Hi all, I think it was Liz in London perhaps (as opposed to Liz in Melbourne :-) ), who wrote about only 2nd place and down being awarded/received. I was a recipient of an HC one year at a Show, and found out via a roundabout way that no first was awarded for the class - just 3rd and HC. Whilst understanding the logic, the message sent to me (how I interpreted it as a young-ish lacemaker) was that we were awful/not worthy - even though we'd spent hours on our entries and done the best we could. I know that's not the message that was intended to be imparted, but that's how it came across at the time, and I felt somewhat crushed and discouraged - and a little angry. (I don't remember if it was compounded by the Judge's somewhat ambiguous or pithy comments, as it was a long time ago now.) I think I reacted by refusing to enter lace in the lace category the next year, and made lace flowers and entered them in a Floral class in protest.
That was one of the General Rules of that particular Show/Fair - and how they upheld the cachet and standard of their competition. I knew it when I entered, but it was still a negative experience. On the other hand, as a Judge, I try to bring my experiences as an entrant (who's had the odd 'crushing blow to her psyche' :-) ) to temper my judging. I want the entrants to know that I appreciate their hard work, and that they have done something well, but if there is an area that needs improving (say, something that really stands out), then I try to be tactful in pointing that out. Sometimes that's a great challenge for me :-) And occasionally I do 2nd guess myself, after I've had a chance to decompress, so to speak, and wonder if I truly did award the ribbons to the right pieces. And just in case anyone is wondering, since after reading my digest this morning, I read my Mum's comments on judging (she would be the Liz in Melbourne) with amusement - they were so similar to mine, but we really and truly didn't collude/conspire/collaborate in any way, shape or form in our replies. :-) Cheers, Helen, Aussie in Denver - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
