On Contests

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For the Overly Particular Judges Poetry Contes

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Limits should be set in many situations, contests being one. Better, however, are by these: sensible, clear instructions.

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Regina Elliott

Date: 2/25/2024 12:12:00 PM

Hi dear Andrea, I strongly agree with you that some judges have a lot of rules that can be a challenge. I don't sponsor/judge contests because I would recognize some poet's styles of writing, and it would hurt my heart to N/A anyone. My very best wishes to you for this contest. God's blessings to you. ~

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 2/25/2024 1:55:00 PM

thanks, Regina. It's for the reason you mention that i never do those premier contests. I think they hurt people's feelings, especially if the judges show bias or give a person constant N/A's. You could do standard contests. That way you only leave off your winner list the people who you can tell have not done your contest correctly or given it little thought

Speaks Volumes

Date: 2/22/2024 1:52:00 PM

Such a true reminder to judges to KISS. I have one instruction : When we write 'For the Overly Particular Judges Poetry ( the word Contes - must end in a "t". Love your poem Andrea. Hope Judges take heed, it will make the lives of all we battling contestants much easier. Best wishes Wen

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 2/25/2024 1:55:00 PM

thanks, dear!

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 2/21/2024 9:22:00 AM

Joseph is quite right, simple rules and instructions such a pleasure, complicated ones work for some as a challenge, but I opt for simple rules. I like the simplicity of this clever little poem, well said Andrea. Hugs blessings, Jennifer.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/21/2024 8:21:00 AM

Yes, clear instructions but we never know how one will interpret the instructions. I enjoyed reading this one. Sometimes there are way too many instructions as to be overwhelming. Sara K

Robert Schatz

Date: 2/21/2024 12:10:00 AM

It's cool how you break up "Better, however" and "Are these:" into two, two word non sentences

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 2/21/2024 9:00:00 PM

Gosh I don't even know how that got past me. Better fix it.

Bill Baker

Date: 2/20/2024 10:19:00 PM

Nice Tanka, Andrea. I agree, the best way to have a good contest is to give clear instruction of what you're looking for in the contest. Blessings, my friend. Bill