Hi all. I enjoy entering the competitions and find them a good incentive to learn from others and improve my techniques. Also to get new ideas. One thing that has bothered me for a while is that it is possible to view competition galleries while entries are still open. I sometimes have a quick look to see what has already been entered and can either be put off entering because I don't consider my photos are as good as many of the entries, or it may be that one I was considering is too similar to one already entered. Without making the competitions too much of a serious thing I was wondering if it would be good to hide entries until the voting period. Would be interested in other people's views on this.

I think you ideas are valid Philip. This is a discussion that should be held at committee level.

It's a decision that should be made by the committee. But any member should be able to contribute to the discussion of the issue, so that the decision can be made with an understanding of the views of members.

I'd note that, if disallowing viewing of entries were to be enforced, the menu items under the Photo Gallery - Competitions menu would no longer be available to allow members direct access to upload their entries to a specific competition level. Those menu items would only be available during the 2-week voting phase for each competition.

My personal view is that viewing of entries during the submission phase should be allowed.

Rob

Hello Philip, thank you for your idea. I wanted to write to you to let you know that we discussed your idea tonight at our July Committee meeting. It is important to the Committee that members use the forum to present ideas like yours. After discussing your idea we felt that the benefits of leaving the competition process as it is outweighs the benefits of adopting your idea. I personally find looking at others images a motivation and inspiration which would be lost by moving to a "blind" competition. We want our competitions to be fun and not too serious. Thanks again for your ideal Philip but in this instance the committee has decided not to change our current competition process. Regards. Tim.