Well, I can say in my case I would have written a longer entry in both competitions - so it's more likely I shot myself in the foot by following a rule that didn't really exist. So no, you're wrong as I'm one of the ones most outspoken regarding this. Then again, as we know - one forum member doesn't speak for the whole community, it's just how I personally experienced it!
I'm tend to strictly abide by rules so i would feel it was unfair if i had written a single paragraph and not won if i really thought mine was better then the others. Then again as a judge if someone wrote two paragraphs but only using one of them it was still superior in my mind i would feel inclined to grant them a win based on that paragraph so its tricky.
Many of those seemed longer because I spaced them out as they were one jammed block of text but they were all picked on merit and personal preference regardless of length. That being said, future contests will have much clearer guidelines as to what is acceptable and what isn't. I'll never guarantee there won't be exceptions but I'll make sure everyone knows what to expect.
The game of lawn bowls my dear ponyman is a somewhat strategic/skill based game in which people (mostly very old) roll balls down a a rink or lawn. The main objective is to roll these so called balls as close as possible to a smaller ball also known as a "jack" or a "kitty". The player closest to the "jack" gets points and after a couple of rounds whoever has the highest number of points win. "HOOORAAAAAAH" Afterwards to celebrate the players get into there wheelchairs and roll down to the local pub and share there adventures and mishaps over a lovely chardonnay! "Jolly good old chap" Please see pic below for a visual description. The actual sport might not seem intriguing to some but its more exciting then me staring at my inbox waiting for a beta key!
I've actually played that game! It really is good fun. I fully endorse this for the next competition.
Come Come now my dear fellows Lets have a competition in which i have a good chance of winning How about a "If you're from South Africa you win a beta key" competion!!
