Hey MKK

Right now, the star rating system is mostly for internal use. Only one contest administrator is allowed, so there is one person who rates designs and gives feedback based on the input of the SXSW Art Director and Designers. If a design has any stars, that means we think it's a viable design. The number of stars shows just how viable. As we begin to solicit input from the rest of the people involved in our merchandise efforts, we will direct them to look only at the starred designs.

Everyone who has a design starred has gotten very detailed feedback, specific to their design. We did not realize that other designers couldn't see that feedback. It would be helpful if they could because it gives insight into why we favor their design. We will try to compose something that gives further insight into what we're looking for and add it to the brief or post it here.

As for the designs that remain but are not starred, either they have not been looked at or we are still in the process of determining their status.

We would absolutely love to give feedback for every design, and I agree with you, everyone deserves it. We have been advised to give detailed feedback only on those designs which are already headed in the right direction, and at the moment that is our plan. We absolutely appreciate everyone's effort. As designers ourselves, we know what this is like, and it is not easy to have a design rejected without an explanation. For here on, we will try to give an explanation when a design is eliminated, time permitting.

Thanks so much for your input on our contest. We are grateful for the advice from experienced contest participants.