No Subject

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

John Roberts:

>What about the broader question - are you confident that there's no way
>the competition structure could hinder any sort of useful innovation, 
>including along avenues the merit of which we have as yet no notion?

Hmmmm... tricky question. :-)  I am not confident at all.

I was thinking about these issues and concluded that different individuals
might see matters differently.  It is quite possible that some people
are so focused in acceptances and awards, that their efforts are geared
towards making the candy-in-mouth images that Mike talked about, images
that will be well received (minimizing the *risk* or rejection)... and
they do that at the expense of innovation.  And then, there others who 
don't give a damn about acceptances or awards and only enter work that 
pleases them.  

Different individuals reacting differently... So, is it the "system" to 
blame or the individuals that interpret the system on their own way,
satisfying their own needs?

The system carries part of the blame because it rewards certain 
behaviors.  But the system can be adjusted.  Clubs can change the 
rules of competitions.  A major organization like PSA has officers 
who meet every year to discuss issues related to PSA salons and the 
system of awards, stars, etc.  

My point was we should be thinking along the lines of bringing changes 
to our stereo clubs or organizations.  We can improve the system within
the system.  Some clubs tend to resist changes on their "by-laws" which 
were introduced in the 50s.  It might take some pushing and convincing 
argumentation to bring any changes.

-- George Themelis


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