I originally posted this is the other thread because I did not want anyone to think I was "bashing" the judges, but I received feedback that the comments were fair and could be adressed to the judges directly. I understand judging is a voluntary thing, and I applaud you all for your hard work, but this is what my take was on the last round.
Okay, I have been giving this quite a bit of thought this morning, and I would like to respond to the judge's comments ...
First, I think Rodrigo deserved to win. This was definitely not my strongest story, and I think Rodrigo probably put more effort into it and it shows. Also, I agreed with most of the judges comments, and do not want to detract from anybodies well earned victory.
Having said that, I do take exception to a couple of things. First, is names. While the writers get bashed for spelling and gramar mistakes, I think it is not unreasonable for the judges to at least get the characters names right. Granted, Barsoomcore calling Tom 'Tim' could be written off as a simple oops, but Mythago calling Dale 'Doug'? To me that screams the judge did not really read the story ...
And that brings me to my second problem. Below is an excerpt from the story. I think it is clear that Dale's first dreams about his friends turning on him, then gym class, then his parents, and finally Jessica.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RPGgirl
That night, lying on the stone floor of the cave, Dale tossed and turned as sleep eluded him. ... If only his ‘friends’ had defended him, he grumbled half awake. He wouldn’t be in this cave. He should have known better. This was no different than high school, especially gym class. Every time he entered that building, he was humiliated...
In fact, if it was anybody’s fault it was his parents ...
Like Jessica, he thought, the little slut who led him on all through twelfth grade. Sure, she was nice to him, but that was just because she wanted help with calculus. He could still hear those mocking words, Dale, you’re a sweet guy, but can’t we just be friends? Friends? Do friends tell you what a nice and caring guy you are then date someone else? Do friends hang out with you during study hall then refuse your invitation to the senior prom? No, they don’t. Friends stand up for you, stand by you.
And here is the criticism I received from Mythago
Quote:
Originally Posted by MYTHAGO
It's harder to buy the wicker man saving Jessica's house for last--if we're going chronologically, why not his parents?--and the cataclysmic movie-ending destruction of the cliff falling in.
We know from the story to this point, the Wicker Man destroyed the SCA friends, then the school, then his parents house. Chronologically, Jessica's house is last.
Again, I feel the judge did not really read the story. I suppose I would be okay with it, if the judgements were posted immediately after the story, but it was over a week. As an author that struggled to come up with something presentable in a short period of time, I am insulted by the lack of attention to details in the reviews - not that more detail is needed, just accuracy.
I would also have liked to see more emphasis on picture use, as I thought that was the point of the contest.