Weekly Winners - May 23, 2016

Mark here! Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, without further ado you're weekly winners are Brenda who won with 20 points with the poem "My mind's eye", and tied for second and third place are GB with her poem "Black Curse" and Shelley Williams with her poem "Curse of the Raven". Thank you again to the judges who take out time from their busy lives to judge; really, really appreciate it! Congrats to the winners, and those who picked up a HM!

Winners:

My mind's eye by Brenda (20 pts: 10 + 10)

Black Curse by GB (14 pts: 7 + 7)

Curse of the Raven by Shelley Williams (14 pts: 7+7)

HMS:

Without Restraint by Window Washer (10 pts)

Blackbird (Acrostic) by cassie hughes (10 pts)

Mourning you [a goodbye to someone who isn't dead] by POTP (10 pts)

Please remember. (dementia) by Em (7 pts)

Cellular by Ben Pickard (4 pts)

Experiment 2 | literal literuatre by Senyru (4 pts)

People Watchers (acronym) by Larry Chamberlin (4 pts)

My First Love by Linda Leavers (4 pts)

Hatred by DarkLight (4 pts)

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My Minds Eye by Brenda (10)

"O wad some Power the gifted give us / To see ourselves as others see us!"
This poet has apparently assumed the gift for which Robert Burns yearned. Perhaps, though, the true persona is somewhere between her dream version and her nightmare version. The twice made reference to her ex indicates a lack of confidence that is aided by his deliberate derision. The very fact that she puts herself out there is enough to build on: "I belt out those songs." She ends with self-acceptance, but I still get the subliminal message that she is far too harsh on herself.

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My Minds Eye by Brenda (10)

we can be anything we want to be, either in reality or in fantasy, one of the most powerful tools a human has is an imagination, people sometimes forget, this is the very thing that has created the world we now live it, if you can imagine it, it can be done, loved the contrast of this piece, simple but powerful and entertaining.

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Black Curse by GB (7 pts)

What a touching and heart gripping poem this was! Styled with a unique take on a person who is ill, or elderly... Breathtaking... emotionally gripping and beautiful! (7)

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Black Curse by GB (7 pts)

the ending caught me off guard, while the beginning set me up for it, nicely done, this could have went so many ways, but the intrigue made it what it was.....enjoyed

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Curse of the Rave by Shelley Williams (7 pts)

I am picky.
If anybody watches soccer they will know that if a ref brandishes a yellow card early in the game then he has set the tone and has to be as strict for the rest of the game. I have the same issue with judging. Now I have to find something wrong before I can appreciate the 'something good'
What has caused me to drop this from 10 to 7 points in my own mind?
The word 'and' in stanza 6 line 4.
It interrupts the flow.
It isn't needed.
I like the rhyming
I love the detail, the sentiment and the content.
I just can't look away from this intrusive 'and'
That aside it is a great poem and worthy of 7 points.

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Curse of the Rave by Shelley Williams (7 pts)

This poem really stood out to me. The imagery is wonderful as is the entire read. I'm not typically one to enjoy poems that rhyme but this one feels almost like a chant to summarize a story. I really enjoyed it.

A personal note: I would take out some of the, 'the's that are within the poem before the adjectives to make the rhyming go a tad smoother.

I am wondering why the beginning of each third line in every stanza is capitalized and also a few random words here and there? I get the one's after the period, but why after the comma? That is the only thing that stood out to me to question. I know sometimes authors/poets will capitalize words of importance and I am curious as to if that is the case.

Regardless, this is a wonderful poem and I am glad to have had the opportunity to appreciate it.

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Without restraint by Window Washer (10 pts)

Nice to see some new names nominated this week, much more enjoyable to judge tonight. However I fear I am not an unbiased judge anymore. If it is a form I wont score it high unless it is the best of a bad bunch. I am also trying to distance myself from knowing who the authors are as I read. It is difficult when the choices are limited.
WW has written a mouthful here and I love it. If a poem contains a few words that has me reaching for the dictionary then I am happy.
I love how the poem is choppy, try reading it with any sort of rhythm and you fail, it reads like a rant, rants are right up my zipcode at the mo. Well done for writing such an angry piece of poetry. 10 points.

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Blackbird (Acrostic) by cassie hughes (10 pts)

Cassie,

Your first line had me.... what an elegant way to describe the blackbird.. I was taken at that very moment! "Rainbow dipped" made this beautiful bird magical!

and the ending was just brilliant, loved the ending, did not see that coming... I was like " Oh no the worm"... ha ha

Truly a unique and beautiful acrostic nature poem... the word usage was wonderful!! (10)

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Mourning you [a goodbye to someone who isn't dead] by POTP (10 pts)

It's often harder to mourn the living because there is an opportunity for closure that is not always taken. This poem is a very good example of that feeling, only it seems as if the poet has moved past the heartbreak and difficulty and see's that the ending of such relationship is what is best.

This poem is very well written and gives off so many emotions. I'm sure many people can relate to this heartbreak and loss whether it be in regards to a friend or lover.

My personal favourite stanza is:

"Love didn't die with me,
it died with you, forever
etched into your ribcage
whether acknowledged or not,
whether you resurrect with them
or choose to breathe unaffected."

this is beautiful, as is the poem in it's entirety. Very well written.

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Please remember. (dementia) by Em (7 pts)

I'm not sure which would be worse: to slowly lose everyone you know as you recede into catatonia or to see your own image disappear in the eyes of one you hold dearest.
The poem lays out the pain deftly in terse but searing lines. The futile attempt to recognize, the reversion to childlike helplessness and the pain of loss - all come clearly through in a very intense burst of heartache.

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Cellular by Ben Pickard (4 pts)

Ben creeps into my top 3 again this week.
(in fact he was also at 4 and 6)
I have picked this because it is not a sonnet. It is something a little different from him.
Great vocabulary coupled with intriguing imagery has me admiring this piece.
I would have given him 10 points if it didn't rhyme.
Yes that is a little harsh but I have a preference for free verse, if you are rhyming your word choice is limited. Why limit yourself to rules or rhyme?

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Experiment 2 | literal literature by Senyru (4 pts)

This poem is increasingly clever and has an interesting concept. The message inside is quite sad- I feel like the relationship between people has clearly gotten to a horrible phase but could be somewhat complex in itself- the way it is written as 'literal literature' promotes that idea in my brain. I don't have a clue if that was Senyru's intention but that is the way that I perceived it. It's very unique. (4)

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People Watchers (acronym) by Larry Chamberlin (4 pts)

Larry this was such a wonderful poem, the creative balance of people watching.. You touched all the bases and then some!! (4)

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My First Love by Linda Leavers (4 pts)

The title indicates a closure not found in the poem. "The first night I slept without you" is set into an uncertain but distant past by labeling him her "first love."
The bittersweet drama of youth is beautifully displayed: she asserts herself to be pathetic, packing his shirt on purpose, then weeping into it and breathing in his essence. Touching and candid.

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Hatred by DarkLight (4 pts)

Profound, less is oft times best, this hit home, the metaphor sound, the message clear, let the hatred cascade off of you with every shower.

Many congratulations to the winners and other hms - wonderful pieces.

I have to, however, come once again to the judge's comment. "Why limit yourself to rules or rhyme?"
^^

An odd question to ask on a poetry site. I enjoy writing poetry. That encompasses free verse, formed poetry or rhyming poetry. To actually ask a poet why they are limiting themselves to rhyme is the most confusing comment I have read on this site. Good God, you would have Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Coleridge and all the other greats turning in their graves.
I do not - and never have - regard rhymed poetry as restrictive; done properly, I still prefer it to any other type of poetry. Let's remember, some people do not regard free verse as poetry (not me, I should point out).
"I have picked this because it is not a sonnet"
^^^

Judge a poem on its worth, not its structure.

As to the judge (who may or may not be the same one) who feels it necessary to bang on about how "bored" they are week in and week out or how "biased" they think they may be or how they may "step down" - my advice is do it or get on with judging instead of ridiculing the competition and peoples choices every seven days.

"If it is a form I won't score it high unless it is the best of a bad bunch"

^^^

I'm sorry to all the other judges and all the people who make this completion great every week, but what a completely daft thing to say.

Unfortunately, poetry encompasses a very wide range of (dare I say, forms) - even free verse.

May I just say thanks to the judges again and well done all on another week of positive and interesting poetry

Ben

^interesting, I've read some very quality rhyming pieces on here and some quality free verse pieces as well, and I've also read some essays and short stories that are being listed and taken as free verse poetry that doesn't fit the description of poetry at all, but apparently someone said anything in writing could be classified as poetry and we allow it....go figure, there is a huge difference between an essay and free verse poetry, there's seldom any question as to rhyme poetry. To each their own I guess.....

anyhow, congrats on the winners, the HM's, the mods and judges.......

"to the judge (who may or may not be the same one) who feels it necessary to bang on about how "bored" they are week in and week out or how "biased" they think they may be or how they may "step down" - my advice is do it or get on with judging instead of ridiculing the competition and peoples choices every seven days."

Ben, I don't think the judge is trying to ridicule any poem or poet on here, but rather sharing their thought process behind their choices, something I personally welcome. The judges are free to comment and pick according to their own taste. I think the judge's comment in the previous week by 'being bored', meant the judge wanted to see you experiment with new forms or lack of new forms. I realize now it appears that it seems like I am speaking on the judge's behalf, which is not what I'm trying to do. What I am trying to do, is just reiterate that the judge is free to pick and comment however they please, and is not trying to belittle you, or any other poets on this site.

I wanted to congratulate everyone on their wins and HM's- a lot of beautifully and interesting writes. One of the things I like the most about this site is the wide variety of poetry and all the different views and life experiences that come from all corners of the world. I have learned about so many types of poetry forms just in the short time I've been here. I guess we are all here because we have a love of writing and it's on this site where we can all celebrate just that. I also wish to thank the judges for their remarks and comments and Mark for his mediating.

Congratulations all

"But apparently someone said anything in writing could be classified as poetry"

^** raises hand ** (I'm one of those)

Except, not everything in writing has excellent quality.

Congrats to those participating in the weekly

Thanks Mark for posting, judges for running and congratulations to all winners and other HMs all well deserved.

Thank you so much judge for your comment. Huge congrats to all winners and thanks to Mark for posting!

Thanks to the judges for your dedication, thanks for the comment and to Mark for Hosting

Congrats winners and fellow HMs

Mark

There is a way of getting across a point or an opinion moderately. Of course they are entitled to their own opinion, but writing things like only formed poetry would be picked if it was the best of a bad bunch is not a moderate way of getting an opinion across.
As to the 'bored' comment, that wasn't particularly aimed at me (read the thread) it was with judging in general.
You are a moderator and I understand you are trying to do your job but believe me, you are wrong if you think this is positive for the competition. Actively stating week in and week out their possible bias and saying they are 'bored' tonight' is belittling to everyone involved, like it or not, and is a silly scenario to have developed. Believe me, I am not the only one who feels like this; many people have been put out, I'm just the one writing it down.
Hate my poetry, judge it harshly, but do it with some common sense.
'i would have given him 10 points if it didn't rhyme

That cannot possibly even make sense. The whole poem would have been different, so how could the judge have forecast a 10? It's just a confusing thing to say. I have no problem with people voting or not voting for my poetry - I'm trying to defend a lot of people's work here -but some comments need thinking out more carefully

I actually thought the comment in question was quite a positive one.

I don't have a problem with the judge's comment, and didn't have a problem with Ben's initial response... until, Ben, you called the comment "daft" and encouraged the judge to step down. That's not responding with the same cheek.
I can see why you feel this judge is regularly targeting you, though as someone on the outside looking in, it seems this 'targeting' is coming from a place of admiration and friendly banter rather than malevolence or condescension. If I'm mistaken, then that's not okay. Judge, if you're reading this, please ask yourself if your intentions are noble. If the answer is yes, carry on. If the answer is no or maybe not, I'd rethink your wording next week. I'm always game for a bit of teasing, but a lot of people don't enjoy it.

It seems like this judge has taken a fancy to you whether you like it or not, Ben. They keep voting on your poems after all ;)

Jane,

I understand what you are saying, but let me reiterate, this is not particularly about the comment on my poem - that confused me rather than annoyed me.
What has wound me up over the course of the last few weeks is the flippant attitude a judge (again, I don't know if it is the same one) has had towards the competition.
You can dress it up in any way you like, but the fact remains, using words like "i am bored tonight" or "I will only picked formed poetry if its the best of a bad bunch" or the continuous self-acknowledgement of bias is not positive and offensive to a lot of people who have slaved over formed poetry that week. If you don't like it, don't vote for it.
And Jane, please read my comment again. At no point have I 'encouraged' anyone to step down. I said that if they felt they were bias and were going to go on about stepping down, then step down - if not, get on with judging. The line is fine, but it is there.
As above, I am not the only one who feels like this but am the only one (it seems) who will say anything.
All I would ask is that people stop making out that I am concerned with my own comments on my poem; I have got used to them week in and week out and - on the whole - appreciate them. This week's didn't make sense to me, that's all. This was primarily about the belittling of people's work and people's nominations that seems to be a constant target.
There is some wonderful stuff written on here week in and week out so when a judge dismisses formed poetry as a choice they would make only if 'it was the best of a bad bunch', that is disheartening for a lot of people.
What I would say - and this does affect me - is that we have no choice over which of our poems is nominated. Look at the last 20 poems I wrote. Free verse, formed, rhyming - I try everything often - but my rhyming poetry is nominated most as that's what I'm best at, I guess. The point being, when the judge says they would like to see something different from a sonnet or a rhyming poem, they are there - they just haven't been nominated. I am grateful to have any work nominated, rhyming, formed, free verse etc. You see a lot of sonnets because people might think that's what they enjoyed most when they read so nominate them.
The point in brief is, by saying you would like to see some free verse for instance, is presuming I have a say over what you are reading and as above, I am just grateful to be nominated with anything.
As for getting bored of sonnets, I'm sorry to hear that. Some people only ever write sonnets and they are not something I would ever tire of writing or reading but as has been mentioned, each to their own. But actively saying "I voted for this because it's not a sonnet" again strikes me as a little brash.

All the best

Entirely agree with Ben and his remarks.

Congratulations winners and HMs, thanks for voting on my poem.

I agree as well :-)

Truly lovely poetry this week! Congratulations everyone!!

Me three ;-)

Congrats all,

judges seemed split this week (apart from Brenda)

nice range of poetry highlighted this week

A week of poems
Singled out for a contest
Comments stole their gold

I agree somewhat. It's a terrible shame when people say something that may be too harsh and interpreted in many ways.
And as I write alot of rhyming stuff could possibly be interpreted differently by everyone and a slate about their work.

I still can't see what the fuss is over this comment? Most of it was favourable. The judge even said they had another two of your poems up for consideration Ben. I agree that rhyming poems can be restricting...it's obvious that your word choice is more limited...that's just a fact and it's not a big deal for this judge to be frank enough to say so.

"Great vocabulary coupled with intriguing imagery has me admiring this piece"

^^^

This is a very positive statement so why choose to dwell on the part you consider negative Ben?

When we put a poem up here we have to face all opinions that come forward, even the ones we don't consider as favourable as others...they are the honest ones and the ones, if we want to improve as writers, we should take special notice of...you may consider them harsh at first but, they are the ones that hold the most truth.

In my opinion, the fuss seem to be that the judge is stating to be bias by straight forwardly admitting to have picked that piece because it was not a sonnet. When I read that comment, the judge, in my opinion, was not judging in terms of quality but rather just about his/her own preference over free verse. Meaning, that when I read that comment, the judge seem to me that he/she was not fair when picking his top three poems. He/she "seems" to have been intentionally bias. Specially, since the judge seems to be concern about quality.

when a sonnet deserved a 10 or a 7 or a 4 and was not given those points just because the judge preferred free verse, it can be discouraging to the participants and the winners because one knows the contest was not judge fairly. That one sonnet per se( or any other poem) could had had the opportunity to win.

If on the other hand, the judge simply stated that that one free verse deserved the 4 or 7 or 10 because that's what he/she thought due to etc... Etc... And that he/she had three poems to picked from and that the three were worth the same amount of points to the judge, and as a result the judge picked the free verse because he/she didn't know which one to pick out of the three... Changes thing.

All I take from Ben's comments is that he is saying, please abstain from giving comments such as "I picked this because it was not a sonnet" or "I only pick form poetry if is the best of the bad bunch", etc... (For us rhymers those comments can come as racist that is if formed poetry was a race). They can also can come up as discriminatory.

By the way, rhyming is not a restriction instead is a means of an opportunity.

By the way, to all of the judges, Thanks for judging the weekly and giving us some of your time and comments to read. It is appreciated.

Well, it's nice to see people being honest and open on both sides at least.

This judge has messaged me privately saying their intentions are noble. Quite sure they haven't meant to offend anyone, just judge.

To judge = To form an opinion or estimation of after careful consideration.

I think most of us here on PnQ have been spoiled by flattery, and find any criticism to be too personal or insulting, even if it's meant to be constructive or merely playful. I know I'm guilty of it. I suppose it depends what type of poetry site we want to be, eh? There are merits to both types. The type that encourages and flatters and doesnt separate the poem from the poet, or the type that criticizes and pushes so that our talents improve. A site that separates the poem from the poet. I think we're the former type, which I love, but a happy medium would be nice. I think that's all this judge is after.
Not speaking for them though. Giving my personal interpretation. That's all.

Everlasting, I totally get what you mean, but don't we all have preferences? There's no accounting for taste. Some people prefer a poem that rhymes or has a recognizable form, some people prefer a free verse poem. Some prefer no use of "I," while some prefer it. So on and so forth.

Well, just to be honest here...I am not a lover of sonnets myself and, these past few months there have been so many that I don't read them anymore...IMO they are dated pieces but...also like this judge...this is one opinion and, mine alone. Just start writing for yourselves guys....what does ONE opinion matter really???

^^
I agree Hellon. I only write for myself to let out usually what's on my mind which helps and the votes, comments, nominations and HMs make it all worthwhile.

Hellon

Let me state once again and this is aimed at Jane too as you both seem to be skimming it somewhat.

This is not particularly about the comments on my poem - they confused me but didn't anger me - as I have stated two or three times now.

This is primarily about a judge being and treating the COMPETITION flippantly. I am repeating myself because p[eople seem determined to make this about me and that is NOT what this is about.

Dress it up anyway yoy like or detract from the point however many times you wish, but using words like "I'm bored tonight" and "I will only picked formed poetry if it's the best of a bad bunch" has nothing at all to do with constructive criticism. It's flippant, immature and belittles the competition and offends an awful lot of people.

Stop dressing it up as opinion, it isn't. Those two comments alone have nothing to do with judging poems for their merits and criticising them for their flaws - there is a difference between constructive criticism and flippant offensive remarks which are irrelevant, so lets all stop pretending there isn't.

Once again I ask that people stop trying to make out this is about me - primarily, I am speaking out about those two comments and defending the competition in general.

Hellon, I hope I have made it clearer fro you now.

This is primarily about a judge being and treating the COMPETITION flippantly. I am repeating myself because p[eople seem determined to make this about me and that is NOT what this is about.

Why are you capitalizing COMPETITION,,,,it's like the social bingo thingy IMO you win or you don't...easy peasy...you didn't win this week mate...maybe next time :)

Oh dear. How did I know it would get personal with you in the discussion,Hellon? The glorified troll strikes again.

Capitals to reinforce the competition's importance, not mine...

Yer..yes you Ben...you capitalised not me....

My point's been made, so I'll leave it there; I 'm not going to get into another argument with you, Hellon.

All the best everyone and congratulations again on an excellent week of poetry.

I HAVE A FANTASTIC IDEA!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone who complains about the way judges are -volunteering- their time (sometimes hours of their own personal time that they could be doing literally anything else with..), they now have to be a judge next term.

No "I'm too busy" or "I don't have the time to do it" or "I'm not qualified" or "I don't want to". No, no, no.

NO ONE has time. Seriously. You make time. You prioritize. Judging the poetry site isn't your priority? Cool, that's fine, it's not typically mine either, which is why I love being able to mod with an amazing team that I can take a vacation and not check in and it's not a big deal. Judging takes up way more time than modding does - I've done both, sometimes simultaneously. I get it. But I MAKE TIME when I have to.. But you don't get to freak out when the mods literally have to pull teeth to get judges and then consistently crap on said judges.

My entire point? Stop complaining. When you find out who this judge is, IF they decide to come forth, you will see this is literally how this person talks. Their humor, albeit drab in some opinion (not mine), is not flippant in regards to the contest.

We're allowed to be honest, are we not? Some weeks, the poems aren't that fun to read. I've had some weeks where I'm like holy crap, these poems just... suck. Let's be honest, none of us are Maya Angelou or Poe every poem (or at all for that matter). Some weeks I read the poetry and think "how in the world am I ever going to be able to select just three? There are 15 worthy poems here!"

So if the judge thinks the entries have gotten a little boring, because let's face it, reading 8 of the same form every single week is freaking boring when forms aren't your cup of tea, then so be it. They think it's boring. You know what this tells me? THEY'RE ACTUALLY READING THE POEMS AND DOING THEIR 'JOB'.

For crying out loud, people.

Britt - you have well and truly missed the point. Volunteering to be a judge doesn't give anyone the right to be rude. If you can't do something with grace, don't do it. 'im bored tonight' is rude, and if you don't think it is, you need a reality check. After all, as you so rightly point out, no one has to judge. Bored? Don't judge. Seems simple put like that, doesn't it?

The point is, there is clearly an issue; I'm not the only one with the problem so maybe a little more thought is required.

And Britt, like the judge's, we are all entitled to our opinions (as you point out) - please don't tell people to stop complaining because you disagree.

The point is, stick to the judging and to the poems you've picked and critique them rather than giving an irrelevant and disheartening rundown of what you haven't voted for and your personal tastes or your mood in regards to the competition that week.

*And yes, I will judge anytime I am called upon if that allows me the right to disagree.

I can't wait to promote you as a judge, Ben!

I don't necessarily agree with the "right" to complain about volunteers when truly they're doing all that we ask of them to do, but what it does is give you some insight into the position, and perhaps some appreciation.

ETA: You seem to really be focusing on this bored comment. Where is it? I have been away and unfocused so I haven't read as in depth as I'd like.

Check last week's thread.

This is not a poem in the poetical sense. In fact it is a diary entry, a piece of prose. It could pass for a slam poem with a little bit of editing, yet it risks losing some of the fuel if messed about with. I have been harsh some weeks, yet I am actually bored tonight. Form after form after another form...

^^^^

Anyway, we'll agree to disagree with what you regard is acceptable.

Just saw that now, thanks Mark :)

Reading the comment makes total sense to my brain. A bit bored of reading the same stuff over and over and over. I get it. Why are we taking it so personally? Are we supposed to edit judges comments, stifle them? They're being honest. Hey, this week was hard, I struggled. I suppose I personally appreciate transparency, rather than faking a good mood, because that comes across in comments, too.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't, judges! I personally adore transparency, even if it's not sunshine, glitter and unicorns. I'm alright with that. None of it was mean or nasty. There were 4 other judges who didn't feel bored. Maybe this one had a bad week personally and couldn't get into the rhythm of judging.. but yet had they said that and opted to not judge and a mod couldn't get in to subjudge in time, we'd hear about that, too.

No pleasing people ;)

"The point is, stick to the judging and to the poems you've picked and critique them rather than giving an irrelevant and disheartening rundown of what you haven't voted for and your personal tastes or your mood in regards to the completion that week."

I think one's mood or personal taste is pivotal to one's ability to judge; not all people like sonnets or formed poetry, so should they be forced to vote for a poem that they do not like? I agree that the comments by the judge does come off as a bit rude, but it wasn't written to be intentionally rude, The judge simply wrote those comments outlining their thought process, in a honest manner. The judge picked that poem out of the bunch that were nominated and gave their reasoning as to why, it was still chosen which I think says a lot. If their reasoning was that they thought it was the best of a bad bunch, then albeit it was the best of a bad bunch according to that judge, it's just one's opinion, take it as is or dismiss it.

I really think the judges should not have to defend their selection or comments unless they are being blatantly unfair (being biased towards certain members, or club members or whatever) without reasonable doubt, and that issue has never come up so far.

I know he won't mind me saying this, but years ago when one of my (terrible!) poems won the front page, Bob came out and said I should not be a winner because my poem was absolutely horrible. It lacked technique and honest connection. I was so upset when I read that, like really mad actually, because HOW DARE HE. He called me out! That's not nice!

Or is it? He was challenging me to do better. Because this a poetry site. Where we beg for comments to help us grow (either in technique or ego). If we're going to all throw fits over ONE person we disagree with, our whole personal world is literally going to be miserable.

My favorite thing about this, is the judge you so often are upset with is one who obviously highly favors your work, because they're a reason you get a win or an HM almost every single week.

Britt - we disagree. Pull your neck in and get off your high horse. Manners cost nothing. You are oversimplifying the issue. The rest of that comment was spot on, a great critique, but that last bit belittles the competition and peoples work.

Again, this isn't just my opinion. You are an awfully young woman to speak with such damning authority as to peoples right to speak out.

I understand that there is another side to this, but no amount of misguided arrogance could persuade me to tell - well, you for instance - to stop complaining.

Britt - the very fact that I am complaining about said judge who gives me hms and votes should tell you something - it isn't about me its about being flippant towards the competition!! How many times do I have to say the same thing.