Official Rules & Submission Guidelines

All participants must enter the Social Media Contest. Entry into the Essay Contest is optional.

Social Media Requirements

  • Must be posted from an authentic social media account owned by the participant
  • Content may be static or video
  • Videos must not exceed 15 seconds
  • Any music, images, or third-party content must be properly licensed

Essay Requirements

  • Essays must be written in English
  • Length must be 250–350 words

Academic Integrity

Black Diary 1887 maintains a zero-tolerance policy for academic dishonesty. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • Plagiarism
  • Cheating or contract cheating
  • Improper or undisclosed use of AI
  • Any other form of fraud or misrepresentation

Content Restrictions

Submissions may not contain offensive, illegal, defamatory, or infringing material.

Third-Party Licenses

Participants must have proof of rights or permission for any third-party music, images, or content used in social media submissions.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated using an objective rubric, which may include weighting such as:

  • 65% Analysis
  • 20% Prompt Adherence
  • 15% Creativity, Accuracy, and Engagement

Prizes & Taxes

Prize values will be disclosed to winners. Winners receiving prizes valued at $600 or more may be required to complete a W-9 form and are responsible for any applicable taxes.

Winner Notification

Daily Social Media Winners will be notified at 7:00 a.m. ET following their selection. Additional winners will be notified according to the timeline stated above.

Intellectual Property License

Participants retain ownership of their submissions. By entering, participants grant the Sponsor a non-exclusive license to use submitted content as described in these rules.

Publicity Release

Winners consent to the use of their name, likeness, voice, school, city, and submission for promotional and educational purposes, except where prohibited by law.

Disqualification

Entries may be disqualified for reasons including, but not limited to:

  • Late submission
  • Failure to meet word count or content requirements
  • Plagiarism
  • Lack of licensing for third-party content
  • Providing false or misleading information

The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these Official Rules.

Legal Disclaimers

No purchase is necessary to enter or win. This contest is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by any social media platform.

AI Usage Disclosure

Participants are encouraged to use AI tools in connection with their social media posts and essays. Students are required to tell us what tools and prompts they used.

Media, Publicity, Content License & Privacy Release

By entering, the Parent/Guardian (if applicable) and Student consent that the Sponsor may use the Student’s name, likeness, voice, school/city, social media handle(s), and submission in any media now known or later developed, worldwide and in perpetuity, for educational, promotional, marketing, and archival purposes, including derivative works, without additional compensation, except where prohibited by law.

Sponsor will not publish a student’s home address, phone number, or personal email and will not sell personal information. Information may be shared only as necessary to administer the contest or comply with legal obligations.

Parent/Guardian and Student release Sponsor from claims arising from authorized uses of submissions.

Disability Accommodations

Black Diary 1887 is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible contest experience. Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations, including accessible formats, extended time, or assistive technology compatibility.

Requests should be submitted as early as possible and clearly describe the student’s needs. Black Diary 1887 will work in good faith to provide appropriate accommodations consistent with the integrity of the contest.

Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising out of or relating to this contest shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved, disputes shall be submitted to binding mediation or arbitration in the District of Columbia, as agreed by the parties.

Governing Law and Venue

These Official Rules are governed by the laws of the District of Columbia. Any legal action shall be brought exclusively in state or federal courts located within the District of Columbia.

Limitation of Liability & Release

Participation is voluntary and at the participant’s own risk. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Sponsor and Platform shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation. Total liability shall not exceed any amount paid to participate.

By entering, participants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, Platform, and their affiliates from all claims arising out of participation.

Void Where Prohibited

This contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law and is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

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