Jeremy M. Praay wrote:
> So...  If you want to compete, it becomes like running the New York 
> Marathon.  Do all 30,000 people really think they might win?  Certainly not. 
> They do it because it's there, they enjoy finding out what they are capable 
> of.  They enjoy seeing someone else win.
> 
> As I stated in off-topic recently, I think most of us here would be happiest 
> if we simply got a free poster from Zazzle for a top finish.  That creates 
> much less pressure, and in the end, I think there would be more POV-Ray 
> art/renders/stuff to show.  Perhaps POVCOMP "overachieved" in regards to 
> prizes.  It certainly squeezed out some good stuff, though, so my point is 
> debatable.
> 

Why can't you enjoy the competition with a top prize? I don't know if 
*most of us* would like a competition with simply a free poster for the 
winner. Although it is healthy to set your goal realistically (a place 
in the top 10 or top 20, for example), a big prize gives a good 
incentive to give it your best (top 10 would be ok, but winning is 
better:) ). Winning a competition where judging is involved mostly 
incorporates a bit of luck anyway (although in POVcomp the winner is 
apparent, in most competitions the top five can be very close).

As you say most people enjoy the New York Marathon, while there are 
hefty prizes to win.

http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/entrantinfo/prizemoney.html

So, I repeat, why can't you enjoy POVcomp with a top prize?

-Em