Names On Contests, Yuchers

Once again I write what I think Include your name, hell that stinks It should all be read blind Just imagine the finds Leave the Judges purely in think <*> All contests should be read blind, unless a Workshop named!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

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Johnson-Saunders Avatar
June 18, 2015 at 12:04 PM
I agree with you in theory, James, but we are all familiar with each other's styles in such a small community that many judges know the poet's work even without the name. I still agree with you though...we can always be surprised and that makes it more fun and fair! Hugs, Rhonda
Fraser Avatar
June 18, 2015 at 3:01 PM
Hi Rhonda, I'd rather be surprised any day. Olive asked me to assist in judging her first contest. I read through all the poems, and when the contest was judged, I smiled reading them again, and seeing who wrote them. To me that was a wow moment ~ hugs, James :)
Dietrich Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 10:50 PM
I"ve always felt this same way as you from the first time I came to Soup. But some things just never change, James. In the end, it's all about what the judge wants to do.
Fraser Avatar
June 18, 2015 at 2:08 PM
No names, more gains for poetry would be the winner Andrea. Smiles from Bonnie Scotland, James :) :)
Nance Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 8:02 AM
There is so much out there from poets that are not on the list tops, I agree a poem should be judged for it's product not the producer. But a name on a poem can be good if the judge wants to teach or correct poets before the time is closed, either way a judge should really comprehend a write and judge it by their own rules. It's a hard job for sure! Hugs xxx
Fraser Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 2:48 PM
Having helped Olive with her first contest I totally appreciate how tough it is. Having no names allows all poets to enter contests, for many will not because names are requested. If any Judge requires to offer help to some, they can simply search the Soup, or Google, it's all out there. Just my thoughts, smiles, James xx
Peranteau Avatar
June 16, 2015 at 8:50 PM
James,...unbelievable that you posted this ! Recently I have entertained the exact thought, knowing...rather assuming(really believing) *smiles*, that if I posted under a ficticious name some writes of mine, that souls would know who was writing the poetry ! Awesome dear poet friend of mine ! Great minds think alike<~~~one of the few cliche's Which I use time to time. Have a beautiful week, you and yours James.....much love, james
Fraser Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 2:37 PM
Aye 'Great minds do indeed think alike' You'll never need to post anything under a fictitious name for you have the talent in abundance to be invisible with other styles. A blessed day to you my poetry James, smiles always~the other James :) :)
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
June 15, 2015 at 7:28 PM
Huge James, 100% I agree.. ~olive eloisa xxx
Fraser Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 2:34 PM
Little one, (((( hugs )))) forever for you ~~James xxx
Ryerson Avatar
June 15, 2015 at 6:46 AM
Good morning James - Although I have never sponsored a contest (don't know how) if this dummy ever figures it out, I will DEFINITELY judge blind...Glad you wrote this fine limerick because it needed to be said...
Fraser Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 2:29 PM
Top of the evening my time to you Tim. How are you? I haven't hosted a contest as yet, someday one day, and I already know the theme, and no names will be number one rule. A blessed day to you and yours, James :) :)
Christian Avatar
June 14, 2015 at 7:02 AM
Lovely write, Thanks for your kind comments on my poem i'll sing to my king, I carne play musical instument but I have now got a you tube Chanel with 4 videos of me singing some of my lyric poems/songs, God brought me out the boat, how awesome to step out in faith with child like courage, Thank you for all your support on all my poetry
Fraser Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 2:23 PM
Your so welcome Diane, hugs // James :) :0
Dietrich Avatar
June 14, 2015 at 1:30 AM
James, I have been saying this for years. There is such a pleasure in unveiling the winners and seeing who you have chosen, though there are always a few individuals whose style can simply NOT be replicated. Do you remember Linda Sweetheart? was one I always knew when it was her poem!!
Fraser Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 2:03 PM
I loved Linda's poetry & I totally see when Judges judge, they see poetry so similar. Francine was the first to say this to me. Regarding names, to me it's a no, and if the above like our lovely Linda are so recognised, so be it. I'd rather try and change my style, to become less predictable. If a Judge needs to know relating to a rule, etc, Google/search here the poem, then Soup-mail, job done.
Meade Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 9:54 PM
You are the man!! Wise words and good council.
Fraser Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 1:45 PM
I'm just me, but names required I don't like. If I see such requested I simply get on my bike. Blessed day to you Sir, James :) :)
Lindley Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 7:34 PM
GREAT IDEA MY FRIEND. Always believe the words should stand on their own, for good or bad.
Fraser Avatar
June 17, 2015 at 1:39 PM
I totally agree Robert, have a blessed day, James :) :)
Lamoureux Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 5:59 PM
I think that is a good idea!
Fraser Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 6:04 PM
Thank you Richard, James :) :)
Allison Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 4:05 PM
I prefer no names on contests James but I still do enter those where names are required:-) Hugs Jan xx
Allison Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 4:19 PM
you can say that again lol:-) hugs Jan x
Fraser Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 4:09 PM
Hiya Jan, I leave such to the individuals, but the Soup needs addressing in various ways - hugs, James xxxx
Roberts Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 2:59 PM
I used to always ask for the writers names on contest entries because that way I could get ahold of the 30% that did not follow the contest rules and tell them what they missed , what they did wrong etc, Now I really don't give two sh*ts, if they didn't follow the rules of the contest tough beans, they just won't place.... NIce limerick and I understand that a lot of writers feel that there is preference given to friends so they'd rather contests were nameless
Konos Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 8:31 PM
Francine, I remain like you use to be. I soup mail them advising that they rewrite as their poetry did not apply to the contest. Thus far they have and appreciated the contact. It takes a little effort but I feel so good when they rewrite and even win. CHEERS
Fraser Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 3:08 PM
Lovely to hear from you Francine. If names are to be included, they shouldn't be included in the ratings. This is one way to kill favoritism, if indeed it exists. To include names, allow them to be 'Workshop' orientated, with learning being the winner. This will add value to the Soup, just my thoughts......
Onclaud Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 2:46 PM
nice one, james... I'm blind, lol... ' different strokes for different folks'..huggs
Fraser Avatar
June 13, 2015 at 2:56 PM
I applaud whom host contests, this Highlander is long overdue about holding a contest. I will soon, having viewed such here on this terrific bowl which brews such creativity, there is absolutely no need for names to be attached. We learn after we make mistakes in life, poetry is mild to such, let such remain a workshop learning, and allow the blind to see and be surprised when they see :)
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