out actively seeking income to pay the bills and make a living. Doing all the work before you even know that it will make money doesn't make sense. A contest, on the other hand, is something you do in your free time. It's something you invest time, effort, or whatever for the pleasure of it. You don't try to make a living from it. Most creative contests require some kind of output to enter. Now, I am a writer, not a designer, and I've yet to start freelancing. I'm still in the studying phase, so my opinion may be null and void. @ Sue -- I do too, and it's unacceptable. There are ways to convey your views without hurting people, and there are ways to be both kind, polite and diplomatic while doing so. @ TJ -- I don't think it's null and void. Writers have to face spec work from time to time as well. I share your opinions and I think that there is a world of difference between spec and contest. And if you don't want to participate in a contest, then you don't. End of story. I wonder if any of the flamers ever entered a contest when they were kids? Betcha they did and didn't think twice. I never saw the contest, or heard of this. It was an interesting read, but I think you've touched on another subject accidentally. When it comes to the internet, Anonymity, or even just an alias to shield