I agree that it's not really about quality of images as far as qualifying for the juried round. I had no idea of just what was involved when I entered...it's been quite an education. Unfortunately I am finding that many contests these days have at least one "public" voting phase. In some contests it's a necessary part of the contest, in others it's a separate "people's choice" award.
More than one FAA member has since enlightened me that the sole purpose for this contest is to bring new business to FAA and that it has nothing to do for the most part with the quality of images that qualify. I do think it would have been helpful if on the main contest page it was explained that giving access to one's FB info/friend's list, etc, OR signing up for an FAA account was required for voting. I had to send out an apology to my friends and family after several mentioned this fact.
More and more it seems most contests, apps, etc., ALL want access to one's FB info...privacy is becoming a thing of the past as the profit motive continues to take prededence.
