[ENnies] Meet your 2010 ENnies judge nominees

[reveal]

The nominees for the 2010 ENnies judges are now online for you to look over! Please visit and study each nominee carefully as only five of them will judge next year's entries. I will update this thread later today once voting goes live.

http://www.ennie-awards.com/nominations/2010judges.asp

Edit: Voting is now live!

http://www.ennie-awards.com/voting/jvoting.asp

[reveal]

Voting is live! I've updated the first post.

[YourSwordisMine]

Hello, My name is Sean Parker. I've been a gamer since I was 11 (26 years or so) and gaming has played a prominent role in my life ever since. For a while now I've felt the desire to be able to do something more for the hobby that I enjoy so much. I know I'll never write the next big game, but I still want to contribute to the community and industry in some way. That's when I found the ENnies a few years ago and realized that being a Judge gives me the chance to do just that. So here I am.

1. When did you join the RPG hobby and what inspired you to become involved and stay with it?

My first introduction to gaming was my mother flipping out when she found me looking at the Dungeons and Dragons toy line in the toy department at a Zares department store. How could a toy cause such hysteria? I got curious and that was that; been hooked since. My first purchase was the Car Wars Deluxe box set followed not long after by the BattleDroids (and eventually Battletech) box set. My real introduction to roleplaying games came with 5th grade and I met my best friend at the time. He introduced me to the Marvel Superheroes RPG (YAY! FASERIP!) and we played that for nearly 3 years solid after that. Since that time gaming has been a major part of my life both as a hobby and a social and creative outlet. I think it's the people I've met (and will meet) that keeps me so enamored with the hobby.

2. Since you joined the hobby, what roles have you played (e.g. vending, professional writing and publishing, freelancing, reviewing, convention organizing, homebrewing, playing, GMing, etc.)?

Mostly I've just been a player. I enjoy playing but I've always had a creative streak so have tried my hand at world building and such. Nothing that will ever see print of course but the creative exercise is worth it. I have recently gotten the GM bug and will be starting a game in the near future, I'm really looking forward to that. I did have a friend who was/is a game designer. I enjoyed hanging out with him, being a sounding board to his ideas and helping with the playtesting. Was neat to see the books after they were printed and knowing I had a small part to play in their creation. Even if I wasn't in the credits.

3. The ENnies require a major commitment of time and mental energy. What resources do you bring that will help you discharge these responsibilities? Will your gaming group or other individuals be assisting you? Does your family support you?

Time is what I have in spades at the moment. I am currently a part time student, taking only 2 classes a quarter. I do have a gaming group and other gamer friends that I can call upon to help with any playtesting that might arise. My family might not understand my gaming lifestyle, but they have always been supportive.

4. Judging requires a great deal of critical thinking skills, communication with other judges, deadline management, organization, and storage space for the product received. What interests, experience and skills do you bring that will make you a more effective judge?

Professionally I am a Computer Support Specialist and that has given me the skills to handle the needs of being a Judge. Storage won't be an issue, anything new I get always goes on the best shelves of my already overburdened book cases.

5. What styles and genres of RPGs do you enjoy most? Are there any styles or genres that you do not enjoy? Which games best exemplify what you like? Do you consider yourself a particular system’s, publisher’s or genre’s “fanboy/girl”?

Wow, hard to answer really since I've read and played so many games and genres. I'm a softy for Superheroes games, Mutants and Masterminds being one of my favorite systems right now. I also played GURPS for nearly 10 years so I'd have to say it's also one of my favorites. Besides the Superhero genre I also really enjoy grim and gritty fantasy (from Conan to Warhammer), Victorian/Steampunk, Space Opera and especially anything with giant robots in it...

6. What system do you think is best designed? Is it the one you play most?

Best designed? I'd personally have to go with two, GURPS and Mutants and Masterminds. GURPS for the sheer level of detail in character creation and the tactical advantage of 1 second combat rounds. I think my love with GURPS has bled into Mutants and Masterminds because it too is so versatile with the added advantage of being a lot easier to play. M&M has boiled the d20 mechanic into its purist form. It really is a wonderful game and like GURPS, can be completely genre generic.

7. What games have you played in the past year? List up to 10 RPGs you have played the most.
Mutants and Masterminds, Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play 2e, Dread, D&D3.5 and 4e, and Hollow Earth Expedition. I also play a wide variety of tabletop miniatures games as well.

8. Briefly summarize the criteria you will use for judging products in the different categories. How will you deal with comparing products of vastly disparate lengths, medium (PDF vs. print), or mechanics to prose ratios? Will innovation and originality play a major role?

I feel that creativity is more of a factor than originality or innovation. Humanity has been around and telling stories for thousands of years before the invention of the roleplaying game. Creativity in how we tell those stories is what brings originality and innovation to the experience. Each product should be judged on its own merits not how they compare to one another. I will look at its creativity and see what originality it brings to the table and with that what innovations it has made both from a mechanical point and in storytelling.

9. How will you judge supplements or adventures for game systems whose core rules you are unfamiliar with or you believe are badly designed? What about for systems that are out of print?

Well, the likelihood of stuff for systems that are out of print I don't think will be that much of a problem and if I personally don't have it on my shelf, then I'm certain one of my friends whose game collection far exceeds my own would be willing to loan it to me. Plus there is always Ebay and other outlets to find obscure games. And again, with systems I'm unfamiliar with and don't own I have those friends who more than likely will have a copy somewhere. Supplements and Adventures should be based off the merit of their content, creativity and how it adds to the game they are for and shouldn't matter if their systems are badly designed or not.

10. How would you like to see the ENnies change (categories, policies, etc)? What should remain inviolate?

I don't know enough of the process of the ENnies to really make a comment. I do however hope that the ENnies continues to be a force within the gaming community, bringing heightened awareness to the best of the industry and ensuring continued quality from game publishers.

BONUS: (optional) If you were an RPG, what would it be, and would you play it?

haha With my surgery last year it would first start off as an espionage game of trying to get a patients file dropped into the hands of a waiting admissions clerk. Then there would be a long skill challenge simulating standing in line for 12 months and then move into a game of Operation where you try desperately not to touch the sides as you remove little plastic Gallbladders within the allotted time. Finally you'd break out the Car Wars like game set where you stumble through the hospital dodging crash carts and wheelchairs as the nurse walks you through the halls...


If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask and I'll try to answer the best I can. Thank you for considering me for this years judge.

[Master of the Game]

For my part, my name is Jeramy Ware, and I'm running for a judge again this year. I've served this year and once before in 2007. If anyone is interested in seeing the way I judge and the kinds of products I vote for you can check out my blog at http://enniesjudge.blogspot.com It does a better job of describing my judging style and the sorts of things I look for in a product far better than I could here.

Most importantly I believe that the judging process should:
*Be open and honest.
*Serve the needs of the community and the publishers and fans that support it.
*Judge each product on its own merits, rather than against one another.
*Take into consideration the thoughts and preferences of others.
*Be receptive to questions and critisism.
*Be responsive to those who take their time to offer input.

I hope that in my terms I have met those goals, and I promise to continue to strive toward those ends should I be elected again.

If you find yourselves so inclined I'd appreciate it if you could take a few moments and vote on the perspective judges at http://www.ennie-awards.com/voting/jvoting.asp A lower number is a better vote, and voting for more than one person is a good way to ensure that your vote still counts, even if your first choice doesn't make it.

Thanks for your time, and any support you can offer.

[Skeld]

Good evening! My name is Mark Green and I'm a 2010 ENnies Judge candidate.


I won't bother to re-post all my answers to the questionnaire here; you can view that online at http://www.ennie-awards.com/nominations/j_green.asp


I will say that I'm strictly a hobby enthusiast and not an "industry guy." In other words, gaming isn't part of my profession. I don't write reviews for a living and I've never worked for a gaming company. I play strictly for fun and have been gaming for 25 years, the last 10 of which have been with my current group. Most of that time, I've been a GM, but I like to take a break as a player once in a while.


I've played alot of games along the way (including board games, miniatures, and card games). My mainstay will always be fantasy RPG, with my original "Red Box" Basic D&D set and 3.5 OGL competing for favorite. I also enjoy all things Star wars (WEG d6 and Saga). Mouseguard is a recent favorite as well.


Even though I have my favorites, I will be open and objective as a Judge. I love both the crunch and the flavor and like to see a nice balance between the two. Originality is always appreciated, whether it is original mechanics, concepts, or even just an interesting twist on a staple concept.


I hope you take the opportunity to vote in the coming week, and especially that you decide to vote for me as a Judge for the 2010 ENnies. For me, that would offer an awesome opportunity to give something back to the gaming community.


-Mark

[Kinetic]

Hey all,

Like the others posting here, I am one of the Judge candidates as well. I have been gaming since I was nine years old and it has been my biggest hobby for all of those 21 years. I have always had a strong love for supers games but that won't prevent me from paying equal attention to everything that comes my way, and judging each product fairly on its own merits. I have never been one to shy away from any genre or system and I don't intend to start now. I know that the people behind the games put a lot of effort into what they create and I can say that I will put just as much into reviewing each product without any bias. I have almost no professional gaming experience outside of being a playtester for a couple systems, so my industry experience pretty much ends with being a retailer eight years ago in Coeur d'Alene, ID. Back then I had purchased a gaming store and ran it for one reason and one reason only: I love gaming.

The above paragraph had only two sentences that didn't start with "I..." so enough about me! The links have been posted but just in case you are digging through that list of names looking to find out more about me, I'm Justin Peters (friends call me Jay) and my page is here.

Thanks in advance to everyone that votes!

[Marcus Americus]

Voted!

[fusangite]

I've served as a judge in the past and designed the product and judge election voting systems so I've got some questions based on my past experience of key challenges the panel faces.

When you have selected your favourite products for each category, how do you plan to work with the other judges to create the list of panel nominees? Do you favour voting, negotiation, some combination? What experience do you have in working in collective decision-making processes?

How are you campaigning for the position of judge? To whom are you promoting your candidacy and what are you doing to encourage people to support you? Are you a member of a slate or running independently?

Finally, do you believe that, as a judge, deliberations are confidential? If so, are there any conditions under which you would breach or suspend confidentiality? If a product you don't like is nominated by the panel, do you see it as your job to defend its nomination while serving as a judge?

[C.W.Richeson]

Interestingly, running a few years ago is why I registered at CV. I'm glad I did, that registration was the most positive thing that came out of the experience. I'm giving it another shot.

Originally Posted by fusangite

When you have selected your favourite products for each category, how do you plan to work with the other judges to create the list of panel nominees? Do you favour voting, negotiation, some combination? What experience do you have in working in collective decision-making processes?

I'd rather try to just talk it over and use voting as a last resort if a consensus can't be reached. I expect we'll have some games we all agree on, and for other spots we'll end up voting. My concern about just voting is that it could allow a couple of folk with very similar interests to generally control the process. I'd rather have a real discussion of the merits and flaws of the products in question, with more emphasis on actual play experiences.

I work as an attorney, and collective decision making is very common for my day to day.

How are you campaigning for the position of judge? To whom are you promoting your candidacy and what are you doing to encourage people to support you? Are you a member of a slate or running independently?

I'm campaigning as little as possible. I poked my head in a couple of threads and that's probably it. Basically, I said all I particularly wanted to say in my blurb for the position and unless questions of interest appear (such as these) I'm happy to leave it at that.

I don't belong to a slate. Does that even apply to the ENnies? Mayhap I don't understand this question.

Finally, do you believe that, as a judge, deliberations are confidential? If so, are there any conditions under which you would breach or suspend confidentiality? If a product you don't like is nominated by the panel, do you see it as your job to defend its nomination while serving as a judge?

Yeah, I believe they're confidential. I'd keep them confidential, and if I wanted to break that confidentiality I'd run it by the ENnies staff for permission before doing so (ex: to cite a great discussion to provide more transparency).

So long as the process is legitimate, I see it as my obligation to defend the legitimacy of the process. If, for whatever reason, it's a game I strongly disagree with the other judges about then I would acknowledge the process and answer questions about it by noting the qualities the panel as a whole found to be worthwhile.

[YourSwordisMine]

Thank you Fusangite for your questions, I hope I have answered them to your satisfaction.

Originally Posted by fusangite

When you have selected your favourite products for each category, how do you plan to work with the other judges to create the list of panel nominees? Do you favour voting, negotiation, some combination? What experience do you have in working in collective decision-making processes?

I would prefer the judges came to some sort of consensus for each nomination but if one cannot be reached then some combination of voting and negotiation should be used. Communication between judges should be paramount in any decision that is made.

As to your second question. I was in a serious live-in relationship for 5 years. While only a collective of 2, we made decisions together on a daily basis.

Originally Posted by fusangite

How are you campaigning for the position of judge? To whom are you promoting your candidacy and what are you doing to encourage people to support you? Are you a member of a slate or running independently?

Right now I have emailed everyone I know. Being a Judge would mean a lot to me so I'm trying to get the word out to everyone I can. I have also posted to just about every website that Reveal has advertised on. Campaigning for myself is a new experience so I'm sure there are better ways and means to garner votes. I will do my best though. I also plan to hand out flyers at my local game store (is that legal?) several nights this week if I can and the owner of said store is willing to have some flyers on the front counter as well.

Right now I am running independently as I really do not know any of the other judges running this year. I wouldn't be adverse to running along with several other judges. In my own campaigning I have been encouraging the people I've contacted to make sure not to just vote for me but for 4 others as well. That way their votes can still make a difference even if I do not make it as a judge. I've stressed to read over the other nominees and to choose ones they feel would make an excellent judge. Voting itself is what's important.

Originally Posted by fusangite

Finally, do you believe that, as a judge, deliberations are confidential? If so, are there any conditions under which you would breach or suspend confidentiality? If a product you don't like is nominated by the panel, do you see it as your job to defend its nomination while serving as a judge?

Amongst the judges deliberations should be confidential. The judging process should be treated as if you were under a non disclosure agreement. I've worked under an NDA for quite some time so I take them rather serious.

The final decision of the panel is what's important regardless of my own personal feelings regarding the product in question. I will defend the nomination because that is what has been decided on.

[Kinetic]

Edit Reason: This post ended up being ridiculously long. Just wanted to apologize for that.

Originally Posted by fusangite

I've served as a judge in the past and designed the product and judge election voting systems so I've got some questions based on my past experience of key challenges the panel faces.

This is my first try for a spot in the chamber and would welcome any questions or input from previous judges. I'll do my best to answer your questions, but any feedback you have on my answers would be greatly appreciated. I can't say I'll completely change my stance, but I'm always open to criticism and advice!

Originally Posted by fusangite

When you have selected your favourite products for each category, how do you plan to work with the other judges to create the list of panel nominees? Do you favour voting, negotiation, some combination? What experience do you have in working in collective decision-making processes?

I think being flexible is key. Just because I think something is the absolute best choice doesn't mean I'm going to close down to suggestions made by everyone else. Talking it over, trying to see why they chose what they did and offering up my views on the things I selected without bringing ego or pride into the mix would be the road I'd want to walk. I think that a combination of voting and product promotion (everyone pitch your decisions and tell us why) would probably be the most democratic and fair way to go about making a choice. That way no one feels like they were left out or that their voice didn't matter, but it in the end the best products are selected. In an ideal situation I would prefer that we all reach a quick, collective consensus... but I know that the perfect situation is rarely the one we find ourselves in.

The collective decision making process experience that I have stems from several areas, but I think the most stand-out example is from when I purchased a local gaming store with three others. At that point we all had a share of the business and everyone was able to weigh in on the decision making. There were four of us so there were no tie breakers as well. Time was of the essence back then also, as we couldn't put the business on a shelf while we figured out what we wanted to do.

I will admit that some bad decisions were made by all of us, and in the end we closed up shop, but even the bad decisions were talked over by each of the people involved and we came to an agreement on what we were going to do. Not all my experience has been bad, but I think that looking back on a situation and recognizing my mistakes then will help keep me from repeating those mistakes in the future.

Originally Posted by fusangite

How are you campaigning for the position of judge? To whom are you promoting your candidacy and what are you doing to encourage people to support you? Are you a member of a slate or running independently?

I am running independently and as far as campaigning I've been visiting some gaming sites, getting my "face" seen and responding to any questions that come up. I've also hit up friends and family for their votes, but outside of all that I am playing things pretty quiet.

When it comes to what I am doing to encourage voting for me I am answering questions honestly, trying to give a real picture of who I am as a gamer and how I will be judging the upcoming products. Also trying really hard not to sound like a politician. I hate getting caught up in that "put your best foot forward" stuff. =/

Honestly, I just want people to vote for whichever candidates they identify with the best. I think that's the best way to pick your votes in a situation like this because it's the best way to make your voice heard in the decisions. If you are a devout d20 supporter and one of the candidates has the same love for that system as you then definitely cast your vote for that person. If I seem like I am the candidate that you identify with the most, then please toss your vote in my bucket.

Originally Posted by fusangite

Finally, do you believe that, as a judge, deliberations are confidential? If so, are there any conditions under which you would breach or suspend confidentiality? If a product you don't like is nominated by the panel, do you see it as your job to defend its nomination while serving as a judge?

I think deliberations are absolutely confidential and any decisions that are made to break that confidentiality need to come from the staff. I mean, it's one thing for the judges to quietly get an idea of what people think without announcing "I am looking for opinions on <title> which is in the running for <category>!"

If a product I didn't like got selected by the panel then I would defend its nomination as a judge. I wouldn't get all snarky and toss out comments like "Well, I thought <title> was crap but THEY all wanted it..." That sort of attitude just doesn't have any place in a position like this. If the group makes a decision then the members of the group need to support that decision. No throwing anyone under the bus or calling people out just because I didn't like the call that was made.

This is just my opinion, but I think that getting pure reviews and feedback from people outside your group is better than getting a potentially skewed review simply because of public backlash or starting a flame war because someone disagrees with a decision being made. (How was that for a run-on sentence?) I also intend on hitting up local game days and the local gaming store to try and get fresh meat into some of these games, especially the games I'm not completely familiar with, and won't be slanting the games I bring to the table to what I want to see win.

[Crothian]

So this is what is down that rabbit's hole.

Originally Posted by fusangite

I've served as a judge in the past and designed the product and judge election voting systems so I've got some questions based on my past experience of key challenges the panel faces.

I would expect you have great insight into this, Stuart.

When you have selected your favourite products for each category, how do you plan to work with the other judges to create the list of panel nominees? Do you favour voting, negotiation, some combination? What experience do you have in working in collective decision-making processes?

I like what we did this past year. Each judge listed their five favorites in each category and those that we had majority agree on got a nominated. And then we talked it out. Some of the judges had some very good points on products and minds were changed and we ended up with a solid list of nominees.

How are you campaigning for the position of judge? To whom are you promoting your candidacy and what are you doing to encourage people to support you? Are you a member of a slate or running independently?

When some of the judges last year ran "together" that really looked bad I felt. Everyone should run individually so we get the best five judges. I do mention it on my live journal and to my friends. I really don't like going to sites where I don't normally post and don't know the posters.

Finally, do you believe that, as a judge, deliberations are confidential? If so, are there any conditions under which you would breach or suspend confidentiality? If a product you don't like is nominated by the panel, do you see it as your job to defend its nomination while serving as a judge?

Yes, they need to be confidential. As a judge we sometimes say some really bad things about products we don't like and it is not things that would probably be said in the same way in public. One the higher ups can allow us to breach confidentiality. I do and have defended all nominations no matter if they were my choice or not. Fior the past twio years I've done exactly that on my blog though I imagine to readers some books are better defended then others.

[Skeld]

Originally Posted by fusangite

When you have selected your favourite products for each category, how do you plan to work with the other judges to create the list of panel nominees? Do you favour voting, negotiation, some combination? What experience do you have in working in collective decision-making processes

I think "work with the other judges" is the operative phrase here. A consensus on each product would be ideal, but probably unrealistic. Negotiations between two judges (or two parties of judges) might work depending on the given circumstances. I think voting is least desirable simply because a majority could potentially shut out any opposing views.

My collective decision-making process experience is derived from my 12+ years as an engineer in the aerospace industry. I attend code reviews, design reviews, peer reviews, etc, etc, etc, ad naseum. What I've learned is that from all that is how to listen to other participants and how to clearly state my position.

Originally Posted by fusangite

How are you campaigning for the position of judge? To whom are you promoting your candidacy and what are you doing to encourage people to support you? Are you a member of a slate or running independently?

I've post a short introduction on every board that Reveal made announcements to (similar, in fact, to my post here). I made a separate announcement on the gaming board I most frequently visit (paizo.com), simply because I have a longer posting history there. Beyond that, I've been making the rounds between the various threads in an attempt to make myself accessible and answer questions as they come up. I'm excited about being engaged in discussions, answering questions, offering opinions, etc.

With regard to slate vs. independent, I'm independent. There's only one other judge whose board handle I recognize (Mr. St. John), everyone else is completely new to me. My platform (if you want to call it that) is that I'm not a gaming professional or "industry insider" in the sense that I've never worked for a gaming company (paid or volunteer), don't write professional reviews, or run any sort of public-access website (I do run a limited-access messageboard strictly for my home group). I hope that answers your questions.

Originally Posted by fusangite

Finally, do you believe that, as a judge, deliberations are confidential? If so, are there any conditions under which you would breach or suspend confidentiality? If a product you don't like is nominated by the panel, do you see it as your job to defend its nomination while serving as a judge?

Deliberations absolutely should be treated as confidential. I can't imagine a set of circumstances that would warrant breaking confidentiality. The first place to go is up the ENnies food chain and if that doesn't resolve it, then it's probably a much bigger issue than any single judge should attempt to deal with.

If I product I didn't like were nominated, I'd try to take it with a grain of salt that the other judges saw merit in it that I didn't see. If a product I just couldn't stand were nominated, I'd probably just keep any negative comments to myself because the liklihood of any good coming out of making negative comments seems pretty small.

Hope that helps; always happy to answer questions!

-Mark

[Master of the Game]

Originally Posted by fusangite

I've served as a judge in the past and designed the product and judge election voting systems so I've got some questions based on my past experience of key challenges the panel faces.

When you have selected your favourite products for each category, how do you plan to work with the other judges to create the list of panel nominees? Do you favour voting, negotiation, some combination? What experience do you have in working in collective decision-making processes?

I've done this twice before, and by far I prefer negotiation and discussion to outright voting. Too often a simple vote just ends up overlooking things that are too interesting to pass up. Further, I think it ends up with products that appear over and over again in several different categories. With negotiation you can take those kinds of things into account and make sure that a wider variety of products receives the nod. All other things being equal I'd rather see two products that both deserve a nomination make it in separate categories than a single product make it in two.

How are you campaigning for the position of judge? To whom are you promoting your candidacy and what are you doing to encourage people to support you? Are you a member of a slate or running independently?

Other than just putting my name out there in these sorts of threads to keep up with everyone I'm going primarily to the base of people who have supported me in the past. Hosting a local game day and making sure everyone knows I'm running, and playing the games I've nominated so people can see the kind of things I vote for. Also through the blogging and podcasting communities, and of course by soliciting publishers and people I've worked with in the past for their endorsements.

Finally, do you believe that, as a judge, deliberations are confidential? If so, are there any conditions under which you would breach or suspend confidentiality? If a product you don't like is nominated by the panel, do you see it as your job to defend its nomination while serving as a judge?

I think that there is a certain reasonable obligation for openness, but that ends at private deliberations and discussion. My blog highlights the kinds of things I think need to be passed on. Decisions that are made and done, my own thought process, and what stage we're currently at.

Listening to people and responding is important, being open and honest is necessary, but doing so without temperance will kill the process and cause everyone to be more guarded about what they say and do. This is a very bad thing. People need to know that they can speak their minds openly.

[Megan]

Hello. I'm Megan... and another candidate for ENnie Judge. Sorry to be a bit late to the discussion - not having had the pleasure of knowing about this fine board until Monday, registered forthwith but only received the confirmation this morning, scuttled round.

So why me? Best bet is for you good folks to see how I think about games. I'm a teacher by trade, and scuttle home when the bell sounds to work on my website http://www.rpg-resource.org.uk/ - on which there are a multitude of reviews. If you like the way I think, please consider voting for me.

Irrespective, thank you for participating in the ENnies process!

[Megan]

Interesting questions, Fusangite. Let's see...

When you have selected your favourite products for each category, how do you plan to work with the other judges to create the list of panel nominees? Do you favour voting, negotiation, some combination? What experience do you have in working in collective decision-making processes?

I would favour making a 'pitch' for those products I deem worthy of consideration and then discussing them with the other Judges. Sort of negotiation, but not the 'horse-trading' approach of saying you'll support someone's pick if they support yours. While I've not done this precise thing before, I have chaired job interview panels and moderated student work.

How are you campaigning for the position of judge? To whom are you promoting your candidacy and what are you doing to encourage people to support you? Are you a member of a slate or running independently?

My 'platform' rests on my reviews. If you like the way I think about games, I would ask to be considered when you decide who you would like to select as ENnies judges.

Finally, do you believe that, as a judge, deliberations are confidential? If so, are there any conditions under which you would breach or suspend confidentiality? If a product you don't like is nominated by the panel, do you see it as your job to defend its nomination while serving as a judge?

Sounding a bit like a Borg, the Judges are a collective. Once the list of nominations is out it is final. Do the items on it need 'defending'? They are there. It's then your turn to vote on which of those you want to win.

And therein is the strength of the ENnies. What other industry awards programme allows for so much public participation in the process? Anyone can stand for Judge, vote for the Judges, submit product for consideration, and then vote on the shortlists. Wonder what would happen if they ran the Oscars like that!

[fusangite]

Thanks to the candidates for answering my questions. Looks like there's not a Zachary Houghton in the bunch. Excellent!

[Megan]

Given that I am the sort of obnoxious tode who goes around grilling candidates when there's an election (local or national), I could hardly do other than respond when someone comes up with what were pretty interesting questions. I like things that make me think!

[Belen]

Originally Posted by Crothian

So this is what is down that rabbit's hole.

Oh, man....underpants gnome is going to be pissed.

[Underpants Gnome]

Originally Posted by Belen

Oh, man....underpants gnome is going to be pissed.

No, it's ENnies stuff. The feud won't get in the way of the ENnies; Denise would kill me.

[Skeld]

Originally Posted by fusangite

Thanks to the candidates for answering my questions.

Thanks for asking questions, Fusangite!

Since I'm here and the voting period is almost up (it ends Sunday), let me take a moment to thank everyone for voting. If you haven't voted yet, head over to http://www.ennie-awards.com/voting/jvoting.asp and throw ina vote for Mark Green and you other favorite candidates.

I've enjoyed the experience of running for 2010 ENnies judge. It's encouraged me to break out of my usual haunts and visit new forums (new to me anyway). I've had a chance to answer questions from folks like Fusangite and learn a few things along the way.

Thanks again for any consideration!

-Mark

[Megan]

Just so... it's been a fascinating process and one of the best bits has been finding new and interesting people to talk on in fora I haven't visited before!

So, if you haven't voted yet please consider doing so, and if you have - irrespective if for me or not - thank you for particpating in the ENnies process.

[YourSwordisMine]

Thank you everyone who participated in the ENnies this year and voted. Good luck to my fellow judge nominees.

[Marcus Americus]

Good luck to all of the nominees and here's hoping that those who are not elected will find some other area or way to help support the process in the coming year. I can tell you, that sort of good sportsmanship will go along way toward a bid next year. For instance, there are still a few spots open at Gencon to volunteer for the ENnies Booth for a shift, if you happen to be available. I am also sure that reveal can outline some other ways in which people can help. But, again, good luck as the voting comes to a close this year.

[fusangite]

Good luck to the judges. I just cast my votes.

[jdrakeh]

I think we're missing an important question:

Will you flip out, resign your position, and publically accuse the other ENnies staffers of various morally bankrupt practices, while only offering spurious proof, in a move that might be seen by some as a totally fucked up way of launching your own 'career' in the RPG blog-o-sphere?

I seriously doubt it, but stranger things have happened.

[Megan]

Marcus Americus has it right...

I've already spoken with Reveal about how RPG Resource can support the ENnies.

And will be both hanging around on a few of the interesting fora I've discovered over the past week and adding them to a new section of RPG Resource, thereby hopefully raising your profile.

Other than that, I'll just putter on reviewing...

[Megan]

The results are now out. Thank you to everybody who participated.

The 2010 ENnies Judges are:

1. Justin 'Jay' Peters
2. Jeramy Ware
3. Mark W. Green
4. Christopher W. Richeson
5. Megan Robertson

Congratulations to the others, I still cannot quite believe it!