I remember when the Writer of the Month award added a little bit of fun to proceedings and gave people the additional motivation to write. It was the pinnacle of writing for Newsbiscuit. You worked hard to get your first ticker, then NiB, then That elusive Front Page and for a select few, you were the most viewed and crowned Writer of the Month.
The role of honour was kept up to date and people both old and new really tried to write good stuff to get on that page. For those that made it, it was about getting two, then the hat-trick, then getting three in a row etc etc. it added a bit of friendly competitions and jokes about those who always came runner up. It helped give people a reason to write for the front page and I think helped improve writers and make the strive to be better and funnier a.
Writers used to wait for the post at the beginning of the month to see if they had won, or were in the top five, and everyone would praise the winner through the friendliest of gritted teeth.
But now it seems to be an after thought with the announcements coming every 3 months, usually after some nudges. I know the back room staff run this site for free, and get no reward, but so do the people who spend hours writing and editing their pieces for the site to use. I think the one piece of 'reward' should at least remain. Please bring the WoM back to its former, competitive, but ultimately friendly and encouraging best.
