It's interesting you should raise this point Ihe, as I was wondering about this aspect of the challenges the other day. As you say, some degree of bias is inevitable, but as someone mentioned (sorry can't remember who), perhaps part of the part of the challenge is challenging those biases.
As a new member I am not very familiar with most of the people here, but when I read through the entries I try not to look at the names, but I feel that even if I did, I still would look for the merits of the story, not the story and other things I might feel about the author, mostly because I'm not here to pat people on the back or at any point have my own back patted for any old thing that gets entered, anyway this doesn't (thankfully) seem to be that sort of place.
For me these challenges, are halfway between a writing competition and a writing exercise. The unique feature being that one can see who wrote what, and how people respond to your story. I like to think I push myself more than I might if I were competing ''blind'', being more aware of the high standard of other entries. I also feel more at ease to experiment, because people here take the time to give thoughtful critiques (though I have yet to ask for one), and number of mentions/votes can be an indicator of what is working for you and what less so
. Though I would take the results with a pinch of salt, have you seen how varied everyone's tastes are? It was a revelation to me! I'm happy when just one person gets and likes something I've written
.
A good story, well written is all* I'm looking for, and clearly taste has everything to do with which entries I prefer, is that another kind of bias?
*makes a quick exit before the mob of teeth-gnashing writers, waving hundreds of old drafts and pitchforks, capture the heretic.
P.S.
Luiglin, brilliant reviews, I hope that minion has pro hacking skills and you faulty security settings, because I want to hear from DL every challenge!
