January 24, 2001

RinkChat, CA - The voting for the RinkAwards is well under way and, while many people are turning out at the polls to cast their ballots, the familiar sight of protesters is present as well. While the thought of controversy occurring at an event such as this seems unlikely, the RinkAwards is not without its detractors.

"Of course I'm out here protesting," said Herb Stanton, a resident of Boring, Oregon. "It is obvious that the process is flawed and that this S. Stoddard has intentionally biased the ballot toward certain candidates."

Stanton also spoke of a lack of representation for certain types of humor.

"Not only is the scale tipped strongly in favor of slapstick and/or anecdotal humor, but I find almost no record of some of your more classical humor. I mean, except for the preponderance of puns, the type of humor found there is not worthy of any recognition," Stanton said, while adding, "Where are the vaudeville acts? How about some classic 19th century social satire? That stuff always kills."

Other protestors weren't as opinionated about the topics of the elections but were just as adamant, nonetheless.

"When Jasmine called me and said to get my protest gear together, I didn't hesitate," explained Norm Quiggleman, who traveled from his home in Walla Walla, Washington, to take part in the demonstrations.

Quiggleman's neighbor, Jasmine, who declined to state her last name, added, "I spend most of the year on the road, protesting the unjust. We can't let freedom fall just because some people abuse their power. And whenever there is a chance of injustice, I am there."

Jasmine made it clear that, upon arriving at the sites of the protests, she always searches out the organizers to make sure she knows what she is opposing.

When asked if they were planning to vote on the web site themselves, Quiggleman replied, "They have a web site? Cool."

Some RinkChat regulars expressed some worry at the sight of the marchers.

"I would hate to see the prestigious Mountain Stream go up in flames," said RinkWorks regular Ellmyruh, who is nominated in several categories. "I hope the protesters don't resort to extreme acts of violence."

Mousie Mooseconker, another RinkAwards nominee, didn't seem to be bothered by the picketers and noted that it wouldn't change her voting behavior or her plans to attend.

"What? Protesters?" Mooseconker said. "I'll make those babies shut up. By the way, is it ok for Mousies to wear fur to a shindig like this?"