Very enjoyable mag. As for the topic question, I like assigned topics, it challenges the writer, and the same assigned topic for both readers evens out the playing field, both opponents are given the same topic, picture or text, and they're supposed to not only outwrite another one, but outthink each other.
Albeit, voters don't always write who portrayed the topic better, but whose writing they liked more. But, sometimes, and I've seen it, a better rendition of the topic will beat a better-written piece. In fact, that is how I've beaten some elite writers, topical legends, by approaching the topic better than them. So, I think it has its merits and its flaws.
The choose your own topics off a thread, it's nice too, but the field becomes less like a coliseum battle, and more like a Japanese duel; it's less intense but more individual spirited.
And, for choosing your own topic out of thin air, that might be good for maybe one week. Just to try it out, some people might like the free poetic license to write whatever saga or epic they have in their mind, without the restrictions imposed on by topic bounds. There is more of a risk of cheating here, though, so hopefully writers will be honest, and not abuse this leniency on creative freedom.
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