Entries by tag: meta
First of all, I want to bust some common theories about 
therealljidol, mostly by people that don't play or don't fully participate in the game.
1) Idol takes up way too much time. I don't have time for it. - Reasonable enough concern right here. I agree that I often wonder how I can make it all work...until I realize that in all honesty, it really is only 1 entry a week for the most part. Sometimes, there's more...but mostly that's further into the game and not very often. 1 entry a week. That's it. Yes, there's lots you can do outside of that such as reading and commenting (good stuff to do), but those can be done as you have time and for your enjoyment. The Green Room? Socializing? All benefits that I would highly recommend, sure...but not sole requirements of the game. All you have to dedicate yourself for is an entry a week at first, and sometimes more later on. I guarantee that if you last long enough to have to write several a week, you will be enjoying it so much, you will make the time for it. But again, that's a scenario to consider once you get there.
2) It's just a big popularity contest. - True, asking your friends list to vote for you is a common occurrence, so the larger the friends list, the more votes you may be able to draw in. BUT Gary is usually pretty good about finding ways to even that out. One year we had tribes separated by your friends list. Last year we had tribes split up by your standings the few weeks prior so that those who had lots of pimping power and popularity were going against one another, not those just starting out and struggling to make their name known in the contest. Plus, there are gatekeeper, contestant only and members only rounds that also helps even the playing field a bit. I know, this has all been said before...but seriously guys, it really is more than just a popularity contest. Yes, popularity plays into it, but that's life in general, folks. If you want to sell a novel, you need to promote yourself. If you want a promotion at work, it's often about who you know more so than what you know. Being able to market yourself is a useful ability as a writer.
And this is what I am hoping to help out with a bit more. I came into LJ Idol during season 6 as a nobody. I had maybe 3 or 4 others that I knew, most of them dropping out early. I made it to the Top 20 and most of that time, I didn't actually pimp because I was anti-pimping until about the Top 50 or so and I caved in. I would have actually been eliminated in Week 5 had things not aligned up just right and saved me, but I still refused to pimp.
It is possible to come into this game as a nobody and to go far. Considering all but one winner was a newbie, I'd say the odds are in your favor that you can succeed, it just takes the right attitude and a few tricks (which also happen to make the Idol experience as a whole more enjoyable).
These are only my opinions, mind you. And as you may know, opinions are easy to come by...especially on the Internet. I am just hoping that perhaps as a newbie (or even a veteran), you might find some of this useful for your experience this season. None of it is 100% true, it's just my experience and other's probably have their own stories to tell. So take it with a grain of salt. If you agree and like it, great. If not? Do whatever makes you happy. This is meant to be a fun game, and if you aren't enjoying yourself by listening to my advice, then go find whatever it is that makes you happy.
How to make a name for yourself
1) COMMENT! I can't say this enough. Early on, there's tons and tons of people to read and lots of people can't read everything. Want to make sure you get read? Comment on as many posts as you can. I know that when I first played, if someone commented on my post, I'd quickly click on their name, read theirs and comment back. Some people might automatically vote for their friends, sure...but if you come in here without knowing many people, the best way to make sure you might get a vote? Get read. To increase your shot at getting read, read and comment on other posts. Make yours a name people recognize.
BUT let me clarify here. This is a big one. From my experience, if you only ever leave generic comments like "Great post!", after awhile people wonder if you are reading. I know sometimes you have nothing to add but that, so sure...go right ahead. But if you can at least try to add more substance to the comment when you can find more to say, do so. For me, fiction is harder to do this with...but with non-fiction, I try to say something like "Wow, I can totally relate to this and this since I experienced this. Here's what I did. Great post btw." Even if I can't relate, I say something like "Sorry to hear you had to go through all that. I really hope XYZ get's better for you. Thank you for sharing your story with us.".
Like I said, it isn't always possible, but it's nice to at least try to show the person that you really did read it and to offer some real feedback on what they wrote about. I know I appreciate comments like that so much. Chances are that they will try to do the same on your post...and who doesn't like real feedback?
2) Chat in the GR. I know it's hard, but if you can, comment back to people. Even if you don't know them, walk right up and say something. Even compliment their icon, get them engaged in a conversation. People love it. That's why they post in the GR.
If you are really too shy to jump right in, then post a comment yourself. Ask a question for instance. Say something like "So I am going to the fair today and really looking forward to the delicious fair food. What's your favorite fair food?" and you'd be surprised how many people will jump in too. It gives them a reason to talk to you. Even something as simple as asking "What's everyone doing this weekend?" can lead to some awesome conversations.
If you see someone else posing a question, jump in! Talk to them! I love the social aspect of this game. I think the people you meet through Idol are amazing, so take the chance to get to know them. When people start recognizing your name, you will likely get read more and what happens when more people read your entries? They are more likely to vote for your entries.
People can survive and even win with little to no socialization, sure. It's not required. But does it help? I think so. I think it's a great way to make yourself someone people will remember.
3) Don't give up if you have a bad week early on! Some people see themselves falling to the bottom of the polls week after week at the beginning. They assume this means they suck and/or they aren't popular enough to keep going. Not at all! Early standings in the polls mean NOTHING. When there's tons of entries to read at the beginning, yes, you may struggle until you make a name for yourself. That does NOT mean you are a poor writer, it might just mean very few people are reading your entries. Keep going. Keep fighting. It does get better as the field narrows down AND as you build a reputation. This does come within the same season, I promise.
Like I said above, I was almost eliminated in week 5 my first season. Week 5. I made it to the Top 20 after that. It just took some time for me to make friends, get my name out there and rise in the ranks. I know one person almost got eliminated early on that season too...and I believe they made it to the finals. Anything can happen in this game. Yes, it can be frustrating at first to see all the so-called "Big Names" soar in the polls early on. But guess what? That changes very quickly. If you keep up the work to building up your name, your reputation...eventually you will catch up and probably overcome them.
While it does happen, a shining star doesn't always emerge in week 1 or 2. You are playing with people who have played seasons upon seasons, who have known each other for years and worked hard to get where they are popularity wise...it takes time to rise up to that level. Luckily in Idol, it doesn't usually take THAT much time. It just takes effort (or sometimes luck, but I say effort is more effective). If you are talented, and if you put yourself out there week after week, and make a name for yourself...chances are good that you will achieve just as much success and recognition, if not more, than most of the veterans.
After all, a veteran has only won ONCE in the entire history of Idol. That has to say a lot if you ask me.
There still is time to sign up, and I urge everyone to look into it. Here's the link.
http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/485253.html
therealljidol, mostly by people that don't play or don't fully participate in the game. 1) Idol takes up way too much time. I don't have time for it. - Reasonable enough concern right here. I agree that I often wonder how I can make it all work...until I realize that in all honesty, it really is only 1 entry a week for the most part. Sometimes, there's more...but mostly that's further into the game and not very often. 1 entry a week. That's it. Yes, there's lots you can do outside of that such as reading and commenting (good stuff to do), but those can be done as you have time and for your enjoyment. The Green Room? Socializing? All benefits that I would highly recommend, sure...but not sole requirements of the game. All you have to dedicate yourself for is an entry a week at first, and sometimes more later on. I guarantee that if you last long enough to have to write several a week, you will be enjoying it so much, you will make the time for it. But again, that's a scenario to consider once you get there.
2) It's just a big popularity contest. - True, asking your friends list to vote for you is a common occurrence, so the larger the friends list, the more votes you may be able to draw in. BUT Gary is usually pretty good about finding ways to even that out. One year we had tribes separated by your friends list. Last year we had tribes split up by your standings the few weeks prior so that those who had lots of pimping power and popularity were going against one another, not those just starting out and struggling to make their name known in the contest. Plus, there are gatekeeper, contestant only and members only rounds that also helps even the playing field a bit. I know, this has all been said before...but seriously guys, it really is more than just a popularity contest. Yes, popularity plays into it, but that's life in general, folks. If you want to sell a novel, you need to promote yourself. If you want a promotion at work, it's often about who you know more so than what you know. Being able to market yourself is a useful ability as a writer.
And this is what I am hoping to help out with a bit more. I came into LJ Idol during season 6 as a nobody. I had maybe 3 or 4 others that I knew, most of them dropping out early. I made it to the Top 20 and most of that time, I didn't actually pimp because I was anti-pimping until about the Top 50 or so and I caved in. I would have actually been eliminated in Week 5 had things not aligned up just right and saved me, but I still refused to pimp.
It is possible to come into this game as a nobody and to go far. Considering all but one winner was a newbie, I'd say the odds are in your favor that you can succeed, it just takes the right attitude and a few tricks (which also happen to make the Idol experience as a whole more enjoyable).
These are only my opinions, mind you. And as you may know, opinions are easy to come by...especially on the Internet. I am just hoping that perhaps as a newbie (or even a veteran), you might find some of this useful for your experience this season. None of it is 100% true, it's just my experience and other's probably have their own stories to tell. So take it with a grain of salt. If you agree and like it, great. If not? Do whatever makes you happy. This is meant to be a fun game, and if you aren't enjoying yourself by listening to my advice, then go find whatever it is that makes you happy.
How to make a name for yourself
1) COMMENT! I can't say this enough. Early on, there's tons and tons of people to read and lots of people can't read everything. Want to make sure you get read? Comment on as many posts as you can. I know that when I first played, if someone commented on my post, I'd quickly click on their name, read theirs and comment back. Some people might automatically vote for their friends, sure...but if you come in here without knowing many people, the best way to make sure you might get a vote? Get read. To increase your shot at getting read, read and comment on other posts. Make yours a name people recognize.
BUT let me clarify here. This is a big one. From my experience, if you only ever leave generic comments like "Great post!", after awhile people wonder if you are reading. I know sometimes you have nothing to add but that, so sure...go right ahead. But if you can at least try to add more substance to the comment when you can find more to say, do so. For me, fiction is harder to do this with...but with non-fiction, I try to say something like "Wow, I can totally relate to this and this since I experienced this. Here's what I did. Great post btw." Even if I can't relate, I say something like "Sorry to hear you had to go through all that. I really hope XYZ get's better for you. Thank you for sharing your story with us.".
Like I said, it isn't always possible, but it's nice to at least try to show the person that you really did read it and to offer some real feedback on what they wrote about. I know I appreciate comments like that so much. Chances are that they will try to do the same on your post...and who doesn't like real feedback?
2) Chat in the GR. I know it's hard, but if you can, comment back to people. Even if you don't know them, walk right up and say something. Even compliment their icon, get them engaged in a conversation. People love it. That's why they post in the GR.
If you are really too shy to jump right in, then post a comment yourself. Ask a question for instance. Say something like "So I am going to the fair today and really looking forward to the delicious fair food. What's your favorite fair food?" and you'd be surprised how many people will jump in too. It gives them a reason to talk to you. Even something as simple as asking "What's everyone doing this weekend?" can lead to some awesome conversations.
If you see someone else posing a question, jump in! Talk to them! I love the social aspect of this game. I think the people you meet through Idol are amazing, so take the chance to get to know them. When people start recognizing your name, you will likely get read more and what happens when more people read your entries? They are more likely to vote for your entries.
People can survive and even win with little to no socialization, sure. It's not required. But does it help? I think so. I think it's a great way to make yourself someone people will remember.
3) Don't give up if you have a bad week early on! Some people see themselves falling to the bottom of the polls week after week at the beginning. They assume this means they suck and/or they aren't popular enough to keep going. Not at all! Early standings in the polls mean NOTHING. When there's tons of entries to read at the beginning, yes, you may struggle until you make a name for yourself. That does NOT mean you are a poor writer, it might just mean very few people are reading your entries. Keep going. Keep fighting. It does get better as the field narrows down AND as you build a reputation. This does come within the same season, I promise.
Like I said above, I was almost eliminated in week 5 my first season. Week 5. I made it to the Top 20 after that. It just took some time for me to make friends, get my name out there and rise in the ranks. I know one person almost got eliminated early on that season too...and I believe they made it to the finals. Anything can happen in this game. Yes, it can be frustrating at first to see all the so-called "Big Names" soar in the polls early on. But guess what? That changes very quickly. If you keep up the work to building up your name, your reputation...eventually you will catch up and probably overcome them.
While it does happen, a shining star doesn't always emerge in week 1 or 2. You are playing with people who have played seasons upon seasons, who have known each other for years and worked hard to get where they are popularity wise...it takes time to rise up to that level. Luckily in Idol, it doesn't usually take THAT much time. It just takes effort (or sometimes luck, but I say effort is more effective). If you are talented, and if you put yourself out there week after week, and make a name for yourself...chances are good that you will achieve just as much success and recognition, if not more, than most of the veterans.
After all, a veteran has only won ONCE in the entire history of Idol. That has to say a lot if you ask me.
There still is time to sign up, and I urge everyone to look into it. Here's the link.
http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/485253.html
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