Art Contest - General Advice

[sylvre]

I looked through all the boards to make sure there wasn't a better place to post this question,
and I couldn't find one. Regardless, if this is the wrong place, please let me know. c:

- - -

I'm new to the art world of CS, and am currently holding an art contest.
I've had a few contestants ask what their current ranking was,
and I looked through some other art competitions to see how this was handled.

I'm assuming some contest holders simply tell their entrants,
but a few of them had actual placements listed within the first post of their contest.

My question is, and this is simply for general what-would-be-best advice,
does it make the most sense to have those rankings listed?
My worry is that it'll scare potential entries away because they'll think their art isn't good enough,
but I'm also worried that having no ranked entries keeps the people that like something to work toward away.

This probably sounds like a lot of useless fretting, but I want to make life easiest for future-contestants.
Does anyone have just a few quick words of advice? Yes, rank my top favorites, or no, not until the end?

Thanks so much to anyone that can help. :3

[Ricorn]

Personally, I would wait until the end to give out ranks. But that's just me.

Maybe you could give comments on the entries...?

[X] - I like the style but that character doesn't really do that.
[X] - Very cute. All the details are correct with this one.
[X] - Only missing her earrings but I love the pose.

That way, people know what you are looking for or what they missed and know what might bring their entry down in the ranking.

[Chrystopher]

yes, i beleive giving out rankings isnt always the best idea, i have also seen people giving out smiley faces, eg.
- needs work
- good
- great
- Brilliant!

and then they list names and put a smley face next to each, i think this is quite a good method as well as giving comments on their individual page things,
but you dont nessicarily need to give any clues on how much you like each, if you dont want to, simply tell people that they will have to wait until you announce the winners.
hope i helped!
-Tof

[Kimmyjkw]

If someone asks, you can always tell them. c:

That way, you won't unintentionally offend someone who honestly doesn't want an opinion on their artwork (or otherwise posting on the front page).

[sylvre]

Thank you very much, guys.
This thread can be locked. c: