They can have their contest. I don't think it's of much value given they can't state that all the winners are unequivocally the best when they don't accept everyone. I could have entered my books, but on principle I refused. (Yeah, I know I can't eat on principle, but sometimes a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do.)
I also returned the RITA books I was sent with a polite note to the BOD stating that I didn't have the heart to judge a contest which chooses to exclude a specific section of RWA. Like you, I pointed out that quantity does *not* equal quality.
I doubt seriously that they'll hear any of us. And you're right, not maintaining a membership is a serious disadvantage in many respects. The only way change will happen is when more and more small press/ePub authors find their way on the BOD. That or when eBooks take a much firmer root, at which time RWA might just find it's a%% being kicked because they've got their head in the sand.
At this point, I'm more than disgusted with RWA's continued politicizing of the romance industry. I belong because I have two great chapters and I want the opportunity to network at National. It's pretty much the only game in town, sort of like WalMart, which is REALLY scary when you think about it. *sigh*
RITAs
I also returned the RITA books I was sent with a polite note to the BOD stating that I didn't have the heart to judge a contest which chooses to exclude a specific section of RWA. Like you, I pointed out that quantity does *not* equal quality.
I doubt seriously that they'll hear any of us. And you're right, not maintaining a membership is a serious disadvantage in many respects. The only way change will happen is when more and more small press/ePub authors find their way on the BOD. That or when eBooks take a much firmer root, at which time RWA might just find it's a%% being kicked because they've got their head in the sand.
At this point, I'm more than disgusted with RWA's continued politicizing of the romance industry. I belong because I have two great chapters and I want the opportunity to network at National. It's pretty much the only game in town, sort of like WalMart, which is REALLY scary when you think about it. *sigh*
See you on Sat. Mon