It would be nice to have some advance notice that a contest will start. Maybe publish a monthly schedule? I would love to be able to work on and perfect a contest design for a week rather than scrambling to come up with something because the contest already started. I think this would allow creators to publish more innovative models that print better.
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That’s the whole idea of the contest. Fresh and new designs. Not some prebaked stuff
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My point exactly. Without advance notice, people are more likely to upload a recycled design than develop a new one, IMO.
This is a great suggestion Max! Our ultimate goal for contests is to inspire makers to design and craft models that are both creative and practical, and this will be time-consuming for sure, so a schedule upfront definitely helps with the creation process. We will try to provide a contest theme 3-4 weeks upfront on our social media in the near future so keep an eye out for our Twitter/Instagram account, Thanks!
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Thanks! Maybe on Facebook as well? (I don’t have Twitter or Insta) 
Just keep in mind that not everyone has access to Twitter/X/Instagram/Facebook, or wants to.
Using the MakerWorld platform or forum would be best and fairest to all.
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Glad this suggestion was made and Bambu/MakerWorld is going to implement it. I’m pretty new to CAD design and so it takes me forever to make just about anything. I’ve been struggling for days trying to make something for the Flying Objects Design Contest 
Good point, we will definitely post here in the forum as well.
So glad this was suggested! By the time I finish designing anything, there’s always like, 3 days left in a contest and I feel like there’s no way I can get enough eyes on it to win, so I just don’t enter. Having advanced notice will be great
We don’t know how or what the judges account for the time of entry. Obviously the earlier the model enters, the more chance it gets to gather enough downloads to be noticeable.
But creating something unique, original and innovative takes time, much more than what it’s possible now with the short period between annoucing and ending of the contest. Most models submitted on time are probably old models with minor changes. I tried to participate in the fidget toy contest, but by the time I got a model ready there were only 4 days left (it managed to get over 2k downloads, but didn’t win anything :). I tried to participate in the Xmas decor contest but again only got a model ready yesterday afternoon. I entered it anyway and got 22 downloads yesterday, and 0 downloads today . I would say if one wants to win, try to get it entered at least one week before the end of the contest, which means no ambitious new models but modifying old models. But if one wants to create something unique and original that one can be proud of, then use the contest as a motivator and take your time, and enter it anyway no matter how late it is. I think eventually designers who consistently create good original unique models will get noticed.
While having a fixed schedule could be beneficial for planning, the spontaneity of contests can also foster creativity and quick problem-solving. However, it’s essential to strike a balance that accommodates both aspects. If many participants express a similar need for a schedule, it’s possible that organizers may consider such feedback for future improvements.