Music Contest 6 Update 1 - 20 Jun 1998               Entry Applications : 220
                                                      Voter Applications :  88
                                                        Entries Verified :  42

>------------------------------------------------------------------ Contents --

         Introduction
         Articles
           Entry Verification ............................ GD
           Schedule Change ............................... Snowman
         Closing

>-------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction --

 Hello, Music Contest 6 supporters.

 We're doing things differently this year. The way we keep track of
 entrant and judge information has changed to a powerful SQL database 
 system.  Entrant and judge registration, from the web to the database, is
 now completely automated. 

 Snowman has worked hard on the SQL database system.  This is the first 
 year for Music Contest where cross-referencing data is quite easy.  Using
 Perl as an interface, he is able to:

  - Quickly determine if a Song ID has already been used.
  - Accurately track country names, and use fuzzy logic to suggest
    alternatives when spelling is incorrect.
  - Create graphical pie-chart statistics (you will see these as soon as
    he has the colors looking correct).  :)

 The MC6 web page is now the only place to find contest information.  This
 makes it easier for us to update information as needed.  Please be sure
 to check the "Updates" page to make sure you stay informed!  

 We hope to have 500 valid entries this year.

 We can accomplish this.  For example, we are providing more chances for
 entrants and judges to understand the contest.  There are more chances
 for an entrant to re-upload their entry in case of a mistake.  There are
 also helpful entering hints and judging guidelines on the web page,
 provided by Jeremy Rice.

 To take advantage of these opportunities, you should read the entire
 contents of the MC6 pages, and be sure to upload your entry well before
 the entry deadline.

 This is a public contest.  Anyone can enter.  Anyone can vote.  Anyone
 can speak their mind about the contest rules.  You ultimately help to
 shape this contest from year to year.

 The contest is starting wonderfully.  The entrant and judging
 applications are being promptly sent out.  Uploaded entries are being
 approved daily (have you heard them yet?).  We are averaging less than
 1-day turnaround response time for email questions.  But none of it would
 be possible without your help and support.  Thank you for making this a
 great music competition. 

 GD / Hornet - gd@hornet.org

>------------------------------------------------------------------ Articles --

 :: "Entry Verification"
 :: GD / Hornet - gd@hornet.org

 We have begun to verify your uploaded entries.

 This is another aspect of the contest which is automated.  If you
 recently uploaded your entry, you will soon be receiving an email.  The
 email will tell you if there were problems.  Problems can be fixed, but
 you must fix them before the deadline.

 To assure your file will pass the verification process, be sure to use
 the "checkit" program.  This lets you test your entry before it is
 uploaded.  You may download this from the "Resources" page on the MC6 web
 site.

 Using "checkit" will help your entry get approved faster.  If your song
 fails verification just a few days before the deadline, you might not
 have the opportunity to re-upload.
 
 We wish you the best of luck!

=-----------------------------------------------------------------------------=

 :: "Schedule Change"
 :: Snowman / Hornet - r3cgm@hornet.org

 The MC6 schedule has been slightly changed.  All dates after the entry 
 deadline have been advanced by 10 days.  Please read the updated schedule
 on the MC6 web page.  Note, the entry deadline has NOT been changed.

 It is your responsibility to make sure that your entry gets entered 
 correctly.  If you are an entrant, you should have received 1 entrant
 application email, and 1 entry verification email (after you upload your
 song).  If you are a judge, you should have received 1 judge application
 email.  Voting assignments will be emailed before 30 July for round 1
 voting, and before 15 August for round 2 voting.

 Check to see if your uploaded entry is still in /incoming/MC6/entries
 one full day after uploading.  If your entry is still there, please
 contact me (Snowman) at r3cgm@hornet.org to let me know.  We are not
 tracking bounced emails, and you might miss important information.

>------------------------------------------------------------------- Closing --

 _____Contact Information

 Before contacting us, 
 - read the rules
 - read the schedule
 - read the frequently asked questions
 (or your email will not be answered!)

 The rules, schedule, and frequently asked questions are on the MC6 web 
 page: http://www.hornet.org/ha/pages/mc/mc6.html

 Brett Neely (GD / Hornet) - gd@hornet.org
   General questions and comments

 Christopher Mann (Snowman / Hornet) - r3cgm@hornet.org
   Entry and judge registration

 Jeremy Rice (JRice) - jrice@texterity.com
   Entering hints and judging guidelines

 _____How to Subscribe to "MC6 Updates"

 Mail to : listserver@unseen.aztec.co.za
 Body    : subscribe mc6-updates first_name last_name

 Be sure to substitute your real name for first_name last_name.  The
 listserver will send the MC6 Newsletter to your e-mail's return address.

EOMC6UPD