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I Really Have To Say

I really have to say

Having entered several contest
And, being pelted with N/A's
What's the purpose of the game
If you're not allowed to play
I appreciate the prod
To help me write about some theme
But the results, which should uplift
Are more cruel than it would seem
I can't condemn the contest,
or the Judges of the same
Perhaps lack of compassion 
Truly is the blame   
Having sponsored contests
And judging poets who,
While writing with their hearts
Share their best with me and you
Perhaps we could explain
What makes us choose
Why we pick a winner
And those we leave to lose
Then perhaps these little contest's
Would be meaningful and fun
Giving useful criticism 
And helping everyone


I wrote this because, having been on both sides,
Contestant and Judge, I realize the difficulty of both.
I'm not sure why some member write poems off topic,
I know I twist the topic and stretch the rules, but I expect
an N/A, I'm just having fun---It never upsets me---and It doesn't
bother me, that it seems like the same small group of people
receive most of the honors and appear at the top of every list.
I don't know maybe they're just that good, or perhaps just well liked
But that's not why I'm here. I'm here to write,
and the comments I receive are my only true reward.
In closing
Here is my dilemma, with my recent contest, I happen to like all 37 entries, If I grade them, First, Second ,Third, and leave out the rest, that would be an injustice. If I ranked everyone from 1 thru 37, Anyone under third place would probably still feel like a loser and If I rate everyone as First place, no one will feel like a winner, Oh well it would seem, I can't win at this either and it's the Judge in this case, which is truly N/A

judgementwritingi do not know?

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Cona Adams

January 16, 2015 at 5:47 PM

I like to enter contests, which offer "Free Critique." That helps me to understand why if my poem doesn't win.

Cona Adams

January 16, 2015 at 5:45 PM

Yes, I have been on both sides of the coin, and it is extremely difficult sometimes. My husband and I once judged a contest we had over 600 entries, from which we were instructed to choose first, second, third, and three H. M. We each read all of them and chose our top twenty, then put our heads together to compare and narrow it down. Quite a job, but fun. Judging is always subjective.

Jerry T Curtis

January 16, 2015 at 7:30 PM

Maybe, that would be the solution, more than one judge, who could argue with a majority , Thank you Cona

Connie Marcum Wong

January 10, 2015 at 9:43 PM

I understand why you chose to award your contest as you did and I applaud you for it Jerry. It is never easy being a judge as you are always going to make someone unhappy. A thin line to walk. Your poem is spot on my friend. Thank you very much for letting me vent in your contest and I appreciate the number one. Blessings, Connie #7

Richard Lamoureux

January 10, 2015 at 9:41 AM

Thanks for choosing my poem for your winners list. It was a fun theme to write on.

Richard Lamoureux

January 9, 2015 at 9:20 AM

For me I won't rate anyone under 10. I hate the honorable mention and poets get points for top ten finished. It costs me nothing and that is the least I can do to show my appreciation. You make excellent points here Jerry!

Eileen Manassian

January 7, 2015 at 1:44 PM

Hi, Jerry.... I understand where you're coming from. I've had a PM membership gifted to me and it will run out soon and I have YET to sponsor a contest. I've been toying with the idea, but...I know it will take a lot out of me. I don't like to hurt anyone's feelings. I'm a sensitive soul...so. I've come to understand sponsors and their preferences. There are certain ones I don't write for, because I never do well with them. I just love to write...but I am competitive. It's a tricky business.. ;)