NationStates

1. To start, you must sign up for the contest. Do so by using the form below and posting that you sign up in this thread. Make sure you sign up before the cutoff date. You won't be penalized if you sign up and don’t end up posting a song. You then post the song in the IC thread after a host vote (see previous contests to see what a "normal" post looks like).
2. At the end of the host bidding period, all nations which have signed up at that point may vote for the nation that will host the contest. Instructions will be posted by this account, and all host votes should be telegrammed to this account as well. The winning bidding nation will then create the IC thread.
3. The contest is based upon the Eurovision Song Contest: nations will "perform" their song. No real-life song can be entered into the WorldVision Song Contest; of course, the melody can be used (usually linked via YouTube). At least 80% of the song’s lyrics must be original, and translations are not allowed. Nations are free to choose to host a national final or internally select their representative. English is not compulsory, and other languages are encouraged.
4. Once the IC thread has been posted whenever the winning bidding nation chooses, nations will submit songs before the deadline. After the deadline nations may not edit or alter their song in any way, unless otherwise instructed by the Committee. Also, after the deadline and any interval act (wait for the signal from the host nation), nations vote, ranking their top ten songs in the following format: 12-10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 in the IC thread. Nations may not vote for themselves. All nations that post a song in the IC thread must vote.

1. A debutante nation cannot bid to host the WorldVision Song Contest. A nation must have entered and completed one edition in order to qualify to host a following edition. Furthermore, a nation that has put a host bid CANNOT vote for their own bid. This ensures a democratic and fair result.
2. At least 80% of the song’s lyrics must be original, and translations of real life songs will result in disqualification. If you suspect another entry to be either wholly or mostly plagiarised, please telegram the WorldVision Committee with your concerns. The committee will then review the entry before making a judgement. If your entry is disqualified for whatever reason, you will not be reinstated even if you edit your entry.
3. All nations that post a song in the IC thread must vote. Failure to do so will result in a one-contest ban.
   
4. Each nation may enter ONE puppet nation (that is another nation controlled by the same player); the master nation must confirm their puppet on the thread. Should a nation is found to be in breach of the one-puppet nation rule, sanctions and a disqualification will be put in place.
5. If a nation enters a puppet nation, the maximum amount of points that can be awarded to each nation is up to five points thus ensuring a fair and more equal chance for all nations to succeed within the Contest. If a nation is found to have awarded a higher amount of points, the Committee will first allow said nation to alter their votes. If said nation fails to adhere to Committee reminders, the votes will be rendered void and will result in disqualification. A user controlling a master and puppet nation together can only award a third nation a total of 18 points.
   
6. Under no circumstances will bullying, offensive and/or intimidating language or provocations of any form be accepted within the Contest, within both IC and OOC threads. WorldVision promotes peaceful and friendly environment. Failure to comply will result in disqualification. If at any point, you feel you are a victim, or feel someone has been victimized by another nation, contact the Committee, or a member of the Committee immediately. The Committee will ensure anonymity/confidentiality at all times.
   
7. Only the current host of a Contest or the WorldVision Committee can reveal results during the voting process. Conspiring with fellow users to rig any of the votes is illegal and will result in sanctions.
8. Users may "reserve" slots in the running order of the contest, but if you do so and don't finish your entry by the deadline, you will receive a one-contest ban. An entry is accepted if it has a complete set of lyrics, regardless of whether stage directions have been finalized or not. You may also state that you are withdrawing from the contest on the OOC thread.
9. Users may not edit their entries or votes after the deadlines for any reason, including spelling or grammatical errors, unless otherwise instructed to by the Committee. If you'd like to edit something in after the deadline, please ask the Committee for permission first.