This post was referring to the Contest Round assignments (days 7, 14, 21, and 28), not Day 1.

So, if you want to enter the Contest Round on Day 7, you must do two things:

1. Log assignment #7 on the Entry Log for Prep credit (to get the October badge)
2. Submit your story via the Contest Rounds submission form to compete in the contest

You are not required to compete in the Contest Round. If you choose not to compete, you only have to do step #1.

Clear? Or still need more explanation?

Cheers,
Michelle