It's up to the site Members

[fd-ems-emt]

Zan,, 

Alll I can say is,  we all have 1 vote.

I would hope that when each of us are voting,
We judge the story fairly and not swayed by who wrote it, But what is writen..

[mongrel]

The question Zan posed is both honest and realistic. My own take on the answer is this:

This is the first contest of this sort the site is hosting, so to a large extent we have to simply try it and see. If the essays are to be printed and judged on-line they could be posted anonymously, each one numbered and voted for by number. I would like to believe based on the tone of this site so far that even the proudest parents or grandparents wouldn't attempt to bias the other voters by PM'ing or e-mailing, "Johnny's essay is #4...."

I'll be honest, my first reaction to any suggestion like I just made, that people would keep their hands off and let the vote be strictly on merit, is cynical: I've seen too many people I thought were good and decent get down and dirty when it came to "winning" and particularly when some prize of material value was at stake. BUT the reason I've been disappointed enough to become cynical in the first place is because I persist in believing that people will generally do the right thing. If I didn't think that I would probably have given up on decency, myself, a long time ago.

If it turns into a popularity contest then we do something different next time -- or don't bother doing anything at all. One of the things I really like about this site, so far, though, is exactly the lack of "clique" mentality that has shown itself in so many other places and situations. So, again -- let's give it a shot and decide afterward whether or not there was cause for worry.

[RoaringBull]

Perhaps a points system and average scoring, with the members who have personal knowledge disqualifying themselves.

[karwelis]

Excellent idea, I look forward to reading the entries. the only question I would pose is how will it be judged fairly by the members? I'm thinking there are several folks who would have strong feelings for one entry over others. Just a question...
zan

here's an idea lets see if you like it. i dont know anyone entering this contest. the one kid i knew just wont be able to do it how about using someone like me to read and judge?

karwelis

[fd-ems-emt]

Well being I have no child entering and giving the ML'er  away.

Do you want me to judge the contest..   

OR

All can PM me the story and I will post it with a number so nobody knows were it came from but me...
Again I will not vote, and just do the posting... 

[karwelis]

i think the idea of the person judging not knowing any of the kids turning in the essays is purfect

karwelis

[fd-ems-emt]

I just spoke to my wife, she had a good idea..

We can have 3 people from her Seniors Club be  the judges..

This way there is no chance of any of the kids being known at all..

The 3 she has in mind, 2 are retired teachers and one is a retired bookkeeper..

Two of these people are very into hunting and fishing also..

[karwelis]

sold! i like it!

karwelis

[RoaringBull]

sounds excellent to me

[Ranger]

Good idea, impartiality is best.

[R.M.]

How can it be leveled out so that an 18 year old doesn't have an advantage over an 8 year old. Just something to think about.

[karwelis]

i dont think 18 year olds are allowed. its my impression this is for kids

[R.M.]

Well whatever the age range is, it needs to be balanced somehow.

[fd-ems-emt]

Were not going to score points on the Essay.
Spelling and grammar is not going to count on picking a winner..
We all have some kind of spelling and grammar program on our computers that should be used..

It will be read, then winner will be pick on the contents of the story...

I don't see a problem with the age thing..

18 years will not be alowed.....

[R.M.]

this will be for any person under 18

That's where I came up with the 18 number. Sorry