St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

If you’re going to participate in the Weekly Photo Challenges, then show a bit of respect and read the instructions.

I’ve been volunteering my time and energy for three years now, trying to add a little fun, challenging you to reach outside your comfort zone, have been taking abuse like you wouldn’t believe and all I ask is that you read the instructions.

Take for example, this week’s challenge, WPC 1526 - 100 Steps* http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-318586-1.html

At the top, before anything else, it says -
*ENTRIES MUST BE TAKEN BETWEEN 25 JUNE AND 1 JULY 2015
- Entries without the appropriate EXIF Data will be removed

In a PM someone had the gall to tell me they couldn’t find anything tied to the * in the post… And, I’m still deleting posts that are outside the date limits. What’s funny though, is that they write their title like they just walked outside when the photo was taken in 2010.

Now, let address the one that really makes me upset. Continuing down, under Help, it says -
100 Steps
- Starting at your front door,
- Take 10 steps, turn and shoot,
- Take 10 more steps, turn and shoot,
- Continue until you reach 100 Steps.
- Of the 10 shots, post your best.

Is this really that hard to figure out? Do I write that poorly that all but a few people here understand what to do?

Open your front door
Walk 10 steps
Look around
Photograph something
Walk 10 more
And continue doing this
Stop at 100 steps
Post your best shot

To me it doesn’t seem that hard, but unless you live in the Grand Canyon, in the middle of a lake, or my funniest one so far, about one hundred feet in the air, I don’t think you are walking out your front door.

And no, a photo of steps doesn’t cut it either. Just because you were smart enough to read the title doesn’t mean you can play with the rest of the people who actually read the instructions.

If you can’t tell, I’m pissed and ready to give this up. I enjoy helping people and am happy when someone says they learned something. I’m not one to need compliments, and don’t have an ego, but it’s always good to know that what you do makes a difference.

In that respect, what frustrates me the most is that people don’t give the challenges any respect. I have a full-time job, have a full-time life, photograph in-between and still give of my time to work on these every week.

Why can’t you at least read the instructions? Would you treat a national contest the same way, willy-nilly submitting work based on the title?

Additionally, if you’ve been on the receiving end of being told your entry has been removed, notice I don’t care anymore. If you can’t read the rules, I’m done explaining why. You’re lucky as it is that I even tell you.

Have some respect people. I put a lot of time into this and all I ask is that you spend five minutes, or less, reading the instructions.

Read the rules or don’t play. And

Racin17 Loc: Western Pa

I agree. I have seen alot of photos that dont belong in,certain contests. Thanks,for your time. People dont understand or,care what it takes to do what you are doing. They want to make their own rules.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Thank you and see you out there! S-

simonbowen Loc: hampton court uk

You do a first class job and the competition element of UHH is clearly one of the focal points. Running it must involve far more work than most people realise and when it doesn't go smoothly it fels like a thankless task. To us out here, it isn't thankless - so, thank you.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

It was my once a year whine I guess... Oh well.

Blessings! S-

bhowdy Loc: Maryville, Tennessee

As someone that has judged local, state and national photographic competitions I can answer your question .... Yes, yes they would submit entries willy-nilly .... And they do! So many examples that it would take all day to list them.

Many of us appreciate your efforts ..... Thank You

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

It scares me, but thank you for the perspective. Sad, but thank you! S-