[MR] A&S competitions

[Glynis Gwynedd]

Unto all the fair folk of Atlantia, greetings.  I have a question to
put to the populace, and it is not directed in specifics at any one
person, entry, competition, event, judge, or occurrence.  I am willing
to stick my neck out and ask the question I've heard echoed many times
in the past few years. These are deliberately vague generalizations,
and please take them in the innocent manner in which they are asked -
not as attacks on anyone or thing.

Regarding A&S competitions, why is it that artisans frequently get
_no_ feedback on their work, yet hear commentary about it "through the
grapevine" at a later date?  Actual comments to the artisan (or on
comment cards left) would help them to hone their talents and produce
a better piece for next time.  Shiny baubles and bits (tokens) are
nice, and tell the artisan you liked their piece, but wouldn't it be
nice to leave just a handwritten bit as well?

My passion is music, and the few competitions that I have competed in
at Pennsic I did well enough at.  More important to me than "winning"
a prize or token of appreciation, were the comment cards given to me
by the judges.  That was more educational to me than anything else
would be - because it's direct communication of what was good, what
could be better, and HOW I could make it so.

Again, I am merely asking to spark discussion and stir thoughts, not
spark flames and stir hornets nests.  This posting is not meant as an
attack, a gripe, complaint or anything else along those terms.  I have
remained specifically vague in order to protect those I have heard
from.

Thank you for your consideration and reading this far.  I (and many
others, I am certain) appreciate any insight that can be given.

-- 
~Lady Glynis Gwynedd
Barony of Highland Foorde
"Have you hugged a harp today?"