[MR] A&S issue (Now: Some Perspective)

[Charlotte Johnson]

Lots here to chew on...

First of all, even if documentation isn't required, I think it might
help to see documentation as something that can get you "extra
credit". That is, you're not going to be kept out of the competition
if you don't have it, but since documentation is extremely helpful to
the judges, and helps round out the entry, doesn't that extra effort
deserve some extra points? I think if you're entering a competition
without documentation, you should do it with a mind that you're
looking for feedback and help, but you're certainly not going to score
as highly as if you'd had it.

Really, though, competitions aren't the be all and end all. I don't
like them all that much. I don't like entering and I hate judging even
more - I'd much rather have a sit down conversation with somebody
about their work. I only entered two competitions in my SCA career
before I was a laurel. I think they might have gotten me known in a
new kingdom a little faster, but I think that I made far more of an
impact with workshops, writing, using my stuff at events, and
inspiring other people. At least, I hope so. :-)

Competition isn't for everybody. Better to go in another direction
with your A&S career, but not give up on A&S altogether. If you still
want to compete, I'd suggest discussing those nasty comments with
somebody that you trust and respect. It might be that you didn't read
it as the judge intended, and another set of eyes can clear it up. It
might be that it *was* nasty, but there might be a nugget of truth in
there. Or your friend might be able to tell you that the judge was
completely full of crap and you shouldn't let it ruin your day. I
agree, to an extent, with people who tell you to go directly to the
judge, but I can certainly understand why somebody who feel ripped to
shreds doesn't want to directly confront the person who wrote it.

Regards,
Mathilde