We need you help on some changes we think may be necessary in how we tabulate the Top 25 Competitors Ranking. This ranking system, originally developed by NAILS, has become an incentive for competitors (I’m told) try to climb up the ranking. While we aren’t always in a position on judge whether a particular competition is worthy enough to be used for the ranking, we feel that we should consider how the ranking system has evolved. Please understand that we feel that the final ranking in years past has been a true picture of the top competitors, but we want to continue to improve the system so that it stays a prestigious and sough-after distinction.

One of our challenges is getting information from show sponsors, who do not always provide complete information. Frequently, we hear a competition’s results from the competitors themselves and then have to nag the show sponsors to get the placements. We also recognize that a competitor who places high in a field of top competitors ought to be rewarded somehow higher than one who places in a field of fewer or less experienced competitors. Putting a higher value on placement at the big shows may help us to solve this problem.

Whether you’re a competitor or not, we’ll like to hear your thoughts. Would it be fair to award extra points to winners of certain big shows, such as the Long Beach show. Midwest Beauty, and IBS/New York? What about Nailco, Premiere, or Ace? Since there is no certain way to know how many competitors are in each competition or whether they’re ranked competitors, we can’t award bonus points based on whether a competition is crowded with the top people.

Use the Reader Service Card on page 105 or 107 to tell us what you think. Circle 160 if you think the current system is fine, using the same point system for all competitions regardless of size. If you think some shows deserve additional points for placing circle 161. Or call our ranking editor, Judy Lession at (310) 533-2457, or e-mail me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

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