[MR] types of competitions

[Michelle L. McDaniel]

Hey all!

One of the best experiences I've had either judging or participating in an
A&S competition was at Pennsic, several years ago. The artisans in a given
category were the ones who judged the items in the category. This way, you
knew that the people judging your item had some knowledge of the topic at
hand. They were also kind in their critical comments because they viscerally
understood how upsetting nasty comments can be. (I don't like getting nasty
comments, so I won't give them.) Also, the event organizers didn't have to
find qualified judges in the vastly different categories. This type of
competition also eliminated competition between very different categories by
having lots of them. (Fiber arts was it's own separate section apart from
the domestic arts, embroidery, and costuming, with subdivisions for weaving,
dyeing, spinning, and knitting.)

Overall, this was one of the best experiences in A&S that I ever had. I got
some of the most helpful comments I have ever received in competitions. I
also knew that those making the comments had some idea of what they were
talking about. The participants also made a point of looking at everyone's
documentation. (I hate it when judges don't read my documentation, so by
golly, I'm gonna read it all!)

Maybe, the next time there is a really big A&S competition, Atlantia could
judge it this way and see if it is a better experience for those involved.

Another couple of farthings :-)

**aelfwynn**