The Little World

Whenever I see a contest that starts with the premise that you have a certain number of points to lose – and the winner will be the one who loses least – I lose interest.

If I want to be belittled, I have a family at home. No need to do it in a drafty hall, and certainly no need to pay an entry free for the experience.

The task of a contest judge can be very hard – or very easy. It all depends upon what the criteria are for their judgement. The contests that are judged fairly and with scientific accuracy are the painful ones. If you can just do it on a basis of bias and an old-friend network it is so much easier.

Written rules are helpful, insofar as the language can be deciphered. If they are written to favour one’s friends or to cause fear all may be well, but if they are going to demand accuracy, then it will just be trouble all the way. The contestants will get the idea that they can have a fair deal…and then where are you?

Far better to assign the prizes before the contest entries are seen. Make a division of first, second, and third place and have the ribbons inscribed beforehand. The only awkward moments would occur if someone wanted a different prize to add to their collection – people can be very fussy. It’s wise to have a box of spare ribbons and medals under the table for these occasions.