Diary of a Disgruntled Contestant

[William Haskins]

I’m relieved to see that I’m not the only one disappointed in the timeliness (or lack thereof) of the contest coordinators’ end in all this. I’ve resisted, as I’m sure the other contestants have, being vocal about this, but as I’ve spent my Saturday hitting refresh, I think I’ll share some thoughts.

The writers in the contest (if my personal experience is any indication) have committed themselves fully. We spend days, nights, lunch breaks writing so that we can have something we’re proud of ready by the deadline.

Similarly, the people who read and vote before the voting deadline commit themselves to the process.

As I see it, Jenna announces the theme and, not counting the thought she puts into that, it’s essentially 5 minutes to make the post. The writers then go off and invest days in creating a story from scratch and meet the deadline.

At some point after that (sometimes involving waiting), Jenna announces that the voting is open (again, a 5 minute post).

Once the voting is over, presumably the only time-intensive element is Melina pulling up her PM page and, since the votes are in the subject line, taking a pad of paper and making 5 columns (one for each contestant) and making marks in the appropriate column as she scans the message list.

With 100-130 votes, even at a mere one mark a minute, this is a two hour job, at most.

That, coupled with the fact that she can log onto any connected computer in the world and access this information, makes it a somewhat streamlined and not-too-difficult task.

Now, one could easily say, “Relax. No one’s making you hover over the computer like an idiot.”

Well, this is true. I’ll admit to a certain amount of ego and natural human curiosity, and I think that’s an understandable state of mind for someone in the midst of a two month long competition involving the writing of up to 9 original pieces.

In the case of this time (and last), timely announcement of results and the accompanying new theme can mean the difference between being able to devote part of my weekend to starting my new entry (if I advance) and struggling to be creative during the chaos of the work week.

Maybe that’s part of the lesson. That professional writing means jumping through hoops to meet editorial requirements, then being a patient little lamb while you await the fate of something you’ve sweated out of your soul. But I don’t find that a particularly necessary component of this contest.

Ultimately, yes I know, it’s just an Internet contest. But that doesn’t mean we have to treat it like one. That certainly doesn’t figure into how seriously I personally take each entry. I write to the best of my ability, as if I were applying for a fellowship or seeking publication.

And, as we muse about how we get more people engaged in voting, I wonder if momentum is not lost in these unnecessary ebbs and flows.

I want to end by saying that this is not a personal attack on Jenna or Melina, or anyone else. But when you volunteer to coordinate something like this, you make a social contract to live up to that responsibility.

The contestants, throughout the contest, have conducted themselves with utmost professionalism. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect the same from the coordinators.

[VOTE_BOT]

Calm down, Haskins. The sun doesn't rise and fall at the whim of your little Idol entry.

[William Haskins]

shut up, vote_bot.

[VOTE_BOT]

You shut up.

[MacAllister]

now fellas--don't make me send you to separate corners...

[three seven]

I'd pay to see that.

[maestrowork]

I'd pay to see that.

Me too. At least it'll be more exciting than the other corners of this room...

[brinkett]

I’m relieved to see that I’m not the only one disappointed in the timeliness (or lack thereof) of the contest coordinators’ end in all this. I’ve resisted, as I’m sure the other contestants have, being vocal about this, but as I’ve spent my Saturday hitting refresh, I think I’ll share some thoughts.

It's not just the contestants that are disappointed.

The sun might not rise and fall at the whim of his little idol entry, but he has a point. The contestants post their entries by the deadline or they're disqualified, the voters must read all of the entries and vote by a deadline for their vote to count, and then there's dead silence, and it's not the first time. It does give the impression that the contest isn't being taken all that seriously, not to mention that it's very unfair to the contestants in particular.

I don't know why the results haven't been posted yet - perhaps it's because of BEA, perhaps Melina can't sign on, perhaps there's some other reason, and hopefully everyone is all right. What would be nice is if someone, anyone, in the know, could post an estimated time when something unforeseen happens. I think part of the problem is that we have no idea when the results will be posted.

I also agree that the results should be postable within an hour of the voting deadline, two tops, and that a results deadline should be in place for the next contest, if there is one.

[jdkiggins]

And, as we muse about how we get more people engaged in voting, I wonder if momentum is not lost in these unnecessary ebbs and flows.
I expressed the same feeling, though, not so eloquently, at dinner this evening.

I'd quote your whole post and agree with the entire diary, but quoting entire posts is annoying.

Here! Here! William.

If the next theme is disgruntled, you've got a winner here!

#2 on William's disgruntled contestant list.

[maestrowork]

Excuse me, but I don't recall a rule in the contest that says votes will be tallied and posted within 12 hours (or 24 or whatever).

Melina is a volunteer. Give her a break.

[ZaZ]

Shut up, vote_bot.

[brinkett]

Excuse me, but I don't recall a rule in the contest that says votes will be tallied and posted within 12 hours (or 24 or whatever).

An unfortunate omission.

[William Haskins]

you're absolutely right, ray.

but then, to me, there shouldn't be a doubt that the administrative end would, in good faith, keep the contest running smoothly for the benefit of the contestants, the audience and the reputation of the site.

jenna knows when the deadline is for posting. there's no reason that she, or someone on her behalf, shouldn't be on-hand to open the voting immediately.

melina knows, days in advance, when the voting will close. even the precise hour. there should be some preparation for that, even if it's a thread called "about vote tallying" wherein she says, "i see that voting ends at 10 friday night. just want to let you all know that i work till midnight pacific, and i have to get up saturday and take my dog to the vet, etc so i won't be posting till saturday night, or sunday"... or whatever.

[Cassie88]

What would be nice is if someone, anyone, in the know, could post an estimated time when something unforeseen happens. I think part of the problem is that we have no idea when the results will be posted.


Yeah, this would help.

[three seven]

Or alternatively, if Melina's having sustained technical problems I'll happily step up.

[BlueTexas]

you're absolutely right, ray.

but then, to me, there shouldn't be a doubt that the administrative end would, in good faith, keep the contest running smoothly for the benefit of the contestants, the audience and the reputation of the site.

jenna knows when the deadline is for posting. there's no reason that she, or someone on her behalf, should be on-hand to open the voting immediately.

melina knows, days in advance, when the voting will close. even the precise hour. there should be some preparation for that, even if it's a thread called "about vote tallying" wherein she says, "i see that voting ends at 10 friday night. just want to let you all know that i work till midnight pacific, and i have to get up saturday and take my dog to the vet, etc so i won't be posting till saturday night, or sunday"... or whatever.

I think that would be a very reasonable thing to do.

The longer the delay in posting the results means the longer the remaining contestants have to wait to hear the new theme, and William has a great point about weekends.

And he's right about the writers and the voters having a deadline. Vote-posting should also have one. Perhaps it should be specified in the rules of the next contest.

That said, thanks Melina for volunteering to count the votes :)

[maestrowork]

The problem is, many of us, even the mods, don't know. It's not like we have meetings every day to talk about the AW business. There's no committee.

All I know is, Jenna's at BEA. Melina had computer problems and she probably still does. And I'm sure they are not doing this to deliberately torture us.

But yes, if Melina has continuing tech problems, perhaps someone can take her place.

[William Haskins]

yeah i never said it was malicious, ray...

or shoud i say "vote_bot"?

[MacAllister]

...
I hadn't thought of that...what if they ARE doing this to deliberately torture us?

...what if Jenna and Melina are watching all this, without signing in, so they look like "guests" and they're IMing each other on yahoo or MSN and laughing and pointing....

...where'd I leave my little tinfoil beanie? Has anyone seen it?

[firehorse]

It does give the impression that the contest isn't being taken all that seriouslyMaybe that’s part of the lesson. That professional writing means jumping through hoops to meet editorial requirements, then being a patient little lamb while you await the fate of something you’ve sweated out of your soul. That's how I'm trying to take this. Otherwise, I'd feel like Jenna had lost interest in the contest, and that would upset me.

I was disillusioned when Pepperlandgirl was voted out; I was very sad when Zach dropped out - IMO, these were two of the strongest writers in the contest. But there are still five (soon to be four) of us left, and it would be nice to know that even if we weren't odds-on favourites, our efforts are still being taken seriously.

Ultimately, yes I know, it’s just an Internet contest. But that doesn’t mean we have to treat it like one. That certainly doesn’t figure into how seriously I personally take each entry. I write to the best of my ability, as if I were applying for a fellowship or seeking publication.Ditto.

[rhymegirl]

Can any of the mods step in and contact Melina? Jenna doesn't know what's going on if she's away.

[maestrowork]

...
I hadn't thought of that...what if they ARE doing this to deliberately torture us?

...what if Jenna and Melina are watching all this, without signing in, so they look like "guests" and they're IMing each other on yahoo or MSN and laughing and pointing....

...where'd I leave my little tinfoil beanie? Has anyone seen it?

Go write something, Mac. ;)

[brinkett]

All I know is, Jenna's at BEA. Melina had computer problems and she probably still does. And I'm sure they are not doing this to deliberately torture us.

I'm sure they aren't (I lost my tin foil cap years ago), but it's clear that someone dropped the ball. As William said, the deadlines are known well in advance.

[sgtsdaughter]

...
...where'd I leave my little tinfoil beanie? Has anyone seen it?

I borrowed it to help with my cyber chanting earlier . . . Do I have to give it back so soon?

[three seven]

Can any of the mods step in and contact Melina? Jenna doesn't know what's going on if she's away.Done

[rhymegirl]

Or alternatively, if Melina's having sustained technical problems I'll happily step up.

That's very sweet of you. And where the heck have you been?

[three seven]

Uh... here and there.


More there than here, obviously.

[rhymegirl]

I've missed all your witty posts.

[Unique]

[QUOTE=MacAllister]...
I hadn't thought of that...what if they ARE doing this to deliberately torture us?

...what if Jenna and Melina are watching all this, without signing in, so they look like "guests" and they're IMing each other on yahoo or MSN and laughing and pointing....

QUOTE]

It's funny you should say that - it had crossed my mind. I don't usually write fiction, but this whole nine yards has given me one H*** of an idea.....

[Cassie88]

If you read through this read...and think of it as a play... with William's line,,, or should I say Vote bot... I haven't laughed so hard in a while... And believe, me, I haven't gotten anything done in the last - God knows how many hours - because I want to know the results. Sort of infantile, I'll admit, but what are you going to do. But laugh.......

[dragonjax]

Well, if Melina's having computer trouble, I would be happy to volunteer to count the votes for Week 5.

[dragonjax]

Oops, just saw three seven's offer. Never mind...

[firehorse]

We could always have a vote on who should count the votes...

[VOTE_BOT]

I think we've finally stepped through the looking glass.

[Cassie88]

While we're waiting, "Luckiest Man" by Jonathan Eig is reviewed in the NY Times Book Review this Sunday. I haven't read it all yet..but here's the last two lines of the review. "Eig is obviously knowledgeable about baseball, and doesn't slight the game, but nonfans will find this story captivating nonetheless. Luckiest Man stands in the first rank of sports biographies." ..the life and death of Lou Gehrig. Review by Kevin Baker.

[dragonjax]

I'm off to watch the original Star Wars on DVD. I'll check in later.

[mkcbunny]

I don't think it really matters if the votes are tallied within an hour or two; what matters is that people know when to expect results, however long that will be. That way, everyone could go away and come back at a specific time instead of lingering and refreshing and posting to fill an indeterminate waiting period. I also wonder if it might be helpful not to end the vote at midnight. But I suppose that depends on the vote-counter's schedule.

[firehorse]

Here's my new theory:

There's a tie, and Melina has to reach Jenna before she can post it.

I think somone else already posited this.

I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

[BlueTexas]

Here's my new theory:

There's a tie, and Melina has to reach Jenna before she can post it.

I think somone else already posited this.

I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

If this is the case, Melina ought to post a note saying "hey, something's happening, but the results will not be posted today..."

[maestrowork]

I have a feeling Melina couldn't get to a computer at all, and the libraries were closed.

[Birol]

That's very sweet of you. And where the heck have you been?


Uh... here and there.


More there than here, obviously.


He's been helping me crash, uh, I mean, fly, planes. :)

[mkcbunny]

If this is the case, Melina ought to post a note saying "hey, something's happening, but the results will not be posted today..."

Plus, the last time there was a tie, we had a re-vote. There's already a "plan" for that problem.

[William Haskins]

here is my rough plan for a great new invention that will allow people with common business and personal interests to communicate when a computer is down.

http://www.sandiegohistory.org/exhibits/vaults/images/telephone.jpg

[Cassie88]

WELL, the whole damn wasted day is now worth it........ Ahhahahahah.... Trust me guys, once you start laughing about it, it just keeps getting funnier!

[Cassie88]

Okay, I stopped laughing. Now what?!

[BlueTexas]

Okay, I stopped laughing. Now what?!

Welcome to Hell ;) Grab a stick--we're all poking William, the guy pulling his hair out in the middle of the room...

[jdkiggins]

Dear William,
I appreciate your candid mention of a rough plan for a great new invention, however we must reject your submission at this time.

Tin cans and strings would have worked just as well in this case, and received similar results.

[sgtsdaughter]

okay disgruntled folks. i would love to sit through the wee hours with you, but to no avail. i need to sleep so that i can muster some writing in the am.

have fun grunting . . .

[Unique]

Me, too. It's just too hard to clean these keyboards.....

[William Haskins]

have fun grunting . . .

snort

[Cassie88]

I logged off and watched a movie. Still no results??? Is this a joke?

[Birol]

Okay, gang, I just went and double-checked the last status update we received from Melina in Mod. In it, she indicated she would be back online by the end of this week and said she would get the votes counted.

[William Haskins]

they PM'd everyone privately to announce the results. you didn't get it?

[brokenfingers]

Well howdy doo folks.

I’ve been away all evening but I see I haven’t missed much as far as knowing who to console and who to extort.

Obviously, what we have here is just a minor temporary glitch in the machine. I think it’s just a matter of unpredictable events happening and not having any failsafes in place.

I can’t say I really know Jenna but from what I do know of her I’ve got to say I’m impressed with her business savvy and her character and I don’t believe she would let this happen willingly. And I don’t think any of you do either.

These things sometimes happen to the biggest and the best. An unforeseen circumstance collides with an unbelievable coincidence which smashes into an improbable situation. It’s happened to governments, kingdoms, empires, big businesses and now – Jenna.

After this I’m pretty sure steps will be taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Now, I’m not saying it’s no biggie, don’t worry your lil’ selves over it, why are you gettin’ upset about a lil’ ol’ thing like that? I understand the contestants dilemma and the viewers anticipation and anxiety, believe me - I do. Yeah, it’s kind of disheartening to have the suspense and the pressure built up and then have this kind of letdown.

We’re all kinda milling about aimlessly, looking around at at each other looking for an answer and only seeing blank faces and shrugged shoulders. Some may be angry, some may be upset, some may be disappointed, some may be heartbroken and some may want to throw down their guns and walk away.

Yes, I agree that this stumble may have taken some of the wind out of the sails of the event for some people. But to be honest, it was just that – a stumble. Meaning you try to maintain your balance, recover the rhythm of your steps and keep going.

I’m going to say this for those who may not take the rest of the contest seriously because for one reason or another you do not feel it is being conducted seriously:

We are all here brothers and sisters. We are a community. We’re all walking that road. Some are walking on smooth asphalt with bold sign markers posted frequently. Some are walking a dirt road barely recognizable. Some are beating their own path through the wild brush. And some, like Haskins, are running through the thorn bushes laughing maniacally.

The Idol contest, to me at least, has become more than the sum of its parts. Yes, it is a place for the contestants to perform and so grow in their practice of the writing craft – but it is also a place for us, the viewers and voters to grow also. By examining and deciding upon what works for us as a reader; we also, even if unconsciously, are discerning in our own minds what it takes to write a good story that others will like.

And besides it’s fun. I feel privileged to have made the acquaintance of each and every contestant in the Idol contest.

It is what bought me into this community originally and I have come to grow attached to this forum and its members also – my writing brothers and sisters.

The generosity, wisdom, humanity, humor, compassion, knowledge and plain wackiness that is shared here is truly inspiring. I know it’s just online personas but you all have had a very real effect on me and my real life. You’ve made me laugh, made me think, made me hope and made me aspire.

So I don’t know about anybody else but I still am going to vote and participate. And if there’s another Idol contest I’m gonna enter that one too. And if I don’t become a finalist – I’m gonna up my price to the judges and enter the NEXT one!! (I was told $5 more and I would’ve been a finalist in this one instead of an honorable mention)

The gist of my rant is this: This is obviously an unforeseen event, a mishap – don’t let it get you down or sour your mood or make ya crazy. I’m sure Jenna doesn’t feel too happy about it either.

(Forgive my soapboxness - I have my son this weekend and I always get philosophical when I do.)

[William Haskins]

that's awesome that you have your son this weekend. hope it's a great one.

[firehorse]

Okay, gang, I just went and double-checked the last status update we received from Melina in Mod. In it, she indicated she would be back online by the end of this week and said she would get the votes counted.Which week?

[TashaGoddard]

Which week?

This week just gone (though I suppose 'end of the week' could be interpreted as Friday or Sunday, depending on your point of view). She mentioned that she might have to get a new computer, so there may well be problems with that.

Also, please bear in mind that other things can happen to prevent someone getting online - e.g. real-life emergencies and so on. Please be patient. Melina is doing this on a voluntary basis and she's been pretty dedicated to getting the votes counted and results posted as quickly as she can. I'm positive that she will do so this week as soon is possible.

In the meantime, y'all should enjoy the tension - it's all part of the fun of competition!

[brinkett]

I’m going to say this for those who may not take the rest of the contest seriously because for one reason or another you do not feel it is being conducted seriously:

I think we'll all take the rest of the contest seriously for the contestants' sake, because they've all been giving 110% every week. But these snafus (and this isn't the first one - we were all pretty forgiving of the first delay) don't give a good impression. We've been hoping for more voters, and this ain't going to help.

Hopefully something will be done to ensure that this doesn't happen again for the remainder of the contest.

[KTC]

"Or should I say Vote_Bot" hahahahahaha! This does read like a play. I feel an intermission coming up, though.

[firehorse]

Also, please bear in mind that other things can happen to prevent someone getting online - e.g. real-life emergencies and so on. That was my first thought last week, so I minimized the possibility of that being an issue this week. Does anyone know if she's okay? Surely someone must have a way to get in touch with her.

Tension... it's more like frustration. I've enjoyed having a day or so between the the posting of the results the beginning of the next round; if I make it through this round, there's no such rest (perhaps that's the point). And, as William pointed out, we've already lost a day of working on the next piece. Our real-world issues begin to interfere come Monday morning. (Actually, mine interfere beginning today.)

I know Melina is a volunteer, and I respect that. I'm not trashing her. My feelings, however, are my feelings - and I feel ignored in the immediate sense and forgotten in the larger sense.

Edited to add: I know she's not deliberately NOT posting the results, and I figure there's probably a communication problem with Jenna at BEA this weekend. My feelings are just - well, if they don't take this seriously, who will?

[KTC]

I say we hang her at high noon...right after the tar and feather ceremony at 11!

[Birol]

KTC, I know you're trying to be amusing, but when a person (Melina in this case) is doing the best they can and having probs getting something accomplished they really want and enjoy doing, coming back to such comments can make them feel that much less appreciated and develop their own bad feelings.

I know the contestants are living the Idol 24/7 and it is has long since taken over the greatest parts of their thoughts and their lives, which makes it all the more stressful when you're waiting for the next stage and not knowing when it's coming. Why don't you use this down time to walk away from the computer, take a breather, and recharge your creative batteries?

[BlueTexas]

I say we hang her at high noon...right after the tar and feather ceremony at 11!

I've a better idea...let's tar and feather her computer, or her phone or cable line if that's what's preventing her from posting. Melina would look funny with feathers, don'tcha think?

But then, I'm assuming it's a tech issue that's the holdup :)

[firehorse]

I'm assuming it's a tech issue that's the holdup :)Uh-oh. I'm feeling another poll coming on:

What's the delay:
Tech issues
Melina can't reach Jenna
Melina is a sadist
Jenna is a sadist
This is a test and we've all - except Darla - failed miserably

(the above is to be taken in good humour)

(I'm off to drink coffee, smoke and work)

[maestrowork]

Waiting is part of being a professional writer. As is frustration.

Deal with it.


(Simon-Ray: I vow that the more you whine about this, the more I won't vote for you next week)

[Birol]

:ROFL:

I like that poll, firehorse.

[jdkiggins]

Why don't you use this down time to walk away from the computer, take a breather, and recharge your creative batteries?

I've done just that. Along with writing my monthly column, I've deleted a few of my Share Your Work posts in order to submit them.

So far, my column is complete and I have four query letters ready to send in tomorrow's mail. :)

Get your batteries charged, contestants. We, well some of us, still have several weeks to place our blather online. Happy charging!

[rhymegirl]

Good for you. That sounds great, Joanne. It's good advice to try to stay positive about this whole thing.

And now I'm stepping away from the computer to go out for ice cream. It's a lovely day out there. :)

[maestrowork]

Ice cream! That's a good idea. Take your loved ones to the park. Do something fun. Turn off and shut off your computer. Forget about it.


The RESULTS will be in.

[Cassie88]

Birol, ooops, I meant to say Broken..... you are amazing. You're pretty great, too, Birol!!

Great tennis going on right now. French Open. Right now, Pierta and Nadal are battling for the fourth set. Nadal up two sets. oh Nadal just won that game............ now one game away from the championship. This kid is something...
That's all.

[LieselGarmach]

Perhaps the deadline for posting can be extended a day or two as well, so that a weekend day may be incorporated for the contestants?

I deliberately wait until all of the stories are posted before I read any of them so that familiarity with a particular story doesn't sway me when it's time to make my decision. I know I'm in the minority in that respect.

Whatever is causing the delay, I hope it's nothing seriously tragic with a person. Technical glitches are annoying but personal tragedy is no fun.

[MacAllister]

Perhaps the deadline for posting can be extended a day or two as well, so that a weekend day may be incorporated for the contestants? That's a great idea, and I'll suggest it to Jenna! Thanks. :)

[mkcbunny]

Uh-oh. I'm feeling another poll coming on:
This is a test and we've all - except Darla - failed miserably

(I'm off to drink coffee, smoke and work)

I definitely feel like I have failed the test. Patience is a virture, and ice cream calls. [Excellent idea, rhymegirl!]

Sarah, what are you doing smoking?!?!?!?

[KTC]

Birol,

I think you totally missed the meaning behind my comments. I think it's fine that there is no announcement yet. I think that everybody discussing it is a bit ridiculous. Big deal. Let Melina have her weekend...get off her back. That's what I intended by my comments.

[Birol]

Okay. Good to know. As I said, I knew you intended to be amusing; it's just the whole "words on the screen don't show our tone and inflection" thing. :)

[MacAllister]

Folks, we DO all take this seriously. Even those of us who didn't enter the contest.

This is a snafu. It's VERY regrettable, coming on the heels of last week's snafu. I'm really sorry that it's interfering with your weekends.

We have emails out to Jenna and Melina--we'll do everything we can to ensure it doesn't happen again. I'm sorry, thank you for your patience, and lots of us are right here, waiting anxiously with you.

[katiemac]

I just wanted to backup MacAllister's post.

Please also keep in mind this is the first time anyone has participated in the contest. Problems are natural, and now we'll all have better understanding on how to run more smoothly in the remaining weeks and in any future contests. The mods are driving themselves mad trying to get in contacts with Jenna and Melina.

I realize you all have put forth a tremendous investment into this contest. It really is wonderful; the contestants are obviously what kept this going. However, please remember that without Jenna and especially Melina absolutely no one would be competing at all. Like us all, they do have responsibilities and conflicts outside of AW, but they both agreed to this on a volunteer, non-paying basis. Jenna has spent a huge amount of time gathering the prizes for for the finalists which I think you would all agree are pretty spectacular.

The delay is unusual, yes, and unfortunate for everyone participating, but let's just hope for their sakes it's nothing more important than computer technicalities.

[Melina]

Well, now that I've finished crying, and I can see through my swollen eyes to type, I would just like to say:

Thank you very much to those of you who've had my back. I appreciate it a lot.

To all of you, even those who found themselves "disgruntled" where my performance is concerned, I apologize profusely. I have no computer at my home or office anymore, and I am trying to work my budget to buy a new one this coming week. I am now writing from my father-in-law's house, while the rest of my family is out in the backyard having a barbeque for my daughter's birthday. Evidently, I lack sufficient dedication to this contest...

See you on the "Results" thread...

Melina

[VOTE_BOT]

Hope you're happy now, Haskins.

[katiemac]

Melina, I'm glad to know nothing too serious happened when you were away. Welcome back, and thanks for counting!

[Sarita]

I am now writing from my father-in-law's house, while the rest of my family is out in the backyard having a barbeque for my daughter's birthday.

That's dedication.... Thanks again, Melina. Now, run outside and enjoy your daughters b-day!!! :partyguy:

[Cabria]

Melina, you're doing an excellent job! Circumstances, situations...can't always be controlled. No worries....

Hugs,
Debbie :Hug2:

[ChunkyC]

Hi Melina, and once again, thanks for doing the counting.

Happy birthday to your little one.

[maestrowork]

Melina, you always have a hug from me. As for the rest of the cry babies, see you next week. I now have another criterion when I consider my vote...


And happy birthday, Lil Melina! ;) (how old is your daughter?)

[brokenfingers]

Just as I think it's inconsiderate to jump on Melina and Jenna for prolonging the agony of waiting - I also think it's inconsiderate to jump on any contestant for feeling the natural pangs and pains of anxiously awaiting the results.

They have put their whole heart and effort into this contest and have sacrificed their time to produce the best that they could week after week. It is they who have felt the anxiety more keenly than anybody else.

Yes, a mishap occurred but I don't think we should be so quick to judge or judge harshly - on BOTH sides of the issue.

[William Haskins]

As for the rest of the cry babies, see you next week. I now have another criterion when I consider my vote...

maybe you can get jenna to change it to Absolute Write-and-Retribution Idol Contest, ray.

not sure how appropriate it is for a mod to suggest that weighing votes based on someone expressing an opinion on the process is acceptable but, hey, do what you gotta do.

[Sarita]

Yes, a mishap occurred but I don't think we should be so quick to judge or judge harshly - on BOTH sides of the issue.

I totally agree, BF. It's got to be hard on either side of this fence.

[mommie4a]

From the bottom of my heart, Sara, Three Seven and Richard - THANK YOU for not making me a finalist.

[maestrowork]

maybe you can get jenna to change it to Absolute Write-and-Retribution Idol Contest, ray.

not sure how appropriate it is for a mod to suggest that weighing votes based on someone expressing an opinion on the process is acceptable but, hey, do what you gotta do.

Don't put words in my mouth, Haskins.

But sportsmanship is very important to me. Being a great writer has more to do with how well you use words. Just as you have the right to express your feelings, I have the same right as an AW member and an Idol voter. And here I am, expressing disappointment in some of you.

But then again, I only have one vote. It may not matter that much.



BTW, thanks Jenna for having this contest. You are truly amazing.

Thanks Melina for doing what you can to count the votes. You're an ace.

Thanks Sara, Three and Rich for spending days and nights selecting our finalists. You've done well and your hard work is appreciated.

Thanks the contestants for sticking with it, even though it can be frustrating at times, what with the deadlines and snafus. You are all great writers, and I'll be happy if any one of you wins.

And thanks to the voters and supporters. You're a big part of this contest.

As for Vote_Bot... the verdict is still out.

[William Haskins]

Don't put words in my mouth, Haskins.

your implication was quite clear, sir.

[maestrowork]

I said I have one more criterion to consider -- sportsmanship. I will never say I won't vote for you because of that. For cryin' out loud, if you wow me with an entry, I will VOTE for you with ALL MY HEART, as I have done in the past.

So go ahead and WOW me, I dare you.

[mkcbunny]

OK, I am just a voter, not a mod or a contestant. But it seems to me that the tone of the whole issue has gotten too tense at this point [I won't say "nasty" just yet, but it's getting there]. Everyone's working hard on all sides of this contest, and clearly everyone who's spoken up cares about it or they wouldn't bother voicing an opinion. But maybe it's time to put this issue to bed, close the thread, and move on to the next round with positive thoughts and some notes for improvement in the future?

MHO. Bye now.

[Birol]

I agree, mkcbunny. We've all developed some fast friendships during this. I know the competition is heating up and so it seems are tempers.

[JennaGlatzer]

Yeah, my temper's flaring. I'm actually disgusted... a day and a half for a devoted volunteer with tech troubles to post the week's results and me to subsequently post the following week's theme and this is what ensues?

[astonwest]

From the bottom of my heart, Sara, Three Seven and Richard - THANK YOU for not making me a finalist.

I'll second that... (for my own entry, that is)

[ZaZ]

More vehemence, less vote-bot.

[Birol]

Yes, I came back and unlocked this thread after I locked it. I was second-guessing myself for doing so, had a brief conversation with another mod asking their opinion, and came back and unlocked it. I knew I should have posted an explanation, but at the time I was running late for my writer's group, so I figured I'd come back later and post an explanation.

[brokenfingers]

Yeah, my temper's flaring. I'm actually disgusted... a day and a half for a devoted volunteer with tech troubles to post the week's results and me to subsequently post the following week's theme and this is what ensues?

(Uh-oh, Mom's home....)

[JennaGlatzer]

Yeah, and she's gonna finish her statement because she gave herself time to cool off and think about it and is still pissed.

Melina and I have just been told in no uncertain terms that we're...

unprofessional

not taking this seriously

irresponsible

not dedicated

etc.

And that the finalists are all...

dedicated

responsible

perfect human beings.

Never, anywhere, did I say that I would instantaneously post voting, results, or themes, yet even when I posted to open the vote SEVEN MINUTES after deadline, someone was already asking why I hadn't done it sooner.

I've done all I can to bring voters to this contest, including frequently announcing it in the newsletter (no, I will not send a solo mailing about the contest-- people unsubscribe when I do that and I actually have a business to run), putting it on top of the announcements on every board every time voting opens, putting it in my sig, etc. I may not always be immediate with my posts, but I'd hardly say I'm irresponsible about it... I do not consider it horrible, by any means, to let A DAY AND A HALF elapse before the results are announced or the theme is posted. How many contests post results nearly that quickly? Particularly when they're no-fee contests run by volunteers?

I didn't feel the need to call anyone because I was not aware that I was doing something so egregiously wrong.

This contest was supposed to be FUN. A way for writers to share their work, test their abilities, and maybe win some cool prizes. You make it sound like we disappeared for a month. Melina's already told you what was going on with her and I... won't. Because it's lame crap that I'm being forced on the defensive for this. And if you can reread this thread and not see how you have absolutely purposely tried to make both Melina and I feel lousy, I'm at a loss.

Statistically speaking, most of you finalists would not even have stuck around to vote if you hadn't made the finals.

[William Haskins]

http://whyfiles.org/156cwd_deer/images/deer_herd.jpg
.

[William Haskins]

well, i'm sure i'm treading dangerous water here, and it would appear (if ray is any indication) that my little ill-advised foray into honesty has probably doomed any chance i have in this contest. but life is what it is.

i agree that as fast as life moves, a day and a half is typically a blip on the calendar. and, if you're busy with family or professional issues, it can go by before you know it.

however, i would say that the difference in perception is a result of perspective.

as a contestant, time moves slowly during this time.

never mind the writing process itself... we post our stories and the voting begins. speaking for myself, this is a somewhat stressful time. there's nothing you can do about it; it's out there, being read by the critical eye of fellow writers, being analyzed, judged and compared.

then the vote ends. we now know the deal is done, one of us has already been eliminated. it's all over but the counting.

it's late at night, and traffic trickles into the AWI forum. threads pop up, fun talk mostly, contestants biding their time, voters waiting to know if their choice made it through.

why does this happen? because in the first two weeks, a precedent was set. results were posted late that night.

this created an expectation, fair or not. and, being creatures of habit, that expectation became the process in the absence of one pre-defined.

so, yeah apparently i made a big deal out of something that wasn't a big deal.

i will say that i've definitely enjoyed the contest, but at the same time, the sequence of events that occurs after the polls close impacts my schedule, too.

i have a life and work and children, and it's often a shell game to block out the time for the contest, not to mention working on my WIP.

but, i'm not complaining, and i'm not playing the martyr.

i committed to the contest and all that it entails, and i'm really not asking for anything more from anyone else involved in it.

[DJP]

BTW, thanks Jenna for having this contest. You are truly amazing.

Thanks Melina for doing what you can to count the votes. You're an ace.

Thanks Sara, Three and Rich for spending days and nights selecting our finalists. You've done well and your hard work is appreciated.

Thanks the contestants for sticking with it, even though it can be frustrating at times, what with the deadlines and snafus. You are all great writers, and I'll be happy if any one of you wins.

And thanks to the voters and supporters. You're a big part of this contest.




I second that!

[aka eraser]

Writers are well known for their penchant for navel gazing and anyone with half an ounce of insight can get a razor-sharp view of their own perspective.

But great writers need the ability to seek and understand perspectives other than their own.

[MacAllister]

William, I appreciate your post. I think you've nailed it, with what you said about a difference in perspective. I also know Ray is a kind and honorable man--he'd never let a briefly flared temper dictate his actions in such an arbitrary and unfair way.

What William didn't articulate, Frank summed up neatly.

I think you guys are all pretty terrific people--smart, articulate, and good-hearted.

Melina is one of the very best of us. It sucks that she got pounded.

What I'm concerned now about is how to get this back on track, and make it okay for all concerned to participate and have fun with it. Jenna and Melina head that list, but the contestants, too.

Perhaps we can depants Vote_Bot?

[William Haskins]

Writers are well known for their penchant for navel gazing and anyone with half an ounce of insight can get a razor-sharp view of their own perspective.

But great writers need the ability to seek and understand perspectives other than their own.

while i appreciate the profundity of this, i feel it is a bit unfair directed at me in this case.

i'm not saying i don't have a streak of selfishness, but if it were apparent that no one else (contestants and voters included) were antsy about it, i would have kept my big mouth shut.

i'm used to solitary seething.

there were a lot of people who made comments about it. i shared those views and decided to post my version of them.

i'll work on my perspective though, eraser. but let's not reduce this situation to that. i'm not afraid to take my lumps, but it would ring hollow with a certain amount of intellectual dishonesty.

[maestrowork]

How to go back having fun?

Take deep breaths.

Chill.

Write something BRILLIANT.

Then forget about the results. Go play.



At least that's the Zen way of "having some fun" with life.

I think whoever this Zen person is, he's a genius.

[jdkiggins]

Currently I have 100 words for a piece in the JFF thread.
Good luck to the remaining four!
Let's get writin'. Time's a wastin'.

[maestrowork]

Oooh, fun theme. I might play again this week!

[firehorse]

You know what they say about the word 'assume' - it makes an a.ss out of u and me. Actually, I never got that. Just the 'me' part.

Based on the first three weeks, when results were posted within 12 hours, I made the assumption that was how it would be for the duration. Of course if we knew Melina couldn't get to a computer, or that it was her daughter's birthday, or that she didn't think getting the results up on Sunday was a big deal - of course then we wouldn't have reacted so strongly. But we didn't know any of those things.

This has never been just a fun little contest for me - fun, yes; little, no. I've taken time I could have used to write more queries and dedicated it to writing entries, in the desperate hope that I'd make the final three and get a recommendation. I'm not sure, Jenna, if you realize the impact that offer had on me, at least. It's potentially career-making. It's far bigger than any cash prize could ever be. I don't take that lightly at all, and being this close (albeit maybe having screwed it up totally) does have me clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth at night - not out of anger but out of anxiety. I know you've got a life and a business to run, but please understand that right now, this contest is the most important thing in my life.

I think this is a mondo miscommunication - we made assumptions, and nobody was able to give us concrete information to confirm or refute those assumptions. I don't care when results are posted, but I would like to know a rough time frame. Like it or not, the adrenaline starts to surge in preparation for what we all fear - seeing our name on the "goodbye to..." list.

Personally, maybe I projected some of my disillusionment with the contest (specifically with having two of the best contestants leave) onto Jenna - meaning I assumed she was as disillusioned as I was.

I have enormous appreciation for Jenna setting this up, getting the prizes and putting herself on the line. On the other hand, I've been disappointed when several newsletters arrive that have no mention of the contest. I was grateful for the ones that had a specific pointer, but I (here's that word again) assumed there would be more promotion of the contest. When that didn't happen, I assumed it was because Jenna had lost interest. I was wrong in making that assumption.

Part of me is tempted to fall on my sword and just say "I take it all back," but I can't, because that wouldn't be honest. Another part of me wants to throw in the towel right now, because I can't stand conflict. But that would be unprofessional - and it wouldn't resolve anything for this or future versions of this contest (and I do think it's a *great* contest). For all of us, and for future entrants, I want to work this out.

Jenna and Melina, I - and I think we - understand your point of view. Can you understand ours?

Sarah

[jdkiggins]

Oooh, fun theme. I might play again this week!

Yes, it is a great theme. Humor in a cemetery. Gotta love it!

[BlueTexas]

.

Based on the first three weeks, when results were posted within 12 hours, I made the assumption that was how it would be for the duration. Of course if we knew Melina couldn't get to a computer, or that it was her daughter's birthday, or that she didn't think getting the results up on Sunday was a big deal - of course then we wouldn't have reacted so strongly. But we didn't know any of those things.

Sarah

Sarah's exactly right here. A precedent was set, as William pointed out. We all knew one of us had been eliminated, and it's hard to not know if it's you or not, especially when you've worked hard at it for the past eight weeks. That's a large chunk of time. It's different in the hot-seat. We talk, we message amongst ourselves, we speculate, and we wonder if we're good enough--weekly.

Had we known Melina didn't have a computer this wouldn't have happened. But last week she said she'd be up and running this week, so we expected that to happen. When it didn't, we didn't know, because she didn't have a computer to tell us. That's not an 'at fault' issue--sometimes things just go wrong. And so we speculated based on what we knew and the previously set precedent.

Perhaps this can all be avoided in the future if there is a time frame specified for results posting. Who cares when, but specify a when. When all we have to go on is the precedent that's been set, it's easy to get antsy, especially when the precedent changes.

And as far as hell-catching, it wasn't just William who posted in this thread. If he catches sh*t, so should we all. We should all just move on.

And I would have voted whether I was a finalist or not.

[Birol]

And as far as hell-catching, it wasn't just William who posted in this thread. If he catches sh*t, so should we all. We should all just move on.



Jenna has shared her thoughts on this thread. Beyond that, I do not believe there will be any hell-catching aside from what individuals may put themselves through.

I agree we should move on from this point. I can understand the perspective put forward by the contestants. I understand the prizes make this a very serious contest for the participants, but I also agree with Frank and Mac and I, too, am interested in returning Idol to its fun-for-all roots. Tonight, as I write this, I'm just not certain how to do that or if it will naturally return there on its own.

[MacAllister]

It's interesting--I've realized I drastically underrated the emotional impact of the weeks-long contest process. It's the same thing, I suppose, that makes American Idol such popular TV. The tension and momentum work together to create a bit of a pressure-cooker.

Our for-fun AW contest has garnered a fairly hard-core cult following (the faithful 100+ voters) and taken on unforseen emotional proportions for the officials, contestants and viewers.

[astonwest]

It's interesting--I've realized I drastically underrated the emotional impact of the weeks-long contest process. It's the same thing, I suppose, that makes American Idol such popular TV. The tension and momentum work together to create a bit of a pressure-cooker.

And people didn't think that the idea of a reality show with writers would be interesting...hmmm...

[dragonjax]

As a faithful voter and AW Idol groupie, I want to thank a few people.

Thank you, Jenna, for making all of this possible.

Thank you, Melina, for volunteering your time.

Thank you, Judges, for creating the original Finalists list.

Thank you, finalists. I admire not only your work but also your willingness to put yourselves on the line week after week. (Blah, blah, blah, your work is not your baby, we're not judging you, blah, blah, blah. That's utter crap: our writing is the most personal thing about us, so of course we take it personally. You guys show, week after week, that you are able to set aside the personal ties so that you can produce your best work, no matter what.)

Thank you, William, for voicing your opinion, and to everyone else who responded as honestly and openly. One of the best things about forums in general and this one in particular is that it's a means of communication. It's good to see that not only do people speak here -- people listen, and respond.

I'm looking forward to the entries for Week 6. Humor in a cemetary. Possibilities abound.

Have fun, everyone! And, once again: thanks.

[brinkett]

What I'm concerned now about is how to get this back on track

- Make sure everyone is aware of when the results will be posted. If it's going to be three days after the "polls" close, that's fine, as long as we know.
- If anyone involved in running the contest is experiencing technical problems a few days before they'll play a key role, or worse, doesn't have access to a computer or isn't sure they will, find someone to cover for them in advance - all deadlines are known well in advance.
- After any significant event in the contest, like the posting entries and voting deadlines, someone with the power to keep the community updated if there's a problem should be monitoring the forum and should be keeping the community updated.
- Everyone involved with running the contest should have some way of communicating with each other that doesn't involve a computer, just in case.

Everything that happened was mainly due to frustration at not knowing when the results would be posted. If someone had made a post late Friday night or early Saturday saying, "hey, just heard from Melina, she's without a computer and won't be able to post results until suppertime on Sunday," we all would have been cool with that and not sat on our asses all day Saturday wearing out the refresh button and wondering what the hell was going on.

What went wrong was the impression that nobody at all was minding the store, which gave the impression that nobody cared. Nobody cared that the contestants were biting their fingernails wondering (a) if they'd made it, and (b) when they could start their next entry. Nobody cared that the voters were wondering why they had to make sure to vote by 10pm on Friday since nobody seemed to be counting the votes, anyway. Nobody cared that people were frustrated; tensions mounting.

Note that I'm saying "gave the impression of", as I did in all of my posts on the subject.

Jenna and Melina, everyone hanging here loves the contest. It's because we love it and want to support it, you, and the contestants, that we became frustrated. We can see your side. As Sarah said, please try to see ours. A piece of advice often given to writers - don't take it personally. I made a few critical posts, which I stand by, that addressed my disappointment with what happened. I was talking about the contest; not about you guys as human beings.

Anyway, 'nuff said.

[mommie4a]

Just a little story to emphasize that oft-times, we cannot know what's happening with others or what others are thinking until we clear the air. There's always room to qualify the public airing of legitimate feelings with this point: that they are just our feelings, they may bear no resemblance to reality, but they are one's feelings nevertheless - not intended to inflect distress on anyone else but in fact intended to relieve a little stress from the one feeling them.


So - a husband and a wife had the following argument.

The wife's parents were coming in for a five day visit. The wife was busy when she got the dates from her mom and didn't think twice about the dates because the calendar on her fridge, which came from her PalmPilot, were clear. She passed the dates on to her hubby and he said fine too. (She has the e-mail to prove it.)

Several weeks later, on the very same day, wife and husband both realize that one of the days during which the parents would be in town was Father's Day. Husband goes ballistic because the previous year, his father-in-law (same man coming this year) was also visiting on Father's Day and husband claims that he said he never wanted to share Father's Day again with his father-in-law.

And husband tells wife that she is 100% at fault, doesn't care about husband's wishes and is mortally wounded by her failure to consider him.

Wife takes issue with husband's perspective. Wife says, wait a minute. I shared the dates with you - you didn't realize their visit was over Father's Day either until today. I thought Father's Day was the week before, you thought Father's Day was the week after. IMHO, my failure to recognize that my father would be here on Father's Day was due to the fact that...I barely think about my father, nor do I connect him to Father's Day in a let's celebrate him kind of way.

Wife asserts that it was an accident.

Husband, being a lawyer, says that it was not an accident. It was purposeful and could have been prevented. Husband gets dictionary. Husband reads definition of accident

- an unexpected and undesireable event - a mishap.

Husband and wife agree that that's precisely what had happened. Wife apologized for not remembering the prior year's issues and for not having Father's Day emblazoned in her PalmPilot (from which she got her calendar on the fridge). Husband apologizes for going ballistic and saying that everything was 100% wife's fault.

POSTSCRIPT: The entire matter was moot because said visiting parents want to let husband and wife go away for an overnight. If the visiting parents don't stay through Father's Day, there won't be enough nights to make that overnight possible. So...husband had to choose - does he want an overnight with wife, or does he want a father-in-law-less Father's Day?

How'd you like to make that decision?

[maestrowork]

Jill, good commentary.

Miscommunication is the damnest thing. Next to it, expectations.

The way to move on: apologize to each other, promise each other to try our best and communicate better, try to see it from the other person's perspective and understand, then throw away your expectations.

Easy to do? Nah. That's why people get divorced, and why some people never get married to begin with.

Perhaps in the next contest, Jenna won't offer such lucrative prizes (such as recommendations to agents or national exposure...) ;) The lower the expectations, the fewer the heartburns. ;)

[mommie4a]

Jill, good commentary.

Miscommunication is the damnest thing. Next to it, expectations.


Thanks, Ray. My point exactly.

[Unique]

I love this place. (AW)
I don't want the dynamics to change.
I admire and respect each and every person here and would like to remain in their good graces.
If I offended anyone - Mea Culpa.
Because:
I love this place.

[KTC]

Words to make a happy person sad and a sad person happy>>>

This Too Shall Pass.

We are now on the other side of the waiting and it didn't hurt so bad, did it?

Let's get our feet in that comedic cemetary now! Sounds like a great topic!

[MacAllister]

Unique said:I love this place. (AW)
I don't want the dynamics to change.
I admire and respect each and every person here and would like to remain in their good graces.
If I offended anyone - Mea Culpa.
Because:
I love this place.

Unique--AW has weathered worse storms than this. Dynamics--by virtue of the word itself--change on a minute to minute basis. It's inevitable.

BUT

Different is not a synonym for worse.

AW is a community, and communities are made up of people. Fallible people, with feelings, perceptions, and differences. Our particular community is made up of writers. So we tend to be...vociferous...about those feelings, perceptions and differences.

It's that sense of community, I suspect, that you love most about this place. I don't see that changing any time soon.

And if you're still worried, remind me to tell you about how much hot water our beloved Ray once got himself into over an internet Truth or Dare game...

[mommie4a]

And if you're still worried, remind me to tell you about how much hot water our beloved Ray once got himself into over an internet Truth or Dare game...

Tell us, tell us!:) (can't help herself)

[MacAllister]

Jill...I can't really go into it here. For fear that Ray will dig out my "ack, BAD!" SYW piece from the archives...

(pssst--but Birol knows the truth...)

[mommie4a]

It's ok - I'd even ask Ray myself if I really cared, promise. It's more that, oooo - the parents mess up too!? kind of thing. My kids love it when I make goofs.

[aka eraser]

Ray, Lori, Mac (she came by that "pure evil" description honestly) - pretty much every longtime AW reg has been naughty at one time or another.

Except moi of course.

0 :)

[mommie4a]

Well, of course, not you, Frank. :)

[dragonjax]

My kids love it when I make goofs.
Love it? My kids expect it. God forbid Mom actually, you know, know anything...

(And did I mention my kids are 1 and 3 years old? Geez...)

[MacAllister]

I have this theory that Jenna makes us mods in the first place to keep us from running amok...

And Jill? You can't believe whatever it is Ray tells you about that little incident...

[Birol]

I share Mac's theory about why Jenna made us mods. I can just picture her on the other side of the monitor going, "Obviously those three have too much time on their hands. Maybe a little extra responsibility will shape them up."

[ChunkyC]

Maybe a little extra responsibility will shape them up
Is it working? http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

[jdkiggins]

I have this theory that Jenna makes us mods in the first place to keep us from running amok...

Well, sh*t, does that mean I'm out of moddom before I start, since I may have run amok already? :Shrug:
share Mac's theory about why Jenna made us mods. I can just picture her on the other side of the monitor going, "Obviously those three have too much time on their hands. Maybe a little extra responsibility will shape them up."
Oh, then, there is still a chance. :ROFL:

[MacAllister]

Is it working? I hope so, Chunky. :) I'd hate like hell to let Jenna down.

[ChunkyC]

Well, sh*t, does that mean I'm out of moddom before I start, since I may have run amok already? :Shrug:
Naw, that's what gets you signed in. In little letters beneath the sign over the door to the mod squad room, it says AW REHAB CENTRE. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

[jdkiggins]

Oh cool, then in that case, I can use all the rehab that's available. :banana:

[Birol]

Is it working? http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

What do you think?

[jdkiggins]

See you guys later, I didn't sleep at all last night, so I'm going to rest while Mom takes a nap.

later

[JennaGlatzer]

I may have to move myself to the Take it Outside Board after this, but what I'm hearing is a lot of "Oh, now I'm going to be penalized in the contest for speaking up" and "You should understand my perspective" and not a lot of "I'm sorry, Melina, for making you cry in the middle of your daughter's birthday party. I realize you've been devoted and trying your best for weeks-- and that you were the only person who stepped up and volunteered for this job initially, and that you moderate two boards here on top of that, and that there is nothing whatsoever for you to gain from this, so you're doing it selflessly and even gave up the chance to participate in this contest, and that you hit an unexpected snag when your computer died and have been trying to afford a new one, and that when there was a slight delay until you could get to a computer, we overreacted and wrote a bunch of nasty things we shouldn't have."

On a different note, there are a damn lot of causes I'm involved with for writers that I'd love to publicize, and do when I'm able. Unfortunately, unless you're directly affected by those causes, most people don't care and actually get annoyed when they keep getting notices about it.

I could start a PA_Bot. I'd like to. Writers are being defrauded, and having their dreams stolen, and only 40 people on this board have bothered to join in Ann Crispin's actions to fight the company and report them to authorities. I've never been a PA author and neither have Ann, Victoria, Jim, or Ed, but we're volunteering a damn lot of time to try to help the thousands of writers who are affected by this. I'm not big on being a bystander when people are being hurt. So how about if I start writing about it every week in the newsletter and sending you unsolicited e-mails telling you to write letters and get involved? If you cared to, it's easy for you to find on the forums, and easy to participate. If you don't, I'll tell you about it a few times, but then I'll back off because I don't want to annoy the hell out of you about something you choose not to participate in.

I could start a Stylus_Literary_Bot for the same reasons. But mostly, I'd prefer to start an Apologize_to_Melina_Bot.

[maestrowork]

It's ok - I'd even ask Ray myself if I really cared, promise. It's more that, oooo - the parents mess up too!? kind of thing. My kids love it when I make goofs.

DO NOT BELIEVE IN MAC's LIES.

[maestrowork]

But mostly, I'd prefer to start an Apologize_to_Melina_Bot.

I second that.

[brinkett]

Everyone has had a chance to air their opinions--why not let it drop?

[astonwest]

Everyone has had a chance to air their opinions--why not let it drop?

Because it's so much fun to pour salt in open wounds, is my guess...
but what do I know?

[maestrowork]

Everyone has had a chance to air their opinions--why not let it drop?

Because nothing is resolved. People go to bed angry. And wake up still pissed.

[sgtsdaughter]

Because nothing is resolved. People go to bed angry. And wake up still pissed.

The singular reason that I am still single!;)

[brinkett]

Because it's so much fun to pour salt in open wounds, is my guess...
but what do I know?
Quite a lot, it would seem. ;)

[jdkiggins]

Very good point, brinkett. Those who chose to apologize for anything that might have been misunderstood/taken out of context did so already; some here and some in the results thread along with sending Melina and Jenna good thoughts.

This thread was calmed down, and several of us were trying to get a lighthearted feeling back, but I see Jenna is still angry. It's her forum, she runs the joint, I suppose she's allowed to voice her opinion as many times as she wishes as well.

I posted a suggestion way back when, and wasn't bashing anyone, but I publicly apologized in case someone took my comments out of context.
I have great respect for Jenna and a lot of other people here.

I was voted out this week, so I have nothing to lose and I don't have to worry about being penalized in the contest at this point. I'm not easily angered, but now I'm getting pissed.

As most of you know, I don't get involved in pissing contests, but people, you really don't want to hear what I have to say about this whole mess, because once I get going, it won't be "just" about Melina or Jenna and their hurt feelings! Other people have been hurt with comments and other situations prior to this week, but they chose to keep their mouths shut or PM people privately to get out their frustrations! I didn't sleep at all last night, and it had nothing to do with me being voted out. I shed more tears because people have been hurt than I had about being the one to go. It's all about people's feelings.

Enough is enough.

[KTC]

I think it was ridiculous to complain that the results were not posted...and I think it's ridiculous that Melina is not being apologized to by everyone who wanted her to stop her life to post the results. I am more than happy with the way this contest is being carried out. This is a long process and it is commendable that Jenna has organized it and put up the prizes that will go to the winner and found nice enough people to help her run it. No other place would have such a contest. I find the entire thing extremely interesting...as a reader/voter. I can't help but think that Jenna is going to think, "What the hell am I doing this for!" and not have a second IDOL contest. That would be a loss to everyone who enjoys the contest. I think that once the finalists post there work they should sit back with the excitement of kids at Christmas waiting to open the Santa presents. But, they should also stay in bed until after the presents are under the tree!

Melina...I made a comment that Birol originally took the wrong way. I explained my meaning...that you should not be bothered over the weekend. If you happened to read my comment the wrong way too, I apologize. Birol's right...sometimes the tone is not transmitted through the keystrokes. I apologize for ANY discomfort you experienced, and I hope you continue to count votes and volunteer your time. AND...I hope that this experience does not tarnish the possibility of a second Idol contest. That would be a shame.

[JennaGlatzer]

Everyone has had a chance to air their opinions--why not let it drop?

Because two of the three people who've seen fit to say "I'm sorry" to Melina are two people who didn't say anything offensive in the first place! Yes, I was insane enough to think maybe people might just be "late" with their apologies. Looks like I'm wrong. I've no idea if anyone apologized privately, but if you are nasty to someone in public, I believe the apology should be public as well. This is one of the nicest members on this board and she didn't do anything hateful to anyone, but the fact that she was in tears over this ought to tell you that she cared.

Screw it. Closing the thread and I'll pretend not to be pissed anymore. KTC, you're right on.