Green Room - Week 14 - Day 8

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

If you missed last night's post - it's Contestant Only voting mayhem!! http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/756961.html


Two of your fellow contestants have posted an alphabetized list of the entries for your clicking pleasure (If anyone else posts one, let me know and I'll make that one available as well):

http://karmasoup.livejournal.com/38075.html

and http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/756961.html?thread=74883297#t74883297

That should make it a little easier on you!

***

I had a question poised to me yesterday, and I'm going to spin and twist it around a little and throw it back into the shark pool.

What do you think makes for a "Good Idol contestant"?
What qualities do they possess, and given what is going on right now - how much does that impact your decision on who to vote for?

Especially given that you only have 30 spots, are you more likely to cast votes for people you *don't* think will have as much support, to keep them safe because you want to keep reading them OR someone you "know" will be getting a lot of votes because they "usually do"?

Comments

[karmasoup.livejournal.com]

First? Well, this is a rare first for me.

[dreamsreflected.livejournal.com]

yay first!! *throws confetti*

[dreamsreflected.livejournal.com]

In my humble opinion a good contestant is well rounded and the winner is not usually the best writer of the bunch but the most effective at getting votes, which is why contestant only voting is somewhat brilliant, it curbs the popularity contest at least a little.

I personally am likely to vote on any given week for the writing I found most entertaining/moving whatever wow'd me from one week to the next. On a week like this there is definitely some temptation to ignore that superstars however and vote for the more unknown contestants because I like to champion the underdog and to some extent it feel like if we all generally know say (insert usernamehere) is amazing and will likely not be voted off the island this week a vote for (them) might be better spent by me on someone else with less of a chance of moving forward... of course if we all follow that logic the superstars do get voted out... hmmmmm I need more coffee.

[theun4givables.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I might go with voting for those who've consistently entertained me, then fill in a bit with those who I've enjoyed periodically throughout the season. I don't want to be handing Gary a very small list, but I don't want to inflate it with "fake" votes, either.

Either way, the list will be first populated with those entries I enjoyed this week. From there I can decide if I want to add a few names or not. :)

[theun4givables.livejournal.com]

I think a good idol contestant is one that loves the game for what it is and makes it into what they'd like it to be. :) They take it as seriously as they want to, enjoy themselves, and bring joy to other contestants.

I don't know how I'm going to approach voting, knowing I have "only" 30 slots. I might be more lax (I don't think I've voted for 30 people at a time all season -- when I voted at all, that is) to fill those 30 slots. I might just be as tough as usual and note my maybe's as y's, this go around. I have plenty of time to read, though, which will help give me time to determine how I want to play this. ;)

Either way, I won't be trying to be strategic about it -- ie, vote for who I think I myself might have a better chance against. Because really, where's the fun in that? lol

[karmasoup.livejournal.com]

Hear hear on that definition. I would even go so far as to say that applies to a lot of life, as well.

[joyfulfeather.livejournal.com]

A good idol contestant, in addition to what some other people have said, doesn't start shit for no good reason. Enjoy the game or don't, but don't dampen other people's fun.

As for voting, I don't strategize. I just vote for entries I like. "Maybes" can get swayed by other factors, like how much I've liked their previous entries.

[karmasoup.livejournal.com]

I'm with you on both counts there, though, it's easy enough to avoid the drama, but then, you miss out on the community element, too. But, on the other note, I keep a running tally of how often I vote for each contestant. Helps with those on the fence moments.

[kehlen-crow.livejournal.com]

This "knowing" that someone will get enough votes, it's a really dangerous thing. That I think was how both the kids got voted out in the 2 poll: because I think that a lot of people thought that "oh, they are sure to be voted for" and were not careful enough to cast their votes.

So I am going to do the same I always do: read the entries, and sort them into my five categories:
- did not like at all;
- did not like much but well, ok,
- liked;
- liked a lot;
- liked a lot and will recommend.

Normally, the last two categories cover 20-30 people.

I don't know what I am going to do if the entries of people whose writing I generally like will be in just the "liked" category this week though. I have never yet made it as far as a "contestant-only" week (due to byeing out).


As for the "good contestant". I think it's one who tries to read as many entries as possible, and comment. Or at the very least one who answers comments left to their own Idol entries.

As for the Green Room (seeing as I only ever skim it myseelf :) ) it certainly serves to get to know people better, but participating there does not influence my opinion on who is a good contestant and who is not.

[kandigurl.livejournal.com]

You've got two more categories than I do. :) Maybe I should add the in-between positions...I've got "did not like at all", "liked", and "would recommend".

[anyonesghost.livejournal.com]

I think a good Idol contestant is someone who connects with the people around them -- through their writing and through social engagement. Could be Comments, could be Editing / Beta, could be Green Room. And I personally think the best contestants are the ones who play to play, rather than play to win.

Not that anyone signs up to play to lose, of course, but anyone who pulls out the tired reality show trope phrase, "I'm not in this to make friends!", well, you can kinda guess into which camp they fall.

As for voting ... I'll pick the people whose entries I really enjoyed this week. Not sure if I'll fill up my dance card or not, but I'm not putting a lot of Machiavellian thought into who gets a vote.

[kehlen-crow.livejournal.com]

who connects with the people around them -- through their writing and through social engagement
Very well said. And they do not need to show it very often either. But then they do it out of the blue and you see that they really try, and it's amazing.

[kittenboo.livejournal.com]

I don't really know what would constitute a good idol contestant, I've played different ways different seasons, and enjoyed watching how others have played. Even players I've found bothersome in that they purposely tried to create drama, I can appreciate what they are trying to do, stand out.

As for contestant only voting, I always vote the same. I read the entries and keep lists of what I would consider "great entries", "good entries", and "contestants I normally love to read but this week had an off week". And use those to decide my 30.

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

I'm with you in this.

[swirlsofblue.livejournal.com]

I don't know what makes anyone a 'good Idol contestant'. Maybe it's trying your best, maybe it's being involved, maybe it's helping each other. I think everyone has to decide for themselves how they behave and whether they're living up to their best 'Idol self'.

I think I'm going to decide who I vote for same as always at first; just by the ones I feel were good enough to deserve a vote. And then depending on whether that comes to less than or more than 30 entries decide what to do next. If it's under I'll consider adding people whose entries I liked in previous weeks and would like to read more of. If it's over that's going to be harder, I would probably take off the list the ones that I felt were not as great as the others rather than the ones who are sure to get votes, because we never know whether the ones 'sure to get votes' will actually get them.

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

I think there are probably as many answers to that question as there are contestants, wouldn't there be? ;-)

I've been very honest from the beginning that I just want to participate in the writing and get ideas to do it more often since I've been in a slump for a long while, and I saw over the past few seasons it seemed to be helping friend beldarzfixon do that. (Which isn't to say I wouldn't be very happy to BE Last Woman Standing.) So I don't do the discussions and insinuate myself as A Personality as much as I ought to, perhaps.

I'm sure it's probably equal parts Writing and Socialization and I've never been stellar at the latter - so if I'm voted out at some point, I'll cope and hopefully still play the home game. Of course, this is not permission to vote me out just because. If you like what I write, keep me in by all means! :-P

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

If you have one spot left, and your opinion of two entries is roughly equal - would you be more likely to vote for the newbie or a veteran?

[theun4givables.livejournal.com]

The newbie. Hands down. The vet at least has done all this before and I would like to give the newbie as much of an Idol experience as was possible. :)

[roina-arwen.livejournal.com]

I've only read about 1/3 of the entries thus far but already had 27 "yes" marked on my spreadsheet, with only three of those being starred. Sigh. Clearly I'm going to have to skim back through the ones I've read and see if I want to add any stars or mark them as a "maybe" before continuing on, otherwise ill never get my vote list down to a mere 30, as I typically vote for about 60-75% of the entries in any given week...

First World Problems, I know!

What makes a good Idol contestant to me is someone who A) is involved with the community - GR at least now and then to be sociable, help others out as they can with advice, beta reading, feedback, et al. B) be friendly and don't start Serious Drama (fake / fun drama is fine). C) Write entries! Life happens, byes happen, but you got to push through. I rarely use byes, it's a point of honor for me, and I even gifted one recently. D)comment on entries, even a simple "I liked this" is nice, it lets people know their work has been read and appreciated. E) Similarly, respond to comments - a thank you is polite and let's people feel like they aren't commenting in a vacuum.

I think everything else has pretty well been covered, including the advice in my icon. You're welcome.

[joyfulfeather.livejournal.com]

How late is too late to reply to comments? I'm terrible about that. :( I put it off and then feel like it's been too long to go back to them.

[bleodswean.livejournal.com]

A good Idol contestant? Hmmmm....This is all so new to me that I sometimes feel, looking over entries, comments, GR, that I just might be playing this game in, you know, that alternative universe. *waves from the other side*

I am reading and writing in Idol for the words. Only. I don't mean that to sound stand-offish - the GR can be fun and I've friended some contestants and am beyond grateful to have such vibrant new voices on my flist! But I do get confused by the popularity aspect of the game, if there truly is one....conversation can always be a bit of a subterfuge, eh?

So, yes, folks who are writing the hell out of the prompts with entries that reveal the work and have a correlation to the topic. Folks who comment and respond to comments so that their presence is undeniable. Bad weeks happen and as the weeks have progressed it's been easier to excuse the bad weeks when a writer has a strong showing in previous outings.

I'm loving Idol. It's been one of the more thought-provoking things I've done in a long, long, long time.

[swirlsofblue.livejournal.com]

I get what you mean.

I absolutely love the social/community aspect and yet it bemuses me that the social aspect may be considered a necessity to be a 'good idol contestant'. Especially when one of the things I've always loved about livejournal is the acceptance towards those who are more introverted, or for whatever reason feel less able to join in with conversation.

As someone who has spent much time on livejournal lurking previously I feel there's a desperate need to give some more props for those who choose to continue to be lurkers.

If someone is trying their best and producing good work why should it be a black mark against them if they choose not to take part in green rooms etc.

[kickthehobbit.livejournal.com]

A good contestant is anyone playing Idol and enjoying it.

Honestly, unless you're breaking the rules, you're not a bad contestant. Everyone plays differently, and everyone gets something different out of Idol, and there's nothing wrong with that.

[lrig-rorrim.livejournal.com]

"What do you think makes for a "Good Idol contestant"?"

What an interesting question! Hrm. I guess it depends on how we're defining "good". Is "good" here meaning "a strong contestant who will do very well in the game" or "a contender for Spirit of Idol"? Though really, I suppose they might be the same. Ohhhhh semantics. I could do you all day.

I think a good contestant produces good content (and of course, that's at least a semi-subjective thing right there, and we're back to defining "good"). I think a good contestant produces content that stands out, is topical, and shows effort. I think they engage with others, at least a little bit (hey, I'm a shy introvert. I get that social interaction is hard, even though I co-won the "plays well with others" exhibit. *grins*). That engagement might be through comments, discussions, beta reading, whatever. It's a game that involves a community, so community involvement is part of things - I think a good contestant plays the game in a way that generally makes the experience better for others- they ask questions, are helpful, express opinions (even unpopular ones), and have fun. And having fun might be the most important bit. It's not a laugh riot all the time, obviously, but enjoying the experience of playing is a thing that comes through in the way one plays.

That's a not-exhaustive list. I'm sure I could come up with even more ways to be a good Idol contestant. That's not at all to say that all those things are required to be "good", though! For me, just the "producing good content" part is kinda the most important part.

I dunno. It's a great question! But I'm still stuck on "good". Heh.

[kickthehobbit.livejournal.com]

I hadn't even thought about what we were defining "good" as being. Dang.

[wanders off to ponder] :P

[halfshellvenus.livejournal.com]

It's hard to say whether a good Idol contestent is one I enjoy the behavior of, or one who plays the game well and advances really, really far. It depends on your definition!

My personal iea of a good Idol contestant is someone I enjoy reading and who ideally also gives something back. I.e., also comments on other people's entries (a variety of entries, and not just 5-6 people on their friendslist) and who does not, heaven forbid, not only not comment on others' entries but also often not reply to comments on their own posts!

That said, there is it least one person whose stuff I've never commented on because it's not on LJ, and I'm not going to sign on to Facebook with my real name and comment. *sadface* I still read her entries, and include them in the voting, but I don't comment.

I also value consistent quality (including correct punctuation and a lack of typos), though I'm more of a stickler about it late in the game. In the beginning, I'll weigh the entertainment value more. Overall, I also prefer a contestant (when it comes to voting) who shows variety in their work. Many other people probably don't care.

As for this particular round... argh. I've voted for more than half the entries in every single one of the prior rounds, which means I'm going to have to be fiercer about my voting this round than I would like to be. *cries*

[whipchick.livejournal.com]

Her tag is the facebook icon, but you can get through to her blog, which you can comment on with your LJ handle and any email.

[gratefuladdict.livejournal.com]

For me, a good Idol contestant connects with others on an emotional level. This is hopefully through their entries, but also could be through social interactions. I think you have to let people in, a little bit - and you *can* do this through fiction! - to really shine.

I also agree with many criteria that others have brought up. A good contestant makes an effort, has fun, and creates good content. I would go so far as to say they create entries they can be proud of, and they stretch themselves.

[beeker121.livejournal.com]

Hey Gary - a point of clarification please?
Does emo_snal have a bye this week or not?

The two lists linked above are split on the idea, and in fact it isn't entirely clear from what furzicle posted which way it was going to go.

[clauderainsrm.livejournal.com]

He received a gift bye.

[reckless-blues.livejournal.com]

Hey, guys! I just got the message today that I'm a potential bone marrow donor match! I'm really excited. This should be fun. :3

Unfortunately, it'll take 6-8 weeks for them to decide whether I'm the donor they want and contact me again. So I can't exactly go running off to Russia for college in September like I planned ... it's okay. Another year of waiting won't kill me, and I couldn't afford it anyway. It'll give me even more time to prepare for my education, so it's not so bad.

[whipchick.livejournal.com]

How cool, and what a nice thing for you to do!

[dmousey.livejournal.com]

I vote for whoever's work resonates with my heart and soul...

[favoritebean.livejournal.com]

You phrased that better than I did.

[favoritebean.livejournal.com]

What makes a good Idol contestant? Someone who not only writes consistently well, but who interacts with other contestants while the polls are up. Not only in GR, but in other contestant's entries.

As for the entries themselves, my favorites are the pieces that evoke emotion. It's even better if they evoke other senses to the point that you are practically a fly on the wall in the scene. Those entries are always my favorites.

[dmousey.livejournal.com]

Only being truthful! I agree on the entry connecting with the reader; but ultimately writing is an art, and as so is subjective. Then again, we should be able as artists and creative people ourselves, to discern the most inspirational, touching or thought provoking amongst us. Oh, you get the picture! ( laughing)

Music Rec Time!

[alephz.livejournal.com]

Y’all, I don’t know if you know about Perturbator (http://perturbator.bandcamp.com/), but they do some good music, particularly if you like things that sound like the soundtrack to some dirty ’80s cyberpunk dystopia film which had a total print run of two thousand low-quality VHS tapes and remembered only by hardcore video pirates.

What I’m saying is that it’s a mess of fun and you could do worse.

One caveat, though: the cover art for the albums similarly apes the direct-to-video aesthetic so while there aren't many albums, they've all got lots of paintings of women in suggestive positions or just showing their butts and a bit of gore.

If you can get past that, though… I mean, it streams for free so try before you buy and all that. Good stuff to get writing did by.

I return!

[emo-snal.livejournal.com]

Hi, I just returned to the land of internet (ie the capitol of Guinea -- couldn't get internet even with a mobile modem device thing while in the interior) ... I don't supppppose by some miracle I'm still in the game?

Re: I return!

[anyonesghost.livejournal.com]

Rumor has it you received a gift bye. (Welcome back!)

[crimsonplum.livejournal.com]

I think the number-one thing that makes a good contestant is engagement. True engagement with their writing, no matter the style; engagement with others, whether it's in the Green Room, in the comments, or even outside of Idol and LJ. When it's clear that what they've written really means something to them, it comes across, whether you're talking about fiction, nonfiction, humor, personal essay, what have you.

I try to vote based on both what I'm reading in the current week, and their body of work over a season. I am planning to divide this vote amongst those who have done outstanding pieces for the week and those whose work I've enjoyed throughout this season, with priority for writers who do excellent work, but inexplicably never seem to get as many votes as they should.

I also feel it's important to respond to comments, and I'd like to apologize for those have commented on my more recent entries and not received a response. Fortunately, the madness of the last few weeks has calmed down, and this week I will have time to not only read all the entries, but to respond to comments that I've missed. There are many fun and fascinating people in the game, and I've missed talking to you all lately!

[uncawes.livejournal.com]

Since I usually end up voting for around 40 entries, the hardest thing this week has been ONLY picking 30.
And I've gone with the people who I think write really well every week, that I enjoy reading no matter what the topic.
I've also found I tend to gravitate towards writers who are doing an ongoing story. Might not be every week, but some writers I hang out hoping it will be another tale of their star character(s).
It was tough to leave some folks out this week.