I don't really know how winners are selected, but the selection process is so faulty. I mean, when assessing a writing, we put in consideration the plot, vocabulary, and other structures. These selected pieces are far from standard. I wouldn't say the judges are Biased, or anything, I think maybe the judges couldn't read through all the stories, thereby settling for what they deem acceptable. A proper author should be put in place to assess these writing. I just read through all the stories, and if I were to be the judge, none qualifies for a fifth place.
I could pick out grammatical errors so easily. I think we need a better judge for this contest. Even the first price winner made at least three mistakes, and I think we need to be strict with the assessment to make this writing contest very competitive.
If I am being frank and blunt, I would say the judges need to be changed. Maybe make someone not from the stach community a judge, an expert in creative writing.
RE: Winners announcement: STACH Short Story Contest #23.