 Diane Dupuis |
Question re: ad about contest with cash prizes
Just noticed this ad - when I clicked on it - it brought me to the BP contest page... Is there a free contest with cash prizes? I'm confused. Thanks! D.
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Susan Fox |
Jim stated in another thread that there were going to be "big prizes" announced soon. Based on that graphic, it looks like it will be cash :-) Woo hoo BP, any announcements yet???? The suspense is driving me crazy :-)
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- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
I'll be curious if this new "cash" contest replaces the current contest...maybe no more EPs and finalists?? LOL
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Susan Fox |
The contest page was just updated with all the info :-) And I already have a question. It says: "If a contestant enters a photo into the free contest, this same photo cannot be entered into the Cash Contest. Such entries will be disqualified." So does that mean a photo that has been entered in the Free contest is not at all eligible to be entered in the cash contest? Or that the photo can't be in the Free and Cash contest on the same months?
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Sharon Day |
This is going to be fun to watch. I'm not the only one who has been testy lately at the obvious bias of the judges. Just imagine how irritable people are going to be that pay to enter just to watch the same people win month in and month out LOL. Sorry, I told myself I'd be good this month but I just couldn't help it ;).
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Sharon Day |
Another question...will we get to see the daily entries? Is there a link and I just missed it?
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- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
Susan, I interpretate that statement to mean you can't enter them into the both contests in the same month. One or the other. Sharon, I think the easiest solution would be to have their sponsor, Photographer's Edge, select the cash winners! That way, there's no perceived bias of the Judges.
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Susan Fox |
That is what I was thinking Ken. I'm sure someone will be along to clarify it all soon.
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BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke  Contact Jim Miotke Jim Miotke's Gallery |
Hi Diane and friends, Yes, just refresh the page, Diane, and you should see the new contest page, with links to both the free contest (the contest you have known for years) and the new photo contest with big cash prizes! We will certainly keep the old contest just the way it is (and even better!). So please help us spread the word in this regard: The photo contest that you have come to know and love will remain the same. We are just adding a second fun option. To answer your question, Susan, photos that have won in the Free Contest are not allowed in any Cash Contest - current or future. If you have entered a photo into the Free Contest but it did not place as a winner (Grand, First, or Second), you can enter it into the Cash Contest. Finalists in the Free Contest can be entered into the Cash Contest. And to address your constructive criticism, Sharon, it is true that in the past we have allowed previous winners to win again in future contests. To keep this contest 100% fair, the judges do not see the names of contestants as they judge photos. Also, several judges are involved over several rounds so it's as objective as possible. It's just that these photographers create such amazing work that they win again and again. And we have always felt that they should not be penalized. And yes, we will soon have a link for the daily entries. Stay tuned and in the meantime, please help us spread the good word when it comes to our two photography contests. We are in for an exciting year! Thanks very much,
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Susan Fox |
Thanks for answering so quickly Jim :-) Ok so all second, first, grand winners are not eligible. But what about finalists from the free contest? Can they be entered in the cash contest?
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Sharon Day |
"It's just that these photographers create such amazing work that they win again and again. And we have always felt that they should not be penalized." Jim, you are right of course and I apologize. I've won more than once myself and appreciate each one. My comments lately have been directed more to the fact my photos are not even making it to the first round than to the actual judging of the winners. I am looking forward to seeing the entries in the cash contest so I'm glad we'll be able to view them.
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- Melinda F. Schneider Contact Melinda F. Schneider Melinda F. Schneider's Gallery |
"But what about finalists from the free contest? Can they be entered in the cash contest?" YES! (Re-read Jim's response.)
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Susan Fox |
LOL! I was so excited about the new contest that I missed that. Thanks Melinda :-)
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Colleen Farrell |
WOW!! This is pretty exciting! I was just about to upload a photo to the free contest and I saw all these new boxes, one of which is the cash contest! I immediately came to the forum to see what was going on. This is a great way for BP to raise funds and get more traffic/business while offering something new for BPers. I didn't even look to see what amount we could possibly win yet. And I'm glad we can enter finalists into the cash contest. ;)
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
Well, you people obviously have a lot more money than I do. I couldn't afford to enter a shot a month into the cash contest.
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- Janet McNeil Contact Janet McNeil Janet McNeil's Gallery |
Maybe I just haven't found this yet, but is there a way to view the enteries in the cash contest??
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
Yes.. www.betterphoto.com/gallery/dynoGall2.php?catID=22290
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
OOPS, I forgot to check the box.
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David W. Orias |
It is an interesting development. Not sure how that will change what I do. There appears to be just three prizes. There are no categories so a person's photo will be up against anything else. I haven't investigated it completely, but I would hope one could buy 10 uploads for an average of three dollars apiece and spread them out over 10 months uploading one really good shot a month. After all, if you submit 30 photos say in a month, there is no way they all can win a prize.... You are paying money to compete against your own photos.
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Michael Skelton . |
Heck Carolyn , You have great photos , I'll give 4.95 to enter one .
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Diane Dupuis |
Well I woke up to see this is a very busy thread. Thanks Jim for the update! I look forward to watching - but am not at the point where I'm willing to pay to enter a contest when I can barely squeak out 4 efp's on 30 entries each month... Haven't had a finalist since April. Why would someone re-submit a finalist into a cash contest when it didn't make top 10 the month it became finalist in the free contest? Who knows - maybe with less entries it has a better chance of being recognized... I'm not one to say really because I re-worked my Yummy finalist and it got 2nd place in it's new form... Who knows - if people put their very best in the cash contest - then maybe I'll have more of a chance in the free one! Thanks BP for keeping things interesting!
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Susan Fox |
Diane said "but am not at the point where I'm willing to pay to enter a contest when I can barely squeak out 4 efp's on 30 entries each month" I'm having a bit more luck than you Diane. But I'm having a hard time getting EFPs lately too. And I know my photography hasn't gotten worse. So after thinking about it more, I'm not sure if I will try the cash contest or not.
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- Nikki McDonald Contact Nikki McDonald Nikki McDonald's Gallery |
It will be interesting to watch both contests--I'm sure there will be an evolution.
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Sharon Day |
I'm just here for the ride ;). And I'm easily entertained :D. I'm with Carolyn, I don't have the money to spend on it. If I had deep pockets I'd take one of Richard Lynch's courses. He does an excellent job of critiquing. I consider that very important in an instructor. Hey Michael, maybe they would consider setting it up so benefactors could finance their favorite photographer LOL.
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Susan M. Smith |
Diane, thanks for starting this thread and thanks also to Jim for providing the clarification. I am certainly excited to watch this new contest with you guys. I hope all the changes work out for the best, for the free contest as well. I'm sure I won't enter the cash contest, at least until I have a better understanding. You have all brought up some very good questions. Good luck to everyone in both contests :)
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
I guess they need to put the instructions in bigger letters. I already see 2 former winners that have been uploaded to the cash contest when it clearly states that they are ineligible.
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Diane Dupuis |
But unless the photographers are aware of that rule and are all 100% honest and don't try to sneak in a previous winner - who could possibly keep track of them? Look back over years of previous winners and try to remember them all when viewing the cash contest entries? Obviously entering them in with the photo ID number would make it obvious - but what if someone just uploads the pic... And hasn't read all the small print? I hate to ask this one - but are BP employees allowed to enter the contests? Most companies don't allow their employees to enter their own contests...
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Diane Dupuis |
OK - forget the last comment - the pics in question are no longer in the contest...
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BetterPhoto Member |
Hi Diane- The images that Jay had uploaded were just for testing purposes. Of course BetterPhoto.com employees will not be entering either contest- the free or the cash contest. Thanks- Heather Young
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Diane Dupuis |
OK - thanks for the clarification!
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Hayley J. Hamlin |
I have a question in response to Jim's response earlier.... This was his response "To answer your question, Susan, photos that have won in the Free Contest are not allowed in any Cash Contest - current or future. If you have entered a photo into the Free Contest but it did not place as a winner (Grand, First, or Second), you can enter it into the Cash Contest. Finalists in the Free Contest can be entered into the Cash Contest" So does this mean if we entered a pic in December we have to wait till finalist and winners come out in January before entering it in the other contest? I am confused I guess... Or can the same image just not be entered in both at all? Thanks for any clarificaton :) Hayley
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Diane Dupuis |
Sounds to me like you'd have to wait Hayley. Unless it didn't get EFP - then you know it's not continuing in the December pool...
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Hayley J. Hamlin |
Hey DDK, how ya doin? Nice to hear from you :) Thanks for responding!! I think you are probably right.
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Colleen Farrell |
Well, I can't afford to enter the cash contest every day--but then I rarely even have a contest-worthy photo every day, regardless of whether it's free or not. But I could enter 2/month in the cash contest ... "Why would someone re-submit a finalist into a cash contest when it didn't make top 10 the month it became finalist in the free contest? Who knows - maybe with less entries it has a better chance of being recognized... I'm not one to say really because I re-worked my Yummy finalist and it got 2nd place in it's new form..." Yeah, I think you're right, Diane--only if you re-worked the image and really thought it was able to go further would it make sense. And then with fewer entries maybe there *would* be a better chance.
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William F. Clair |
So what are my chances? When I first joined, Jan 2006, I won 2nd place with a photo right out of the camera with only a crop done to it. (hey!!! that would be a neat new category). After that I went no further than EP's. So what are my chances? About as good as a one legged Irishman in an ass kicking contest. LOL I'm out of my league here.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Don't get mad at the cow.
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William F. Clair |
Who's mad? LOL
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Susan M. Smith |
That is a MOOOOt point..LOL. William, I was wondering if you've ever resubmitted any of your photos? You have some lovely images in your gallery. BTW, I think if it was an Irishman in the one-legged contest, he'd do just as well as anyone else, which I'm sure the Smith Clan would attest to...hahahaha
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Colleen Farrell |
Well, now that the cow really IS a cash cow with the cash contest, it'll be interesting to see how that plays out.
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William F. Clair |
I'm Irish too...maybe your right. LOL
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Mick Burkey |
And the judges for this new, pay contest are...? Hopefully we can get a straight answer on this one.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Uh oh...
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Diane Dupuis |
Ok - Jim or any other BP staff - I can't find where it is clearly marked in the contest rules or guidelines that previous winners can't be submitted. I've seen several now in the cash contest. Maybe it's time to correct that... Also - one of your ads (the long green one on the cash contest page has a typo - exiting instead of exciting...) D.
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BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke Contact Jim Miotke Jim Miotke's Gallery |
Thanks for that typo catch, Diane. I subconsciously knew there was something wrong with that ad. My graphic designer is recharging now, I'm sure, but as soon as he is available, I will ask him to fix that. And yes, we're working on a list of revisions and additions to the Terms and Conditions. We will get those updated asap. In the meantime, I will add some notes to this rule on the main cash contest page. Thanks again!
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Lorri Shane |
Hi everyone. I've just been to the Cash Contest entries and it is full of previous winners. Diane--the cash contest page outlines this rule in the bottom right corner under Terms and Conditions--maybe that is what Jim has updated or was it there before???? I guess it will just take some time to smooth things out. But now, those people have paid for all those entries and they are not allowed. Oh boy.....
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BetterPhotoJim.com - Jim Miotke Contact Jim Miotke Jim Miotke's Gallery |
Yes, I finished my quick nap and updated those pages. Don't worry about those errant entries - we'll work it out. I have an idea that will make it fair to both those who entered the photos and to the rest of the contestants. Okay have a great weekend, everyone!
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Carol Teal |
Yes, I noticed the winners in the cash contest too. I suppose they could be allowed to remove those and replace them with photos that are not winners. I am not entering, but would hate for those who entered winners to be out that money and would hate for others who did not enter winners to have to compete against those. Also, seeing that Jim was in and commented, I am wondering whether there will be additional guidelines/rules about the judging process. I did a quick search on photo contests with entry fees and found that the process of judging is usually spelled out in great detail. Some even introduce the judges that will do the judging. For people that want to pay, I think they should have more info about the judging. Ex.from site: Photos will be judged for: and another site: Photographs will be judged on image quality. If digital optimization is overdone or poorly done (including over saturation and over sharpening), it will reflect poorly on the image's score. All Images judged will receive ZERO (0) to FIVE (5) points for photographic merit. A panel of three (3) judges will choose Class and Division winners. There were even more details but I did not want to be too lengthy.
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Michael Skelton . |
For anyone interested in guideline/rules here is a basic site explaining the laws covering any contest that has a give away of over 500 dollars. It would seem to me that a contest covering all 50 states and international customers would be a waste of time money and effort at this prize level. http://www.howstuffworks.com/question541.htm
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- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
Michael, I went to the web site and it says the following: Any person, firm, or corporation proposing to engage in any game, contest, or other promotion or advertising scheme or plan in which a retail establishment offers the opportunity to receive gifts, prizes, or gratuities, as determined by chance, in order to promote its retail business, where the total announced value of the prizes offered to the general public is in excess of five hundred dollars ($500), must file a statement with the secretary of state." I'm not a lawyer...we have several on BP, but the key phrase above is "by chance." That seems different than a contest where judges/selection process is involved.
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Michael Skelton . |
Well that may be possible Ken. But at the same time should I run a contest such as this I would consult with my lawyer before hand to be sure I was legally covered. I also understand what you are implying by a game a chance .Without arguing semantics , paying to enter a contest that is judged by others could be considered a game of chance depending on each state and countries own laws. Im not trying to keep people from entering the contest, by all means I hope Betterphoto gets 1000's of people to enter. What is good for them is good for us. It more of a statement of cost to make sure that one is covered by the laws of all the states and countries. I don't believe that any one lawyer could possible answer that question without much research and the cost associated with it. Good Luck!!!!
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
That's taking a chance, not a game of chance. And criteria for picking contest pictures is outlined somewhere on the contest page. Very similar to what was used as an example above, I believe.
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Mick Burkey |
A question I have is about the past winners. I have an image which won first place in the Digital Darkroom category of the free contest; it was "painted" using Painter software. But I also have a version which is not "painted" and has not won an award. Can I submit that unpainted version to the Cash Contest? And for that matter,can we submit other, reworked versions of a previous winner?
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Colleen Farrell |
Mick, I'm assuming the cash contest will be the same as the free one in that respect--if you submit a different version of a photo, whether it was a winner or not, that different version is considered an entirely new photo, and therefore would be eligible to be entered in the cash contest. I submitted a photo and before the results of that month's contest came out, I submitted a different version of it in the next month. Both got finalists. Also I have seen a photo that won 2nd place in b&w and was later submitted in color and it won 2nd place again.
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Thomas F. Andersen |
I'm going to stick my neck out here a little bit, but first of all thank you to Jim Miotke for bringing us this new cash photo contest - and indeed for having run the free contest for so long. Clearly this is in response to user requests, but it seems to have already generated a lot of debate of various nature. If you read the rules, they are pretty simple. Just don't enter a photo that has placed grand, first or second. In my view if people have already done so, it's their own fault they are disqualified. Read the rules prior to submitting. If Jim chooses to treat these entries fairly (I guess only way would be to allow them to re-submit alternatives) then this is a generous move and certainly not something Jim should feel obliged to. Paying to enter in cash or 'big prizes' competition is not unusual and I think the price for entering is very fair. Specially as it seems that you get credits, so you can spread your entries out over several months (as I understand it may need to be verified that your credits don't expire). If you don't like to pay to enter a cash contest - then just don't enter. Enter the excellent free contest instead! On the topic of 'I don't want to pay to enter because I haven't got any or many EFP's lately or at all' my view is that a great image is a great image. It's as simple as that! If you enter a great image into the cash contest (with or without any prior EFP's etc.) well then chances are you will win if the image warrants it. It's almost (only almost because photography is subject and a learning process) like saying 'I'm not going to continue to play Lotto because I'm never going to win the grand prize because I have never won any of the smaller prizes'. Finally, as for the comments relating to bias in the contest I find these comments quite ludicrous specially when relating to a free photo contest. The folks at BetterPhoto - at least to my mind - are so super dedicated to teach us budding photographers that I cannot see them choosing winners for anything else than on the merits of the image itself (and that's how it has appeared to me all along). Like Jim commented in the middle of this thread it's just often the case that people who have reached a certain level continue to make great or even better photographs and why should they be penalized to allow for other less qualified images to win, so that more people can win. Sure, BetterPhoto is a 'community based website' but a contest is contest. On the part of judging I think some of the comments are valid (i.e. it is a good idea to elaborate on what basis an image is judged and I would also agree that usually a judging panel should be introduced). However, again I have absolutely no concerns that judging would be done on a fair basis and again Jim even commented that photos are judged without judges seeing the names (i.e. instructor's prior students etc.). But really it's just a fun photo contest, it's not a million dollar prize for crying out loud, talking about legal stuff and lawyers etc. As soon as money get involved people get totally cross-eyed. Have a little faith and let the good folks at BetterPhoto get this off to a good start!
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William F. Clair |
At last...intelligence on this matter. Nice job, Thomas. Keep it simple. Good luck to those who submit to this contest.
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Ronald F. Fischer |
Very well said, Thomas, and I agree!
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- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
Great summation, Thomas..and good luck BP on the cash contest! I hope it does well for you!
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- Christine Czernin Contact Christine Czernin Christine Czernin's Gallery |
I totally agree with you, Thomas.
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Susan Fox |
I sent an email to BP last week asking these questions but haven't received a reply yet. So I thought I'd ask here. If you buy the package of 5 photos for $14.95 do you then have to put all 5 photos in the contest that month? Or can you spread it out with 2 one month and 3 the next month. Also will EFPs be giving as in the free contest so we see what moves to the second round of the contest. And lastly, Jim mentioned: "Don't worry about those errant entries - we'll work it out. I have an idea that will make it fair to both those who entered the photos and to the rest of the contestants." Can you let us know what the idea was decided upon for those errant entries. Thanks :-)
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Colleen Farrell |
Susan, I think since they say "credit" that means you can use your 5 photos in any month, just "spend" a "credit" for each one. I bet they won't have EFPs in the cash contest. Just a guess. ;) So ... it looks like there will only be 3 winners TOTAL in the cash contest--1st, 2nd and 3rd--not 10 second place winners in each category, etc. like in the free contest. Is that right? If so, it'll be REALLY hard to win! :)
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Colleen, my answer today from posing that question to BP, is that you are correct. A total of 3 images will win. Much steeper "odds", if you will, to be sure! Though as Thomas said above, a great photo is a great photo, and it is rare that really great photos get completely missed here.
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Colleen Farrell |
Thanks for the info, Chris ... the race is on! :)
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Susan Fox |
I see more second/first place photos from the free contest are now entered into the cash contest. One is new today and the only thing changed is some sharpness and the border is gone. It's a wonderful photo, but not allowed, unless those small changes now make it eligible.....?????
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- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
Susan, technically it's a new photo...I'm not saying right or wrong, but where does BP draw the line in saying the "new" photo is really an old photo. If a person shoots a grand prize shot from two slightly different angles...two photos, would the other one be considered the same photo? Or if the crop is different?....I don't have an answer. But I do know that if a cash winner is slightly adjusted from a previous gold medal photo, the controversy will begin....
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Ken Austin |
I hope the rules are stringently upheld by BP. Too many these days are merging stock photos into one and calling them their own and entering the free contest I am sure there will be the same in the cash contest. I agree Ken, there will be controversy over alot of things when it comes to money awards contest now. I would have rather see them give larger prizes over money.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Been a while since there's been any controversy.
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
ROFLOL Greg!
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Sharon Day |
"Been a while since there's been any controversy." I do try to keep everyone entertained, Gregory, but it's a thankless job :o).
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Jessica Jenney |
What about an image that has won a free contest and entering a copy of that image in the cash contest with no gold button under it? It would have a different number. Technically would that be wrong?
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
I'd say that would certainly violate the "intent" of the rule, that no past Free winners can be resubmitted into the Cash Contest, period. Someone pointed out a Cash entry that is simply a former Free gold winner, but now re-entered with the original thin black border removed... I think that one is pretty questionable, too... Will be interesting to see the first month of this new contest unfold, as they work through these things.
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Sharon Day |
I wonder how the devil they'll be able to tell which ones have won in the past with so many winners now. I'm glad it's not my job.
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Marianne Fortin |
I was wondering how they would police entries that had already won before. I can see that photos with the same number as before would be easy to catch, but if the image was slightly altered or simply re-uploaded the number would be different. Impossible to stop, I think! I suppose they only have to make sure the 3 winners of the cash contest weren't previous winners of the free contest.
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- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery |
I'm sure there are plenty of BP'ers ready to raise the BS flag if they see someone trying to skirt the rules or intent of the contest. Especially if they are competing for the prize.
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Marianne Fortin |
I guess if people want to pay money to enter photos that will be ineligible to win, that's their problem. As long as BP makes sure the 3 winners are not previous winners (in any way, shape or form).
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Sharon Day |
"Susan, technically it's a new photo...I'm not saying right or wrong, but where does BP draw the line in saying the "new" photo is really an old photo. If a person shoots a grand prize shot from two slightly different angles...two photos, would the other one be considered the same photo? Or if the crop is different?....I don't have an answer. But I do know that if a cash winner is slightly adjusted from a previous gold medal photo, the controversy will begin...." If the photo has the same EXIF it's the same photo regardless of what kind of changes they make. They'll probably start asking to see the EXIF which IMHO is completely reasonable.
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Marianne Fortin |
I thought of a way BP could make sure the 3 cash winners haven't won before. Suppose they have a final winners pool of 25 photos. They choose their final three and then they will have the names of the three. They can then check by name if they have won before, and then review their previous winning photos to see if any are the same. If they decide that a photo has won before, they can pick another photo from the "pool".
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Sharon Day |
"If a person shoots a grand prize shot from two slightly different angles...two photos, would the other one be considered the same photo?" Forgot to address this one. In stock these are called "similars" and are not accepted at most traditional stock sites. I would think the same would hold true for contests, but who knows.
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
It's sort of a good question though..Not that I care, I'm not going to enter anyway, but just for example, I got a 2nd on a shot of some kids silhouetted against the sunset..I have another shot same kids same sunset slightly different angle, and that one I expanded the size and flooded. Sort of the same, but yet it's not.
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Sharon Day |
I've seen the same shot (or a similiar anyway) get 2nd place in the free contest with some minor changes. Maybe that sort of thing won't matter???
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Another thing about controversy is it's often created instead of caused. There are so many people that split hairs to get their own desired outcome that you should know there's going to be people that are going to at least try to differentiate with some kind of identical photo. Somebody's going to shoot two pictures of the same scene, the first one they were standing up, the second one they were crouching down. And they'll try to say it's different, see how this tree is closer to the top? You should know somebody's going to buzz filter a previous photo and say that it's totally different. But at some point you have to leave it to the judges or whoever checks the archives to decide on the photos that shouldn't have been entered in the first place. And for the people who rushed in with the duplicates as soon as this new thing started, as well as people in the future, people are going to have to look for a little fortitude to leave that to Mr. Miotke to handle as well. A period when the contest is brand new to give people second chances is totally understandable, but at some point you just have to tell people who don't read the rules that you're not some poor unfortunate soul. You're somebody who doesn't pay attention. You can change a mood of a picture of a person by changing a facial expression. You can take two pictures of a barn by walking 10 feet to the left. You know when see a duplicate picture.
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
Well said, Gregory.
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- Ken Smith Contact Ken Smith Ken Smith's Gallery |
Agree with Greg on the learning curve as this contest evolves. And Marianne, I have to believe BP will definitely double-check their archives of the top three winners, to confirm they don't have an identical/similar shot that's already been a winner. And Dennis is right...someone on BP will remember if a previous shot was a winner..unless they quickly take it off their gallery, but I think even then, it remains on the contest "winners" page.
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- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery |
"And Dennis is right." Sorry, he's never said that before, I wanted to see it again. :-)
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Sharon Day |
That's funny, Dennis! Cute hat you have on. Is that so the aliens can't read your mind? LOL
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Mick Burkey |
Still no word from Jim or BP as to who the judges are, eh. What a shame. I'm not necessarily looking for names here, just a general description of the judges, like pretty much every other photo contest I've ever seen: "judging is done by our professional photographer affiliates, or our staff, or the members of National Association of Great Photo Judges, or my grandmother". Whatever. I don't think that it's unfair to know who the judges are.
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KV Day |
They can of worms is opened. Have fun policing this one...and Dennis is right
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- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery |
Whatever happens, don't forget the big picture..........."And Dennis is right."
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- Melinda F. Schneider Contact Melinda F. Schneider Melinda F. Schneider's Gallery |
Dennis is ALWAYS right...that's why he has such a big thinking cap on!
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Sharon Day |
Mick, maybe this Q&A will clear it up some.
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Mick Burkey |
Thanks for the link, Sharon. But that thread is about the free contest and doesn't address the new cash contest. So still waiting to hear from BP on the judges for this new cash contest. BTW, in that thread, Jims says this: "Then images are grouped by member and then by category to make sure that only the best work by each individual photographer and only images that were properly categorized make it to the next round." The images are grouped by member? This would kind of fly in the face of their statement about not seeing the photograpers' names during the process, doesn't it? And why would they need to group the images by the individual photographer? What's that about? I'm a bit confused by this statement. Too bad we don't hear anything from Jim or BP about this.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
You register, you get a member id number. It's been said before. Group them together because, well the high pitched "that's not fair to have one person win two times in the same contest category" would be painful to their eardrums. Also stops the same photo in more the one category from happening. Anybody seen a brick wall? Thought I saw one around here somewhere.
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Tressie Davis |
You're killin' me. :-)
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Mick Burkey |
Thanks for the info, Gregory. That's one question down and one to go.
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- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery |
Straight from the horses mouth (pen, keyboard???) Good questions, Ellen. First, images are chosen for technical merit - any unintentionally blurry and poorly exposed images are eliminated in the first round. Then we do what we call a "double checker" round, to make sure no potential winners are missed during the first round. Then images are grouped by member and then by category to make sure that only the best work by each individual photographer and only images that were properly categorized make it to the next round. Judge's scores are then tallied in a mathematical process, in order to keep the contest as democratic and non-subjective as possible. To answer you final question, the judges usually refrain from commenting on photos during the judging. If they did, they would see the name of the member who made the photo. We don't want the judges to know who shot what - we want the images to be judged purely on their own, without considerations regarding the photographer. In an effort to keep things fair, the judges do not see the member's name or other personal information while judging.
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Sharon Day |
Thanks, Dennis! That's even easier than clicking a link. Don't know why I didn't think of it. I guess I'll blame it on this head cold. LOL
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Mick Burkey |
Yes, Dennis, this is the text from the thread Sharon D showed us. It is a response from Jim Miotke dated 2/17/2004 in response to a question about the free contest. So I'm not sure if we are to infer that the same 7-10 judges for the free contest will also be judging the cash contest, or what. Still waiting for the definitive word from BP.
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
Seems logical.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
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Sharon Day |
LOL Gregory! That's me for sure :o)!
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Mick Burkey |
Yea, Gregory, I know.... Me laugh too.
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Tressie Davis |
:-)
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Sharon Day |
There is one point I would like to make, even ID numbers can be memorized rather easily. I don't even have to make a conscious effort to remember some numbers.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Now you're just going off the deep end. Unless you're spending even more time to memorize i.d. numbers for each picture, who is going bother with even thinking about that? If they tell you they have a group of pro photogs to choose from for judges, why wouldn't they do the same for just a slightly different version of the same thing?
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Erika Haight |
>>>>
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