When people go soliciting votes in chat, it makes an art contest into a popularity contest. I had thought of saying something a few contests back when several excellent images were overlooked while inferior ones were collecting unreasonable amounts of votes. But I decided against it because I was afraid that people would think I was just whining about my own lack of votes and I didn't want that sort of negativity. But seeing as I have no entry in this particular contest, I think it is fair for me to say that the way many contests are set up here do not support the pursuit of art. If there is an interest in supporting artistic integrity, the entries should be anonymous and the voting should be done anonymously as well. That wouldn't eliminate all problems, but it would be a step in the right direction. Happy Rendering, --Invidia