I wish this didn't bother me so much.

[480sparky43 43]

........ It frustrates me that this contest is being run like this, but I can't will myself to just up and quit!

Then just let it run it's course and concentrate your efforts elsewhere.

 

[jmtonkin]

I'm not a contest voter.

I'm not sure I know what you mean by that, but alright! Thanks anyway!

 

[Dave442]

With these you only need to have a few friends that will take care of contacting all their friends to vote for you. It also helps to have a person in the photo in these types of contests.

 

[The_Traveler]

Both are valid points. The problem now is that I have entered the contest, and put my work out there to be evaluated by my peers. It frustrates me that this contest is being run like this, but I can't will myself to just up and quit!

You expect/hope that the overwhelming beauty of your picture driven by the talent behind it will overcome all the ties of friendship and a crowd of voters will be drawn to your flame.

Guess what?
Not gonna happen.
Your picture might be very good but all those other people may not see it, surely don't enough to know it is good and surely don't care about you.
Much as you are asking us to vote for you - and not your picture as the best one- they have been asked to do the same.

 

[jmtonkin]

Both are valid points. The problem now is that I have entered the contest, and put my work out there to be evaluated by my peers. It frustrates me that this contest is being run like this, but I can't will myself to just up and quit!

You expect/hope that the overwhelming beauty of your picture driven by the talent behind it will overcome all the ties of friendship and a crowd of voters will be drawn to your flame.

Guess what?
Not gonna happen.
Your picture might be very good but all those other people may not see it, surely don't enough to know it is good and surely don't care about you.
Much as you are asking us to vote for you - and not your picture as the best one- they have been asked to do the same.

I've pretty much given up on this contest. Everyone here brings up valid points, and I shouldn't let this popularity get to me. I'll have to find worth-while competitions to partake. While I think I have a solid entry, you're right; nothing is going to overcome friendships and families. It's disappointing, but I'll live!

Live and let learn!