Okay, the verdict is in.  But before I get to it, I'd like to take a moment to describe what kind of a spot you guys put us in.  Honestly, you'd think with twice as many judges as there were tracks that this should have been an easy job.  But no way.  We were deadlocked right down to the wire.  Why?  Quality and diversity!  I think miyh said it best:


"This was an interesting contest, and I had no idea what to expect, but I am still amazed at the diversity in the four tracks that were submitted.  I don't think I expected this much diversity, and I certainly didn't expect this kind of quality given the constraints of the contest.  I started out thinking I could write up critiques of the tracks, but quickly realized these are all shining examples of how to do things right in each of their diverse ways, very appropriate for the MTMG.  Thank you guys, everyone will gain something from these tracks."


And I couldn't agree more.  Given that these tracks all started from the same place, it's hard to imagine, when you drive them, that they all have the same base for their terrain.  The reason for our dilemma was simple:  each track is totally different from the others, "each track has it's own strong points and appeals to different kinds of mtmer's", they are all high in quality, and even if you work from a negative approach (i.e., which track has the most wrong with it), the problem only gets tougher, not easier - there is just not enough wrong with either track that one or two fixes wouldn't make it near perfect.  You have all done an excellent job, and I think nobody will argue that each of you is deserving of the top prize.  But, alas, it cannot be.


So, without further ado, I am very pleased to announce that Z-M-X will earn ZooN the opportunity to select an item from the prize list on the contest pages.  Congratulations on a job well done.


Also, as I mentioned in my last note, nobody will walk away from this contest empty-handed.  For Badger, ObeOne, and Viking Wylan, you will receive a cd with acres of mtm stuff on it.  And! you will receive a one year subscription to a computer magazine of your choice (eg. PC Gamer, PC World, PC Magazine, or Smart Computing).


And now for the biz details.  Please let me know your preferences for prizes.  And, I will need an address where these things can be sent.  Rest assured that this information is kept in the strictest of confidence and once things are sent out, I do not even keep it myself.  All prizes are open to discussion and negotiation - we aim to please. 


Finally, I'd like to offer acknowledgement and thanks to each of you.  Your input and your work has made this contest a huge success.  Thank you.


Happy holidays.  And, again, congratulations!


Phineus












Oh, a few extra notes.


- the track reviews/descriptions are in place.  I trust you will find them satisfactory.
http://karf.net/mtmg/contest/dec99/tracks.shtml


- ObeOne, this does not mean you'll be getting yet a third mtmg cd.


- Remember, the sooner I get this info, the sooner I can get things rolling to get it out to you.