The participation should be more important than the number of votes. That we have this many talented writers here is important. Who gets the most points is not important. And the votes doesn't reflect how many people read the stories. It could very well be that some people, who are not regulars on the forum, felt that they didn't have a right to vote (even though that's not true). Or felt they didn't have the expertise to choose. I didn't vote because I honestly didn't have time to read the entries. It's been a busy time for me and that's a lousy excuse but it's true. But I would hope that it is never about competing...it should be about sharing and supporting each other in what can be a very lonely vocation. That's why I'm on this forum, at least.