The annual Walkley Storyology Photography Slide event morphed into something different this year … with very mixed results.
2015 saw the prize for photography based short videos expand to a Nation wide event rather that ‘State’ based with two awards presented – one judged by a panel of photojournalists (in Sydney) and the other by ‘peoples choice’ via the Walkley Foundation Facebook page.
The excellent judges selected a great entry by the Age photographer Justin McManus entitled “Bonnie Doon: How’s the Serenity” as Winner.
However, the ‘peoples choice’ award turned into a farce when one entry – declared the ‘Peoples Choice Winner’ by the Walkley Foundation – amassed almost as many votes as the the other 22 entries combined – the majority of which were from obviously fake and/or bogus Facebook accounts.
I would like to sincerely say ‘Thank You’ to the two hundred and eighty two of my friends and colleagues who took the time and trouble to place a ‘peoples choice’ vote for my entry “Lifestyle Choices” (below). Your votes contributed to a total tally which was by far the highest from ‘real’ people! Very much appreciated indeed …