Deep breaths, people, deep breaths.
Congratulations to everyone who won awards. I entered a story into the contest as well (which received a score of 245), and after a few days of waffling, sent away for the scores and comments. Some things that stood out to me:
- Each of the judges appears to have their own voice and opinion. If you read the comments posted in the scores thread, it's evident that what is good to one judge may be flawed to another. My own score sheet reflects this as well. I tend to think that this is a good thing - it reflects a lack of bias in what is trying to be achieved with these stories. That's just the way I see it. Sue me.
- Every person who submitted a story could receive a score sheet if requested. Obviously people have been comparing their scores and talking to each other. If the Merriweather Committee had some sort of agenda, why would they make everything public and allow the comparisons that are going on here?
- It's regretable that some mistakes have been made. It's also regretable that some people seem to have gone into this contest bent on wreaking havok. I find it sad that some out there have nothing better to do that try and destroy these awards. Before the first round of judging, many out there were critical of the awards, but some of those critics still submitted stories and, hey, they ended up on the winner board. Again, if the Merriweather Committee had an agenda, would that happen? The attitude that somehow the Merriweather Committee needs to be put in its place smacks of pettiness. If you're confident in your writing, submit a story and let it speak for itself, then proudly show off your scoresheet after it's returned.
If I were the Merriweather Committee, I'd only allow previously posted stories to be submitted. Looks like they're more flexible than I would be.
I'd imagine that stripping names from stories (for judging) would lead to the possibility of having some difficulties putting the two together again. The first run of anything is difficult. Maybe that's what happened? Paul's post makes me wonder if maybe everything needs to be looked at again. Of course, we'll never know what the results are now that our benevolent board moderator has banned the Merriweather Committee spokesperson.
Anne - do you have any evidence that Katarina is sharing her password or is someone else in disguise? Or is she just in trouble for forwarding something without comment? If you DO have evidence of sinister motives, it might be best for everyone if you end the suspense and put the cards on the table.
AnnN.
