----- Original Message ----- From: DGeraths To: Pearson snipped-for-privacy@comcast.net Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2004 7:07 PM Subject: IPMS Pearson Modeleers
I attending today's Recon 7 model contest and I thought I would take a moment to write a note of displeasure regarding your events model judging.
I was entered in the category #501 and apparently my model was entirely overlooked by your judges. I stood by and watched a single modeler with standard and sub-standard work sweep all three awards and the Best Of award in the category. These models, apparently based on the television show Star Trek, walked away with awards printed with the words...
#501 - Space Fact.
There were two SPACE FACT models in that category that were both far above the quality of the winning models and they were both entirely ignored by the "judges". One was built by myself and the other by a very talented modeler. I have seen other modelers suffer losses because of poor judging at contests before, that is nothing rare, but today's incredible ignorance on the part of the judges was simply to much to bare. I do not plan to ever attend another Pearson Modelers event.
Good luck to you in the future.
Dana Geraths ===================================================================== Reply:
Dana-
First of all I apologize if the judges made an error and thank you for bringing this issue in the open. Let me address each issue by the line or paragraph. It is a long reply but bear with me.
I was entered in the category #501 and apparently my model was entirely overlooked by your judges.
According to the judging sheet (see attached), the 2 kits in the 501 category were not overlooked as they were recorded and considered in the proper category.
I stood by and watched a single modeler with standard and sub-standard work sweep all three awards and the Best Of award in the category. These models, apparently based on the television show Star Trek, walked away with awards printed with the words...
#501 - Space Fact.
If the error was in the distribution of the certificates, please let us know and we will mail your the proper certificate.
There were two SPACE FACT models in that category that were both far above the quality of the winning models and they were both entirely ignored by the "judges". One was built by myself and the other by a very talented modeler.
Again, the two entries were not overlooked as attested by the judging sheet. There is no question as to the quality of handiwork involved to bring these models to an experienced level of competition.
I have seen other modelers suffer losses because of poor judging at contests before, that is nothing rare, but today's incredible ignorance on the part of the judges was simply to much to bare.
The judges were given the IPMS National Rules that are posted on the RECON page and on the national IPMS site which were used as an objective guide in their decision-making for each category. We have provided the tools to initially judge each entry. Maybe we did not emphasized subjective judgment versus objectivity. We have no control as to what the judges finally decide on. Although "incredible ignorance" is a hyperbolic remark since again, the judges did not ignore your entry as they were recorded in the proper category.
You know from personal experience that many model shows in local and regional events cull their judges from the crowd and do not institute any kind of preamble to being objective in their decision making. Decision-making is based on individual predujices and experience.
Your email prompted me to bring up in our next meeting an abbreviated judging questionnaire prior to being allowed to judge that should elucidate objectivity as a goal in the judging.
IPMS USA has instituted that in 2005, the Regionals and the Nationals will adhere to the national rules and therefore mandatory for these events. Local contests are exempt. This is per an email from Kent Eckhart, the Region 7 coordinator as of 6 JAN 04 from Dave Morrisette.
I do not plan to ever attend another Pearson Modelers event.
We are sorry you feel that way but hope to see you anyhow in the future. I have forwarded this email to the board with my reply to see if indeed, we placed the wrong certificate and hope to amend that promptly if it is so.
Sincerely,
JD Quintinita IPMS Pearson Modeleers
============================================================================ ======== Reply:
----- Original Message ----- From: DGeraths To: Pearson Modeleers Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2004 12:37 AM Subject: Re: IPMS Pearson Modeleers attachment included
I just looked at the attachment you sent.... Neither Mark nor I received any kind of award and in fact the three Star Trek ships walked out with everything in the category. How with so few models such confusion can happen speaks volumes.
Dana
============================================================================ ======== Reply: Dana-
As I repeated before, if you are missing a certificate for your 2nd place win, we can mail that to you.
Sincerely,
JD Quintinita IPMS Pearson Modeleers ========================================================================== Reply:
----- Original Message ----- From: DGeraths To: Pearson Modeleers Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2004 12:25 AM Subject: Re: IPMS Pearson Modeleers attachment included
If memory serves, there are rules about a single modeler sweeping a category... yet these star trek models swept right through as well as the Best Of award in that category. Using your judges ignorance of the subject matter is frankly a poor excuse. You do not have to be intelligent to realize that Star Trek models are NOT space fact.... but are fiction. I would suggest in the future you consider giving Space Fact it's own category. It is sad and disgraceful that models representing the single most advanced aeronautical engineering ever devised by man do not merit their own category and instead have to be thrown into the same group as models of spaceships off of TV shows, trolls and dragons... Trains even have their own category.... when was the last time you saw a train model at a model show?
It was clear that the two space fact models were head and shoulders above the rather poorly done star trek models and I am certainly not the only person who noticed this. On the way out the door at the end of the day I was stopped by no less than 8 people who also expressed their complete shock that my work as well as the other space fact model were entirely disregarded.
I will not be returning and judging by the attendance level of the show, I am clearly not alone.
Good day to you,
Dana ========================================================================= Reply:
Dana-
Maybe you should read what I wrote.
If memory serves, there are rules about a single modeler sweeping a category... yet these star trek models swept right through as well as the Best Of award in that category.
The only IPMS rules we are using are the judging rules. There is no rules on sweeps on regional contests. That is the venue of the region and the club that is sponsoring the event. Did you read the rules? Did you assume there is a no sweeps rules for this contest? I just checked the IPMS USA forum and still there are discussions on ruling sweeps or not.
Using your judges ignorance of the subject matter is frankly a poor excuse. You do not have to be intelligent to realize that Star Trek models are NOT space fact.... but are fiction.
Now where did I say that the judges are ignorant? Read my reply again and look at the attachment again. Clearly the category is listed. Are you pissed because you did not receive a certificate? As I said If that IS the case then we will amend the issue and send you your certificate.
I would suggest in the future you consider giving Space Fact it's own category.
It does- #501 again on the category sheet and on the IPMS USA Category list and on the judging form.
It is sad and disgraceful that models representing the single most advanced aeronautical engineering ever devised by man do not merit their own category and instead have to be thrown into the same group as models of spaceships off of TV shows, trolls and dragons...
Again-#501 IS listed as Space Fact and you got 2nd place in 501. Read the attachment again.
Trains even have their own category.... when was the last time you saw a train model at a model show?
Last year we had trains and entries in the train category in order to be more inclusive of all other modelers- regardless of ability. Please remember, that the host club can add an odd category or two.
It was clear that the two space fact models were head and shoulders above the rather poorly done star trek models and I am certainly not the only person who noticed this.
Aren't you a "professional" modeler? Doesn't being professional mean a profound interest in seeing and helping others attain the high standards you achieve? I had high regards for you but no more-you denigrate other modelers- a shocking- shocking behavior for one formerly regarded in the modeling community.
On the way out the door at the end of the day I was stopped by no less than
8 people who also expressed their complete shock that my work as well as the other space fact model were entirely disregarded.
Maybe the Nationals will be more kind.
I will not be returning and judging by the attendance level of the show, I am clearly not alone.
Where is your club show?
Most Sincerely,
JD Quintinita IPMS Person Modeleers