Why we’re trying to break the old guard’s grip on awards judging
In this guest post, ADMA’s Kate Furey explains why the DM association is trying to break the “boys clubs” of awards judging
There’s always debate and cynicism around who judges advertising awards.
One of the biggest criticisms is that the same people end up on panels time and time again.
In our case the reasons this can happen sometimes are twofold. Firstly we want a few people who’ve judged before precisely because they have judged before. There should be consistency in the way entries are assessed because that’s what’s fairest, and having experienced judges helps keep a degree of uniformity and prevent Total Judging Anarchy. But secondly, although we always ask the industry to nominate who they think should be judging, the number of people who actually do tends to be small and unchanging from year to year. When the same people nominate the same people, you end up with a scarcity of new blood you can call in.
I did an ADMA course last year. hearing the chief tutor say “being in advertising is pretty cool. getting to go to award shows, you feel like a rock star” made me want to throw up.
Great idea on paper. Brilliant.
But having gone to a few ADMA award nights and agency council events with an open mind, I’ve been sorely disappointed.
(Edited by Mumbrella)
Hi Anon.
Let’s tackle this now, shall we? I’m really glad you’ve brought it up.
I don’t think there is any bravery in what you’ve said. But neither is there any surprise in it – I do get it that people might think this and actually completely understand why.
(Edited by Mumbrella)
As for the results of the Awards, judges do the voting, chairs see the results, another company audits them, I observe and go get coffees. I’d really welcome you coming along to see this yourself, as it might clear up any misconceptions. Give me a call or send me an email about it anytime.
In the meantime, integrity in this job will continue to mean everything to me.
(Edited by Mumbrella)
Making popcorn…
Let’s face facts. I really should have judged at ADMA by now. I am obviously a highly regarded creative figure and yet I have never received a call from ADMA. Ever!
Shame ADMA shame! Come on kids, get onto the ADMA Awards website and vote for me!!!!
Now I’m intrigued as to why those comments got bounced by the good Doctor..
They were more personal rather than professional in nature, Beadacious.
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
Get Nobby to chair it, he is Australia’s rep in Cannes where we cleaned up.
Just found out the Andy Awards crowdsourced their judges last year. Someone beat us to the punch after all.
Thanks for the tip off, @dekkard42. Glad I didn’t insist we did it first.
I must admit, I’ve always struggled with advertising awards. It’s akin to political parties sitting down and talking about each others policies and analysing each others advertising campaigns, they’re just sometimes too close to it. Can you get a few punters included or perhaps you’re going to, and I missed it. Apologies if you’ve got it covered or have addressed it.
Having read your unedited comment where you addressed the issue openly made me think about it. Rather than base my opinion on gossip I’m going to give it a chance.
The fact remains it’s still a good idea.
Kate, you mentioned you wouldn’t be able to see the total number of votes for anyone – when you search for someone and get back the result, there’s a number next to their name which looks suspiciously like the number of votes, given that it’s a big number for people who’s names are big, and a smaller number for others. Just so you know…
Interesting initiative though – be really keen to hear what the learnings off the back of it are.
Having sat through awards nights where all the boys give themselves a slap on the back its about time the judges were elected to by the judgees! Bring on it.