An Important Message I Think We All Need

Today I placed 39th in R1 of Silver Spoons Intro Comp, and there was only like 41 people who posted lmao. I entered an intro that I liked, and that I thought was creative, and it also happened to be an intro I spent like 3-4 hours on.. and I will admit that I was a bit down about my placement in the comp.

Now, I want to very quickly say that I am NOT getting at Chloe at all! I hate when people get all fiesty over their placings, then literally harrass and belittle the people running the comp. Like, no! No way! NOT HAPPENING!!! Chloe is the sweetest angel😇

When I was in ALDC Boulevard's Intro Comps (S2 and S3), I continuously placed low, I was spending hours editing intros that I was proud of (flashback to my Inshot and Kinemaster days lol), and they'd rank mid-to-late-30's, sometimes even 40's. I'd lose sleep, i didn't eat, I stopped socialising with my family, and I was frustrated with myself. This was a pretty big discouragement, my confidence was non-existent, and that stopped me posting for other comps, because I thought I'd rank low, so I didn't even try (apologies to ALDC Obsessed, because I joined her comp then only posted like one time, so sorry🥺❤️). It was because of that comp in particular, that my mental health, confidence, and even my physical health was dramatically affected.
Again, I'm NOT attacking, Heather! She's a QUEEN, and her comps are legendary!!
However, I realised how unhealthy that mindset was, and I knew something needed to change!

When I joined Chloe's Comp, I told myself not to get my hopes up, and to just do my best, and even though I was a little upset about my placing, I was more disappointed in myself for not creating a "wow" factor intro, and I was annoyed at myself for placing so low on R1.
This was when I needed to take a minute and say "Hey, Mara, it's just a competition. It's just a bit of fun. Stop being stupid and take in what's going on around you, and come back with a clear head and a positive 'can do' attitude" and I did..

I have decided that no matter whether I get eliminated early on in the competition or not, my goal is to do my best, and to try to improve; and most importantly, have fun! These placings/rankings aren't going to affect our lives. Placing 1st in an intro comp isn't going to give us some fancy qualification that means we can get into film making and editing. These competitions will give us experience, help us improve, and challenge our creativity, but it's not detrimental to our education or our real lives. Remember that!

We need to stop going into comps thinking we're going to place high. We need to stop joining comps with "winning" being our only intention. Competitions are meant to be fun, and we're taking them far too seriously!

I honestly couldn't care if I get eliminated from Heather or Chloe's Comps, because I love them as editors and fandom friends, and I know they don't place me low with the intention of making me feel bad. I know how hard it is to host comps and rank everyone! They do it fairly!

And please stop bashing the people hosting competitions! You joined the comp, and then get agro because you placed lower than you thought you would? No! You chose to join, so take their constructive criticism, and try again! If you don't win the competition, it's because it's not your time! But you'll get another chance! 💜

Thanks lol (Mara)

[leeelahglitz]

BTW, I'm proud of my intros, and every video I post! Whether I place low in a comp or not, that shouldn't affect my thoughts on my own intros! Be proud of yourself and what you create! ❤️

[silverspoons_chloe]

Aw Mara you are the SWEETEST!! Queen thank you for talking about this, I appreciate you and your hard work SO MUCH

[wishbonealdc]

I have a small pfp comp about 15 people, and I just pleated my first rounds ranking a few days ago and it seems like anyone not in the top 3 think their awful. I keep thinking of canceling the comp because so many people have said how they thought it was good but they guess not anymore or stuff like that

[maria-mmgf]

i agree so much, people need to stop taking their placements in comps seriously

[marie]

Yesss exactly Mara and you did amazing in Chloe’s comp <33

[ariadm]

Agreed! Sometimes I get a little down on comp placements but we all do sometimes! And Mara don’t worry, it’s only R1 after all.

[ALDCPancakes]

Yes! Comps are supposed to be fun! I usually join to see what I can do, help my friends if they need more people, or join so I can learn how to improve!

[oceaneyesaldc]

Agreed I've had some points were i legit wanted to quit because of comp placements but u need u realize its helping u grow like when i was in Laurens comp i worked hard and keep trying i had times i almost gave up but there suppose to be fun its annoying when people complain about there placements because u could start in last place in the first round and get really close to winning its the improving and fun that matters