Putting my BUTT on the line! Hey, has anyone ever stopped to consider what this controversy stuff is actually doing for my career? Let me be the first to tell you that writing is great for the soul, but sometimes harder then hell on the nerves! No, seriously... I'm really not laughing anymore---well, occasionally a chuckle-- BUT Thats IT-just a chuckle! I've received some great reviews, and some pretty negative comments. I've had tears come to my eyes on more then one occasion of people generally being just plain mean! And, I'm thinking... What the heck is going on? Have I trespassed into some foreign country that has no ruling government? Am I willingly taking a hand-gun to my head with a finger sitting on the trigger? Dramatic as this may seem to those of you who are not part of the contest controversy... but for some, well-many may want to pull the trigger and have me silenced, and still others are standing beside me-- saying go girl go... No, I'm not going to be silenced. And I am also going to put the facts out to everyone and see if this thing can perhaps at least open everyone's eyes to all sides of the story! This is NOT an easy task... Let me assure you! Has anyone looked lately at the poll on the Welcome Page? It shows that 100% of the voters dont believe that the judges are screened enough to judge an Elvis contest! 100%!!!! Isnt it amazing, that each and every person that took a minute to vote -voted the exact same way? Why is that? Why do people feel that way? I dont have the answers everyone is looking for, and Im not sure if anyone really does... or will have! There are signs of discontentment everywhere you look. No matter who you talk to, no matter which competition, or entertainer. So lets take an inside look and go from there. First off, let me tell you a few things about me... It wont take long... I am not making any money from any party for ANYTHING! This column is my baby, which is devoted to ETA's, their Music, and ELVIS! No one hands me a paycheck, and the only thing I get out of this column, is my own satisfaction at helping the guys, and the music- to last forever! I have two full time "day" jobs that often run into the late hours of the night, and weekends. Only one of those I get paid for... And this isn't it! Other then writing another book(s),occasionally writing for the paper, raising a family and just being a regular person-- I'm just trying to do the best I can. What I have undertaken here is suppose to be just a knowledge based set of articles- for your reading pleasure. You can nod yes at the right times, or shake your head and fist when you feel compelled to do so! What brought this all about was receiving so much feedback regarding the contest controversy... that, and one man's story. His story made me want to take a deeper look into the events that surrounded his reasons for sending it. The first article that you will have the opportunity to read is from an entertainer (and it could be any one of you!) Titled,"An Entertainer's Perspective" The second release of articles, will be from a Judge-one who has sat on the panel and witnessed these fine entertainers on stage. The third article will show the organizers side of the coin. Please note that none of these people know who the other is, or what is going on in the transition stages. There are many competitions that I have taken different things from and many have sent in various things I have asked for. I acknowledge them on those areas. There is no "one" person, or contest that is being discussed, it is a generalization only. I expect this to open some room for discussion, and perhaps starting a path that will open more doors and broaden horizons! I DON'T expect that people or organizations will be slandered, and if finger pointing starts, it WILL be "put out to pasture"! If, you have something to say; Please SAY IT... but if it isn't good... please don't direct it to anyone person, or contest! No need to toss names around. As I have been told/warned about just recently... Legalities could arise once I open this "Pandora's" box. Be careful of what you say, on the discussion boards, and to each other... you never know, the person you are slamming-may be the next person to vote you in as #1! This is such a complex issue, and I have tried to seek as much information as possible. Everyone has been very co-operative and maybe somewhere along the way, we can all work together and remember why we all do as we do-- for the love of Elvis! In closing, it is imperative for me to tell you right now, up-front... before you read any further... That I have listened to all three sides, they all have a story, and "IF" this were a perfect world... everyone would get along together! Thank you to all the ETA's who work endlessly to provide us with entertainment, good times, and endless memories. Thank you to the judges for doing the best you can do- what a difficult decision to make. And, thank you to the contest organizers for providing us all a place to go and cheer on our best buds, meet new friends and have a good old time! BUT, most of all thanks to ELVIS for bringing us all together! ************************************ For those who wish to express their opinions, via discussion boards, but would like to do so with anonymity ... please feel free to write me and I will submit it under my name. Please remember the rules and NO slander please! **********************************************