ANST - Judging Standards (Was: A&S - does utility count?)

[Dottie Elliott]

>The thing that gets me, is having to do documentation on the history of a
>common item like weaving, leather work and the like.  Those subjects that
>are common and have had volumes written about them, IMHO do not need to be
>rehashed.

If you don't document it, how can I know you have done the research and 
know what you have done is period, done in a period manner, done with 
period parts, etc?  Rarely, I would think is anything done with 
completely period parts so there is the need to show that you know what 
would have been used but have chosen something different for whatever 
reason. (I don't know how to use and do not have access to a period 
pottery kick wheel. I do know how pottery was thrown in period in certain 
places so I say what I know and then say I used a modern electric wheel 
because its what I have.) Also, judges don't KNOW everything. The 
documentation helps them judge your knowledge of your craft and it helps 
you educate the judges on things they don't know well and also lets the 
judges know the WHY of anything that might be considered a deviation of 
the period craft.

I, too, have had points counted off for things I didn't think were 
relevant. However, I keep in mind that judges, being people, are 
imperfect and judging is subjective as much as all of us would like it 
not to be.  Personally, I find the comments on the judging form to be the 
reason why I enter. I have received very informative comments on several 
judging forms that have helped me improve my craft.  I enter to get 
feedback and display what I am doing not to win or get high points or 
whatever. Its all in how you look at it. 

Clarissa
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