Judge Joanne

Now that I have been Press-Ganged by Emma and Jill into making the ultimate comment on Comments, it's probably reasonable to give you all some very rough hints as to how I will go about it. The two kind ladies have given me total discretion and I will try to use it benevolently.

The first criterion is that a comment MUST relate to a competition entry. That should be obvious.

It doesn't matter if the story to which it relates is not one of the winners. I am judging the comment, not the story.

A comment that says "I liked the story (Full stop)" is unlikely to win. It may gladden the heart of the story's author but not mine.

If a comment is very negative it is unlikely to win, e.g. "I hated this story" and variations on that theme.

I'll have to wait and see the reactions. A top comment does not have to be humorous but it will help. However it may be Oscar Wildean, or it may offer constructive criticism. It may be a thoughtful analysis. I was going to say it must be intelligent, but then I had second thoughts. There are serial commenters out there who may not be capable of meeting such a stringent requirement (no names, no packdrill!).

Of course, you realise I've been given an impossible job, so it may take a little longer and that's why an extra two weeks has been allowed for me to make a decision. That may or not be necessary.

Also I'm thinking of publishing some of the top comments, as long as Jill and Emma agree (the actual final decision remains mine. I have already prepared my protective armour. It's not their fault.). That way, we can have a "leader board" and you could be a contender.

You are not allowed to come after me with flaming torches and pitchforks. Verbal abuse is acceptable. Have fun.

That's All Folks.

Joanne