I like the idea of the competitions, I think it would be great if we had a forum on here that was about anything competition related, upcoming comps, winning competition recipes, score sheets, competition brewing techniques, a sort of no limits to make excellent beer forum.
Just to be a total smart a$$. This post has almost everything in it that specifically doesn't happen as a result of competitions, and things that people don't like about competitions.
winning competition recipes- Virtually no one will post their winning recipe.
competition brewing techniques- see above. These will leak out, but only slowly.
no limits to make excellent beer- this is/can be interpreted by non-comp types that comp brewers go above and beyond what the lowly non-comp brewer with his 'limits' can do.
For proof, just look at Chili cook-offs, BBQ comps, bass fishing tournaments, etc. If you fish, try fishing a lake while a tournament is going on. It is amazing what they think their $100 entry buys them over the lowly weekend fisherman (who may have driven 8 hours and spent more in gas than the entry fee).
Even commercial brewing, is a good example. There are some breweries that are open about their techniques, but the more 'competitive' ones are tight lipped.
One interesting note about chili and BBQ comps is that the cookers don't make what they think is their best product, or even what they personally like, they make what they think the judges will like that year. "Cooking for the judges" as it is called. Not sure if that would ever happen with beer, but... Has anybody noticed that at GABF breweries submit beer that is actually the next closest style, but still fits that style? This 'differentiates' the beer from others that are completely 'to style'.
That said, if you don't have any friends with good palates who will actually tell you if you beer sucks, or what could be improved, comps and judges can be useful. The only problem seems to be the wide range of judge expertise. Just look at the ***** threads about comp score sheets.