This is the last day to choose a Carolina Winner!

This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite days of the month. I am going to sit down, chill out, have a glass of something good (looks like wine tonight!) and vote on the Carolina competition entries.

I have my own system for scoring, and part of my personal "system" is waiting until the very end of the competition so I can take iteration and feedback into account. Each of you probably have your own system for voting, and lately we have received some feedback regarding ways we could improve the current 5-point system.

Here's what a few of LM's dedicated community members are saying:

R/Evo: I'm finding that fairly scoring the entries to be very difficult, especially knowing all the hard work that went into them. I really feel we need at least a 7 if not 9 point scoring system. Very few will I give a 5, but there are so many that fall in the 4 range. But that is so unfair, as there are so many that need to be distinguished as to really being a 4- or 4+ ! On another issue how does the number of votes count as a deciding issue. A late entry could be submitted and get 20 votes averaging 4.5 and an early entry could have 100 votes and get 4.4 and lose? Or would the LM staff have to get involved to fairly decide the outcome?

... For me to give someone a 5 would be like getting 95+ on a test, definitely being superior and standing out. My 4 is probably for entries between 80-94, and about 40% fall into that category. Probably another 40% in the 3 category, and I don't give less than 2 just for the effort expendeded. But for that 4, there is still such a range of quality, and they are probably vying for 3rd place. Just think a wider range of scores will help further refine their placement. Its too bad that some may not play fair in their scoring, but unfortunately I realize that happens. Also it seems that the younger members should have their own category. There will be some young design prodigies, but it doesn't seem fair for them to compete against the more experienced members (under 16,18 yrs.old?). Not unless they choose to do so. Something to consider.

NemoDesigns: ...for scoring we should keep the five point system, HOWEVER to make it work a bit more fluid, make it 5 points per categories, presentation, render, concept or platform, attention and application to design breif and criteria, and impact overall. then average out those scores for a more accurate portrayal of who deserves what noteriety. that also opens up competitions within competitions, which prizes don't have to be given, but designations, like best render winner carolina comp for example and ETC. the way the current system works, there are so many noteworthy entries that won't win, but deserve acclaim for one reason or another. at any rate, i hope at least u will blog about best team wins in this competition, as i am curious to see how that plays out (like nascar points race!!!) OH and also LM apparel has to happen. i want my desert crusher aurel render on a shirt.....

To R/Evo - Love your idea about a separate category for younger contestants - maybe a scholarship competition is in order! We'll think on this, and if anyone has more input we want to hear it.

Nemo - We have been talking about LM gear! We'll see what we can do about your shirt :) I will DEFINITELY celebrate the winner of each category, via blog post - GREAT suggestion.

Great suggestions, guys. We'll make it a point to talk about voting during our next open chat.