My first post didn't make it here so I will try again:) I seriously fail to see the harm in the contests. Everyone comes together- envouraging one another- the creativity oozes and everyone has fun. It doesn't take away from normal operations- if adds to sales. This is a business right? Money is usually the bottom line, well another bottom line that should be thought of is that the people who post their work here are your money. Your boss signs your paycheck but your customers pay you. You want loyal customers who can trust you, your product and good business sense. Up to today I was that customer and I am sure more here were too. Everyone makes mistakes thats life you learn from it and move on. A heartfelt apology is seriously owed to those who had their pictures and comments removed and they should be replaced as soon as possible. People put their time and creativity into their art - and it's not right to delete it just because rules are not stated as clearly as they should be...why punish the artists when you should be harder on yourselves for not catching this and taking care of it. I won't boycott the marketplace as a couple have suggested- the merchants have nothing to do with this and do not deserve the wrath. Well I am off to take the word contest out of my gallery...they better still be there.