Aphelion

Eddie, I don't think you need to apologize. I saw the whole thing, remember. When (less than pleasant) circumstances threatened the continuation of the Flash challenge, you jumped in and kept it running, not just for yourself, but for all of us.

Gotta say, you flummoxed a few of the staff with that initiative, taking such an action without even an "If I may—?", but when one of them asked what we'd just seen happen, another said, "I think that's called an audition." And there you were.

Yeah, you've made a few little flubs, but I'm reminded of an episode of "King of the Hill" where Hank was taking about his Boy Scout experiences with real knives and real campfires: "That's how we learned things were sharp and hot." OJT.

Didn't do as much as you thought you should? Let's see, in the last several months or so, you've gotten married, bought a house, launched a bushel of your own publications, and helped establish another online periodical—probably worked a day job, too ... I just wish I'd ever been so energetic. 'Irons in the fire' indeed!

Don't let this issue's poor turnout make you feel bad. That isn't your fault. You've been good for us here, and I'm grateful. I do think the Flash is important to our popularity and our usefulness to writers, and I hope it thrives.

Meanwhile, keep doing what you have to do, and best of luck to you in all of it.

You did a good job, EddieSullivan. Too many irons in the fire will put out the fire! That’s for sure! Sometime we must give-up a few things we love to do in order to concentrate on viable projects that are in a higher priority. I know I’ve had to do that.

You did a good job and I appreciate you efforts. They we good ones!

My votes are in.

Got my votes in!!

Eddie, you forgot to identify the authors ... anyway, congrats to whoever the winner was (Sergio, right?).

Here's how I voted:

Distorted Reflections
1) Overall: 5
2) Characterization: 8
3) Plot: 5
4) Setting: 7
5) Dialog: 5
6) Challenge: 10

total: 40

notes: Sorry, I couldn't come up with any comments.


Dayton Ohio
1) Overall: 6
2) Characterization: 5
3) Plot: 5
4) Setting: 9
5) Dialog: 6
6) Challenge: 10

total: 41

notes:
Creepy mood established with the blood donor solicitation, the robot dogs, and the peculiarities of the locals. None of that seemed to have a point, though. You did capture the essence of Dayton pretty well; it's a bit like an inverted pot-hole.