Originally Posted by K9soul
If you are a really sensitive person (like me) or a perfectionist type, these things can get to you more than they shoud. Being on the outside of this situation, I hope I can offer some perspective that might otherwise be hard to see. First of all I always feel, and always say, that these photo contests should be about the PHOTO, not the dog.
When I vote, I do not vote for my "favorite" dog at all! I vote for my favorite actual photo, the one that really grabs me, sticks out as a beautiful photo that represents the theme and so on and so forth. They are all good, all the ones here made it to the finals so they are the cream of the crop! I was thrilled a year or so ago when Tommy's entry made it to a final, and even though he got last in the final I was just touched that he made it that far. Personally I saw photos against his that I just thought were a bit better than mine, so I couldn't in good consicous vote for my own pic when I felt there was one better. If I viewed it as voting for the actual DOG, well of course I'd have to always vote for mine :D.
I just think sometimes these things can become a bit personal, taken a bit too personal. If you find yourself hurt a lot in these situations and unable to just enjoy the fun factor of it I'd just take a break with entries for awhile perhaps. I've done that before, I'm certainly not immune to taking things wrong and being sensitive. I know a few who don't participate at all simply because they know they'd feel hurt and that's probably best for them.
Anyway, I didn't mean to write an essay.. but I hope that maybe those who might feel bad by fewer votes can see it from a different angle and not feel hurt and saddened by it :). Hugs to all, and ALL are beautiful Easter pictures and of course ALL the dogs are winners!
