I think I should make some points for the other side.
I read this post first, and then read the actual post by the mods. I understand your points, and agree with them, but in retrospect, I understand why the mods decided to do it, regardless of the consequences of limiting the amount of talent being allowed to join.
From a mod's perspective, 50 participants is still quite a lot. The dmhgficexchange last year had 119 gifts, and it seemed like a modding nightmare! Take care of drop-outs, contacting and maintaining communication with back-up writers, maintaining communication with the writers/artists full stop, making (well, attempting to) sure each gift gets equal viewing, coding the longer fics, assigning the prompts et cetera... From the tag list at dgficexchange the numbers for 2008: 152, and 2008f: 92. Of course, you have to take into account ALL posts concerning those exchanges like the administration ... but in general, it still sounds like quite a lot.
I don't mean to put myself in the mod's shoes or whatever, but 50 just seems like a nice, round, manageable number. I suppose one of the main reasons for capping the number of participants is to limit the work. The mods seem pretty busy this season! Similarly, the previous participant helps with that: they're LESS likely to drop out and/or will be in good communication with the mods so if anything does pop up, it won't be done on a "ummmm" level. Ish. :P Did that make sense? It is elitist, I guess, but it seems like the best way to do it. *shrug*
Personally, I think the theme can go both ways. I mean, if I was in the exchange, depending on the prompt I'd get, I'd probably opt for something light-hearted. Although I do see the dramatic/angsty-ness of it. But the overall prompt is optional. It just depends on the prompt-giver, I guess!
I suppose the fact that, being a past participant, the new rules don't "exactly" apply to me are helping me think this way, so... yeah. I hope I can participant in this round too.
I definitely understand and agree with what you're saying. I have no doubts that the reasoning behind why the mods limited the number of participants are for the reasons that you stated. Really, this particular post was just my initial thoughts on that post for the exchange. If anything, I think that the sign up date should be the same for everyone, but again; previous participants are less likely to drop out. So I understand why previous participants would have an earlier sign up date.
And I'm sure that the theme can go both ways because I've seen it done before. I guess I was just under the impression that it might be harder to come up with a more "light-hearted" prompt that a dramatic/angsty prompt for those participating. I know for me, personally, it'll be harder for me to come up with a humorous prompt.
Thanks for expressing your opinion for the other side. :D It's always nice to hear an opinion that differs from my own.
Well, you saw how not-so-angsty "amor inter nos est" was, right? As of late, I totally fail at angsty stuff, so unless I'm feeling particularly "sod it all, you bastard world" you can totally guarantee a light-hearted one from me. :P
Of course, that's if I manage to make it on to the participants list, haha. xD
hahah Yeah, I mean, dramatic stuff I'm decent at, but I can't do full-on angst. I just can't. So I'm probably going to churn out some sort of light-hearted prompt. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Oh, gosh. I'm hoping I make it onto the participants list.
I read this post first, and then read the actual post by the mods. I understand your points, and agree with them, but in retrospect, I understand why the mods decided to do it, regardless of the consequences of limiting the amount of talent being allowed to join.
From a mod's perspective, 50 participants is still quite a lot. The dmhgficexchange last year had 119 gifts, and it seemed like a modding nightmare! Take care of drop-outs, contacting and maintaining communication with back-up writers, maintaining communication with the writers/artists full stop, making (well, attempting to) sure each gift gets equal viewing, coding the longer fics, assigning the prompts et cetera... From the tag list at dgficexchange the numbers for 2008: 152, and 2008f: 92. Of course, you have to take into account ALL posts concerning those exchanges like the administration ... but in general, it still sounds like quite a lot.
I don't mean to put myself in the mod's shoes or whatever, but 50 just seems like a nice, round, manageable number. I suppose one of the main reasons for capping the number of participants is to limit the work. The mods seem pretty busy this season! Similarly, the previous participant helps with that: they're LESS likely to drop out and/or will be in good communication with the mods so if anything does pop up, it won't be done on a "ummmm" level. Ish. :P Did that make sense? It is elitist, I guess, but it seems like the best way to do it. *shrug*
Personally, I think the theme can go both ways. I mean, if I was in the exchange, depending on the prompt I'd get, I'd probably opt for something light-hearted. Although I do see the dramatic/angsty-ness of it. But the overall prompt is optional. It just depends on the prompt-giver, I guess!
I suppose the fact that, being a past participant, the new rules don't "exactly" apply to me are helping me think this way, so... yeah. I hope I can participant in this round too.
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And I'm sure that the theme can go both ways because I've seen it done before. I guess I was just under the impression that it might be harder to come up with a more "light-hearted" prompt that a dramatic/angsty prompt for those participating. I know for me, personally, it'll be harder for me to come up with a humorous prompt.
Thanks for expressing your opinion for the other side. :D It's always nice to hear an opinion that differs from my own.
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Well, you saw how not-so-angsty "amor inter nos est" was, right? As of late, I totally fail at angsty stuff, so unless I'm feeling particularly "sod it all, you bastard world" you can totally guarantee a light-hearted one from me. :P
Of course, that's if I manage to make it on to the participants list, haha. xD
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Oh, gosh. I'm hoping I make it onto the participants list.
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