Challenge: best of 2005

Hosted by: Blizzard

[editor's note, by codepoit] REMINDER: The voting period is open until 11:59 PM on Saturday January 21...it's not too late to vote!
[editor's note, by codepoit] Another note: The submission period is over...no more entries please :)

(To view or place a vote for one of the categories, just click on the one you want in the "tags" section located at the top of this post. Thank you.)

If anyone wants to participate in this theme without entering into the contest, feel free to do so. Simply state somewhere in your post you do not wish to enter the contest. All participants are welcome.

Here are the rules.

We have 6 categories:
Best of 2005 Portrait
Best of 2005 Nature
Best of 2005 Building & Structures
Best of 2005 Things
Best of 2005 Animals
Best of 2005 Abstract

Anyone who wants to participate chooses only one category to enter and only 1 photo for that category.

To enter the contest put in the title of your entry post "Best of 2005 Entry(insert category here)". That way we could tag them appropriately to keep them separated.

Example: Say I wanted to enter a photo for the category Portrait. In the title of the post I would put "Best of 2005 Entry Portrait". We will special tag it "Best of 2005 Entry Portrait". That way it would be easy to look at all the categories individually for easier judging and voting.

To vote just place a comment in the post you want to vote on. Only 1 vote per category per person. Feel free to comment on any entry post. If you are voting on the picture, then write the word "vote" first in the comment. (!!!ATTENTION!!! UPDATE:Anonymous Hero votes will not be counted due to the nature of cheating. You must have an account to vote. Sorry.)

All entries for this theme and contest will take place for a 2 week period (just the same as a bi-weekly theme).

I will personally make an award for the winners myself. Afterwards I will send them to the winners if they choose to receive one(this is an option).

All submittions are due by 11:59pm(PST) on Saturday, January 14,2006. Any submittion after that time will not be entered in contest.

The next theme will start on Sunday, January 15,2006 as planned.

Voting period will end at 11:59pm(PST)on Saturday, January 21,2006. No vote will be accepted after this time.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, January 22,2006 after votes are counted.

Have fun and good luck!The next bi-weekly theme goes to Paulamouse.

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KayN
•5
1/1/06 12:25 PM

This don't sound too bad.....looking forward to seeing what all's submitted......

- Ms.N

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Penny
•7
1/1/06 12:32 PM

Sounds fun!

- Smile

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Lidljo
•5
1/1/06 12:35 PM

This will be interesting and challenging. Sounds fun!!

- Flowers are happiness...

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surferguy
•7
1/1/06 1:29 PM

Where do pictures of people go.... and what do you mean by things.... is a sunset with a person in it a nature shot... I think we need some additional info on catagory deffinitions...

- WoooFrigginHooo...

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Paulamouse
•5
1/1/06 1:37 PM

The category idea is a good one. This will be real difficult to critique my own work. This could be more difficult than I thought. One category, one photo, wow.

- Cheeze Pleeze

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Heartofgold
•4
1/1/06 1:45 PM

This is great. I don't have my camera fixed yet, but I can still enter this contest

- Heartofgold

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Blizzard
•5
1/1/06 1:45 PM

To surferguy: People would be portraits. If there is a person in the shot along with nature, then you choose where you want to categorize it. Just remember you can only enter 1 photo in only 1 category. Things are objects (like a grill on a car, hat pin, a doll,ect...). No need to complicate it.This is not a complicated contest. The contest is for fun. Just choose your best shot and pick a category.

- I want to pull your teeth

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KayN
•5
1/1/06 3:29 PM

To vote just place a comment in the post you want to vote on. Only 1 vote per category per person. Ok.....I have a question on that statement: does this mean we can't even comment on each entry, even though that's not the one we're voting for? If we type in something like neat pic, like the dof, like the angle, etc. does that constitute as a vote, or do we type in I vote for this pic for this category? I just try to comment on most people's photos, and I don't want to NOT comment on one, but not actually vote for it. Am I making any sense here?

- Ms.N

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lilbit
•4
1/1/06 3:37 PM

Hey Blizz....does it have to be a shot we've posted here or can it be a shot we actually took in '05 but never posted?

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Blizzard
•5
1/1/06 3:42 PM

Lilbit:It can be a shot never posted if you like. As long as the shot was taken in the year 2005. KayN:Feel free to comment on the post. If you are voting on the picture, then write the word "vote" first in the comment. I'll clarify that in this post.

- I want to pull your teeth

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lilbit
•4
1/1/06 3:46 PM

Thanks girl! BTW, this is such a cool idea.

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Blizzard
•5
1/1/06 3:56 PM

Thank Debora and all the people who responded to her post "why don't WE have our own 2005 year in photos?" That's where the true idea came from. Debora's post is in the "Question and Answer" section located in the right hand column.

- I want to pull your teeth

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KayN
•5
1/1/06 4:52 PM

Thank you, Deb, for the idea, and thank you, Blizz, for carrying it out.

- Ms.N

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lilbit
•4
1/1/06 5:17 PM

Thank you debora! Thank you Blizzard! One thing will be difficult, if I see something now that I like then I vote, then someone else posts something in a week in the same catagory I like better I can't vote...so I should wait to vote I think, right? LOL

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Blizzard
•5
1/1/06 5:23 PM

Waiting to vote is best. ;) Just a personal opinion.

- I want to pull your teeth

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smalltown05
•5
1/1/06 6:24 PM

Lil, having a blonde moment are we? Whoops, you're a brunette now, aren't you?

- blow.....hard

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lilbit
•4
1/1/06 8:14 PM

Ahhh, yeah that's it, temporary regression...LOL

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chef009
•6
1/1/06 8:21 PM

I know that this is to late and kinda throwing rocks..but can't a person enter 1 photo for each category...but could only win one catergory..I was thinking that if a person only post one photo and they lose that category..they might have a photo they could've posted in a different category that might win over the best in that category..but no one would have the chance because they didn't get a chance to vote on it..this way you really get a all around selection of the best...and is there going to be 2nd and third place ..of course with no prize? I know it's just for fun ...but ...some have it locked up..

- With these Hands

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Blizzard
•5
1/1/06 8:45 PM

I understand where your coming from Chef. The reason why I decided to do it this way is that no one particular person can win in more than one category. It levels the playing field to give everyone an equal chance. Plus Everyone gets only one vote per category to lessen the chance of a "lock up". Plus I wanted to challenge everyone to pick only one photo that they consider to be one of their best. If everyone would like me to post the 2nd and 3rd place winners, I would be more than happy to. They can have honorable mention without a prize when I post the winners. In case of a tie, then there will be two 1st place winners in a category. (by the way, I consider everyone here a winner already :)

- I want to pull your teeth

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northstar
•3
1/1/06 9:17 PM

I wanna be a winner ;-)

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chef009
•6
1/1/06 9:44 PM

you are Northstar, ...I understand Blizzard..thats why I added that a person even though they might submit in more that one category..they could only win one and only one and then their out...Thats why I wouldn't dare go in certain categories...I would be wasting my only entry..because ..their are people like Rock ...and others that will lock up cetain category...but it was just a thought.

- With these Hands

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Blizzard
•5
1/1/06 9:53 PM

If we did it your way chef and say a person wins 2 or 3 categories then how would we choose which 1 category to give them an award in. With only one vote per category it allows people to be more careful in choosing their favorite. If a person gets the majority of the votes then they deserve to win. This is the fairest way it can be done. I would love to enter myself, but I'm not. I'm counting the votes. (By the way...your heart is in the right place chef. I deeply respect that.)

- I want to pull your teeth

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chef009
•6
1/1/06 11:10 PM

Blizzard you didn't understand me..I said if a person wins a category then that person is OUT of the running of any of the rest...Only one win possible..but if you submit in only one you might not have a rats chance in ..well you know of winning...it just gives a chance to someone that has a lot to offer to possibly get in to one of the other categories..so let me say again... one entry in each category...only can win...once ..Not win in each category...only one win..then their out..Sorry I thought I had made that clear in the first post of mine ..but oh well... And the way you choose the winners..you go down the list of categories...so if Johnny B Good wins in the first category, he might have a submission in all the rest ..but he won the #1 category ..so he can't win in any of the others.

- With these Hands

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Blizzard
•5
1/1/06 11:12 PM

I was thinking about that, dirkbag. Lets just say all submittion are due by 11:59pm on Jan 14. The next theme will start on Sunday, Jan 15 as planned. I can extend just the voting period to 11:59 pm Jan 21. No votes will be accepted after this time. I will annouce the winners on Sunday, Jan 22. All PST

- I want to pull your teeth

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Blizzard
•5
1/1/06 11:25 PM

It is set up to be fair for everyone participating. If someone happens to receive the majority vote they deserve to win. The list of categories are not in any order. There is not a possible fair way to choose which category to give an award in if a person wins more than one. Too much controversy would surround the decision. The rules stay.

- I want to pull your teeth

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chef009
•6
1/1/06 11:31 PM

Ok whatever..I must be crazy...

- With these Hands

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mhill0732
•1
1/2/06 2:12 AM

I am assuming that you can vote for your own photo. Would that be correct?

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Pyro43
•6
1/2/06 6:14 AM

Very well thought out Blizzard. Will be enjoyable to see the "Best of the Best".

- Mmmmmm... Multiplicative

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lechar
•4
1/2/06 8:55 AM

Okay-I think I'm up for the challenge. Thanks! Lechar

- Jersey Girl

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Blizzard
•5
1/2/06 8:58 AM

If a person feels that their photo is better than the rest, then feel free to vote for yourself :)

- I want to pull your teeth

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Blizzard
•5
1/2/06 9:20 AM

Oh, dirkbag. I thought about the same thing before I started this (about the winner and loser thing). I just have to say, that is how life goes. Plus historically, the best doesn't always necessarily win. For example: Marisa Tomei winning the oscar for best actress in "My Cousin Vinny", or drafting Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan in the NBA draft. Vincent Van Gogh was an unappreciated artist of his time. So I hope that people here understand that because they don't win, it doesn't mean that their stuff isn't any good (personally I think it makes it better).

- I want to pull your teeth

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chef009
•6
1/2/06 10:15 AM

I hope Blizzard that you don't think what I said was about me caring about winning or losing ...it wasn't ...it was about what I've seen in all the photo contests I've entered.....they all let you enter at least 1 entry for each category..But only let you win once...but that must be distribing for some reason or to much work( for that I understand) ...I felt bad for having to keep posting this idea, but you didn't respond to my first post in the why I suggested it, just the opposit...but by the time you figure it out , I think you might have thought I was being pushy...no I just wanted to be truthfuly understood..now that you do...it's all good..your right there is no way in the world to be perfect....so you made this theme ..it's yours to run the way you want ...have fun and good job. :.)

- With these Hands

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Blizzard
•5
1/2/06 10:36 AM

You're a good man, Chef. You have every right to voice your opinion. I respect a person more when they do speak up. Please keep in mind, I'm not easily offended (some consider me a robot). I appreciate your point of view. :)

- I want to pull your teeth

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chef009
•6
1/2/06 10:51 AM

((((((( group hug)))))))

- With these Hands

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Blizzard
•5
1/2/06 11:06 AM

Like I said, the best doesn't always win. This contest is no indicator of talent by no means. If a person is stressing over this, maybe they should consider not entering. We'll see how it goes. This just might be the last time we do this (or not).

- I want to pull your teeth

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chef009
•6
1/2/06 11:30 AM

I do agree with you Bilzzard..... ;.p I 'm not stressed..I'm happy..and I am with you on your theme..

- With these Hands

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lilbit
•4
1/2/06 2:10 PM

I just have to say....no one is winning an Oscar or an Emmy or a million dollars, this is for fun, and it should be, Blizzard came up with a great idea and it's all in fun. Throw in a photo you like, slap an entry title on it, if no one likes it who cares, you do and that's all that counts. You can't take photos that other people like, it has to be what YOU as the photographer like. It's your art, your work and the bottom line is that's all that matters. Unless of course Blizzard is framing something in solid gold...LOL And as far as a person printing my work, if someone thinks that highly of a photo I've taken...feel free be my guest, that's a compliment to me. P.S. This statement is not at all directed towards any individual and by no means is being said in any anger or resentment or any other bad emotion you can think of, so don't start chewing my a** because I stated what I feel...Thank you and have a nice day! :0)

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Penny
•7
1/2/06 2:17 PM

Hey that was what I was just thinking. I thought this was going to be a fun contest. Winner or loser. Deb started the ball rolling and Blizzard was nice enough to take it further. It is not that it is for big awards or anything. It was meant for fun! That was also not directed toward any certain person. So ditto what Lil said. Now to Dirk what would the differnce be that this is a contest or not that would make someone print your work? I am not clear on that. If someone wants to on any of your posts or any of our posts they will and we won't know. They can even go into our profiles and do it. Putting our work on here we are all taking that chance. I also am not saying that to tick you off but I really was wondering why you thought that.

- Smile

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smalltown05
•5
1/2/06 3:01 PM

Geez, are we still in high school? Chef had a good point--I had things I would have liked to put in other categories--but I agree with Blizzard. There's no way to be fair about taking someone out once they've won. And starting to pull entries out because your feathers are ruffled...Come on. Blizzard stepped outside of the box, volunteered to do something she knew would get her in trouble but she went on anyway. And Lil is right--I'm not going to be any happier or more disappointed with my photography just because I get one more or less vote than someone else. I like what I like and I know why I like it. Blizzard, clap your hands over your ears and sing a happy song. It's going to be okay!

- blow.....hard

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Blizzard
•5
1/2/06 3:47 PM

Not worried about it. To the comment " Also, I am not comfortable with anyone printing my work without my permission." Nobody said anything about printing anybody's work. If your referring to the section in this post that says" I will personally make the award photos myself and frame them. Afterwards I will send them to the winners." I meant I will photograph some cheesing trophy I have laying around the house. Photoshop the original inscription out and replace it the winners handle, what they won,ect...then frame it and send it to them. It would be a photograph I did, not the winning photo itself. Whoever wins has the opinion of not receiving one. It's just a little extra I decided to do on my own. Any more question or concerns, please feel free to pm me. Thanks.

- I want to pull your teeth

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smalltown05
•5
1/2/06 5:19 PM

I think it's fairly clear that there is competition...here and everywhere...all the time. Everyone seems to be watching to see how many comments they get as opposed to someone else. I think it's interesting to see what people consider their best work, at their own choosing. As hard as Blizzard may work at this, I'm not going to cry if I lose (and I expect to) and I'm not going to stick a golden certificate on my wall if I win (and I don't expect to). Maybe the divisions began about the same time PMing started...and cliques developed. My *opinion* is (and we've all got at least one of those) let's all calm down and remember we come here for fun, to share our art and to enjoy cyber-friends (not real people!).

- blow.....hard

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AnyMoose Hero
•3
1/2/06 5:27 PM

Cool Contest T, I will have my entry in next week when I get a chance to go through my stuff. Thanks!

- Still a Moose

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lilbit
•4
1/2/06 5:31 PM

LOL.....this doesn't step away from "good natured sharing", this FUN contest IS good natured sharing. That's what it's about, it's not a knock down drag out competition, there is no danger involved. This is no different then any other times we have posted what we think are nice photos we taken, we are just narrowing it down to 1 photo. How is that any different? Oh wait, Blizzard is making even more fun by sending us a cute award she took time out to make. And when someone puts the word VOTE in they are simple stating they like that photo, their oppinion would still be the same whether it gets posted in a normal post or in a competion of sorts. People will either like it or not, maybe secret voting would be better, then no toes are stepped on. (I'm kidding Blizz)

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Penny
•7
1/2/06 5:37 PM

It would really hurt your toes Lil' if you're wearing those shoes.

- Smile

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lilbit
•4
1/2/06 5:38 PM

LOL....DORK!

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Blizzard
•5
1/2/06 7:33 PM

This is the last time I will place a comment on this post. Since when you become Mr. Sensitive, DB? I was just reading a comment you placed in the feedback section under the title "highway to hell" about honesty. It seems to be ok to be honest with integrity in other aspect of life, but honesty isn't ok in this theme? We can't be honest with other people when it comes to liking or disliking a photo? Voting is wrong? I believe in compromise. I will update the post and state:If anyone wants to participate in this theme without entering into the contest, feel free to do so. Simply state somewhere in your post you do not wish to enter the contest. All participants are welcome.

- I want to pull your teeth

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chef009
•6
1/2/06 8:23 PM

I just wanted to add this.....I'm the #56....post, and thats what I live for...now that I have made it..well, life will be boring again. Now another <<<<<
>>>>. :.p

- With these Hands

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smalltown05
•5
1/2/06 8:28 PM

Go on Chef. Go for 58.

- blow.....hard

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chef009
•6
1/2/06 9:45 PM

Wow, life is good

- With these Hands

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jellybean
•5
1/3/06 10:45 AM

everyone needs to get a grip! Originally stated, this "best of" thing (for lack of a better, uncontroversial phrase) was supposed to be something fun. A way for people to look at their own work, decide for themselves first what they considered their best work, and then find out what the majority of people thought was the best one. I know I often see my own work differently from others. What is disappointing to me lately as I read comments/posts/feedback (whatever) is that it appears that people take offense at something and then won't let go of it. It just spirals down with people going back and forth. This is when the PMing should be happening. Take it private people! Just because you do take it private doesn't mean the site becomes boring. If I was a new person and stumbled across some of these "discussions" I would be intimidated about posting anything. As to the clique comment above, they formed far before this contest ever did. Certain people comment for only certain others, take a look back and see for yourself. Okay, off the soapbox. I'm with Chef,,((((group hug))))

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jeffrey
•4
1/3/06 1:53 PM

after reading this i had to say something.... "Something." Thank you.

- believe...

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chef009
•6
1/9/06 3:16 PM

And as usual Jeffrey, you said it well.

- With these Hands

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skate
•2
1/9/06 5:39 PM

Some of you sound like the parent to start an argument at a child's ballgame! Why do "we" have to think about it as "winner and looser?" Why can't it be a "favorite" or "popular" vote? Blizzard, it's your theme, your turn to make the rules, others can have their turn later!

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throughtheeyesoflauramars
•4
1/10/06 5:18 PM

Yeah!

- www.niftyimages.com

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surferguy
•7
1/13/06 1:52 PM

Life sucks DirkBag... some of us went to Viet Nam some went to Canada... Some were born good some bad... some lazy some ... well you know... it seems to me that if you dont go to work you dont get paid.. well ok for most... you win or loose... if you cant stand loosing dont enter... dont tug on supermans cape .... dont piss into the wind... if you dont make the grade dont expect an A... if it sucks no amount of PS will help... and if its good ... in my opinion... if you got it flaunt it.... and may the best win... always.... Wooo Hooo...

- WoooFrigginHooo...

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TURBO
•7
1/13/06 3:15 PM

Here here ! That's right , SG.

- Hmm...Blonde or Brunette?

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shootme
•1
1/13/06 3:27 PM

ok... shootme!

- shootme

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ROCKADEE
•5
1/13/06 4:27 PM

My 2 Cents...:)

- NATURE RULES!!!

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Lidljo
•5
1/13/06 5:14 PM

I've made my choices, but I am waiting until Monday just in case someone has a last minute entry.

- Flowers are happiness...

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gbeale1
1/24/06 6:51 PM

When will the results be posted?

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