How sweet

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Flubber
AS for suing . . . I don't know. I guess the argument is that upon winning they became entitled to the prize and that revoking the prize was breach of contract. Obviously they couldn't really argue an entitlement to win the contest

Yes, that is my concern. She "won" the contest presumably b/c she had the best story. The prize was then revoked after the fact due to an unwritten rule.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
I think my biggest complaint with the essay isn't that it was fiction. I think it was extremely poor taste to say her father died in Iraq, or died falling off a bar stool.

HUH? BUt isn't it only in poor taste if it isn't true?

[Wezil]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
I think my biggest complaint with the essay isn't that it was fiction. I think it was extremely poor taste to say her father died in Iraq, or died falling off a bar stool.

I won't argue against that. To tell such a story when it isn't true is pretty awful.

I actually find this story to be quite American from many angles (win at all costs, the jingoism aspect, etc.)...

[Harovan]

How is "essay" defined in anglophone countries? Wiki says explicitly, that it is defined as "non-fictional", which indeed means that any fiction would have to be allowed explicitly. But that's Wiki, and what's the truth?

The German version of "Essay" has nothing about fictional or not in its definition, and it's German pendant "Aufsatz" (which is what pupils write in school) can surely be fictional, which I know from my own school time.

I agree by the way, that it was very tactless to say the least.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Wezil


Yes, that is my concern. She "won" the contest presumably b/c she had the best story. The prize was then revoked after the fact due to an unwritten rule.

But I am curious if they are all unwritten. Entrants were allowed to ask for the "judging criteria" which might shed more light on this. If there is anything in there at all about the truthfulness or fictionalization of the entry, the entrant could be hooped.

But Wezil I am curious how far you think a person could go. Imagine a high school teacher had her 300 students all write entries on behalf of their daughter. Fair ball? I didn't see a rule specifically saying that the entry had to be actually written by the entrant.

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Sir Ralph
How is "essay" defined in anglophone countries? Wiki says explicitly, that it is defined as "non-fictional", which indeed means that any fiction would have to be allowed explicitly. But that's Wiki, and what's the truth?

The German version of "Essay" has nothing about fictional or not in its definition, and it's German pendant "Aufsatz" (which is what pupils write in school) can surely be fictional, which I know from my own school time.

I agree by the way, that it was very tactless to say the least.

Sources like dictionary.com are not as specific on the point of non-fiction

A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author

BUt again it talks about a personal viewpoint which sounds like non-fiction to me

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Flubber


But I am curious if they are all unwritten. Entrants were allowed to ask for the "judging criteria" which might shed more light on this. If there is anything in there at all about the truthfulness or fictionalization of the entry, the entrant could be hooped.

Agreed. That was why I wanted a copy of the rules. DD found and posted a brief summary but it appears there may be more if you make a request.

But Wezil I am curious how far you think a person could go. Imagine a high school teacher had her 300 students all write entries on behalf of their daughter. Fair ball? I didn't see a rule specifically saying that the entry had to be actually written by the entrant.

I think there would be a much stronger "intent" argument there anyway (intended to be written by child). I do think they expected some amount of parental input however based upon the lower end of the age eligibility. My approach would be to deal with this in the judging. If an essay was clearly too advanced to have been written by a 5 year old I would not consider it for the prize. It's too late after the fact imho.

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by Wezil
I can, and so can others.

Well put up then. Remember though as the contest isn't an illegal combatant so torture isn't allowed in coming up with your interpretation.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
Well put up then. Remember though as the contest isn't an illegal combatant so torture isn't allowed in coming up with your interpretation.

The fact we're even having this debate proves my point.

[b etor]

ugh. people go crazy over hannah montana.

lyke omg did you see the episode with the jonas brothers?????????