Kudos, they are excellent! All very stunning in their own glory.

I don't think one picture should be singled out , It looks like a lot of them have lost votes , some probably more than they should of . Gin

Many valid votes had to be removed because one person decided to be a cheat. Really trashy move.

To be perfectly honest, I wonder why this contest was open as it was from the begining? Seems perfectly reasonable to restrict voting to registered members. If this means the overall numbers were reduced, so be it. Sort of like Presidential elections :)

I guess we had allowed ourselves to believe that ALL of us are honest and respectable people...I guess we've been taught a sorrowful lesson from this. I can't believe somebody would put their personal reputation in jeopardy to win a calendar! Sad is the only word that comes to mind :(

This whole thing has been especially upsetting as it occured on the same day that we had two of our members offer anonymous gifts in our ongoing growing project. I went from thinking "what a wonderful world!" to a feeling of being sucker-punched.

Susanne, don't take it so hard :biggrin: I happen to agree but we need to get the whole board back to the "good ole days" when we had lots of fun and and shared lots of good stuff. Every now and then something happens and the longer one sticks with a board (I've been on lots since the early days) the better the chances something will crop up. Look at the good side, don't dwell on a few incidents. If I hadn't caught myself a few months ago, I wouldn't be here today. Thanks to all you mods and admins that keep this whole thing together. I, for one, appreciate all the effort. :cheer: :banana:

Sue, it is a wonderful world! There was only one person not playing fair, and more people than ever participated by submitting photos, and many more people have voted in the calendar contest. More people than ever are participating in the latest project - and we've got those wonderful incentive prizes - for the first time? as well.

The level of good will and community being built up by these things is not going to be spoiled by one person wanting to win the calendar cover by 'any means necessary'....

I wouldn't worry much about the small hick-ups, here and there. These are bound to happen in any community. Just like in real life, put 2500 people together there's going to be a problem somewhere sooner or later. Comparing to other forums out there (not just orchid related) we've got very calm waters. Lets forget it and plow forward ladies and gentleman. Water under the bridge, no need to dwell on the past

I agree. This, bar-none, the calmest forum I've ever participated in.