creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Brain deads

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

See another topic with same theme, and several voices, started on the 14th (many more on similar note in past 2 or 3 weeks):

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-111635-1.html

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

I think your approach is the "happy medium" allowing people to post but if they don't follow the rules they get removed before voting can occur.

Keep up the great work!

gatega1958

May I humbly interject a plea for those with less experience? I entered my first contest recently and tried to write a brief explanation of the photo. For some reason as I wrote in the little white box the screen flipped elsewhere. I couldn't tell if my entry had gone in or not. I was contacted the next day with a kind note saying I needed a caption for the photo or it wouldn't be accepted. I was also given further instructions on making that happen. With that help it worked. I wasn't trying to disregard the rules, and a little kindness the first time through went a long way. I like the Ugly Hedgehog because it welcomes those of us still in the steep learning curve, as well as those with plenty of experience. Of course there are rule-benders, but I wanted to defend those of us with good intentions and shaky skills. :)

riverlass Loc: northern California

Thanks Wahawk,
I kind of understand your attitude. It does seem that if a photo is out of focus, too dark or light, etc. that you would not want to enter it in a contest. But, I don't find any photo "irrelevant". A lot of us are beginners. I just think that some folks don't see what's wrong or how to correct and improve their photography. Maybe they could ask for help in another post. But, if they don't see what's wrong, I guess they can't ask for help.
I'm sure it's aggravating to the "Pros" and advanced photographers in the Forum. I'm still learning. My gripe was more with lack of following the "rules" of the contest.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Good post! Let me guess... you use a PC with Windows? This happened to me a few days ago when I was logged into my bank. Just going over account balances when all of a sudden my screen changed from the bank to an Adobe update. (in classic Seinfeld style whenever Newman is responsible for foiling Jerry's plan) I clinched my fist, gritted my teeth and and whispered the words "Adobe". Of course, after I took care of the Adobe popup, I went back to the bank page where I had to login again.

My point? If something strange happens that you can't explain (especially with Windows), investigate why. I have to give props to Steve and others who organize and police these contests. I wouldn't have the patients. I'm glad your experience was a good one in the end.

To those who think the judging is unfair, get over it or volunteer to help. I have only entered my photos into maybe two or three contests, but I will say that the judging and the voting is very fair compared to others I've entered, and I like the fact that everyone votes. It's really meant to be fun. Some just take it way too seriously.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

The good news is that the voters are not stupid (okay, maybe some are). Even if an "irrelevant" photo slips by the judges, don't you give any credit to the voters to notice it has nothing to do with the topic or theme? When or if I vote and the topic is about bicycles, and I only see a car or a bridge they are not getting my vote---I don't care how post processed it is. :-) Just saying... give some credit to the voters.

riverlass Loc: northern California

:thumbup: :thumbup:

gatega1958

Thanks for the chuckle about Adobe. I needed it.

UP-2-IT Loc: RED STICK, LA

Some folks are individualists or non-conformists, they want to do everything their way, to heck with the rules or the popular consensus.

Drigby1 Loc: American Fork, UT

People are leery of Avators with rattles. Just kidding. I bet the deadline is near and they rush and forget to put what they should. Don't the rules say that if their is no posting theirs will be eliminated? So where are the administrators? Asleep at the wheel?

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I'd ask you to 'Read before you reply', but I was sleeping at the wheel.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

It seems to that this form is become a place to complain and let off steam. It seems like no one is perfect and with out pet peeves, but if you do not like it go on to the next topic and quit complaining unless you are perfect like the member from our Mother Country who has to correct every one. This used to be a good form till all the cry babies took over. I am about ready to quit the form as it has been taken over by the Face Book types that want to stir up trouble, and not contribute any thing meaning full. If you can not say any thing positive, then just be quiet.

LLucas Loc: Upstate South Carolina, USA

Old Timer, that's the motto of our support group here at work: be nice or shut up. :-)

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

:thumbup: :thumbup: