest laws vary widely, and Cryptic is trying not to expose their company to international lawsuits by failing to respect the laws of each nation.

There's a clear entry (http://www.howstuffworks.com/question541.htm) at HowStuffWorks.com on this subject.

I appreciate the disappointment some here are feeling at not being eligible to participate in this contest. That's understandable.

But those of us who want Cryptic to survive as a company in order to finish making Star Trek Online should be supporting them in exercising a sensible caution regarding contest eligibility, not criticizing them for international legal complexity that isn't their fault.

Just something to consider.

--Flatfingers

Well posted Flatfingers - that is what I was trying to say originally. Although I was lazy and didn't feel like re-researching specific details.

Fair enough. My contest criticism of Cryptic on that particular point is hereby withdrawn.

But if Cryptic communicated these facts in clear ways to the potential contestants, I am unaware of it. In other words, seems to me contest eligibility could have been handled a bit better, to say the least. (I'll say it again; since you have a clear and insightful way of putting things, you oughtta be on the payroll.)

Perception in Public Relations is everything.

That is true that it would have been easier for some (and maybe most) if they did explain that, although as international law is finicky to all - even lawyers it is just better for a company not to open that can up on a forum - it would have potentially catastrophic thread results.

Not to mention that Cryptic would need a lawyer on the forum to describe the laws properly. That would cost far more then it would ever be worth it to have any contests.

[AdmiralWynn]

I wrote this and it didn't seem to post so here it is again:

First off I would like to state that I think there has been a tone miss-translation for both of us -- forums have that negative downside. [Big snip for brevity.]


3) Note this is the most important -- I think (upon about the 8th reread of your posts) that the main issue at hand is a tone misunderstanding for both of us. For my part on that I apologize, all I was trying to do was help fill in the blanks.

Handsomely put, sir, and likewise from me as well.

Win lose or draw, I'll post my own entry over your Planet Contest Entries thread in the Holodeck section (enjoyed yours, btw) once the runners-up are announced- since it is not yet clear if posting prior to the contest conclusion would disqualify one.

If not, good luck to you and all who are still waiting for the final word on the contest winners!

[Drunk1n]

Normally I would agree with you; however, being someone that appreciates the formality of official rules (policies and procedures), I found it a bit absurd that the news article was correct while the official rules, which are normally gone over with a fine toothed comb for legality purposes, were incorrect and in need of editing. When I saw the opportunity for a contest, I circumvented the news article and went straight for the blue highlighted hyperlink to the Official Rules so I could lock in the parameters by which I needed to confine my writing for the contest. I trusted in the official rules as did others and because I felt no need to check back with the news item in regards to the story because the official rules are normally set in stone, I was never informed of the change. In fact, no notation was ever made of the necessity for a change. Did Cryptic post a news item stating there was a discrepancy? Did they offer more time to let the 700 word club edit their work down to 500? No and no.

There are a few concerns regarding this choice. If they are not going to post changes regarding a story contest, what is to say they will refrain from posting changes to in-game issues later on? If they are not going to compensate people who were affected by an error, who is to say they will not compensate people in-game that suffer due to the effects of an error? The happenings in regards to this contest reflect on the possibilities of in-game related events later on down the road and are vital to the building up of trust between the staff at Cryptic and we, the gaming community.

So, to say "Anyone who is complaining about the 700 - 500 word discrepancy never checks the forum often enough" is trite and ill-contrived. The error was never announced nor was the correction announced. It was not 'fixed' in 24 hours as has been stated. I checked the rules page a few days in a row to make certain of several rules and guidelines and the 700 word limit remained in place for those few days. I still believe an apology by the staff for the confusion would be in order and perhaps them announcing a winner from within the 700 word club might help assuage some of the ill feelings directed towards the decisions made by the staff.

All in all I believe it was a fun contest but I do not believe everyone was treated fairly when all was said and done and the lack of communication from the staff regarding the contest or the incident does not put me or some of the others at ease regarding their procedures in dealing with the community when things like this happen and a change or correction announcement is necessary.

I thought I remember the change happening sooner then it did - my bad for letting time slip like that and posting about it.

I do agree with the logic of the 700 word official rules - that makes sense to me as well. Although I do know that it had been changed long before the contest was over - but yes you are right because it was the rules that changed and not the news feed -- Maybe you are right and Cryptic should mention something about it as a common courtesy but I do not think it is necessary.

[Drunk1n]

I understand where you are coming from, but if you read their contest rules carefully you will find that Cryptic found already a way to deal with this problem: if such a contest is prohibited/restricted in a certain state a resident of these areas is automatically not eligible without any further costs for them. They even make certain that they won't be in no way responsible if someone who is not eligible send an entry nevertheless.

Even in the worst case that their three winning entries would have come from residents of three different states they would have to confirm only that these three were allowed to enter such contests - something they have to do for much more nations in the near future anyway if they consider contest for their European costumers too.

What I don't understand is...

1. Why have they chosen this rule which explicitly allowed everyone (with a few expectations) to take part if they were never intended to follow it? Why not writing "only US residents" from the beginning instead of all the changes they made afterwards? They even used it a second time for the Trivia contest knowingly that it will be inconsistent with their statements regarding the matter of eligibility in the forum.

2. And why didn't they stick to their "US residents" then instead of subsequently (after the end date of the contest!) declare Canadians for eligible too?

Two things - they problem was that upon further research there wasn't enough 'coverage' in the laws and they had to add a clause (which as done before the posting) for US residents only. Now if you read the Trivia rules they do cover ALL possibilities with full coverage they have opened the contest up to all (I have yet to re read the contest rules I am on the way to do that).

Secondly Canadians were NOT eligible for the Planet Exploration contest and anyone who is telling you differently is full of it. Trust me as a Canadian, I was just as disqualified as you. Please try to refrain from starting rumours on this thread.

[Drunk1n]

Exactly no one wins this kind of war of words.. and the cryptic forum police are closing in issuing warnings for nothing so lets have a truce here before they get involved.

Acts of omission are different then acts of commission..
Civil Tort laws in EU areas are not exactly what US or provincial courts or
even individual judges decide through judge made law from the bench.

Local Magistrate different from District attorney or
Regional Appellate Courts
to the Highest Court in the land.
Laws are interpreted by individuals.
Rules are drafted and in due course amended as peer review and deviations for Letter or Intent occur.

first series of Trivia saw a few hiccups but a well meaning and good intentions. The rules were listed at the start and explained who was eligible for this round and not every round to come..

IT was chance for us to see the process and Critic it to a fashion.

The biggest point is look at
the "Time stamps" for every posting Tied for the correct answer on the first page not just an servers arbittrary listing for exactly the same time..

I thought it might have been time stamp related. I am still going to go through it with a fine tooth comb.

Handsomely put, sir, and likewise from me as well.

Win lose or draw, I'll post my own entry over your Planet Contest Entries thread in the Holodeck section (enjoyed yours, btw) once the runners-up are announced- since it is not yet clear if posting prior to the contest conclusion would disqualify one.

If not, good luck to you and all who are still waiting for the final word on the contest winners!

Well I'm glad the hostility was ended - to bad I didn't notice this earlier haha.

I can't wait to read your entry - and thanks for the words on mine.

[Sheftu]

Two things - they problem was that upon further research there wasn't enough 'coverage' in the laws and they had to add a clause (which as done before the posting) for US residents only. Now if you read the Trivia rules they do cover ALL possibilities with full coverage they have opened the contest up to all (I have yet to re read the contest rules I am on the way to do that).

Look at the rules for the Planet Exploration Contest - the part about eligibility is identical with that for the Trivia contest. And, indeed, according to the wording of the rules both contests SHOULD be open to all but they aren't.

Secondly Canadians were NOT eligible for the Planet Exploration contest and anyone who is telling you differently is full of it. Trust me as a Canadian, I was just as disqualified as you. Please try to refrain from starting rumours on this thread.

It was Awen herself who wrote it... :)

Hi guys! I'm still recovering from the fabulous that was New York Comic Con and trying to get back on track. I haven't been able to post much on the forums this week simply because I've been swamped with some offline issues that I'm working on. One of them was sorting through the 500 entries that we got for the Planet Exploration Contest. Holy Cow!!! You guys are creative and I love it!

Something that I've been getting alot of PMs about lately is the contest rules and who is and is not qualified for contests. I can assure you that we're working on it. So this is how it stands - If you are in the US, you qualify. If you are in Canada and don't live in Quebec, you qualify. If you are outside of those two territories, for now, you do NOT qualify. I'm working on getting this changed. I'm working hard and Zinc is right there behind me to get this all settled.

[Drunk1n]

Look at the rules for the Planet Exploration Contest - the part about eligibility is identical with that for the Trivia contest. And, indeed, according to the wording of the rules both contests SHOULD be open to all but they aren't.



It was Awen herself who wrote it... :)

Oh wow - I totally missed that post. I apologize deeply. I do know that the Planet Exploration rules were updated frequently throughout the contest - So I imagine this is the similarities to the official rules.

Anyways once again sorry for my previous post I missed Awens post so that is my bad.

It does seem odd then that they would do that - just leave the contest and official rules alone - adjusting them makes it difficult.

I understand more fully your frustration then - I hope that they figure out the details for the European contestants then.

[Drunk1n]

Wanted to show everyone this so the frustration can stop -

:p:pOK here's another update!

Contest rules worked out as long as I am just giving away beta keys - World Wide! That's right everyone gets to enter the next contest. It will NOT be a 10k word max hahahaha. My poor poor eyes in that case.

I really appreciate your support guys and no I'm not going to tell you which ship it is. :p That spoils the surprise and I love surprises.

I did have a good time in NYC thanks!

I'm working on getting the next Ask Cryptic to you for next week. :)

[Sheftu]

No it did state in the rules that the contest was only open to us residents. Which is why All europeans and canadians where disqualified. I am canadian and spent a week writing my essay - even though I knew it wouldn't win I thought the devs might enjoy the read.

No, you're wrong - these is the original text of the contest rules, only contests with a total cash value of the prize greater than zero dollars are only open to US residents... which was not the case for this one.

3. Eligibility

3.(a). THIS IS A SKILL CONTEST. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

3.(b). If the total cash value of the Prizes is zero dollars, then the following eligibility rules apply: Contest is open to anyone who agrees to the terms of this Agreement, excluding every national, state, local, or other jurisdiction in which it is prohibited or restricted by any law, statute, regulation, or other appropriate authority (hereafter "Participant"). Sponsor, Sponsor Partner, and their affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, prize providers, officers, employees, and subcontractors do not warrant that this Contest may be entered legally in any particular jurisdiction.

3.(c). If the total cash value of the Prizes is greater than zero-dollars, then the following eligibility rules apply: Contest is open to any current legal resident of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia (excluding every national, state, local, or other jurisdiction in which it is prohibited or restricted by any law, statute, regulation, or other appropriate authority, and in particular Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. territories and U.S. military installations located in a foreign country) who is eighteen (18) years of age or older (hereafter "Participant"). Sponsor, Sponsor Partner, and their advertising and promotional agencies and all of their respective employees, consultants, representatives and agents, and the immediate family members of and persons domiciled with any such employees and agents, and any judges or other parties involved in any aspect with the creation, production, operation, execution and fulfillment of the Contest, and the immediate families or household members of each are not eligible to participate. Sponsor, Sponsor Partner, and their affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, prize providers, officers, employees, and subcontractors do not warrant that this Contest may be entered legally in any particular jurisdiction.

As I already wrote - Canadians are NOT disqualified:

Something that I've been getting alot of PMs about lately is the contest rules and who is and is not qualified for contests. I can assure you that we're working on it. So this is how it stands - If you are in the US, you qualify. If you are in Canada and don't live in Quebec, you qualify. If you are outside of those two territories, for now, you do NOT qualify.

I don't know about the finite details for European law, but I do know that it took the length of the contest for canadians to be allowed in the next contest. So the canadians were not 'suddenly' eligible. If you notice on the Trivia Contest the rules have been reworded so ANYONE can enter, but Cryptic isn't at fault if your international laws do not allow it - so in theory you are allowed to enter future contests as well.

In theory I was allowed to enter already this contest.

the rules did dictate that you were able to re-submit and the most recent submission would be taken as the final - this meant that all the other entrants had to do was shave 200 words off of there essay. I know that this isn't easy, and most likely not even possible with some of the entries. So I do understand the frustration but the rules did correct for this that is why my opinion is that - yes it was unfortunate but it wasn't a disaster and did not deserve an apology.

Right... but that would require that they know that there was an alteration in the rules...

This is news to me so I won't say it isn't true, but I will say that it may be due to a different reason -- I am not sure if that is the case so I will have to go through those threads with a fine tooth comb.
[...]
I would also like to restate - without all the facts please refrain from flaming. I do understand the international frustration, and I will go through the Trivia rules and check but I believe from the last time I went through it that it made it open to all who wanted to play the trivia game.

Look at the thread for the forth Trivia-day... matt4tay got the point already, then they changed it:

I have updated the Trivia contest score page to reflect the first correct North American answer.

Later on in the thread the new "North American"-winner admitted that he is from UK too... this time without any further "updates" through the devs...

This is awkward... I'm from the UK too. I shall inform the devs.

[Sheftu]

Oh wow - I totally missed that post. [...]
Arrgh... sorry, I read this only after my last post, otherwise I would have make it shorter... ;)

Thanks for the update about further contests - is it a quote from these forum? I haven't seen it so far... it's good news, but I can't help feeling a little bit cheated about the last one nevertheless... :(

[Drunk1n]

Arrgh... sorry, I read this only after my last post, otherwise I would have make it shorter... ;)

Thanks for the update about further contests - is it a quote from these forum? I haven't seen it so far... it's good news, but I can't help feeling a little bit cheated about the last one nevertheless... :(

I was going through dev posts and found it.

And as far as the Trivia... - that is awkward. I imagine that is why the contest stopped early

[matty]

It specifically stated that the destruction of the entire moon was not intended. The aim was just to wipe the moon clean of life with massive volcanic eruptions all over the moon at the same time.
i think i need to say that what i meant by lame referring to thalasi's story, i meant lame for a contest winner. thalasi, your story was a fine story, but me and a lot of other people obviously cant understand how it won. i dont care that mine didnt win, but these people that cant handle our complaints about the contest results, to me, are just pessimistic. honestly, i didnt even read the whole thing. i got bored of it and started reading this thread to see what other people thought. i read most of it though and got the jist of the story, but just didnt capture my interest. my apologies for the misconception. thalasi won and obviously theres no going back. but ive never lost interest in any star trek episode, even the musicals, lol

[matty]

didnt dr. evil want to do that? with the volcanoes?

[WLP_Sidewinder]

Congratulations. I had such high hopes for mine but I ran out of words so I don't think the story made much since.

[Maj_Odee]

Any bets there are some bleeding eyes at Cryptic after reading all those entries? ;)

Congratulations. I had such high hopes for mine but I ran out of words so I don't think the story made much since.

Reckon it is back to the drawing board for me.

[Azurian]

You kidding? I bet they were writing down all those storyline ideas. :p

[startrekrpg.com]

A few points:

Obviously not everyone is going to like the entry.

And you can't write a "story" in that few words. As I recall it said be "creative" including telling a story or a log entry, ect...

@ Krot -- sorry, but your comments are a bit biased. This would have made an excellent Star Trek episode -- indeed you could see it happening. You may have wanted something else, or liked something else, or be a bit upset your didn't win, or any number of things, but this is a very well written entry. For starts, grammar and spelling were virtually perfect, it was cohesive, and a creative idea. Many of the entries I'm sure were grammatically disgusting, hard to follow, and 'original' in the sense that everything in it was new (it's not an original idea because you introduced a new starship or technology...) And each Star Trek episode in cannon wraps up neatly because you need a conclusion -- and many of the episodes deal with similar themes. Sure it could have ended with the planet and alien species still alive, but it would also have been more difficult to stay within the word limit and still offer a cohesive story.

From a University English professor's stand-point --- this is an excellent entry.

[Illusionism]

Congrats! Good read and very interesting.

[Trpko_62]

Here is my final word in this thread.

Did anyone take time to count how many times did dev's posted in this thread?

1. :D

All what I want to say is: Don't open discussion, and let it run for itself. Please spend some money and time to really communicate with community. It will make us (at least me) feel you appreciate us being here.
This look to me as we are here for you, not vice versa.

Best regards.

[CherryTerri]

Here is my final word in this thread.

Did anyone take time to count how many times did dev's posted in this thread?

1. :D

All what I want to say is: Don't open discussion, and let it run for itself. Please spend some money and time to really communicate with community. It will make us (at least me) feel you appreciate us being here.
This look to me as we are here for you, not vice versa.

Best regards.

I don't think they want anything else to do with this thread. They came here to post the winner and that's all.

All I see now is a bunch of ... people ... bashing each other and arguing about laws and the like, degenerating in some posts that shouldn't be here.

Seriously wish some people can let things drop and move on ...

[Selenium]

Congratulations to THALASI for writing such an interesting story with a moral message to it.

My entry did not contain any moral messages but was interesting for its scientific content. I insert a copy of it here for your pleasure ... it is based on real science which I have read about as regard to the way in which life might evolve on cold planets, of which there are vaste numbers.

"In a cosmos that is infinite and eternal, there in the possibilities are unlimited. With this in mind we approached the planet we were assigned to explore. We were nevertheless surprised by what we found. The planet is cold and although “dry” still there exist abundant vegetation and animal due to the life being well evolved to thrive in this cold world. The temperatures are below zero centigrade at all times, but the life forms are containing Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2 in their cell structures and thus do not freeze until temperatures get below minus 55*C. Also the DNA contains arsenic rather than phosphorus. Thus these creatures are alive even though to our mind they aught to be “frozen” solid. Arsenic is more volatile than phosphorus. This planet is below zero centigrade at all times and can be as cold as minus 100*C. Thus we were required to wear protective suits especially created for our mission. The atmosphere is adequately rich in breathable oxygen so that we were not required to carry oxygen cylinders. However, we felt it to be a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality. The central star of this system is called PAXIMADIA and this particular planet is designation 5 in that system. It has three moons but these are only asteroid. To our utter amazement we discovered that there exist an advanced civilization of indigenous life form. We immediately put our star ship computers to work on the task of computing a translation of their literature. They do not speak, however communicate using a system of hieroglyphic some what similar to Chinese back on earth before the great war which unfortunately caused such great loss to the cultural richness of our own world. Long live the Federation ! So we had a problem relating to these symbols. We would have to learn to draw them if we are going to be entering into communication. We recommend that specialists be trained to learn these skills. Working in such a cold environment is not very interesting and might result in health problems. Biologically this planet is interesting in that it is a strictly feminine domain. Reproduction is by “asexual” mode. That is “Immaculate Conception”. The eggs are incubated in a hatchery. The young spend their entire life never knowing their exact parent. They are basically all identical in appearance with only very minor differences. Interestingly therefore this planet is extremely peaceful in its history. Community is paramount. They communicated to us that they have never experienced conflict. Of course “never” is a very long time. So we might discover that they are not really so peaceful as they are making themselves out to be. Caution is advised. Since it is very difficult to identify exactly who it is that we are dealing with, we therefore observe that these creatures do not seem to have any political hierarchy. They seem to have a collective intelligence. They do not think independently. They are as cells of the one organism. Thus whoever of their kind might be with us, that one, no matter who it is, nevertheless be able to perform the diplomatic role of communicating for their species. Thus the words “Take me to your leader” are out of place in this mysterious and very strange place. Due to the arsenic in their DNA, which enables them to be alive at temperatures well below zero centigrade, the plants and animals of this planet are poisonous to our phosphorous-based metabolism. This is just a preliminary report. Our team will soon be re-assigned. The follow up team will be better equipped and will stay for ten times longer. I wish them well and look forward to reading their report in due course. I am strangely drawn to this cold world. We human will never be able to live here, but we have much we can learn from these creatures. End of Report."
Copyright (c) NGL 2009

http://www.myspace.com/caelenium
http://spaces.msn.com/members/893893
http://vampirefreaks.com/Caelenium

01603 762440

Neil Gideon Love (BA Fine Art)
11 Talbot Square
Saint Crispins Road
Norwich Norfolk
NR3-3AN England
The British Isles UK

loveyowei94@hotmail.com
n.g.love@btinternet.com

AVE RAEGINA CAELINA LA DEUS NOSTRA CAELI LA VERA DEUS (tm)

[Selenium]

I appreciate your criticism and I dont take it as an insult but in my defense I didnt give a single thought to an environmentalist slant while I was writing it. I felt that a destroyed moon would be the most likely way in which those asteroids would be there being that no planet in our on solar system has asteroids orbiting it and I also remember no planets in Star Trek with an asteroid field around them. It seemed to me that the best way to approach it would be that their was previously a large conflict in the area. As for the climate changes on the planet itself I believe its accurate to say that the change in disposition of the lunar mass would have wide scale effects on tidal forces which in turn would alter climate. So in short, I felt the effects on the planet were a natural side effect of the destruction of its moon and not an attempt at political correctness. I also felt it worked well in the Star Trek universe as a cautionary tale since most episodes end with a moral and it seemed like the kind of lesson you might learn about in Starfleet Academy.

And again I would like to point out to the people that say its too vague and unrefined and say I gave as much story as I could but I couldnt add any more than I did because of the 500 word limit(mine was 493).

Anyway, to those that liked it, Im really happy you enjoyed it. Ive never shared my writing with anyone other than close friends so Ive been pretty nervous about it. And for those that didnt like it, that's ok. I did my best and it cant please everyone so Im happy with what I did.

Dear THALASI, I see that you do not know very much about the Solar System in which we are living. You say that there are no planets in our Solar System with asteroids as moons ! Look at Mars. Mars has two moon. Deimos and Phobos both are captured asteroid. Then there are massive numbers of asteroid in orbit around Jupiter. Saturn is in possession of a very prominant Ring System composed of billions of asteroid. The outer planets Uranus and Neptune are no doubt also surrounded by asteroids too. An "asteroid" is bigger than a "meteor" but smaller than a "planet". Asteroid are irregular in shape where as planets are sphere in shape.

Congratulations on being the winner. Here is copy of my entry which I insert for your pleasure. It is based on real science which I was reading about a while back. A scientist (Seattle - Washington State University) wrote a controversial peer to peer paper on how life might evolve on Cold Planets, of which there are vaste numbers relative to the warmer more Earth like.

"In a cosmos that is infinite and eternal, there in the possibilities are unlimited. With this in mind we approached the planet we were assigned to explore. We were nevertheless surprised by what we found. The planet is cold and although “dry” still there exist abundant vegetation and animal due to the life being well evolved to thrive in this cold world. The temperatures are below zero centigrade at all times, but the life forms are containing Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2 in their cell structures and thus do not freeze until temperatures get below minus 55*C. Also the DNA contains arsenic rather than phosphorus. Thus these creatures are alive even though to our mind they aught to be “frozen” solid. Arsenic is more volatile than phosphorus. This planet is below zero centigrade at all times and can be as cold as minus 100*C. Thus we were required to wear protective suits especially created for our mission. The atmosphere is adequately rich in breathable oxygen so that we were not required to carry oxygen cylinders. However, we felt it to be a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality. The central star of this system is called PAXIMADIA and this particular planet is designation 5 in that system. It has three moons but these are only asteroid. To our utter amazement we discovered that there exist an advanced civilization of indigenous life form. We immediately put our star ship computers to work on the task of computing a translation of their literature. They do not speak, however communicate using a system of hieroglyphic some what similar to Chinese back on earth before the great war which unfortunately caused such great loss to the cultural richness of our own world. Long live the Federation ! So we had a problem relating to these symbols. We would have to learn to draw them if we are going to be entering into communication. We recommend that specialists be trained to learn these skills. Working in such a cold environment is not very interesting and might result in health problems. Biologically this planet is interesting in that it is a strictly feminine domain. Reproduction is by “asexual” mode. That is “Immaculate Conception”. The eggs are incubated in a hatchery. The young spend their entire life never knowing their exact parent. They are basically all identical in appearance with only very minor differences. Interestingly therefore this planet is extremely peaceful in its history. Community is paramount. They communicated to us that they have never experienced conflict. Of course “never” is a very long time. So we might discover that they are not really so peaceful as they are making themselves out to be. Caution is advised. Since it is very difficult to identify exactly who it is that we are dealing with, we therefore observe that these creatures do not seem to have any political hierarchy. They seem to have a collective intelligence. They do not think independently. They are as cells of the one organism. Thus whoever of their kind might be with us, that one, no matter who it is, nevertheless be able to perform the diplomatic role of communicating for their species. Thus the words “Take me to your leader” are out of place in this mysterious and very strange place. Due to the arsenic in their DNA, which enables them to be alive at temperatures well below zero centigrade, the plants and animals of this planet are poisonous to our phosphorous-based metabolism. This is just a preliminary report. Our team will soon be re-assigned. The follow up team will be better equipped and will stay for ten times longer. I wish them well and look forward to reading their report in due course. I am strangely drawn to this cold world. We human will never be able to live here, but we have much we can learn from these creatures. End of Report." Copyright (c) NGL 2009

http://www.myspace.com/caelenium
http://spaces.msn.com/members/893893
http://vampirefreaks.com/Caelenium

01603 762440

Neil Gideon Love (BA Fine Art)
11 Talbot Square
Saint Crispins Road
Norwich Norfolk
NR3-3AN England
The British Isles UK

loveyowei94@hotmail.com
n.g.love@btinternet.com

AVE RAEGINA CAELINA LA DEUS NOSTRA CAELI LA VERA DEUS (tm)

[Thalasi]

Dear THALASI, I see that you do not know very much about the Solar System in which we are living. You say that there are no planets in our Solar System with asteroids as moons ! Look at Mars. Mars has two moon. Deimos and Phobos both are captured asteroid. Then there are massive numbers of asteroid in orbit around Jupiter. Saturn is in possession of a very prominant Ring System composed of billions of asteroid. The outer planets Uranus and Neptune are no doubt also surrounded by asteroids too. An "asteroid" is bigger than a "meteor" but smaller than a "planet". Asteroid are irregular in shape where as planets are sphere in shape.

I was inaccurate in saying their were no asteroids orbiting planets when I meant asteroid belts(which I did clarify later in that sentence in relation to the Star Trek universe). However, although Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus have many moons which have been captured in orbit they are considered irregular satellites and never referred to as an asteroid belt. Furthermore, the rings of the various planets are not made up of billions of asteroids as you said but of mostly very small particles. For instance, the rings of Saturn are mostly ice while the others are mostly dust.

In any event the whole thing is open to interpretation when considering the only difference between some moons and an asteroid is nothing but semantics so I dont mind saying that I could be entirely wrong depending on who you ask.

[SenshiBat]

Say there have you gotten the custon Avatar yet just curious what it looks like..

[Jadetalon01]

That was a great story, it reminds me of my older brother who could just come up with a great body to a title of a story given to him; you did a great job worthy of the prize

[Azurian]

I was inaccurate in saying their were no asteroids orbiting planets when I meant asteroid belts(which I did clarify later in that sentence in relation to the Star Trek universe). However, although Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus have many moons which have been captured in orbit they are considered irregular satellites and never referred to as an asteroid belt. Furthermore, the rings of the various planets are not made up of billions of asteroids as you said but of mostly very small particles. For instance, the rings of Saturn are mostly ice while the others are mostly dust.

Not true, the outer edge of Saturn's rings are house-sized objects, which get smaller and smaller until you get to the dust-sized particles in the Inner rings.

In my own story, I used those asteriods saying it was from the remnant of the planet's moon that was destroyed by gravitational stress caused by a failed quantum fillament experiement.

[Eidolonael]

It's Friday... where are those runner-ups?

[Sheftu]

This is my entry:

www.sheftu.net/pictures/emangry.jpg

It's a lot less then 500 words, but I wanted to make it look like the PADD of a Star Trek science officer who just finished the exploration of a new culture on this planet, so I focused more on the presentation of my entry and its originality and creativity then on telling a whole story.

Notes:

The padd itself is photoshopped - I admit, I was a little... eh... creative with its colors, but I used a original screenshot as reference. :)
I let me inspire by the blue nebula on the opposite side of the planet and its striking red color.
"Emangry" is a acronym of "Germany", "Benlarbesit" and "Tzifretie" came from "Arbeitsleben" (= working life) and "Freizeit" (= leisure time).

[Marvelbeast]

My story wasn't eligible to win because I'm in the UK. Shame I spent the time writing it and sending it in before they told us but I don't mind so much because the winner was so much better then mine anyway :) Congrats

Here it is if anyone is interested:

The Cretoirians made every effort to make us welcome and to enjoy the resources of their planet but it was obvious that they were not as caring towards their home world it as they were towards us.

The atmosphere can sustain humanoid life but only just. Even short exposure would prove extremely hazardous according to our chief medical officer, Am’Jel. It contains toxins such as heavy metals and ionic particles. Crewmembers were advised to stay indoors when visiting the planet.

Our hosts seemed unconcerned about their predicament; in fact upon investigation it was obvious that the manufacturing plants on Cretoiri were exacerbating the problem. Buildings we visited were full of devices of various designs. Some appeared to have a use such as entertainment or media storage but many seemed to be there just to enhance the décor.

As in all first contact situations every effort was made not to upset diplomatic relations but I felt there was no option but to ask Darrcoi, the ambassador, why such damage had been caused to Cretoiri. Instead of being offended Darrcoi was thrilled at our interest in the pollution. He informed us that this was intentional.

Centuries ago, when Cretoiri was still a developing world, the H’Arca, an advanced race, visited the planet. They provided the Cretoirians with many new technologies including replicators and transporters. This wonderful new machinery led to the emergence of a religion, one that worshiped technology. Devotion required that you owned the latest devices and strived to attain as many as possible.

This behaviour caused Cretoiri to deteriorate rapidly. Within a century life became difficult to sustain and pollution was killing many. Without discovering their own technology, the Cretoirians were unable to rectify the problems it caused. When it appeared that life could get no worse the H’Arca returned.

Shocked at what they found the H’Arca began repairing the eco-systems of Cretoiri. They reintroduced animal and plant species that had become extinct. After several decades the world was again lush and green as well as providing food and clean air. Before they left 250 years ago they provided even more new technology.

The Cretoirians have destroyed many of their planet’s resources because they believe that the H’Arca will return when the planet’s health again reaches a point where they are needed. The Cretoirians are certain that this is what they are expected to do by their benefactors. We offered our assistance with removing the pollution but this was refused as to do so would show a lack of faith in the H’Arca.

Before leaving, we provided them with media from Earth’s twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Included were many records that dealt with the pollutants of the period as well as what remedial action was taken. We hope that should the H’Arca never return the Cretoirians will attempt to deal with their problems themselves.

Seeing the effects first hand of providing a civilisation with advances that they are not ready to understand demonstrates the necessity for the prime directive.

[Selenium]

I was inaccurate in saying their were no asteroids orbiting planets when I meant asteroid belts(which I did clarify later in that sentence in relation to the Star Trek universe). However, although Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus have many moons which have been captured in orbit they are considered irregular satellites and never referred to as an asteroid belt. Furthermore, the rings of the various planets are not made up of billions of asteroids as you said but of mostly very small particles. For instance, the rings of Saturn are mostly ice while the others are mostly dust.

In any event the whole thing is open to interpretation when considering the only difference between some moons and an asteroid is nothing but semantics so I dont mind saying that I could be entirely wrong depending on who you ask.
Dear THALASI, I agree with you as regard to the problem of how we define what is an ASTEROID. As you probably already know for example there is presently a big debate going on as to wether PLUTO is just a "large asteroid" or a "small planet". As you said it is all about semantics. My personal definition is that "asteroids" are super abundant but are generally being called "large meteorites". This is due to the idea that only objects in the "Asteroid Belt" are asteroid. I however, see all large meteoric object as being "asteroid". But that is me. My definition. Others speak differently. It is great that you are thinking about space and I hope that you will have the chance to visit the Rings of Saturn personally so that you will be able to measure the size of the "particles" that consitute the rings and thus be able to make a less theoretical statement. As viewed from Earth the Rings of Saturn appear to be composed of "dust" but I suspect that when we actually go there we will be astounded to discover that the "particles" are actually MASSIVE in proportion. In my opinion any object larger than ONE KILOMETER in diameter is worthy of being given the ellustrious title of ASTEROID. Objects less than one kilometer are thus in my opinion mere meteoric. As viewed from Earth 34 million miles distant appearing to be near to Saturn in the constellation of LEO this FEBRUARY 24 you will be able to see COMET LULIN. Amazingly it is an object with a diameter equal to that of Jupiter ! Comets are increadable ! Interestingly comets vary in size. The larger and gravitationally profound comets like LULIN carry with them a whole flotilla of meteoric material some of which is asteroid in proportion and I have seen photographic evidences of "planets" in orbit around such larger comets as they plough through our Solar System. The Vatican Observatory is permanently dedicated to Comet Research. Best wishes. Enjoy the prizes. Always a friend. Live long and prosper.

[thefreshjedi]

Dear THALASI, I agree with you as regard to the problem of how we define what is an ASTEROID. As you probably already know for example there is presently a big debate going on as to wether PLUTO is just a "large asteroid" or a "small planet". As you said it is all about semantics. My personal definition is that "asteroids" are super abundant but are generally being called "large meteorites". This is due to the idea that only objects in the "Asteroid Belt" are asteroid. I however, see all large meteoric object as being "asteroid". But that is me. My definition. Others speak differently. It is great that you are thinking about space and I hope that you will have the chance to visit the Rings of Saturn personally so that you will be able to measure the size of the "particles" that consitute the rings and thus be able to make a less theoretical statement. As viewed from Earth the Rings of Saturn appear to be composed of "dust" but I suspect that when we actually go there we will be astounded to discover that the "particles" are actually MASSIVE in proportion. In my opinion any object larger than ONE KILOMETER in diameter is worthy of being given the ellustrious title of ASTEROID. Objects less than one kilometer are thus in my opinion mere meteoric. As viewed from Earth 34 million miles distant appearing to be near to Saturn in the constellation of LEO this FEBRUARY 24 you will be able to see COMET LULIN. Amazingly it is an object with a diameter equal to that of Jupiter ! Comets are increadable ! Interestingly comets vary in size. The larger and gravitationally profound comets like LULIN carry with them a whole flotilla of meteoric material some of which is asteroid in proportion and I have seen photographic evidences of "planets" in orbit around such larger comets as they plough through our Solar System. The Vatican Observatory is permanently dedicated to Comet Research. Best wishes. Enjoy the prizes. Always a friend. Live long and prosper.

All I can say to that silly argument is that If Phobos and Deimos are moons then pluto should be allowed to keep the title of Planet.


-avery

[AdmiralWynn]

It's Friday... where are those runner-ups?

Perhaps Awen can enlighten us as to the status of the runner-ups announcement...

[Flatfingers]

Perhaps Awen can enlighten us as to the status of the runner-ups announcement...

That, plus I'm looking forward to seeing Thalasi get that spifftacular new forum title.

It's funny the little things that can motivate people, isn't it?

--Flatfingers

[Highcommander]

That, plus I'm looking forward to seeing Thalasi get that spifftacular new forum title.

It's funny the little things that can motivate people, isn't it?

--Flatfingers

Not *funny* at all, I think that forum swag is great :) I would participate in contests, just for the chance at a cool title or signature :)

[AdmiralWynn]

That, plus I'm looking forward to seeing Thalasi get that spifftacular new forum title.

It's funny the little things that can motivate people, isn't it?

--Flatfingers

Not only Thalasi, but the two runners-up get the title unless I'm mistaken. "Explorer"- that's a fine title in recognition.

Should I not be chosen as a runner-up, I will post my story, as others have. I have had reservations about doing so until the announcement, however.

It's my understanding that the runners-up are already chosen, but that a tech glitch of some kind is holding up the announcement. Again, possibly Awen can give us an update.

[Indigo87]

I hope I would end up as a runner up, simply because i accidentally deleted my story after posting. Though I seriously doubt it, rather than a fact filled story like the winner, my story was all for entertainment value. Imagine a Star Trek episode directed by the guys from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and you might get a story like mine.

[indelible]

It was a good entry :-)

I'm intrigued to know when Cryptic will post the runner up entries? It's a lot past, "next week," now :-)

[AdmiralWynn]

It was a good entry :-)

I'm intrigued to know when Cryptic will post the runner up entries? It's a lot past, "next week," now :-)

The contest winners were originally supposed to be announced Feb. 3, if I remember correctly. ;D

[Flatfingers]

Ah, well -- at least it seems Thalasi has been granted the newest forum title: "Great Explorer!" (Exclamation mark included. :) )

Congrats again, Thalasi!

--Flatfingers

[AdmiralWynn]

Ah, well -- at least it seems Thalasi has been granted the newest forum title: "Great Explorer!" (Exclamation mark included. :) )

Congrats again, Thalasi!

--Flatfingers

Well now that IS some movement forward, and I too offer congrats anew to Thalasi! Fine work indeed!

Would I prefer the title Great Explorer! ... or even just Explorer (if that's what runners-up get) to Senior Member? You betcha!

The wait continues.... &/

EDIT: On further consideration, and not knowing if it will hurt or help my chances, I have posted my entry in the Holodeck section in Zott's 'Planet Contest Entries' thread... for those interested. Feedback welcome, 'specially if you like it.

[Sheftu]

If it's so complicated to post the entries of the two runner-ups, maybe it's possible to announce their names at least?

[Nelson]

good job man, it was a good read.....

[AdmiralWynn]

good job man, it was a good read.....

Thanks, it was fun to write. As others have commented, it's hard to fit it all into a 500-word format. As you see, I went heavy on the dialog to tell the story.

I have to agree with Sheftu, btw. Tomorrow will be one month since the original date that was to see the winner (who turned out to be Thalasi) and runners-up be announced... STILL no runners-up.

One month! Awen, are you there? Wassup with the contest?

[Lance_Maddison]

Maybe we're all runners up.

Group hug!

:o

[AdmiralWynn]

Maybe we're all runners up.

Group hug!

:o

Awen said there were two runners-up chosen already. That was Feb. 20... Guess Awen doesn't have to show us no steenkin' runners-up.

[SteveTheMeek]

Awen said there were two runners-up chosen already. That was Feb. 20... Guess Awen doesn't have to show us no steenkin' runners-up.

lol!!!
yea, ya heard me, contestants, supporters, fans, aficionados, future customers, up yours! Ya dirty rats!

[indelible]

I bet you they lost all of the entries and they are too afraid of a community backlash if they admit it...

I'd rather them tell us why they haven't posted the runner up entries rather than stay totally quiet.

[AdmiralWynn]

I bet you they lost all of the entries and they are too afraid of a community backlash if they admit it...

I'd rather them tell us why they haven't posted the runner up entries rather than stay totally quiet.

Your theory is as good as any, Indy. Like you, I feel even a few words on this topic would dispell the odium that this planet contest has left in its wake. To put it more simply, it stinks.

Come on, Awen. One line of type takes less than a minute.

The continued silence does not bode well.

[STO]

Your theory is as good as any, Indy. Like you, I feel even a few words on this topic would dispell the odium that this planet contest has left in its wake. To put it more simply, it stinks.

Come on, Awen. One line of type takes less than a minute.

The continued silence does not bode well.

perhaps they have chosen a few entries and after the continued harassment and whining by one or both of the winners have decided to look again at the entries. I know If I had to put up with the frequent "Come on" 's and "who won already" 's I would be too disgusted to satisfy those requests. I am sure when they are ready to, they will update us with the runner up entries.

[AdmiralWynn]

perhaps they have chosen a few entries and after the continued harassment and whining by one or both of the winners have decided to look again at the entries. I know If I had to put up with the frequent "Come on" 's and "who won already" 's I would be too disgusted to satisfy those requests. I am sure when they are ready to, they will update us with the runner up entries.

LOL! Since when is asking Cryptic to live up to their promises "whining" or "harassment"?

A lot of us entered the planet contest in good faith. The winners, including the runners-up, were supposed to be announced nearly 5 weeks ago. As this thread clearly shows, the contest was attended by numerous irregularities, not just this bizarre current prolonged silence.

Sure I'd like to be a runner-up, though I don't expect to. But the bigger issue is plain: If this is how Cryptic intends to operate, I contend it demonstrates notable failings in implementation and oversight in Cryptic's public relations, and that there is room for improvement to say the least.

This much is clear: In you, STO, Cryptic has found a steadfast friend.

[Llewelyn]

sooooo we've yet to hear who the runners up are, and I thought we were going to be doing a planetary exploration contest each month... Regardless, the "creative writing" contest is back, AND STILL NO RUNNERS UP! This is most disconcerting...:mad:

[startrekrpg.com]

Kinda sucks for those of us who were notified we were runner ups. I wouldn't have minded having my forum name appended. I've emailed them about it - no response.
I'm not going to participate in this new one. I've got some good ideas - but it kinda zaps your interest when you get ignored/flipped off like that.

[Counselor_Zexx]

Kinda sucks for those of us who were notified we were runner ups. I wouldn't have minded having my forum name appended. I've emailed them about it - no response.
I'm not going to participate in this new one. I've got some good ideas - but it kinda zaps your interest when you get ignored/flipped off like that.

Congrats on your win! That's awesome. Totally post your winning entry in the Holodeck for us to read. That's great!

Now on to the Alien ID contest. You gotta ask yourself what are your goals for writing a (blessedly) short piece of fan fiction. Sure a Beta slot would be nice. But why not write it for yourself, for your own sense of creative achievement and for enriching the growing community here in the STO forums.

I'd hope you wouldn't snub the developers who (for whatever reason) hit a bump in the road with the last contest. Instead create an original piece that will really knock their socks off this time. Seeing as you were already named a runner up, I'm sure a 2nd story would be really great.

Lets not feel any sort of obligation - because honestly they don't owe us anything at this point. instead lets work with what we're given and show the devs that we're as flexible and understanding of the actual game making process as it unfolds.

Not all of us are upset with the delays and such. Keep up the great work Awen and Devs. And more contests! LOL

[AdmiralWynn]

Kinda sucks for those of us who were notified we were runner ups. I wouldn't have minded having my forum name appended. I've emailed them about it - no response.
I'm not going to participate in this new one. I've got some good ideas - but it kinda zaps your interest when you get ignored/flipped off like that.

Absolutely agree with you and Llewelyn.

Yesterday, in the 'Alien Identification Contest' thread, Awen posted for the first time since Feb. 20 about the runners-up awards:

"...the planet contest winners will be contacted privately since we're in a new contest. Like I said before, we had technical issues and I'd rather not clutter up this contest with the previous ones."

I responded that I had a final question (since Awen had responded in that thread)... would we be told WHEN the runners-up were "contacted privately", so the rest of us would get closure? No answer as yet.

Awen's title here is 'Online Community Lead', and with that kind of juice, Awen can afford to take a little heat. With power, responsibility should be a given. Unfortunately, Awen's belated response raises numerous other questions.


What kind of "technical issues" create this kind of problem in the first place?

Why the multi-weeks-long delay in even responding to those of us who are asking for answers?

Why should the start of a new contest preclude the announcement of runners-up winners?

Why announce the first place winner, publish his story, and not do the same with the two runners-up at the same time?

Will runners-up be allowed to post their stories after they are contacted?

Will the runners-up still get their 'Explorer' title, and will this be the only way we can find out who they were?


Like you, count me out on entering any more contests here for the time being. This isn't 'Star Trek'... to me, it's more like 'The Twilight Zone.'

[Counselor_Zexx]

Like you, count me out on entering any more contests here for the time being. This isn't 'Star Trek'... to me, it's more like 'The Twilight Zone.'

No offense. But you seem to be taking this whole thing really personally. I'd guess you didn't get an email saying you won anything. You haven't paid a single penny for this game. I just don't see what your stake in this argument is going further -- other than arguing for the sake of keeping the argument going.

Which isn't very Federation like behavior.

Sometimes its simply best to put stuff behind you and look to the future. New contests! New content! New stories! Help build a forum instead of tear it down, you know brother?

[startrekrpg.com]

I may post another story. Just kinda zapped me in some way. I'm not slighting them -- just disappointed. ST:O didn't even reply back to an email I sent a week ago (in response to the email they sent me notifying me of the runner up).
I was also hoping to read some of the other stories that were very good. I don't have a lot of time to spend on here, but I like being as involved as I can.
You're right that they don't owe the fans here anything. But common courtesy and a few minutes of your time goes a long, long way. It's been mentioned many times before - but many people are interested in the problems.
It's funny, because there's probably enough talent here to tell them how to fix the problem. I'd imagine it's a 'technical' issue with not knowing how to customize the forums (which look to be an out-of-the-box solution like vBulletin).

[Sarile]

Live Long and Prosper!

[indelible]

I don't think anyone has taken this personally. I think that the lack of communication from Cryptic for weeks after they were supposed to announce the runners up followed by a small foot note by Awen in a completely different thread is (a) insulting to everyone who was waiting to hear how things were going on and (b) really bad Public Relations.

For a Community Manager, Awen has done pretty well but this represents a break in that almost-spotless track record and I pray Cryptic do their best to avoid this in the future.

[startrekrpg.com]

Agreed. It's been done well for the most part. It was just frustrating having to spend time trying to find answers and mostly just speculation. Would have been nice to have an announcement in an easy to find location - or a follow up email or something.

[SirReginaldo]

Whats the big deal guys? Are you super sad that you did not win? Suck it up cause life is like that:mad: Im going to say this once and please do not take offense. You sound really childish complaining like this! Its true. From Awens perspective, he knows what he did, and yes it was a mistake, but there is a point at which you stop beating the dead animal (the animal being this website you guys love to use to complain on). Stop whinning, cause you ruin it for everyone else:mad:
Next time some one wins, congrats are in order, and for all you know, it is you(the reader):eek: Everyone has an equal chance to win this prize, and grats to who ever does!! Until we know, have some fun. You can hope it is you, I am not trying to kill anyones fun, just remind you that what you say on this forum actually has an affect on fellow members. Now quit being a downer, and lighten up! I love this community, but you guys just need to get out of this negative rut!

That is all, and feel free to throw words if you feel I have offended you. This was never intended as a insult, however a cold slap to the face with the book of reality:p

Oh yah: this is for those who it pertains too. I have read like every post on this thread, which has nothing in its descritption about it being for complaining.

[indelible]

Whats the big deal guys? Are you super sad that you did not win? Suck it up cause life is like that:mad: Im going to say this once and please do not take offense. You sound really childish complaining like this! Its true. From Awens perspective, he knows what he did, and yes it was a mistake, but there is a point at which you stop beating the dead animal (the animal being this website you guys love to use to complain on). Stop whinning, cause you ruin it for everyone else:mad:
Next time some one wins, congrats are in order, and for all you know, it is you(the reader):eek: Everyone has an equal chance to win this prize, and grats to who ever does!! Until we know, have some fun. You can hope it is you, I am not trying to kill anyones fun, just remind you that what you say on this forum actually has an affect on fellow members. Now quit being a downer, and lighten up! I love this community, but you guys just need to get out of this negative rut!

Your point is flawed in that no one is actually whining. The only posts I have seen so far have (rightfully) pointed out that the runners up were supposed to be revealed publicly a week after the initial winner was announced and they never were. Add that to the already stretched point that Awen then went and announced that the runners up had (a) been notified privately and (b) would not be revealed publicly by Cryptic in an arguably completely unrelated thread that was not being watch for news about this particular contest and you should be able to see - without much lateral think - why some of us are a tad annoyed about the whole fiasco.

And let me make it clear now, it was a fiasco. There are many things that could have been done to alleviate our frustrations but nothing was said for so long the we began to get a little annoyed at being offhanded like we were.

If you seriously think rightfully criticising a fault is putting a whole black cloud over the community, then you really have a skewed perspective on this. If we don't criticise even the smallest of problems, you leave room for bigger problems in the future. All that we have done is said, "hey, Cryptic! What happened here was wrong and shouldn't happen again!" I'm pretty sure that no one at Cryptic or in the community as a whole is taking that as completely out of order and - if I the roles were swapped - I'd be thankful that the community were taking so much of an interest that they notice the little things.

I think that the people who are complaining here have been very, very reserved. We have kept it to this thread and this thread alone. We have constructively pointed out the problem and even pitched some ideas as to how we could be appeased should this happen in the future. We haven't started any QQ threads and we have been polite and respectful of the position Awen and Cryptic are in. Nobody has blown this out of proportion so far as I can see. That is simply a testimony to how much we all care about STO and the community surrounding it and is in no way the, "negative rut," you label it.

That is all, and feel free to throw words if you feel I have offended you. This was never intended as a insult, however a cold slap to the face with the book of reality:p

Oh yah: this is for those who it pertains too. I have read like every post on this thread, which has nothing in its descritption about it being for complaining.

I'm sorry but no cold slap on the face was achieved. You've actually gone and taken a fairly lax conversation and blown it out of all proportion on your own :s

[Counselor_Zexx]

Shovel? Check...

Hole? Already there. Check...

Deeper and deeper and deeper... check.

Hah. Give it a rest.

[STO]

No offense. But you seem to be taking this whole thing really personally. I'd guess you didn't get an email saying you won anything. You haven't paid a single penny for this game. I just don't see what your stake in this argument is going further -- other than arguing for the sake of keeping the argument going.

Which isn't very Federation like behavior.

Sometimes its simply best to put stuff behind you and look to the future. New contests! New content! New stories! Help build a forum instead of tear it down, you know brother?

omg i love you :P

[Azurian]

It's been a month and a half since the Planet Exploration Contest, Admiral. At this point, I doubt she ever will tell us who the runners-up were. Frankly, I don't see why not, because it would only take a moment to look at the notes and post it online.

I'm not sure what kind of chaos goes across her desk as a Community Relations Manager for Cryptic, but judging from personal experience in similar fields (for the USAF), she's simply overloaded. (Or by their twitters, they too busy playing STO and not doing their jobs. :p)

Since I don't know what's really going on, all I can suggest to you Awen, get yourself an assistant and delegate some of that workload.

[AdmiralWynn]

It's been a month and a half since the Planet Exploration Contest, Admiral. At this point, I doubt she ever will tell us who the runners-up were. Frankly, I don't see why not, because it would only take a moment to look at the notes and post it online.

I'm not sure what kind of chaos goes across her desk as a Community Relations Manager for Cryptic, but judging from personal experience in similar fields (for the USAF), she's simply overloaded. (Or by their twitters, they too busy playing STO and not doing their jobs. :p)

Since I don't know what's really going on, all I can suggest to you Awen, get yourself an assistant and delegate some of that workload.

I believe at least one runner-up came forward, but last I looked had not gotten the title in their signature. If I remember correctly, it was in the holo-deck section of the forums.

Rightly or wrongly, I feel it needs to be said loudly, and often, that in her tone and management of these contests, Awen has soured a lot of people. You can only mess up so many times before it's obvious you are in the wrong job.

[Jenshae]

Calling for a resignation or someone to be fired? I don't like that tone. To me it pressumes too much. It is her bosses decision and I wouldn't be surprised if they took exception to this. Let them manage their staff issues, we are clearly not happy. That should suffice.

Consider the job, Public Relations. Creating relationships, trying to impress people, being friendly. Hardly something that draws logical or law and rule followers. It is a personality job. Though a lot of that comes across differently in text.
(Even this last bit does not carry my meaning well, time for me to go to bed.)

[Azurian]

I believe at least one runner-up came forward, but last I looked had not gotten the title in their signature. If I remember correctly, it was in the holo-deck section of the forums.

Rightly or wrongly, I feel it needs to be said loudly, and often, that in her tone and management of these contests, Awen has soured a lot of people. You can only mess up so many times before it's obvious you are in the wrong job.

Saying that, makes me remember how the Verent Staff (before Sony) handled the Best of the Best Contests in Everquest.

I remember I encured some serious faction hits with friendly races and the said they would restore my character, and they never did. Some factions took months to get back, others I never did.


There is a old saying, "Do as you say, and say what you do".

[AdmiralWynn]

Calling for a resignation or someone to be fired? I don't like that tone. To me it pressumes too much. It is her bosses decision and I wouldn't be surprised if they took exception to this. Let them manage their staff issues, we are clearly not happy. That should suffice.

Consider the job, Public Relations. Creating relationships, trying to impress people, being friendly. Hardly something that draws logical or law and rule followers. It is a personality job. Though a lot of that comes across differently in text.
(Even this last bit does not carry my meaning well, time for me to go to bed.)

As you can see from the games I've played (in my sig) I've been around the block in MMO's. But in the 80's (awwk, I'm getting old) I was in radio for ten years, running contests, interacting with people all day, doing PR, etc.

It's sad but true... I've never seen contests run so badly anywhere, anytime, as this gang does. Cryptic breaks their own rules, then punishes their community for reacting with honest anger... unbelievable, unforgivable arrogance. Awen has the nerve to lecture us like children. If I'm her boss, and I see the way she fails at her job, she's gone! Clean out your desk, here's your check for the last two weeks.

These days, corporate America seems to just give bonuses when you fail. If you fail again, more bonuses. I suppose the model is like a monarchy or a dictatorship: Big Brother is always right.

It just ain't right, in my opinion.

[startrekrpg.com]

I worked in radio too. PR to boot. I would agree that the first contest wasn't handled well (and as a runner up I am of course very disappointed). I would agree with Wynn that it would only take a moment to let people know who the runner's up were in the first contest. And, presumably, since they have been able to fix the technical problems (as they are now awarding runner ups) I don't understand why they wouldn't fix the flop by simply announcing the two winners and adding the forum titles.
However - someone's resignation is a serious thing. One mistake isn't enough. Perhaps it is big. Perhaps even repetitive. But whomever Awen reports to must make that decision. Before something as severe as that occurs, I hope that there is at the very least an opportunity for Awen to make good on any mistakes.
Yet that too is a lot to ask. If Awen is more responsibly running the new contests that is enough (though ultimately not the desired outcome). However, from a personal standpoint, if I were Awen I would try to publicly make good on any mistakes. It may have costs more than some have realized (though I'm sure that Cryptic has an idea). For one, I spend less time engaging in this community (I used to post much more frequently - now only coming back every couple of weeks - and even then just checking a few things out).
Others too may have been put off in participating in contests because of the lack of consistency. Some in the community cry "heretic" or "whiner" to someone who has lost enthusiasm. But I've seen it many times before. I was involved in a radio startup that had similiar problems. First promising one thing, and then unable to deliver. That radio station went belly up. Listeners stopped attending events. Ratings dropped - which then meant money did too. The trick to successfully running any PR campaign (essentially what this website is designed to do until launch) is to promise one thing and deliver that and more. In the first contest that did not happen. In fact, the mark was missed by a long shot. That's left a lot of people not really interested in investing a lot into something they can't be sure about. Not to mention the already long history of this game's release (one broken promise after another). Some of us have just decided that it's better just to participate a little more in real life and find other creative outlets.
As cryptic moves forward with these contests (and everything else) it will be that much more important that they show consistency and earnest. Then they can earn back what they've lost and some will find their way back to trust.
I for one have been disappointed with the outcome of the first contest. But the second contest looks much brighter. I can't altogether say that I've been disappointed that I've found other creative outlets either.

[AdmiralWynn]

This would now seem to be the default spot, for obvious reasons, for any further discussions regarding how Cryptic handles their contests, and how they handle boardmembers who have issues. This last is touchy; choose your words very wisely.

I'm no Johnny-come-lately, as I've been outspoken around this for some time... as this thread clearly shows.
Since a hard line is being enforced by the Cryptic staff, I'd also suggest we keep it civil.

The last couple days have been rough. I've made my feelings known, as have others. As always, I'm most interested in those that have not yet weighed in.