[Athelstone]

On the face of it, what you have to do is quite simple. However, those of you have been through this before in previous challenges will know that in fact it is extraordinarily tough.

When the writing stage of the challenge closes on 28 February 2027 at 22:00 UK time, the voting stage begins. No doubt most of you will have read many of the entries by this time and will already be forming a view as to which are your favourites. However, please resist the temptation to vote until all entries have been submitted and I declare that entry is closed. What I would like you to do is this:

(1) No voting PLEASE until entry is closed and I call for votes. This will be by a post on the group forum so please keep your eyes peeled around the 2nd.

(2) Carefully consider all of the entries and select your favourite three.

(3) Rank this selection in order of preference: first, second and third.

(4) Send me a PM with your selections clearly shown.

You have until 27 March 2027 at 22:00 UK time to vote and send me a PM with your selections.

Although unlikely, there is the possibility of ties for some positions. So be it; if we have two or more entries occupying a position, then that is what I will announce: no coin-tosses or casting votes.

I have nothing to say about the merits of whatever methods you employ to make your choices. Some will decide quickly and easily. For others it will be an agony of re-reading and bewilderment. Whether you opt for spreadsheets, point-systems, reviews and notes, or simply darts, is entirely up to you.

Some notes

You may not vote unless you have submitted an entry

You have to vote to be considered. If you do not vote then any votes cast for you will be discounted and remaining choices from that voter will be counted as though they had voted for a first and second choice only*

If you vote, then you must vote for three entries and assign them first, second and third places

If you do not vote for three entries as required, or vote too soon, then your entire vote will be discounted except as noted in the second point above**

You may not vote for your own entry

Once you have voted you may not change your vote

Please do not discuss your voting preferences, disclose the way you have voted or intend to vote, or ask others about their voting intentions***

I will not reveal any details whatsoever regarding voting other than to announce the results. I may, however, indicate in general terms whether voting is close or otherwise or how it is progressing. Please do not ask.

 

*Yes, it’s possible that two people are eliminated for failing to vote, in which case the voter’s remaining choice will count as a vote for first place. And if all three choices are eliminated, then the voter will understandably be aggrieved.

**In practice, if I feel you have simply made a mistake, I may be generous and query your vote. However, please don’t count on it.

***Mainly while voting is in progress. If you wish to congratulate entrants or indicate that you liked and/or voted for particular stories after the event, then that’s different and entirely up to you. Actually, I don’t want to labour this since I believe it is obvious and well understood.

 

The timetable:

Now 2026

Challenge Begins. You join this group and make some choices.

 

24 November 2026

Group goes Private at 22:00 UK time. If you’ve joined and chosen then you’re in. I’ll reveal a bit more so you can start writing.

 

28 February 2027

Writing stops by 22:00 UK time and (hopefully) you have posted an entry. At this point you have a limited time to finish any reading and get your votes to me.

 

27 March 2027

Done. Voting concludes by 22:00 UK time and my job is to sort the votes into places.

 

28 March 2027

I announce the results. If all votes are in before then I may announce the results early.

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