Photodex contests - results, yes, but that's it

[Astra]

Barbara,
I like your idea:

............
This reminds me of an old idea I had for a challenge: Create a show with the worst photos possible and then proceed to treat all of them in the worst possible way. Maybe it would serve to loosen us up a bit like an orchestra does just before the concert. You know that great blat of sound they make?
We could make great blatting slide shows.

As usual - you "hit the nail on the head" - I will start to think about it ....
Alex/Astra

[BarbaraC]

Too bad I always toss out my really bad ideas. I'd have a heap of shows to share and to embarrass myself with.

Barbara

[im42n8]

Well, I might just be being an old coot on this thing but I have thought that a show entered into a "contest" would be subject to something meaningful. And that you were being judged on technical merit (how the show is put together, the presentation, the technique, the story, etc) such that there was an actual competition between submitters. The "best" (in technical respects) show isn't the one that may actually place in the contest.

However, the Photodex "contest" is meaningful in terms of showing that anyone can make a slide show and it doesn't have to be a work of art, a technical marvel, or worthy of being enshrined in a hall of fame. You don't have to have everything just right to make a show that is meaningful to someone in some way. Winning makes you feel good too. Losing can make you try harder. But, making a show can make you a winner anyway. If you actually put some effort into its creation, it feels good to accomplish something. It doesn't have to be a work of art.

How meaningful it is to be placed (1st, 2nd, 3rd) is in the eye of the beholder.

Dale

Last edited by im42n8 on Tue Jul 31, 2012 3:56 am, edited 1 time in total.

[BarbaraC]

To fit into your description, Dale, Photodex would have to say quite explicitly what the shows will be judged on, and they'd have to provide both theme and photos. Otherwise, if someone has professional-quality photos but so-so ProShow technique, those photos can easily hide the fact. The reverse is just as true: bad photos, top-notch technique. Just as we ourselves are naturally subjective about our own shows, such subjectivity enters into the judging of other people's shows. It can't be helped. And don't forget that you're coming at it with your own built-in prejudices, and no matter how hard you might try to ignore them, they'll seep right in without your even realizing it.

To me, a great show is one that, no matter how it's accomplished, sucks a person right into it. It could be the photos or the story behind the photos or well-placed special effects or the emotion it evokes. Emotion is absolutely vital. It's how humans connect with one another.

Photodex has quite a task trying to judge the contests.

Barbara

[seektheburd]

Barbara, I don't think your original post question officially got answered but sure did make for some good conversation. Ended up rather interesting, unlike it's humble beginnings which left me chuckling with wonder how others read it. I think Photodex now creating shows from submitted photos is basically where the contests were leading anyway. Good to see viewpoints from all angles.

Hugs, Stephanie

[BarbaraC]

No, it didn't get answered. Only Photodex knows the answer, and they're keeping it close to the vest.

It did bring up some stuff, though, didn't it?

I also belong to a music forum, and I'll tell you what: Those musicians are absolutely free with their opinions. This forum is as tame as a kitten.

Barbara