Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

I think I could read some real life into this scenario Craig, especially 'every child wins a prize'. Every fairy tale does deserve a happy ending, and this one also leaves me with a smile. Enjoyed it Craig,
cheers,

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 25-Aug-2019

Thanks for the kind words, Valda. Glad it put a smile on your face. I was smiling at the arrival of the springish weather :) Cheers, Craig

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

This is a very good write. It can be interpreted in several ways. My instinct is to go with two themes, but both without good endings. One is the trend toward mediocrity in which every child/person must be a winner despite lack of knowledge or talent for fear of injuring fragile self-esteem.

The other is more dire, that is, eliminating anyone who disagrees with someone pretty much annihilating him/her (sorry to use gender-specific pronouns which is not politically correct nowadays, but satisfies my contrariness) and the trend toward shadowing through biased AI algorithms which make a person/company/idea non-existent. I'm not a fan of either one.

 Comment Written 24-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 24-Aug-2019

Thanks for the thoughtful response, Marilyn. Yes, we do seem to be breeding the species with thinner skins than was once the case. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from Debbie Pope

Excellent

I'm seeing an analogy here, Craig. That is an awesome accomplishment with flash fiction. Please don't become one of the disenchanted in the kingdom. That loss would not go unnoticed. I'm looking for a happy ending.

 Comment Written 24-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 24-Aug-2019

Thanks for the kind words, Debbie. Your insight is much appreciated, as always. Cheers, Craig

Comment from Dawn Munro

Excellent

LOL. OMG, two for two. By that I mean two reviews upon which I am refusing to comment, other than to say there are no typos, no spag, nothing to distract from a fun read... Go get 'em. *grin*

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 24-Aug-2019

LOL Thanks, Dawn (I think!) ;-)

reply by Dawn Munro on 24-Aug-2019

:)) You're welcome. :))

Comment from catch22

Excellent

Hi Craig, what a great allegory about the pitfalls of imbalance between cooperation and competition. It's an especially relevant story in today's self esteem building climate. I call this every child gets a trophy syndrome. I used to be a camp counselor at a horse back riding camp for children. We had a competition at the end of the summer for the riders. Many parents complained their child deserved first place when their child was frankly a liability for the horse and the camp. That's a growing mentality. Excellent write.

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 23-Aug-2019

I think you're absolutely right, Pam. And I think I'm getting to experience the results first hand of this generation growing to adulthood, in my work. A generation that have never been allowed to believe anything other than that they are perfect by their doting parents. To say they don't cope well with criticism (even when it is solicited and paid for) would be a huge understatement. Thanks for the kind comments. Craig

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Craig, This is a very well written Flash Fiction story (fairy tale as you have said). You used very good descriptive words and very beautiful imagery of the castle you found the pic of. It all goes very well together my friend. Best wishes in the contest. Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2019

Thank very much, Teri. I'm glad you enjoyed. Have a wonderful weekend! Craig

Comment from damommy

Excellent

I'll withhold my opinion on this. I wouldn't want to offend anyone. 8-)

Unfortunately, this 'everybody wins' school of thought takes place in our schools, too, and I see children being passed along simply because they attended, and they graduate without being able to read/comprehend well.

This is a great entry for the contest. Good luck!

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2019

It certainly does, Yvonne. I see the results when those children to whom you refer grow up and start posting on our local community pages on social media (e.g. Facebook). The results are scary! Thanks for the kind review, Craig

Comment from Sugarray77

Excellent

Haha... so fun to see you poking at FS. Great write for this prompt. I got a chuckle from the analogies of everyone gets to win, and the influx of new people always makes up for the departure of the disenchanted. Thanks for a fun read.

Melissa

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2019

Who, me? Thanks for the good humour, Melissa. Cheers, Craig

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Exceptional

How about inspiration in place of stimulation, Craig.
I guess this is the key to a successful Realm. Turn-over. No one gets stuck in the mud. Fresh new arrivals keep the Kingdom flowing with new ideas. LOL Sounds familiar. Well done. Nancy:)

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2019

That's certainly a better option, Nancy. Or I might just leave it at "entertainment", and try to fiddle a couple of words elsewhere. Thanks for the great suggestion, the kind words, astute observations and, of course, the lovely stars. All most gratefully received. Craig

Comment from Scarbrems

Excellent

Ha ha, very good. Like all good fairy tales, there's an element of truth ...
I wish you well in the contest, since there isn't a prize for everyone. This is well written and fun.

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 22-Aug-2019

I'll be devastated if this doesn't take out the top prize ;-)

Thanks, Emma. Cheers, Craig