I agree with everything Pyjamaman said
Especially the bit about me [beer vouchers are in the post].

I've only ever got top spot once - and that was posting as someone else.

If I'm going for it, I aim for top 3 and use the 'write as well as you can' method. I don't post (much) if I don't find the topic interesting; if I do, then I usually start writing on Friday and post it c.5pm before heading home for the weekend.

I would dearly like a click-counter feature on, at least, the 'best of' page - just to see how many, or few, votes you need to win, whether there was a close 1, 2, 3 or an outright winner etc.

My advice: don't try to win, try to write. There are enough of us out there that enjoy a good story/good writing to make it worthwhile - and NEVER apologise for length.
(Che Grimsdale Best before:, Thu 16 Oct 2008, 14:28, Reply)