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A Judge’s Apology
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gj Michelob
Posts: 1531
Joined: Nov. 7 2008
From: New York City/San Francisco
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 A Judge’s Apology
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A Judge’s Apology
After reading some of the comments to the initial views and scores issued by the Judges –for the Advanced Competition- I am seized by a regretful visceral rejection for having issued any judgment.
1. Perhaps I should have waited until the last moment and only after viewing all others’ comments, appreciate the crowd’s resentment, and issue a more diplomatic opinion;
2. Or I should have disregarded my whims and simply grade all submissions for what they all really are “great”;
Did I forget how sensitive we all are when it comes to the music we share? And how much more about the painstakingly rehearsed and practiced piece submitted by professional musicians… But I made the mistake of taking this too seriously, as when I grade students’ papers, knowing that after all each is only an infinitesimally relative and inconsequential manifestation of what that student can truly do.
When Doitsujin asked me to serve as a judge, I inevitably wondered if I am at all qualified. After all, I never was to keen to serve on a bench, and when the opportunity did arise (for the Courthouse., that was) I declined, as I am an advocate, perhaps even a prosecutor, but I am no judge, for I empathically identify with losers and chastised and feel their pain. Inexcusably, I am incapable of taking responsibility for the judgment I am asked to issue. I know I am not above reproach. Who is, after all? When lawyers lose cases in court, naturally blame the court for incompetence, neglect or worse, biased corrupted discrimination.
I am not a fine musician. I just spend more time than I can truly afford playing guitar and listening to the great few I worship, Amigo, Nunezs, DeLucia. Moraito….. Tomatito. Yes, Tomatito, the standard for this competition I undoubtedly poorly judged. Yet I judge him too, each time I choose Amigo as the example and musical role-model I wish to imitate. The same instinct guided my scoring. Undoubtedly as Sincere as it was unnecessary.
I am sorry if my blind tasting of your work, dear challengers, took Champagne for proletarian beer. You all are awesome and your recordings mesmerizing. Some have had a better hand at this piece, as often certain music is more suitable for one than the other. Your musicianship was not part of my criticism, but I am afraid it inevitably hurt that sensitive soul of fellow musicians on this Foro whom i love dearly..... Sorry amigos, really.
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gj Michelob
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Date Jun. 3 2009 15:47:19
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gj Michelob
Posts: 1531
Joined: Nov. 7 2008
From: New York City/San Francisco
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RE: A Judge’s Apology (in reply to at_leo_87)
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quote:
while the other judges focused more on technique and the more "mechanical aspects," you gave good insight to the more "ethereal, emotional" aspect.
At this level of playing, one could only express a relative opinion as to the “interpretation” offered by each musician. If you remove Tomatito’s performance from the analytical framework, it would be impossible to judge the recordings, because each performance per-se stands as a brilliant example of fine musicianship. I am repeating a point which I deemed critical and implied in anyone’s judgment and score. I would not dare criticize or comment on skills and competence. They were presumed and ostentatiously proven.
Anyway, thank you Florian, Ailsa, Todd and AtLeo for the kindness of your comments. Arash, I did not mean to generate any negative vibes, and –once again- sorry if I did. I wanted to clarify my approach to this competition and any other that we may hopefully enjoy.
This Greek geek, mythology has it, was asked which of three Goddesses was the most beautiful. One of them being Venus. Innocently and inevitably, the boy picked her…. to his greatest regret, as the other two did not take his choice so kindly after all, and turned his life into living hell.
That we know better, don’t we? When girls ask which of two, or more, be the prettiest, only an imbecile would share his honest views. 
Thank you for your replies.
ciao
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gj Michelob
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Date Jun. 4 2009 6:02:14
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Doitsujin
Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005
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RE: A Judge’s Apology (in reply to gj Michelob)
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Ok let me also say something.
gj, you don't have to worry about anything. I am a very emotional, sensitive person. And I take anything regarding my playing very personal,.. I should not, but I think I got to my actual level because I always wanted and still want to play so good that nobody can tell me I am a worse player. That is maybe not a good characteristic of mine,.. but thats me.. I cant change it so easily.
This challenge really challenges my ego. Yes, I have very different opinions than some of the judges, but only to some comments about technical skills. I invited all the judges because I wanted you to judge. And you just did your job. Its like in boxing ... the judges have often very different scorecards.. And they are professional with that. So,.. please don't apology gj. I like you too much.. that I have to apology to you for my breakdown. 
I would be happy if we could just go on celebrating the challenge and just forget the whole thing about egos and worries.
I mean also if we are good players, to the level of Tomatito and Co. is still a huge gap. We are justs ants in comparison to the famous players.. Well at least between me and them. So,..I think I dont have the right to argue.. 
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Date Jun. 4 2009 7:29:06
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Florian
Posts: 9282
Joined: Jul. 14 2003
From: Adelaide/Australia
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RE: A Judge’s Apology (in reply to Doitsujin)
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quote:
Yes, but the names WOULD be available to the Admins and therefore not anonymous.
Also I suggest that to have voting rights, they should have been a member for at least 3 months and have posted at least 5 times in Forums other than Classified, Events or Resources.
This would be a countermeasure against "drive by" voting, where someone signs up with the only intent of casting a vote and not really a bona-fide member.
This can easily be checked by the Admins as can "double registration".
I can't really see how the public voting system could be any less fair than the present system of selected judges.
Also since presumably more people will vote then the sample will be broader and less subject to a particular judge's whims.
The voting period would stay open for say a week or as defined by the Challenge Manager and then closed to further voting by the Admins.
It also saves the problem of running around trying to round up the last few judges who may be away or busy on other things.
cheers,
Ron
thats a good idea...but i reckon increase a litlle more if u want voting privileges u need to be involved with the forum...really u could even make it 100...5 posts is not very involved, wed love you to be involved, always try to be most welcoming and acomodating to new members but if you choose to spectate dont be upset if we dont count your vote. for the sake of protecting our challengers from any chance of voting abuse.....if theres new members now with only 5 posts theres plenty of time and oportunity for them to get that number up....voting is a privilege to our members and by members i mean someone that likes this place and wants to be involved and is not just here to promote himself or sell an overpriced guitar on ebay or to download free tab..
theres people who are memberes and then theres people with a username and acount password ( i got no problems with them..fine welcome, but thats life, if you dont speak up and we dont know u exist your rights will not be catered for)
that would ensure the voting is done by someone active and involved...it leaves out the imediatly fersh members i know but since they just joined they wont know whats going on anyway i am sure they would want a litlle bit of time to setlle and check things out before they get involved...our main concern is the members here now and the fact that they get as fair voting system as posssible..
I suggest, if you want your vote to be counted as any other member here u need 100 posts atleast.....very eaazy to achive that by a full member...not so likely by either someone with 2 accounts or someone who is here once every 2 years to sell something..
as it is will we will have plenty of voters about 200 -300 ..i am not sure..but u cant get a broader view than that..
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Date Jun. 5 2009 11:10:17
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