Wallace Stevens broke his hand punching Hemingway in the jaw. Hemingway slugged him back.
Basic rules so far:
- How to challenge: Call them out in this forum. The words "I challenge thee" must be included in the challenge in order for it to be considered valid.
- The Prompt: first person to respond to the challengers' announcement issues the prompt.
- Establish deadline... first draft 7 days from initial challenge. Final draft 14 days from initial challenge. (If everyone is open to getting a little frisky, we can cut that down to say, 4 and 8 days).
- In honor of cowboywerewolf's pun, put Beyond Thunderdome before the title of the challenge so they're easy to find in the Browse Submission section. ex. Beyond Thunderdome: Me vs. You
- Submission must be less than 2,500 words (so people will actually review it).
- Let people know about the challenge in the Author Agenda section, so they'll review both challengers' responses (and promise the full 3 points).
- Highest overall star rating wins.
- Don't get your feelings hurt.
These rules are meant as a guideline so feel free to negotiate with your opponent. Some battlers are buying the winner a book of choice.
And if you're interested, the full account of the Wallace Stevens - Hemingway brawl can be read here: http://www.kwls.org/littoral/ernest_hemingway_knocked_walla/
A literary cage fight of sorts.
Look guys, can't we just get beyond Thunderdome?
Seriously, you have NO IDEA how long I've waited for an opportunity to make that joke. Several years at least.
To answer your question seriously, though, judging would be easy enough, you just use the rating system that's already in place, advertise on the forums and promise the full six points for every one who reads/comments on both.
It may undermine the intent of the community somewhat, but as long as everyone kept it in the spirit of good fun, I don't know that it would be that much of a problem. You'd need to set specfic time limits... first draft must be uploaded by X time on Y date, etc, but it's doable.
Why do I like the idea? And how does this work?
Well theres the workshop and the prompt challenge thread but I'm down with whatever the concept is here.
This a good alternative to the other prompt thread because that one seems to crash and burn when everybody gets too involved with other projects. I approve of the above method.
I'll see how it works and then I'll play... But you mean a person will challenge a specific other person? Will there be a slap in the face to go along with it?
Can't wait for this to catch on!
Let's get ready to rumblllllllllllllllllllllle!
Sounds fun First I want to see this in action.
So its whoever writes the most transgressive piece or which one people like more? Ok, I challenge jack's_username and the writing prompt is...bizarre encounter in a nightclub setting.
Oh wait, I challenge thee jacks_username. So I don't get to pick the prompt?
Will there be a slap in the face to go along with it?
I will try to work out the logistics for this. Coming soon.
I accept. I like the new spin on the workshop. The rules were a bit confusing at first but now I get it.
I challenge thee aliensoul77.
This sounds awesome! I approve.
The writing prompt is a slap and flowers???
@Aliensoul Make it interesting, man! Take this prompt and blow us away with it.
Or, alternatively, Jacks_Username can take this prompt and blow us away with it. I'm not picking sides!
Okay ill try but a slap and flowers reminds me of bad romantic comedies.
I'm making the best of it. Actually it makes it more challenging. So will there be more contenders or is everyone waiting to see how this pans out first?
Oh, snap! Another challenge!
I already started writing something.
Wait, does this mean I get to issue the prompt? Um, um... if that's the case, um....
@David and Renfield The prompt is:
Character A has died before his time. Literally--the Afterlife isn't ready for him. Detail how this person's case is handled by the folks running the Afterlife.
This death must be a ridiculous one.
2,500 words or less.
Afterlife can be whatever you want. Heaven and Hell, the Underworld, Hades' Inn, whatever. Be creative.
Go!
Damnit, I accept. Can I counter your prompt with something else to include though?
^Explain!
I thought of that before your challenge posted though. I forget who is issuing prompts here. But I thought an "I see your prompt, and raise you this'un" (as in, both would be used to inspire the story) would be a good twist. I didn't actually think up a good counter-prompt yet though.
Someone explain the rules again. This time write it like one would write a children's book, so that my brain can better comprehend the proper dueling procedure. Maybe include characters. Or fuzzy forest creatures. No rhyming, please.
A third member picks the prompt I think.
You guys are hilarious! I am completely mesmerized by that S. L. Jackson clip........
The loser should have to buy the winner a book of their choice.
@ David & @misskokamon OMG! Can I pick the prompt??
2,500 words or less. The main character's mother dies on their birthday. And you must have a cake. GO!
this is the best thread since the slicedbread.com thread died about 4 years ago.... you may be gone, but we will NEVER forget thee.
This is a brilliant idea. Should be a lot of fun to watch. Does anyone know if there are any Vegas bookies taking action on this?
If you awake to find your fingers mysteriously severed and you cannot type, do I win by default?
^^ I say yes. That seems fair. Unless of course they have some sort of voice recognition software, in which case there is still a chance.
So I will have to break their computer as well? I mean, it will mysteriously become bashed in. Duly noted.
@David but didn't you already challenge someone else? Someone is getting a bit challenge happy!
But if it is allowed, then I ACCEPT.