Although I am still awaiting the Cluster Cup debate competition, this should be even more popular.

Passion, hobby or future profession… the Inter-neighborhood Competition Committee invites you to participate in the Cluster Cup Photo Contest, celebrating “community” in its many forms.
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OFFICIAL RULES

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I would have reprinted the 30 (!) lines worth of rules, but, since this is doomed to failure, what’s the point. Comments:

1) Any notion of Neighborhood identity is hopeless at a place like Williams, with our dispersed housing, first year separation, exodus of juniors doing something else (JA or aboard) and seniors living elsewhere (off-campus and co-ops). Without Neighborhood identity, neighborhood competition is moronic. This will never, ever work.

2) Don’t believe me? Time will tell. Don’t forget that I was the one that mocked — Was it just two years ago? — the silly idea of Neighborhood “historians,” students who were:

to build house identity and cluster unity. The Historian would take notes at Board meetings, maintain house archives, display house memorabilia and take photographs at and keep written records of house events.

How did that work out?

3) What is the over/under on number of submissions? I would guess 10 photos and 5 competitors. But I bet that most of those Ephs are members of a Neighborhood Board.

4) I last ranted on this topic four weeks ago. Since then, there have been several (?) Cluster Cup competitions. So, how have they gone? How many people have participated? Who is winning?

5) The point here is not simply that this is stupid and hopeless. The point is that the College is devoting resources to something stupid and hopeless, resources that could be used more productively elsewhere.

Schadenfreude is my most guilty pleasure.