Anonymity in AP Contests.
I emailed Kevin, asking him to wipe
this silly contest-anonymity
which I consider just a load of tripe
when other ways reveal identity.
To claim the scheme makes judging any fairer
is nonsense despite what we may be told,
as is the claim that favouritism’s rarer
amongst subscribers who’ve paid up as GOLD.
A poem’s appeal depends upon its merit
whatever membership the judge may claim.
It’s insult to infer some may prefer it
simply because they know the author’s name.
But, on this question, Kevin will not budge.
He says: “Buy GOLD to be a fairer judge!”
Hugh Wyles, February 24th.2009.
Author notes
This whole idea of anonymity
is evidence of crass stupidity
which, if persistent, could eventually
spoil much of our enjoyment of AP!
If anybody wants to show support,
please comment strongly here, but KEEP IT SHORT!.
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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i love the poem and appreciate the sentiment. as of now I, so far as i know, haven't won much of anything. Even when I was a ballroom dancer I hated competitions but loved performances. your capability with comfortably rhyming is formidable. i adore the cartoon! i think it wonderfully illustrates your point.
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~Excellence in image, form, and punch line~
~My Dearest Hugh~
Your humour and eloquence is outstanding!
I do not claim to know much of anything,
Except the loving and divine happiness you bring
I must say, having you as my mentor and guide
Has always brought rainbow smiles to my eyes
You have taken the time to show many the ways
I deeply believe in your song of angst today
I must sing and shout I love your cartoon
And I love the way you sing your tune.
I thank the Lord everyday
That he sent me you in yesterday
This is a brilliant write
With an ending that lets you see
Maybe the goal is worthless monies.
~All my love to you and yours, XXX Hugs, Love, Kisses, Sharon~
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I also agree with you dear Hugh. It can be a nuisance when you're running a contest and can't see who the Authors are.
Love always
Jen
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I agree with you all the way dad!
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Good write...I don't see the need for anonymity...
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The thing is Hans, who is kidding who? This isn't rocket science. A person is your fav because you like their style and chances are you already know their commenting style as well. If a person is going to choose a favorite there is little anyone can do about it. Making it a blind contest isn't going to change that and its like taking a transparent band aid placing it over the hole of a volcano. Geeze, if your not going to or are genuinely unable (which truly is the case here)to fix the problem at least use duct tape and give the illusion of trying to hold it together. As Judge Judy would say "don't piss on my leg and tell me its raining!" Not to mention the fact that by doing so you tell all your members that you have very little faith in their integrity not only as a poet but as an individual. And some how if you become a gold member all that goes away? Too bad as much time and effort wasn't put into preventing the plagiarism that goes on here. But you see we are dealing with facets of human nature. These are things that go on in other sites. These are qualities that either you have or you don't. Putting a price tag on them isn't suddenly going to make you more or less so. I would think the honor system goes a lot further. If a contest holder shows favoritism the entrant has the choice (ah the key word here...CHOICE)to voice their opinion or never to enter a contest from that member again. Word of mouth is the epitome of the double edged sword that cuts both ways. Not to mention the fact that if you treat people with honesty and integrity they will respond in kind.
Love the cartoon!!!
Love and Hugs
Eva
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Dear Hugh
I agree totally with you on the anonymity rule. There have been episodes in our huguenauties contest where poets not in our group have tried to sneak their entries in knowing that the judge can't see who it belongs to and we have to depend on someone in the group to alert us. I know there are a lot of contest runners who prefer it, but if they have more than one account on AP, they only have to look from that account to see who it is.There is always a way to find out, so where's the anonymity? I think we should have a say whether we want it or not.
Love you poem my friend.
Love Bea
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I know it irritates you Hugh. Me too but I can't get all that worked up over it. I do understand the fellow needs to make a buck and he does have a liberal policy for bronze members, so while the anonymity bothers me, it's a small hindrance. We can always log out and check or open a different browser. So for me its more an inconvenience than anything.
As far as anonymizing our names, there are simple ways around that, like: Yem-ass-ee. And when he catches on to that one, there will be other ways.
So I'll support the spirit of your objection, if not the actual objection itself.
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