Thought this subject would result in a separate thread, but let's just highjack this one...
I don't want to up the complexity of it at all. I don't really care who judges or how long they take. I'm not concerned if there are lengthy discussions or critiques of each story though I like that aspect of it a lot. I think it is not unreasonable to just be patient.
It's sometimes hard for me to make enough space to write something in the 72 hours, and we have plenty of control on when the pics are posted. Why should we press the judges to finish reading two stories and posting up feedback within 7-8 days of my deadline? IMO, I believe asking for that is pushing too much. Many in this group already know that writing and submitting nearly anywhere else takes longer, sometimes much longer. As a result of a demanding deadline for the qualified judges, they will find better things to do with their time than be stressed out by judging this writing competition.
And how about the reverse? What if the judges just posted up the pics for each round every week on Sunday at 1:32 PM? If the writers didn't make it on time or couldn't commit writing in that time frame, tough muffins. The competition would be done in 4 or 5 weeks, and we would still see some quality work. However, we are fortunate that we can choose our own deadlines.
In the current format I think we have struck a balance. This may be one of the longer Ceremic DM competitions with a 16 contestant tree, 5 rounds, and surviving a new server installation. Sure we all want our judgements and waiting isn't easy. But for the love of St. Cuthbert or whoever, see the other side of the gold piece, and give the judges all the breathing room they want.
Adding more judges would add more time to get the judgements organized and post a result. In the writing competitions I judge there is no way someone should, nor would I, split up the story reading responsibilities. The continuity and expectations of different judges is too broad to deal with. Doing so here would be no different, especially with trying to divide responsibilities to get the job done faster.
Hooked on phonics... again...