Ele hands out massive squishes, squish Remember as my hubby is always fond of saying, it ain't over till the round spherical lady sings :) And I "WILL" certainly check your galleries after the event to praise you all on your fabulous works of art. And think of it like this, if you have to stoop to underhand tactics in order to win a contest, don't you think you'd feel a tiny bit downhearted?, if you can account for every single vote you recieve, wouldn't you be asking yourself.....Hey...is my artwork even very good, didn't it warrant even one vote on it's own merit??? I certainly would, but then again I paint for my won enjoyment....but I still get a kick out of people liking what I do. I'm no great thinker, and my Sis got all the scientific academia and knowledge, my talent if I have any at all has always been artwork. And to be honest if I can't get there by my own merit...then I don't want it. There is a reason my Mum always says cheats never beat, because any accolade won by foul means leaves bitterness and dissatisfaction, and maybe doubt in your own talent. So chin up my lovelies, it's a contest nothing more, and yes the prizes may be big....but are they worth your self respect...I think not :) Ele