I really appreciate the initiative, but as I mentioned earlier, the votes must not be the only criteria of win.
Talented people will follow you automatically, but first the contest has to be good.
Also, the first condition of follow @vocalists-trail, is not nice. You can not ask someone to follow you, just because you are creating a contest(no offense intended, just humble suggestion.)
Thanks!
I don't see any issue to ask people to follow, I do that in each post, like on youtube everyone is saying subscribe, it's marketing !
I shouldn't be telling you this, but there is a difference between asking and making a rule. And you made it a rule, and you already know it. But what you don't know is that this is harming yourself only.
Maybe you earn few followers, but not respect.
If you want to be a part of the contest, you have to be a part of the community. If you do not follow @vocalists-trail then you will likely not keep up with the stages of the contest. If you want to be a part of the contest, then the 'rules' or 'guidelines' are not much to ask. Open mic has very strict rules. And so this contest has a few! If there's a problem then don't enter the contest.
Also, there will be stricter rules come into play in the next stage of the contest. There will be judges and a voting procedure that is fair on all contestants. Those contestants with the better talent and even equipment and experience will play a huge role in the winner of this contest. Fan bases will have an effect as well. There's lot's to consider at the end stages. FOR NOW though, @vocalists-trail is in CALL OUT stage. The next stage will be much more serious. For now, people have the chance to have some fun :)