A Minor Bit of Electioneering

[billroper]

So we're coming up on the deadline for on-line balloting for this year's Pegasus Awards and I am moved to say a little something:

There are five fine songs nominated in the Best Classic Filk Song category. All but one of them has been on the ballot before -- some have appeared multiple times. I suspect that the ones that don't win this year will likely appear again, because they're just good songs.

But I'm an old fart filker from the Midwest. And I look at Juanita Coulson's Chess and remember just how many times that I've heard that song over the years, how I've listened to the soaring melody line that was like nothing in filk when it was first performed, and let the attached imagery carry my imagination off to some of the most interesting places.

And I think about how -- after all these years -- Juanita has never won a Pegasus Award.

Just sayin'.

Comments

[gorgeousgary]

I had not noticed that.

I've already submitted my ballot, but you've certainly given me an idea for the next brainstorming poll. Actually a half-dozen ideas, to be specific.

[robin-june.livejournal.com]

How did that recorded history project go with Juanita and Moonwulf?


(And thanks for your headsup. I haven't voted on the Pegasus awards yet.
(I'm on OVFF concom now. We never vote ahead of time [grin]).

[madfilkentist]

Don't forget to mention that again a little closer to nomination time. This clearly needs to be corrected in some way.

[carolf.livejournal.com]

And I think about how -- after all these years -- Juanita has never won a Pegasus Award.

!!!?!?!!??!?!?!

[blink]
[blink]

How is this possible? Oh, I know. Because everyone else also just assumed that Juanita must have every filk prize known to man, by now.

Thanks for bringing this up.

I'm off now to make sure she is in the Hall of Fame!

[markbernstein.livejournal.com]

Without making any comment on the songs themselves . . .

I disagree philosophically on one point. Juanita is in the Hall of Fame, and well deserves to be. But IMO, Pegasus voting should be based on the quality of the song, and on no other factor.

[billroper]

I would never suggest that it's better to vote for a weaker song just to give some person an award.

On the other hand, if you're having trouble making up your mind between one or more songs, then I think it's reasonable to consider other factors, especially when you're looking at the Best Classic Filksong category where -- in my opinion -- you're looking not just for songs that have stood the test of time, but songs that said something new or moved filking along in some way.

Other people will have other criteria, of course. And they should!

[catsittingstill.livejournal.com]

It is an interesting song; thank you for bringing it to my attention. I'm not sure which songs I will vote for yet (and may not make up my mind until I hear them all side-by-side at the concert) but I will be sure to pay attention when Chess comes by.