Sorry for the delay guys. I needed to stop and think about the direction the contest is going. I have also been talking to Truc and a few of the other members here behind the scene trying to figure out the best resolution for all of this.
First, by my decision alone, Truc is the winner of this months contest. Whats done has already been done. I am sure that others have requested votes from friends in contests before this. Unfortunately for Truc, he had more success with this than anyone else who may have tried this, and he got called out on it. Because he was upfront, honest, and was mature about everything, I see no reason why he shouldn't be the winner.
If anyone has an issue with this, then bring it up with me directly, as this was 100% my decision. Please note however, these types of actions really hurt the photo contest. Look at the hamper it has put on this months contest. I hope, if for nothing else, it will be an example to discourage people from doing this in the future.
Now, to comment on some other things. I dont know if some of you guys misread my first post, but as I said, the date the photo was taken is irrelevant for this month and all previous contests. And I quote myself
"Since this was never an official rule of the contest, there is nobody at fault for this. I cannot expect you guys to follow something that was never formally voiced. This is something that I would simply like to change for future contests." Although it may be difficult for people to get out and take pictures every month, this is still going to be a rule that implement from here on out. Take me for example. I have not been able to go out and takes pics for the last couple of contests....so I simply have not entered the contest, rather than submit one of the thousands of previously taken images I have on my computer. If you cannot or do not have the time to go out with your camera and snap some pics, there is always another contest right around the corner. What Im really looking to accomplish with this rule, is to remove the "hey, I have a photo that works, maybe I'll win some money". For most of us here, that isn't the case. I would rather see someone be rewarded for going out and take a picture relevant to the theme, rather than someone who saw the contest, looked on their computer for five minutes and picked a photo that works. I hope you guys can understand where I am coming from with this. I will also do my best to make sure that everyone will be able to participate, taking into consideration location, weather, etc.
As for the contest photo submissions, they will stay as is for now. I like to think that people are honest and fair, so we give this method another shot. If it somehow starts to drift to a popularity contest, then the format will be changed. if that does not solve the issue, then I will no longer fund the contest and prizes will be up to the donations received to purchase the prizes (currently $0). I would hate to see the contest come to this, and I honestly don't think it will. Everyone here seems to thoroughly enjoy the contest. You have no idea how many people have told me they are getting into photography and asking for advice on what cameras to get, so that they can get involved as well! So the contest is doing exactly what we all had hoped it would do. As long as everyone does their part to keep things honest and fair (as you have all been doing), we'll be fine. None of us want to see this come to an end. Keep up the good work guys and gals.
Lastly, this months topic will be posted sometime after lunch
