"Voting in a thread. This could well discourage people from voting at all, or fell compelled to vote for their friend who is in the running even if they prefer someone elses work." I agree with you Kevin, this is possible. I quote myself from another thread on this point as I feel that the heart of the matter is the ability of voters to give an honest vote, as they feel it at the time, above every other consideration. There is a chance that the folks one did not vote for might respect one the more for it. " If people are confident that they have cast a just vote there should be no shame in their choice. There is room in this method to give other artists special mention as well so that no one should feel left out, it just calls for a little self-confidence in ones choice and confidence that others will respect it. A small price to pay for the sake of an open and transparent result."