[From around ~10/7] I just spent some 7 hours verifying entries and putting together reading lists for all the judges. Just before going to bed after staying up all night, I found that yet another judge decided to bail.

Let me be very direct- if you are going to flake on the very minimal commitment you made, and disregard the good faith of the entrants who followed you, the effort I put into reading your stuff, and the fact that I am totally dependent on help to get this done- tell me right now. Right now. Not later. Now.

After all the entrants and judges that have changed their usernames, title changes, accounts deleted, stupid questions, extreme assholism, and spineless judges, I have totally had it. Results will be delayed longer because I am so mad I can't stand to work on this for a while. If things do not improve, I will cancel the contest. However, I will not delete the contest book, and I will post an update making the state of things readily apparent.

Addendum:

Of course, thank you so much to those that have been supportive, and the many judges that have stuck with me. Your goodwill is very much appreciated. Please do not interpret my diatribe as being directed at you. <3

Further news:

I have done the math, and reorganized which categories are still in need of PRJs.

I have revamped the entire judging system and am still in the process of assigning entries in a fair fashion that is acceptable to the judges who have stepped forward.

So. what's going on?

-I am still composing reading lists for the judges, and in the process of interviewing more people for judging on all three levels, for all categories, for a massively variable number of entries they are willing to judge.

-I have premptively uploaded a Q & A page for all judges and potential judges to consult, in addition to the three other chapters on judging (I think they're called 'Judging,' 'Judging spots available,' and 'Scoring').

-As soon as I possibly can, I will PM the reading lists to each judge at the Wattpad account they applied with. I expect to hear back with some form of acknowledgement that the reading list was received within 7 days of it being sent. If the list is too long, I need to know right away.

-My goal was, ideally, to have all judging complete by Halloween (October 31st) this year. The feedback I have received from the remaining judges in regards to that deadline was not encouraging. So, that probably means that it'll be done some time by 2020. Hehheh.  So, for now, I'll keep October 31st as a tentative goal, with the understanding that it will be modified if necessary and appropriate.

Another unfortunate update:
As judges continue to drop out, I will list them on the chapter 'A Note to Entrants' and remove them from other mention in the contest. You do not need to follow those judges that have dropped out in order to receive your prizes, should you win. If replacement PRJs are listed in the contest, you do need to follow those. I will give everyone a warning immediately before announcing the first batch of results, so entrants will be able to check and make sure they're caught up with all the changes in the PRJ roster.

As a side note:
If you are a judge (PRJ, RcuJ, or RsvJ), please do not tell me that you are dropping out because you thought the contest would be over sooner, and that now you're busy with school. The final date for entry has never changed, and the number of entries to read per judging spot, if you did the math, was never projected to be less than 13 for any category (if I remember correctly). I am tired of hearing this. It is especially irritating when I know the person asking has been otherwise very active on Wattpad (because I'm following you, genius). I prefer if you just send me a one-liner saying you are unable to follow through on your commitment. Just own up to it and bow out gracefully, without making garbage excuses.

Another thing I have been harassed about:
If you don't like receiving updates when I have to add stuff to this cluster of a contest- just unfollow me and remove this book from your library. It's fine. I'd rather not be on the receiving end of passive aggressive comments than get more attention for the contest book. If you win, I'll be sure to tag you directly somewhere and/or DM you to get your attention. (Yes, you are still responsible for adhering to all the rules of the contest and knowing anything mentioned in updates to the contest- you'll just have to decide what you want to do, I'm not a babysitter.)

If you are rude to me, in keeping with the very first rule listed, you will be disqualified and I will mute you. If you are blatantly abusive, or publish entire stories concerning how much I suck (yes, this happened), I will report you for bullying. It is fine to withdraw from the contest or have differences of opinion, but it is my prerogative not to allow disrespectful behavior from participants.

If you were removed from the contest, either as a judge or an entrant, please do not harass the other participants that are still involved in the contest. It is pointless, as I am not open to reconsidering any of my decisions in that regard. I encourage anyone dealing with this to 'mute' those users that are pestering them, and report them if they are in violation of Wattpad's rules.