LJ Idol Presents:

Hello. I kind of answered some of it in the comments below. But I wanted to directly answer it here.

I'd have to say that it's pretty unlikely that entries will be submitted anonymously any time in the future (unless someone comes up with a way to actually make it work), as it goes directly against the point of LJ as a social network and is pretty much impossible to enforce anyway(as detailed below).

As for popularity, I know the negative meaning you are giving the word. Despite the fact that it translates to the idea that *people like what you are doing*. I figure that's a byproduct of the internet hip culture that doesn't want to be a part of anything anyone else likes.*G* Hey, I blame myself for being like that too now and again.*g*

Calling it a popularity contest, with the idea that it's opposed somehow to "talent", to me, is saying that the 17 remaining writers aren't extraordinary but just "popular". That simply isn't true.

These are amazing writers. Are there writers as good or better who are out of the contest? I'm sure. I could probably name quite a few people who were in this season alone who I think were absolutely wonderful writers who aren't with us right now due to one circumstance or another.

Having been involved on the inside of quite a few writing contests and publications in the past, I can say that (1) taste in writing is just as subjective as taste in anything else (books, music, you name it) (2) Anonymous doesn't equal quality writing, it is far more likely to equal restrained writing in this sort of medium where being open is king.

That of course being the long winded answer of "no, not very likely." but I thought you deserved more than just a shake of the head. (again, see below... and I've barely touched the surface on the problems with it.)

Thanks for asking though. Who knows what the future holds. I can't guarantee *anything* is a "no, completely not, no". But for right now I just can't see it actually working.