The 'Shroom:Issue 228/'Shroomfest
'Shroomfest
Written by: Ninja Squid (talk), Sparks (talk), and Waluigi Time (talk)
THE 'SHROOM: SPRINGTIME SHENANIGANS
'Shroom Research Lab: Hello, everyone! Thank you for reading another update from the 'Shroom Research Lab. Since our last report, we've uncovered documents related to the aftermath of a budget meeting which would suggest that things did not quite go as planned. At this point, no one at the lab is really surprised, but we figured that this would make an interesting report nonetheless.
The 'Shroom's annual budget reallocation meeting came and went, and with it a new idea - refurbishing the headquarters' courtyard to create an outdoor space for all the paper's staff to enjoy and relax in, and just in time for the start of spring. The staff reacted with great enthusiasm and soon got to work, cleaning things up, tending the lawn, and even taking on building projects. Waluigi Time began construction on a decorative fountain, while Sparks started planting a garden to not only add a splash of color, but also provide the staff with freshly grown produce! In the interest of making things more lively and adding an extra touch of nature, the suggestion to bring in some animals was soon brought up. Everyone seemed to like that idea - unfortunately, that's right about where the communications breakdown started...
You see, while the staff were all in agreement that they should bring animals to the courtyard, they had neglected to actually decide which ones. And as we all know, a lack of communication combined with clashing visions never usually ends that well.
The next morning, Waluigi Time came into work, eager to continue building, only to find that a flock of ducks had nested in his fountain, splashing around and quacking up a storm. This was seriously disturbing the serene vibe that he was going for! Clearly, these ducks had to go, Waluigi Time thought. When he asked around to find out what the heck was going on, he discovered that the ducks had been brought in on Sparks' orders. That couldn't have been right - surely he mentioned his plan to fill the courtyard with rabbits, not ducks, didn't he?
Meanwhile, Sparks was encountering troubles of his own. Hoping to continue tending to his newly-planted garden, he instead found it ravaged by the herd of rabbits that Waluigi Time had brought into the courtyard, who swiftly decided that the sub-director's handiwork would be a nice lunch. Anyone with half a brain should've known that rabbits and gardens don't mix! Clearly, these rabbits had to go, Sparks thought. He too asked around, and was told that the rabbits were Waluigi Time's idea.
The two of them soon confronted each other in the courtyard, each one intending to convince the other to remove their animals from the courtyard. Unfortunately, neither of them were willing to budge, both of them convinced that their preferred choice of animal was what the courtyard really needed to bring everything together. Things quickly got out of hand as they began arguing the merits of ducks and rabbits in general, in the process clearing out the rest of the staff who decided they'd rather work indoors than listen to the fighting. Realizing that neither would compromise, they decided to do what any reasonable person would and try to overwhelm each other with the power of democracy! They agreed to go out into the city and gather as many supporters as they could for their chosen animal, and the loser would have to ship theirs back into the wild. Waluigi Time and Sparks were equally confident that they would be the one to come out on top in this battle of wits, of course.
Now only one question remained: Duck season, or rabbit season?
'Shroom Research Lab: This probably could've been avoided if they just stuck to printing newspapers and booked a staff trip to the zoo, or something. Just saying. Unfortunately, we weren't around to give advice at the time, and we also weren't around to see what happens next, so we'll be diligently researching to discover the outcome. Please stay tuned to find out who got their vision for the courtyard of The 'Shroom HQ!
Staff Notes
Hello, 'Shroom readers, and welcome to a new 'Shroomfest!
It seems there's another confrontation between our directing staff, so that means someone must sit in the judge's seat and that someone is yours truly. It appears that we have a crucial choice to make here between having ducks or rabbits inhabiting our courtyard. Unfortunately, my idea for keeping both and having the most chaotic garden unimaginable did not really achieve much enthusiasm around here. Oh well, better luck next time I suppose.
This means we need your help deciding which animal to choose! Sparks and Waluigi Time have both provided their own opening statements to convince you that their respective choices are the right ones. If you want to provide your own statement or simply to provide your own endorsement to ducks or rabbits, be sure to join us in the 'Shroomfest thread on the forum.
That said, if this is your first time and you have no idea what a 'Shroomfest is, we've provided guidelines below to help you get your first crack at it. 'Shroomfest offers multiple forms of engagement, so check out how you can get involved and show your support!
That should pretty much cover it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have two very purple individuals up to shenanigans that I should probably go monitor right about now. It wouldn't be very ninja of me to allow both of them to overcome me in terms of schemes. Not on my watch!
—Ninja Squid, Judge
Which animal do you prefer, ducks or rabbits?
Choose your side and cast a vote!
Join Team Ducks
Oh my metaphorical feathers are ruffled! WT thinks bunny rabbits are better than the graceful ducks of the water... I'll just have to prove him wrong, but I'll need your support to do so!
Fortunately, we have so many iconic ducks on our side, like Donald and Daffy Duck! Normal ducks are perfectly fine too, and we'll need as much as we can get to win! I will admit that rabbits are cuter than ducks, but that doesn't mean ducks are ugly creatures - they're not! I'm willing to stand up for an overlooked animal and bring it the glory it deserves in this 'Shroomfest!
From today through April 11, we're going to be battling it out (in a peaceful way) about which animal is superior. I only ask that you don't get too passionate... this is a friendly feud after all! It's all in good fun, no harm done.
—Sparks, Leader of Team Ducks
Join Team Rabbits
Ehh... What's up, doc? Looks like I find myself at odds with my sub-director once again. I thought I was supposed to be the one in charge here? But seriously, who could say no to a courtyard full of fluffy bunnies? Even Princess Peach has one!
Look, I like ducks as much as the next guy, but if you gotta pick one, the choice is clear - you gotta go with the rabbit! We'll just get some chicken wire for Sparks' garden, it'll be fiiiine. He may have Daffy on his side, but I seem to recall good old Bugs Bunny outwitting him on more than one occasion. I've got plenty of other examples of influential lagomorphs, including some from our very own Mushroom Kingdom, but let's not get too ahead of ourselves here! We'll be kicking the first week off with a general discussion on all your favorite rabbit factoids, then we'll dive into the many examples of rabbits leaving their mark on pop culture.
So hop on over to the 'Shroomfest thread, and lend your support to Team Rabbits in what's sure to be a hare-raising event! Sparks better watch out, our team has plenty of rabbit's feet!
—Waluigi Time, Leader of Team Rabbits
Rules
In order to help you earn points for each team, we have opted to divide things into three categories.
| Categories | |
|---|---|
| VOTES | You can vote on the poll below once per week. Rally behind your side or give your votes to the side that makes the most entertaining and interesting points each week after looking at the unfolding discussion! |
| ENDORSEMENTS | Show your pride in supporting a team by posting an endorsement (type "Endorse: [Team]" in bold) and, if you want, words of encouragement (such as "Ducks for the win!" "Go Team Rabbits!") in the event thread. |
| EFFORTS | You think you can make a difference and tip the scales of victory towards your team? Bring your side to new heights by posting fan art, your own opinions, a silly story, roleplays, drawings or even photos highlighting your favorite critter. Putting in the effort can be rewarding after all! |
The result will depend on the number of categories a team will win. For example: If Team Alpha receives 12 endorsements, while Team Bravo receives 8 endorsements, that means that Alpha wins on the ENDORSEMENTS category. The team who wins the most categories will be declared the winner of the 'Shroomfest. In addition, the winner is officially and objectively the best according to The 'Shroom's law. Therefore, taking the win is very important!
Event Guidelines
An official forum thread will be opened by the designated judge, who will introduce the 'Shroomfest topic. Afterwards, the two team leaders will each post their own opening message to promote their team and encourage you to join them.
Following that, the 'Shroomfest will officially begin, and for a period of three weeks, the team leaders and their supporters will rally in support of their team. They will do this by posting interesting facts, light-hearted arguments, art, photos, and stories that will demonstrate the reasoning behind why their choices should be crowned as the best under the 'Shroom law. Using your votes, endorsements, and effort posts, you can help your team get one point per category each week. In other words, a given individual can earn up to three points for their team of choice each week if they contribute to every category.
After one week, the judge will intervene by writing a brief note, highlighting their favorite posts from both teams. The judge will then reward with three bonus points to the EFFORTS category to the side that seems to have brought the most interesting or entertaining posts. Afterwards, the judge will present both teams with a fresh question to answer or challenge to complete over the course of the next week, to keep the discussion moving forward and provide interesting new angles for participants trying to think of ideas to support their team. This cycle will repeat itself every week for a maximum of three weeks, offering a chance to win up to nine bonus points.
Once the three-week period has passed, the judge will conclude the event with a short message and invite the participants to come back for the results that will come out at the release of the 'Shroom's next issue. Any message posted after the judge closes the event won't be taken into account during the compilation of the results.
- How to give ENDORSEMENTS points
- In the event thread, you just need to post, in bold, "Endorse: [Team]", filling in the brackets with the team you want to support. You're also encouraged, though not required, to offer some brief words of support to your team. It is entirely possible to change teams at any time by writing another another endorsement for the other team. Take note that only the last team you endorse before the week ends will be counted for your weekly endorsement, so be sure that the team you choose to endorse last is the one you want to support.
- How to give EFFORTS points
- To score points for your team in the EFFORTS category, you must add valuable posts to the event. Lay out your own opinion, create art or photos (captions are allowed), write entertaining stories, or even make a meme or two. Making the most interesting and entertaining case is an important part of the event, because it might help win those sitting on the sidelines over to your side. There's no hard rule on what constitutes an effort post, but, as a rule of thumb, it should be something which takes more than a couple minutes to create. If you are unsure if something is worthy of the EFFORTS category, just ask the judge about it on Discord or via a PM. Our main goal is to make the event as accessible as possible.
Please note that, in an effort to keep the event civil, fun, and light-hearted, we request that you please respect all the instructions. Any inappropriate behaviors (spam, flaming, personal attacks, etc.), and discussions regarding politics, social issues, or any controversial topics that veer away from the light-hearted nature of this event will not be tolerated.
The ninth 'Shroomfest will take place from March 21st to April 11th. To join in and support a team, click here.
Cast a vote!
VOTE NOW!
| The 'Shroom: Issue 228 | |
|---|---|
| Staff sections | Staff Notes • The 'Shroom Spotlight • Poochy's Picks • Poll Chairperson Address • 'Shroomfest • Credits |
| Features | Fake News • Fun Stuff • Palette Swap • Pipe Plaza • Critic Corner • Strategy Wing |
