If someone wanted to be in this mock election, they were supposed to have posted in the thread linked to below and have received 5 nominations:
http://www.pinkpt.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24321
The people who were nominated posted in the thread, and other people who posted in the thread kindly nominated them. In fact, from what I read, pretty much everyone who campaigned got nominated by other people.
If you, or anyone else, wanted to be a part of this election, that thread was open to ALL MEMBERS and everyone was welcome to run. There's no conceivable way that this can be viewed as discriminatory. That's like saying the PPT Subtext King/Queen is discriminatory because you are not allowed to enter in the 5th round.
As for this being a popularity contest, it certainly is. It's an election. And you know what?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. This is a forum. People do not become popular by having rich parents, cool clothes, or a pretty face. They become popular because they are friendly with others, dedicate a lot of time getting to know others, and they get their name out there by posting a lot and contributing to the community in a positive way.
Going out of your way to ruin someone else's game or thread by complaining about how you're unpopular is not a positive contribution to the community in any way.
If you are being harassed via PM, it's very clear in our rules and regulations that you should contact a moderator. If you feel that a thread is taking a bad turn, it's very clear in our rules and regulations that you should contact a moderator. In fact, in virtually every situation where something is going on that you think shouldn't be, it's very clear in our rules and regulations that you should contact a moderator. What *isn't* included in our rules is a stipulation that you should go out of your way to ruin forum games and activities for other members who are simply trying to enjoy them.
This is the absolute *last* post in this thread that will be about anything besides the election itself. If you have an opinion, a rant, or anything else on the topic of popularity, unfairness, border control, or your personal theory on the creation of the universe, type it up in a PM and send it to me. Otherwise, have the decency and courtesy to leave others to their fun.
FIDDEDIT: Board locked at author's request, as the election is over. Good luck to all the candidates!