P3D Competitions - My advice

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

>>In the competitions, our three judges comment ON ALL ENTRIES.  
>Anyone from the audience (including the maker of the image) can jump in 
>and comment too.<<
>    
>If this works well for the OhiO club, that's great. But I wouldn't 
>personally recommend audience participation during a competition. Most 
>of the clubs I know of don't even allow talking during the competition, 
>except for the judge's critique. This is what "Show-n-Tell" and Member's 
>Forum Nights are for IMHO.

There are two showing of the slides.  In the first one the judges score.
In the second one results are announced, judges comment, and members
of the club can comment too if they like.  It does not matter because
the scoring is done.

I think the reason there are problems of unfriendliness and tension in
these competitions is that people take them way too seriously.  These
events are supposed to be fun.  

Here are some words of advice from my experience:

1.  See the stereo competitions as a "game".  It is supposed to be 
fun.  If you find yourself getting upset or stressed out, then quit.  
Maybe this game is not for you.  If you decide to play, then relax and 
enjoy.

2.  Always play by the rules.  Be a gracious winner and loser.  
Congratulate your "opponents" for their good work.  Admit you were 
"just lucky" or that your opponent is simply better (more skilled, 
more creative).

3.  Accept the decisions of the referees (judges).  Not every one will 
like your pictures as much as you do.  Accept the fact that judging is 
variable.  Remember that your opponents are being judged by the same 
people too.  So do your best and hope that the "law of averages" 
apply.

4.  Learn from others.  Observe what others are doing and how they are 
doing it.  Share your secrets with others.  Be willing to show and 
guide others so they can match your results.  Give credit where credit 
is due.

5.  Everybody likes to win... but play the game not for the awards but 
for the creation of the images.  The best part is having the 
idea/inspiration, setting it up and capturing the image and seeing 
what was achieved.  The thrill of capturing an appealing image.  
That's the best part.  Also, building a portfolio of worthy images. 
These are the real awards.

And here is some advice for those who organize stereo competitions on 
a club level:  Don't get too involved yourself... follow 1-5 above!  
Give plenty of awards (40% is a good goal) so that everyone gets 
something... eventually.  Stress participation, sharing, critique, 
over competition or awards.  Encourage members to participate by 
sharing their pictures, not winning.  Put "fun" at the top.  Allow 
club members to score (in parallel with judges and compare their 
scores vs. the judges) so they all see it as a game (even those who do 
not enter).  Maybe all club members can vote for a "people's choice" 
at the end of the evening (idea suggested by Mark Dottle for our 
club). Encourage new members and beginners.

-- George Themelis


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