RIZZASTERBuilding Contest Rules Update After Incident
/archive/cosmetics/plugins/hamza.oconnor/ · last edited 18 May 2024 · Events
A recent building contest ended in confusion when two players submitted near-identical builds using the same block placement and design patterns. The judging team could not determine a clear winner, and several participants complained about perceived favoritism. The root cause was that the contest rules did not specify a minimum level of originality or require players to submit a short description of their design intent. This allowed duplicate or copy-paste entries to slip through without clear differentiation.
After review, the moderator team decided to tighten the rules for future contests. Starting with the next event, all entries must include a brief written explanation of the build’s concept, theme, or creative choices. Builds without a submission note will be disqualified. The description must be at least 30 words and written in the player’s own words—cutting and pasting from a guide or another player’s entry is not allowed. This ensures each entry reflects genuine effort and individual thought.
Additionally, we are now requiring all builds to be submitted through a designated in-game form, which logs the timestamp, player ID, and the text description. This creates a verifiable record and prevents last-minute edits or duplicate submissions. Judging will now be done by at least three different moderators, who review entries independently and then discuss discrepancies before final decisions.
The change has already been tested in a small practice contest with no issues. Players were required to describe their builds and submit via the form. The process ran smoothly, and feedback was positive—especially from younger participants who said the description requirement helped them think more about their designs. The new system adds fairness, reduces conflict, and encourages creativity over copying.
Going forward, all contest announcements will include a clear reminder that descriptions are mandatory and will be used in judging. The rules will be posted in the server’s announcements channel and pinned in the #events thread. Moderators will check submissions before the judging phase to confirm all required elements are present. This is now standard procedure.