Dear Members,
As we all know we are trialling some changes to how we run our competitions.
Digital changes –
As previously explained, these were in response to feedback from members that they believed the judges were not giving as much value to digital entries as they were to print entries, and that print entries were receiving more awards. (An analysis and comparison of awards given between the prints and digitals has supported this observation).
In terms of point scores, it was believed by members that this was therefore favouring members who entered prints and making it difficult for digital entrants to compete.
Also, many members have expressed that they are often not getting a good enough viewing of, nor hearing comments for the digital images on comp night. (Yes, sometimes judges will make comments, but most often they will only make general comments or not make any comments at all and all we’re getting is a very rushed viewing).
These changes will address these concerns as we will no longer be restricted by an automatic slideshow, rather the images will be moved through at a pace determined by the judge after they have made their comments and announced their awards.
As we all know, our print and digitals are just 2 parts of the one competition rather than 2 separate competitions.
One explanation for the discrepancy in awards given that has been put forward is that as the digitals were being judged at the judge’s leisure at their own home and awards and comments made online rather than verbally on competition night it separates the competitions.
The change to have the digital awards and comments made verbally on competition night was made to bring both parts of our competition into line with each other and so that the judging of both parts of our competition are now treated in the same manner.
The hope is that the awards for both will now be given the same value.
We understand that some members would also like the judge to continue with the written comments as well as give them verbally.
While some judges may be willing to do this, most aren’t.
Judges have communicated that if they’re to do written comments they do not want to then deliver these comments verbally as well. They see this as doubling their work load.
Also, by taking out the requirement for the judge to make written comments it will make the task of recruiting judges much easier.
We are such a friendly club that it should be no problem for us to find a friend who can jot down the judge’s comments if for whatever reason we are unable to attend in person.
I would guess that many members already do this for each other when prints are brought to the club by a friend.
Print Changes–
The only change to our print competition will be that we are no longer displaying the title of the image in the top left corner of our prints.
This decision was made for 2 reasons.
It will ensure that the images are always judged on their photographic merit rather than the name of the image which has unfortunately happened on quite a few occasions.
Also, removing the title from the front will bring us in line with many other clubs and international competitions.
We do understand that these changes may not be favourable to everyone. Unfortunately it seems that pleasing everyone is not going to be possible so we need to address the concerns of the majority and hope that others will have an open mind and see the benefits of these changes.
Hopefully we can always work together as a club to listen to all members feedback and make any changes that are necessary and beneficial to the majority of our members.
As with everything new this will be trialled to start with. We will be looking forward to feedback from our judges and members.
Thank you for your cooperation. Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight.
