|
Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 5, 2009 0:46:55 GMT 1
As you may know, three entries tied for 2nd place in our 'Walk in the Woods' themed short story competition. These were: A Gem of a Dream by Jazz. A Handy Affair by TDJ. Just a Boy by Gnasher. You may re-read these stories at: April Short Story Competition - theme 'A Walk in the Woods.' to refresh you memories. The brief for the competition was: Brief: Stories should be entertaining, and not exceed 1,000 words, and each member may submit up to three short stories, each having a beginning, a middle and an end. This time you will be voting to decide 2nd and 3rd position in the competition, and the results will only be shown after this poll is locked, and each voter may vote only for one story. Voting will end on Wednesday, 6th May at midnight and, if there is still a tie after the voting closes, the value of any prizes involved will be shared between the competitors concerned.
|
|
|
Post by WarriorNik on May 5, 2009 21:19:03 GMT 1
There seems to be a bug or something in the poll. It says above that the results will be hidden until the poll is locked, but I can see the results!
It says, "Poll Status: If you were a regular user, results for this poll would have been hidden until this poll was locked."
Nobody could call me a regular user, and I can't help feeling that if the result is visible, that could lead to some measure of unfairness creeping in, which wouldn't reflect well on the group or even competitors, or encourage people to enter in future, would it?
Perhaps those voting could also be asked to comment and say why they voted as they did? It's just a thought, but at least a way for the writers to get some feedback that might be useful in helping them to improve their work in future competitions? It is, after all, a writing competition, and usually in those the judges pass some comments about the work.
|
|
|
Post by murtle on May 5, 2009 21:31:17 GMT 1
Hi Nik
Well I am a regular user...far to regular...and I can see the results too. I don't think that was the idea behind the poll. I think it would be good to vote and advise why you think the story you voted was best, or to see if Al can come up with an annoymous way of doing this so people can't see the vote score until the voting is completed!
Always bugs in these things when you want them to work smoothly!
But the best way to learn clearly
Murtle xx
|
|
|
Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 5, 2009 22:02:37 GMT 1
Okay, we obviously have a problem here, and I've had a few messages about it, so I have locked this thread, so that we can have a rethink.
How about if we have a poll as to how best to decide this? If the board poll system isn't working as it should, we can either do as suggested above, and allow those who want to vote to do so in the thread and say why, or we could simply divide the value of the prizes at stake three ways?
|
|
|
Post by Viv on May 5, 2009 22:10:09 GMT 1
I think after so much voting maybe divided the 2nd and 3rd prize three ways. That way three rescues benefit also
|
|
|
Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 5, 2009 22:18:38 GMT 1
In fairness, we'd need to ask those concerned in the tie-break, but there's clearly something amiss with the mechanism for polls in the mode set. Could be I didn't click on the right button when setting it up?
Jazz & Gnasher, have either of you an opinion on the above suggestions, please? (I'll have to email Terry to ask.)
|
|
|
Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 6, 2009 0:59:12 GMT 1
Okay, I've now PM'd Jazz and Gnasher, and emailed Terry, TDJ, asking all for their preferences as to what they wish to do - either divide the 2nd & 3rd prize value 3 ways, and as =2nd, and as per the original poll, or for us to hold an open vote, with members stating which they want to vote for and why. It does neither the reputation of the board/group as a whole, nor individuals any good if there is gossip or speculation going on behind the scenes, and the whole idea of running these story competitions is for fun and entertainment, not controversy.
|
|
|
Post by Jazz on May 6, 2009 10:58:39 GMT 1
I have pmed you, but think its best to share the prize, then the rescues win something
|
|
|
Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 6, 2009 11:39:28 GMT 1
I'm just waiting to hear back from Gnasher, and will then know what all concerned want to do.
|
|
|
Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 6, 2009 13:41:24 GMT 1
I have now heard back from Dawn (Gnasher) who says that she is happy to go with any preference by the others. Terry (TDJ) says that he, too, doesn't mind, but that if the prize is shared, would like his share to go to the person who stepped in recently to rescue the two dogs under threat in Ynysybwl, which was AJS of Hereford & Worcester Animal Rescue. He also suggested that next time those voting post some feedback, so that competitors can learn and improve their work, and as a condition of voting as a judge. That seems like a good idea to me, and will enable everyone to get a better idea of what to aspire to. As Jazz, above, has suggested the prizes are shared, and as =2nd place, it seems best to opt for that option, therefore each of the three concerned now has £8.50p either to spend on their own pet/s or on behalf of the rescue of their choice. I'll PM Ajs and let her know. Thanks, everyone.
|
|
|
Post by Jazz on May 6, 2009 18:41:36 GMT 1
thank you xxx
|
|