
In addition to discussing the VCA results here in this thread, I would like for you to post your comments on how the contest was run this year. Please use the following information as guidelines for discussion:
Changes made to this year's contest:
A re-write of the rules and qualification guideline for reader-friendliness
No category nominations round
Rewording of category descriptions for clarity
Voter agreement page
Compacted overall schedule
Finalists video pack
Recode of all VCA results listings
Addition of VCA ribbon image to winning videos' descriptions (as a prize)
(All website coding was done by dokidoki, who is, obviously, the awesomest person around.)
To-do list for next year:
MEP category for the database
Some way for voters to view all semi-finalist videos more easily
Anything else that I missed?
Overarching objectives:
To run the VCA in an active, attentive, and unbiased manner
To increase VCA participation among all a-m-v.org members
To help all VCA entrants get the exposure they need during the contest
- so that voters can make informed voting decisions
- so that VCA results will be truly reflective of viewers' choices
To make the VCA an enjoyable experience for all involved
Finally, a concluding note:
I understand that many people have distanced themselves from the VCAs over the years due to the perception that some winners may not have been the "best" candidate for their awards. To this view, I would like to point out the obvious fact that people have differences in opinion and that every member is entitled to his or her own voting choices. However, I do freely admit that the VCA system is not without its inherent faults. These faults can be addressed. The VCA is an evolving contest, and we are looking to improve it year by year. Therefore I ask that you judge the value of the VCA not by its results but by its goals - and the methods and procedures that follow from these goals. Once we have refined these methods, then we'll be on our way to a contest that we can all proudly take part of.
Thank you again for your involvement!