Why Journalism Competitions Are Inherently Flawed

According to Clay Shirky, groups of people are inherently conservative.

Journalism competitions are arguably flawed
because they are judged by groups.

My experience with most competitions, especially journalism competitions,
is that the most original and innovative work almost never wins.

Mediocrity is king. Mass-market reigns supreme.

When groups of people judge competitions,
they almost always pick the “safe” choices,
the ones that don’t color outside the lines.

The ones that don’t take any risks.

Of course, in the arts, it's always been like this.

Most of the best art and literature throughout history
was years ahead of it's time.

As for journalism competitions in particular, many new media competitions
are judged by journalists with relatively inadequate multimedia experience.

What's the point in paying money to have your work judged by people
who don't even work in the same mediums as you?

Not to sound cynical or anything,
but I rarely waste my time on journalism competitions anymore.