Weekly competition, how we feel

I feel like there are many times in the past that I was a judge of the weekly contest (on my previous account at least) and I would see the comments left by the other judges and wonder "are they saying enough?" By this I never meant the amount of text in the comment but enough to defend their choice and to hilight it the way it truly should be hilighted after having been nominated AND voted for. I like the list added earlier in this and how it's the poem itself being judged NOTHING else, and I wonder how many of the judges ACTUALLY run through that checklist. I mean, I'll admit there were times when a person's name popped up next to a piece I really loved and I criticized it more harshly or I reread all the other pieces like ten extra times to ensure it was the one that truly stuck out (or fell under the radar). However, that is also part of the fun to me (of judging and the weekly contest) because every single week I've had anything to do with it I've seen a new piece or a new poet who really catches my eye in some way.

Anyway yes Definitely THE MANTRA!

Must say I'm surprised and gratified to see the response to my mantra post.

Reading threads about the weekly contest over the years, I've seen too many people moan about seeing the same old poets winning.

I agree that it would be great to see a wider range of poets on the front page.

But if they're crap, they're crap.

There are other ways to highlight lesser known poets through threads, even nominations if you're keen.

But it is NEVER a judge's job to aim for a variety of poets/styles/topics/etc on the front page. I will happily pick the top 3 poems from the same author, simply because they ARE the top 3 poems. (Once, Narphangu did indeed score 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the front page- what a feat!) It is to be applauded, to aspire to... not moaned at. Who can dethrone the masters eh?

Cheers to your list, Abby. As a judge, I’ve been guilty of breaking some of your rules, particularly awarding a poem because the poet is going through a tough time. I am not a very good judge for that reason haha, but I do try to stick to your list and will try to be better in the future when I subjudge. Award the poem. Just the poem.