Home » Poems » Blogs » To all judges who want names on contest entries

Black Eyed Susan Biography

To all judges who want names on contest entries

Blog Posted by Black Eyed Susan: 5/1/2012 5:44:00 PM

Could the judges who ask for names, please explain to my why they want them? Because it seems to me that the judgement is biased from the get-go if people include this information.

There's NO WAY that it does not influence you in some way to know who wrote what.

It does however, give you a way to EXCLUDE some people from your winner's lists.

Or guarantee your friends a placement.

Is this really how you want the site to work?

Shouldn't the QUALITY of the work matter more than who wrote it?

I've heard that some judges want them so they can notify people of their errors. Well guess what. People can spellcheck themselves and if they don't, you can choose not to place their work. Or, you can search for their poem AFTER you know where you want to place them and notify them of their error(s).

And I don't know about anyone else, but I feel guilty if I don't place someone's work that I know, because I tried the whole giving names thing. I have no guilt now about liking what I like, no matter who wrote it, when the entries are anonymous. It's actually very freeing.

I'm not trying to stir up shit. I just think this issue should be readressed with so many new people coming in and new judges too.

signed,
Black Eyed Susan ( I wouldn't want you to disregard my message for not signing my name ;) )

Post Comments

Please Login to post a comment

Sandy
Ivy D

Date: 5/4/2012 12:39:00 PM

Even though I left no name on my contest entry' it was still removed after the sponsor spotted my name among the winners. Shortly than after she removed my win. My win still managed one congratulations in the ku ku contest. I suppose the boy beneath me must be related to her They think alike' remove someone' if ya don't like em'

Nathan
D.

Date: 5/3/2012 10:29:00 AM

on a side not why can people you have blocked enter your contest and how come you cant kick people out of your contest i had several entries that didnt even follow guidlines or have anything to do with the subject matter i bet they do it just to get free comunity points the soup needs to interfene

Nathan
D.

Date: 5/3/2012 9:06:00 AM

p.s. screw all the people trying to be noble like their shit dont stink. everyon hates escpecially on this drama club of a site

Nathan
D.

Date: 5/3/2012 9:05:00 AM

oh there is nothing wrong with a little hate and exculding people you hate from your contest. its easier on the emotions you dont want to read some poem by someone retard you hate and place them first then find out hey you hate that person and they wrote a poem you liked it just complicates internal emotions for everyone. so i say let the haters hate as long as they are not hurting anyone

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 5/2/2012 8:31:00 PM

susan this ended up being hottest blog of the entire month (then again it's barely started, heehee). I like the good spiritedness that prevailed in your blog today. And believe me, when I trash stuff, nobody is seeing it ever again! (referring to my printouts of no name poems) Is that what you were asking me about? My own poems I put in scrapbooks.

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 4:37:00 PM

I personally don't toss out an entry that doesn't have a name I search the poem and then soup mail the poet to give them a heads up. If you read through my contest winners over my time here you will see I am fair and pick the poem not the poet that moves me. I can't speak for all just myself. Michael

Debbie
Guzzi

Date: 5/2/2012 3:05:00 PM

Why can't the Judges which wish the Poet's Name..simply REQUEST IT..and NOT toss out verses which did not put their names on them..you say you only want to help if this is so make it a REQUEST not a RULE

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 1:45:00 PM

I was teasing you Tex. I'm cranky today, the dentist made me :•(

Poet Destroyer
A

Date: 5/2/2012 1:39:00 PM

You know im just kidding.. I'll behave now..lol... Wink wink! Susan, your blog has inspired me not to ask for names some where in the near future. Starting in a couple of months..hugs..my comments on the bottom are based on humor..I judge everybody the same... With my pointy right finger.. ;-) Great blog... Hope you made many of us think.. good night..pd

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 11:40:00 AM

Thanks Ruben. I shall. You have a good day my friend. Michael

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 10:22:00 AM

Well said David. Well said.

David
Williams

Date: 5/2/2012 10:01:00 AM

seriously, I comment to a lot of "newbies" trying to coax them into entering contests, hoping to see new names in all contests, as for names I really couldn't care less as one poet said below quite often you can tell a poet's style by reading their work, I agree with Michael, yes we are friends but if I did not place in his contest I would simply try harder and visa versa, and I think most here are the same, we all look for different things in contests...David

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 9:47:00 AM

I also wanted to mention that Chris had a good point way down there - that we just naturally are drawn to our favorite poets' works. Sometimes these people are our friends too, but it doesn't mean we are placing them because they're our friends. I hope we all place the poems we like best, period. I hope no one here places their friends because they're friends or disses someone because they're not.

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 9:43:00 AM

Yuk indeed!!! Susan. Crazy NewYorkers. I think David May be drunk but how else can I get in his top ten. Lol.

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 9:16:00 AM

lol. you had me going there for a second michael about the poems.as for the reusing of tools, yuck! so gross and scary! and david, what do you prefer? names or no names?

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 9:14:00 AM

Deborah, I don't print my poems out. I did once and then shredded them, because I am paranoid about poem theft. I don't think it would happen, that there are people trolling around dumps, but you never know. I don't know what Andrea does with hers. Hopefully she'll see your comment and address it.

David
Williams

Date: 5/2/2012 9:13:00 AM

just my 50 pence worth I run contests and do both, names and not, my latest is no names,no pics, I hate those bloody pics he he, as for names I really don't mind if they are there or not as I hate all the entrees ha ha ha ha, just joking, get your finger off that delete from contest button, by the way Michael I think you will win it, oops......

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 8:56:00 AM

Yes his apt was but from the pics it looked like a horror movie. Why would someone step in there?? I think he advertised but not sure. Nothing was sterile and he used the same instruments on numerous patients. Wonderful right?? People are crazy. He also ran poetry contests in the waiting room but didn't require poets name on it lol. Just teasing

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 8:46:00 AM

Was his apt. set up like an office? Did he advertise? How did people find him and how did he get caught? Shudders.

Deborah
Burch

Date: 5/2/2012 8:44:00 AM

One thing just crossed my mind: what becomes of all the no-name poems that have been printed out? and whey can they be printed? just wondering o/0 ...all this seems to take up time from writing poetry and encouraging others...I'm walking out of class now with my pen and notebook...going to find inspiration...love,deb

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 8:39:00 AM

Susan I did!! We joked about before he numbed my whole mouth lol. Also in NY city there was a guy running a dentist office out of his apartment and he isn't even a dentist. Great articles to read prior to going lol.

Date: 5/2/2012 8:37:00 AM

testing

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 8:31:00 AM

Michael, good thing you didn't read the article in yahoo yesterday before you went (or did u?). Ex-boyfriend goes to ex-girlfriend dentist and she puts him under and takes out all his teeth! Scary what someone could do to you!

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 8:22:00 AM

Hey Susan at least I didn't bring up fingerprints or dental records. Btw just left the dentist ( no humor in that one) lol. Will do Hun. xox " Michael The Cooperitive "

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 8:22:00 AM

And yes Andrea, the pictures do show up with the poem if they're posted that way.

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 8:13:00 AM

Thanks Michael. Please let me know what you think of it. Like or dislike. SS #'s? What a hoot!

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 8:09:00 AM

Next contest I want last four digits of your SS# or a photo copy of your passport. Lol. Just having fun. Good topic Susan. Hugs n luv "Michael the quiet". Lol. Ps. Hey Tex this is a serious situation , behave!! Lol

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 8:05:00 AM

Ok black eye Susan. I will do my next contest blind and give it a whirl. My Mom taught me to be openminded and to play nice. Ok Dreamweaver can I come off that step ?? Lol.

Poet Destroyer
A

Date: 5/2/2012 7:59:00 AM

I don't care about errors...lol..I need names..people..names..makes judging easy..oh..my...lol..gosh..this blog is such a highlight.. I love it..which I could add it to my faves

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 5/2/2012 7:56:00 AM

I haven't judged a contest in a while. Are you guys saying those pictures show up in the contest page where we judge? Good grief. With my short haiku contests, etc. I enjoy printing out the poems to judge them while in my bed or somewhere more comfortable. I guess when I do my next contest, I will have to make a rule "no pictures allowed until after judging!!"

Poet Destroyer
A

Date: 5/2/2012 7:54:00 AM

Susan, this blog.. Reminds me to ask all the poets, to add their names, on to the bottom of thier contest entry..for better placement.. Wink wink, don't worry if 'im on your black list.. The more Christian you are the better..lol.. I mean, I would judge my contest blind..but, than I would have to read them.. Now why would I do that..i come here to judge..lol been thought by the best judgmental Christian poets on this site.. I mean.. I use to judge for fun..meh! Than the news came out.. this is the most hypocritical site ever... If I can't beat them.. Well you know the end to that..join them... I love all the good souls on here, but it's the bad ones that ..........._______________... Okay enough said... (kidding) and to the nosy poets reading..im only giving you what you want to hear..(except the blogger).. Love you Susan... Don't forget to add your name in my contest ok..wink wink...everyone wink wink... 123 testing...testing... see u guys later..pd :-) (everything on this comment is a lie) except the love Ya Susan..part

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 7:47:00 AM

I am just trying to understand why judges want names. I'm not in a dander or trying to criticize or piss anyone off. I don't agree with having names, but if I want to enter a contest where the judges ask for them, I will put my name on them, out of respect for the judges and to follow their directions. I just think if would fairer not to ask for them.

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 7:43:00 AM

Me too. I always ask for no names, but inevitably a few people put their names on them anyway. It doesn't disqualify them in my contests. I always judge on the poem, not the name.

Debra
Squyres

Date: 5/2/2012 7:43:00 AM

Perhaps the simplest thing to do is not enter a contest that asks for names if you think it unfair. Would that might be the the logical answer??? It's really nothing to get in a dander about folks..... Peace and tranquility to all !! To each his or her own when sponsoring a contest...no one makes anyone enter it...it's free choice....My dime given !! (inflation you know !! lol )

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 7:25:00 AM

Also, I want to thank all the judges who responded to this post. Appreciate knowing what's going on in your heads.

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 7:08:00 AM

So true. We are all different in what we like. And no one can guarantee anything. I'm just saying that's how I would do it, because I think that's a fair way. There's no accountability for anybody and no control over what another judge does. It is their contest and they can judge it how they want. I just don't happen to agree with having names on the entries.

Harry
Horsman

Date: 5/2/2012 7:08:00 AM

my pennies worth, i agree blind judging is the fairest, also these picture above the poem are a pain, and can be seen as an influence in judging.harry, excellent blog

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/2/2012 7:02:00 AM

Yes, honey, but can you guarantee that a search was only done AFTER the judging? Or due to a needed correction? No. Your last post, hon, was clear. I try to trust the judges mindset, and when I see a fab poem take a HM position, I think that the judge just did not see what I saw. Poetry is so ... personal. What blows one person away, barely moves another...

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 6:53:00 AM

You're right Cyndi, and I thought I was ackowledging that in my last post. You can find someone if you need to. I think it's best to do it after you know where you're placing their entry, and before you know who they are, so it doesn't influence you. does that make sense?

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/2/2012 6:51:00 AM

I, like you LOVE to be surprised at the end of a write. But I also feel ... pulled?...attracted to?... certain devices and styles. I think everyone is. Perhaps THAT is why some judges place the same poets on the top of their winners list. CONSISTENCY.

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/2/2012 6:49:00 AM

Susan, even without names they can still EASILY do this, is my point. All you have to do is check each entry in the search, find out who wrote it and voila, you can choose who to include and leave out. Names on or off make no difference.

Black Eyed
Susan

Date: 5/2/2012 6:47:00 AM

I am not criticizing anyone personally. I even admitted that I know some judges want names for errors. I just happen to think that there is bias involved, even subconsciously, when you have names on entries. I'm not saying anyone personally places their friends, but it has happened in the past and if someone doesn't like you, they have a way to dis you. No names does not allow this to happen. And yes I know this is all in fun, but why can't it be fair too? You can find out whose poem it is if you need to, without the name on the entry. So why not do it that way? I, like some others, love seeing new names on my winner's list. It's always a fun surprise to see who wins.

Cyndi
Macmillan

Date: 5/2/2012 6:30:00 AM

Charles, you made me laugh. I'll take that silly and up it. It took me about two years to pronounce words that start with an "H" with an "H". You have to be surrounded by French or speak french to get that, completely. I also used to pronounce the letter "H" as "Eh-ch" not "Hey-ch"' I used to go for a 'oliday and stay at a 'otel. No point to this, but what the 'ell.

Tracy
Edwards

Date: 5/2/2012 6:01:00 AM

My contests not for fun Michael Falotico..you take it seriously or you'll be on the naughty step --->

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/2/2012 5:34:00 AM

Well Ruben, no disrespect but I am in the group who ask for names..So I do feel the need to defend myself and my contest rules.. Its just not a spelling, and trust me I make a milliom typos, but its when the form is not the one I have asked for or rather its 1 haiku or several ect... But once again we are talking about FUN CONTESTS BY OTHER POETS,this is not a contest for a publisher or a magazine..@ Debbie. And personally to bring Linda or Constance's names up when they are not here to defend themselves is wrong... We are all free to enter or not to enter...

Tracy
Edwards

Date: 5/2/2012 5:28:00 AM

A quick tip for finding an un-named poem... sign yourself out of your account..copy and paste the poems title into the search bar at the top of the page.. works every time xxx

Nette
Onclaud

Date: 5/2/2012 2:45:00 AM

yayy, susan.. i really want the names of entrants in my contest so i can mail them for necessary clarification.. since i'm not techno savvy, i have to request this..my winners are a melting pot of styles; all told, i feel i judge fair... :) huggs to you!

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 5/1/2012 11:11:00 PM

Susan, wow, you opened Pandora's box! Personally speaking, I am a lot like Paula down here. I LOVE the surprise of seeing who my poets were AFTER I have judged. And if I really love a poem but find that it has a mistake of some kind, I will track down the poet the old fashioned way (Using the selection box at the top of the screen). Judging blind has always been and will remain to be my favorite way of doing it, and I love that Brian now asks for NO names, pictures or other distinguishing features on the entries to his contest. Anyway, after a while here I got used to accepting the philosophy that it is all in fun anyway, so I accept whichever way a judge tells me to enter. But my own opinion, I love judging blind!

Charles
Henderson

Date: 5/1/2012 10:58:00 PM

How do you like my free hand "H". It looks the same upside down.

Michael J.
Falotico

Date: 5/1/2012 9:21:00 PM

Ruben please go and review all my contest with names or not and see how many different poets have placed 1st or 2nd. I do soup mail when there is a mistake with a typo or the form may be off. Sorry you don't believe me or anyone else who ask for a name. But like I said earlier in the the blog to each is own. Always honest Michael