I have seen many users entering instructables into current contests that were published at an earlier date, some even placing. Because of this I am wondering about Instructables feelings toward such things.

I have several Instructables which were published within the last few months that never had the chance to be entered into a related contest, but now there are some contests that fit perfectly. Am I permitted to publish a new version of those Instructables in order to qualify, or are some of the past examples of this being done just what got through the cracks?

In any case, I would like to suggest a few options for improvement, any of which would help greatly:

1. All contests should allow any fresh instructables to enter, at least those created only a few months prior to the starting date.

2. Users should have warning of what contests are to come in the near future. This would at least allow those who are currently working on new content to know whether or not to delay publishing by a few days in order to qualify.

3. A new instructable could be allowed a limited number of contest entries (3 for example), to be used at any time in the future until they are expended. This would allow users to enter into related contests as they appear, but still force the creation of new content once the entries for past instructables are gone. This would also clear up much of the unrelated clutter in contests because users would be more careful not to use up their entries in contests that their instructable really doesn't fit well with.

Any of those options would be a much appreciated courtesy to those who provide the content for this site, much of which seems to be labeled ineligible to the contests by mere days because there was no warning to wait. I understand that contests are made to inspire new content for the site, but I do not believe that those who have recently contributed without that incentive should be left out. Any of the above options would keep the same effect as the current system, yet also be good to those who contribute before a reward is offered.

Overall my point is that instructables made within the past few months to a year are still fresh content which is bringing traffic and revenue to the site. It is only fair that the creators should still be eligible for recent contests.