Judging Criteria - Putting the Plan in motion...

["James Purchase" <jpurch@interlog.com>]

In what follows, I have looked at the suggestions made by Justin (Amano's
criteria), Olga (her own suggestions) Karen (viability and the WOW factor)
and Ken (from the internet). I have attempted to make a synthesis of all of
them using very general terms for the Criteria Headings and then leading
into more specific questions under each heading. Please don't feel slighted
if I haven't used anyone's specific words, as either "criteria" or as
"questions".

The main Criteria which I feel are important are as follows:

1. Theme
2. Selection / Use of Materials
3. Composition / Balance
4. Use of Space
5. Viability
6. WOW Factor

Now, plugging in some specific "questions" relevant to each of these general
criteria, We can arrive at the next stage:
_______________________

Suggested Judging Guidelines

Criteria #1. Theme

 - a. Does the aquascape clearly display a concious effort on the part of
the hobbyist to convey a particular effect or idea?

 - b. Is this theme appropriate for an aquarium?

 - c. How successeful is the execution of this theme?


Criteria #2. Selection / Use of Materials

 - a. Are the materials selected for use in the aquascape appropriate for
use in an aquarium? (editorial comment - This would cut out Karen's concern
over plastic poinsettias, unless of course they were germaine to the Theme
of the aquascape.)

 - b. Are the various materials harmonious with one another? - i.e. if
several pieces of driftwood or several rocks used, do they compliment one
another or do they produce a discordant effect?

 - c. If employed, are the plants used in the aquascape appropriate for use
in an aquarium and are they in good condition?

 - d. If employed or visible in the image, are the fish and or other animals
in the tank appropriate for use in the aquascape? (editorial comment - This
would cut out a beautifully planted tank containing an 18" Koi, or a 12"
Painted Turtle.)

Criteria #2. Composition / Balance

 - a. Is the visual balance of the decorative materials visually pleasing?

 - b. Does visual tension exist between the various components of the
aquascape?

 - c. Is the viewer's eye drawn into the scene and encouraged to flow
through it, and to linger on specific details?

 - d. Do the various materials/decorations/plants provide pleasing visual
stimulation to the viewer? (editorial comment - color use would fall under
this.)

Criteria #3. Use of Space

 - a. Is space within the aquascape used effectively?

 - b. Do open spaces balance and compliment the more enclosed spaces and the
display as a whole?

 - c. Are open spaces and more enclosed spaces used in such a way as to
provide visual excitement within the scene?

Criteria #5. Viability

 - a. Is the aquascape set up and arranged in a manner and using materials
which are likely to lead to failure of the set-up, or in a manner which
would be impossible to maintain on a long term basis as an aquarium using
proper maintenance techniques?

 - b. Is the aquascape obviously set-up and arranged in such a manner as to
work long term as an aquarium?

Criteria #6. "WOW" Factor

 - a. Does the aquascape make a significant positive visual impression upon
the viewer?

 - b. Do all parts of the aquascape work together to present a harmonious
whole?
_________________________

I ask everyone to review these suggestions, to think about them and to see
where they may be improved upon.

James Purchase
Toronto



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