I petitioned for votes early in the contest outset to see if immediate exposure is key to having a front runner for consideration. I've seen great pictures with no votes because they simple didn't have quick and immediate support.

you petitioned for votes early, but you seem to be the only person that has voted for your, interesting dont you think? http//www.theshotspot.com/contests/byuser/2130

Petitioned for votes from who?? Looks like you're the only person who has voted for yourself according to the Who Has Voted for Me column of your profile. It's too bad these contests can't be on the up and up. It's sad that people feel so pressured to get front page exposure that they go to these measures. Doesn't make for much of a contest. I hope you're at least voting for some of the other great photos in these contests as well as your own.

There was an old expression my grandma use to say. Liar liar pants on fire. Well it is obvious form the ring of fire around you head that something is on fire. Can you seriously look at the other images on top and think that your photo is even in there league. They have though out what they wanted to shoot and then executed it. Kathryn Reynolds put great effort into creating something unique and George DeLoache did the same. Zepherillas image is haunting and expressive give a look into the soul of the artist. Charlatan has challenged the ordinary and tried to present something unique. You stood in front of a mirror swing a sparkler around and failed to even get yourself in focus. Man if your going to try to stuff the ballot box at least have a photo that is worthy.

As I said before, the voting is an experiment in immediate exposure - not pressure for front page exposure Thank you Jenesis for the kind words. Jenesis - I've voted for your raw about ten times - Best of Luck - The portrait does convey emotion, well done.Lizziebeth - I love the simplicity of your portrait. I believe the blare witch look is a bit melodramatic, but I still like the comp.mcconkey- Your website is elegant and I appreciate the imagery.

chas i think your comments were a bit harsh, the picture is pretty unique. i would have voted for it before it shot to the top.

never mind ignore all my comments, ha ha i cant handle this competition anymore. honestly cant take the arguing and the cheating and the comments from some of the crazys. and thats defiantly not intended for anyone above, just an overall thing.

Maybe I was a little harsh but it just p__s me off when I see very talented artist over shadow by someone not playing fair

very unique!

I'm so glad to see others a standing up for whats right... I would have voted too... Its one thing to push a little to get up higher so others will see, but pushing to 1st is asking for enemies. aim for 12th if you're gonna push, its its good it will go the rest of the way up on its own.