[MR] A&S competition

[Marybeth Lavrakas]

But have you SEEN the space devoted to comments on the
judging forms? There's no room for more than a 'that's
nice" or a very baldly put "email me for comments".
And when there has been more space and knowledgable
judges to fill that space with comments I witnessed
many, many, many people become distraught ("I've been
slammed!"). 

Like Andras, I have a background where I was
thoroughly schooled to not take even the most severe
criticism Personally. Of course, sometimes I do (oh,
well!) but it's very hard for me not to go into
academic mode and just say "X, Y. Z, take it or leave
it." especially when thiings are going on like a
frantic organizer hovering in the background while the
arts displays are being shoved away because the feast
hall HAS to be set up NOW. 

I'd like to have more opportunities for face to face
discussions with/commentary from judges.

Kateryn Rous