I agree... but I think that may be why you're not getting nominations from many people, because it DOES take time and thought, and not everyone cares enough to put forth the effort. And like you said, it's those same people who will bitch later about the same people always being nominated. Well... maybe it's because those are the same people who are also nominating? And the same people who come here and discuss fanfic every day? And the same people who read and review and plug each other's stories, not just their own? Oh yeah... the clique.
I only nominated stories I've read and enjoyed; that's why I wasn't able to fill every category, even though I wanted to. Personally, I tend to nominate more current stories by authors who are still around because I know they'll appreciate the nomination, but it is nice to see older stories and authors in the running too.
I hope you guys get enough nominees to make it worth your while!
