Green Room - Week 34 - Day 2

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There are still some things that I'm thinking about, that I don't quite have a response to quite yet. But since when does "not knowing what to say" stop me from posting? ;)

Instead of concentrating on what I *don't* know what to say - I'll focus on what I *do* know what to say...

First and foremost - thank you to everyone who sent emails: The people who wanted to let me know that they supported me, and those who emailed to let me know that they disagreed/were upset with what I said yesterday. Both groups love Idol. They just have different opinions on some things. Which is bound to happen in a group as diverse as ours. In the big picture - It's a really good thing.

I'm just glad when people come to me with things. Regardless of how loudly they are yelling, or how much they are praising (and everything in between). Because it means that although I'm *am* the scary man coming after you... people still know that my door is open and that I'm willing to listen. That's also a really good thing.

The "center of the storm" and I have talked and everything seems fine between us. Which makes me very happy. But I do still want to say something about the fall-out and what it means for going forward. That's what I haven't quite wrapped my head around yet. It's coming though.

It's not something that I'm taking lightly. Hopefully, regardless of where you stand on the issue, you know that much about me.

***

So anyway, some things that I *can* talk about:

How its not very surprising to find people at odds over a spreadsheet. I said this at the tail end of the last Green Room and I'll repeat it for those who missed it: Controversy over spreadsheets and what collected data actually means and *doesn't mean* isn't new. It's been happening since Season 3 when the first spreadsheets started being assembled and distributed among friends.

There are some people who swear by data collection and think that it is solid and other people who think there's a lot more to it, and that the data will never survive contact with humanity in action. The same is true for those who track voting patterns in general. Knowing that so-and-so had 23 votes doesn't mean much unless you know where the votes came from and how many of them are repeat voters. Heck, there's a lot of information on motivations that even *I* don't have, so I can't even answer things fully about "why did such and such happen" other than to look at what I had and be able to verify that it did! :)

Arguments over spreadsheets and data collection is always good for a few dust-ups and yesterday proved that was still a viable way of getting people talking!

Perhaps there is a SECRET ALLIANCE who is attempting to control the vote, selectively using the information they collect in spreadsheets!!!

(*sits back and watches the comments roll in* Secret alliances are another favorite topic toward the end of a season!)

Some of them may be aliens.

***

I'm incredibly proud to say that this week's Quick Fire managed to attract 10 out of the remaining 15 contestants! Last week it was 8 out of 17. We're definitely headed in the right direction! I haven't read them yet, but I'm looking forward to it. I know our Judges are as well. They will be giving me their decision tomorrow.

***

Our Topic though is looking a little lonely: http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/826357.html

Hopefully it gets some friends soon!

If you are having any trouble with it - check out the Work Room http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/826776.html for help!

Results - Quick Fire - Week 34

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In true Season 9 fashion, it came down to *a single vote*.

There were 10 entries and 5 of them came within a single vote of either winning or forcing a major tie-breaker of some sort! (and every single writer who submitted something received a vote!) If that doesn't tell you just how good the quality of the writers are this season nothing will.

Well, except a note from one of the Judges saying that they are really impressed with your work!

When I invite people to come in as Judges, they are definitely doing me a favor, and I always worry "I hope I'm not wasting their time with this". Thank you, for once again, not wasting their time! :)

Before I get to the result, I'd like to thank the Judges for taking the time and effort to come to this conclusion.

Your Quick Fire Judges this week were:

You know her. You love her. You covet her icon collection. She's roina_arwen I know she's wanted to do this sort of thing for a *long* time (and considering that, unless my mental math is faulty, she's the longest-constantly tenured member of Idol, that's quite bit of time!) so I'm glad that I was finally able to cross that off her bucket list. :)

Next up is someone else that you should know. Granted, you may only know him from his stint as a Gatekeeper. But people who know joeymichaels know him as something of a legendary figure in these halls. I'm really glad that I could coax him back one more time to help out!

I was also fortunate enough to ask an old friend of mine, from back in my fanfic days, to show up and help out. Brent Lambert is a talented writer and an all-around good guy. He's someone that I've always enjoyed knowing and watching grow over the years - but lately he's really stepped up and done something that makes me go "Damn, I KNOW THAT GUY!"

He is in the process of starting R.R.A.P. (Race Relations in the Arts and Politics) which will be officially launching on Feb 1st. I'll definitely be pointing you in his direction when that happens.

One of the people who really excited and impressed me this season, with dedication to LJ Idol and just that general "This is what is about!" spirit was eternal_ot, combining both compelling writing with an incredible attitude toward life. (Note: One of the things on her "list of accomplishments" is that she is GETTING ENGAGED THIS WEEKEND!)

Last, but certainly not least, is something who spends her time entertaining the world in her travels as well as doing some freelance editing over at Unkind Editor
Most times you would say "When she's not doing that..." but this is whipchick, so she is ALSO writing her fingers to the bone and doing things being the winner of LJ Idol Season 8!

Thank you to all of you for helping out this week! I know it wasn't an easy decision, but I hope you had fun reading the entries!

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Now that's out of the way - we have our Results.

One contestant, who participated in this Quick Fire, now has IMMUNITY for Week 34, and a guaranteed spot one step closer to a chance to get into the finale!

Who is that?

jexia!

Congratulations!

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Are you interested in reading the entries yourself, but haven't had the chance to do so? Then go check them out: http://therealljidol.livejournal.com/826465.html