I have never had so many cards returned to me before.    I'm working on doing better but
I am also not a mind reader.
 
ISSUE:  
I was asked to add an additional category to a holiday card. I had only chosen 1 category for the card and it was correct. However, the reviewer stated that it should ALSO be placed in General. I had submitted St.Patrick's Day > Pot of Gold / Rainbow as it had that on the front image. I was requested to ALSO place it in St.Patrick's Day > General.
 
However, this is quoted from the Wiki "Cards can not be both in a specific and general subcategory for the same category."  Given the circumstances outlined above isn't that confusing and counterintuitive? Yes, it is identified in the exceptions, but it doesn't say that I must have 2 categories.
 
Geesh! NARA (National Archives) has better written policies and use on their category system and matrices.
 
SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS:
 
1. To assist in clarification regarding categories I suggest that in the Wiki under Creating and Maintaining Your Cards http://wiki.greetingcarduniverse.com/index.php/Creating_and_Maintaining_your_Car ds#Step_5:__DETAILS where it says  
 
"See CATEGORY TIPS for more information. " a link should be given for CATEGORY TIPS. I had to really hunt for the tips, and only found http://wiki.greetingcarduniverse.com/index.php/Categories. Newbies would benefit from a link.  
 
2. Implement the KISS methodology - Keep It Simple. Do not insist that two categories must be used when the written guideline says that it shouldn't. (reference: http://wiki.greetingcarduniverse.com/index.php/Categories)
 
There are always exceptions for every rule but by developing and implementing policies that minimize exceptions it keeps the guess work out. How are we artists supposed to know every future exception before submitting? How am I supposed to know that I have to use 2 categories? Yes, the Category text does identify some exceptions, but it didn't identify that I must use 2 categories.
 
3. If artists are expected to use 2 categories then state this right on the submission form and re-phrase the Wiki. Remember, the Wiki says "Cards can not be both in a specific and general subcategory for the same category."
 
I'm not saying that the reviewer is wrong, what I'm saying is that the written instructions need more substance and clarification. In a matter of fact, as per the current instructions we are both correct. The point is that it is the artists that have the responsibility to select correct categories and we rely on the category system being intuitive, self-defining, and accompanied by succinct instructions. Artists also rely on this information before the submission process even takes place. Each time artists receive a request for edit we use this communication as a way to learn.  
 
With proper documentation, instructions, and expectations spelled out precisely and succinctly there should be NO return for edits regarding categories. A plus benefit for GCU is that the proper documentation eases training for internal employees regarding category usage.
 
I know that I want 100% accuracy on my submissions, I'm sure that other artists do and I'm pretty sure that reviewers would like this too!

Actually according to the current instructions and videos the classification Pot of Gold / Rainbow is described as a "characteristic".  
 
It is written underneath the rule of "Cards can not be both in a specific and general subcategory for the same category." The instructions uses the word "can be". I take this to mean "does not have to", but is accepted to have 2 categories.
 
I had put the card in Holidays > St Patricks Day > Pot of Gold Rainbow  
and was asked to ADD the category of Holidays » St. Patrick's Day Cards » General St. Patrick's Day
 
The exception to the rule is "A card can be in both a specific and a characteristic category".
I've had more than 1 resubmit regarding this and if I have to use 2 categories I want to be told before hand. It is a scenario of interpretation of the instructions and when ever that happens clarification should be implemented.  
 
My theory is if the art characteristic subcategories were designed to further breakup the general subcategory. If this was indeed the original intent then why should cards be placed into both categories?  
My interpretation of the rule is that the term "specific subcategory" = or includes art characteristic subcategories.  The term "same category" = St. Patrick's Day and it could also = Holiday.
 
Maybe they should think about using terms like "upper tier" or "first level", "second tier", etc... instead of always using the word category and subcategory. There are so many subcategories that they really don't distinguish a difference between them in the instructions. Even between just us, we have different interpretations of the definitions of subcategories.  
 
I didn't think I needed 2 categories, you don't think 2 categories are a must. The reviewer did.  This is a sign that the Wiki needs updating and clarification.

Hello,
 
First I want to assure you that no reviewer would commit retribution or vengeance upon another artist. We are proud of our work helping fellow artists get their cards seen. Which is what the reviewer was advising you. Placing the card in the additional subcategory will give your card more exposure.
 
What is meant by "specific" in the wiki refers to age, relationship, and name specific. We also consider subcategories like "Getting Older" to be specific. So, general birthday cards with flowers on the card front, for example, can be placed in both Birthday---General and Birthday---Flowers. A birthday card for aunt with flowers on the front, though, can only be placed in Birthday ------- For Family Relation Specific Birthday Cards --- Aunt ----- General.
 
BTW, I didn't see your original posting as a grievance. You were asking for clarification and even offered a solution. One of the many reasons that the GCU community is so vibrant is the artists' willingness to offer their points of view and suggestions.
 
As for the request for your image source, we sometimes encounter artists who are unknowingly using third party images without the appropriate permissions. Some artists prevent this question from being asked and their card approval held up by placing information in the Notes to Reviewer, such as "This is my original work" or "Image obtained from XXXX with XXXX license."
 
Regards,
Reviewer 443

Not sure if I understood your comment about "random sampling" correctly, but you do realize that quality control is done by a review of every card rather than a random sampling, correct?

There is a wonderful video covering Categorization on our wiki page here under Basic Videos:
http://wiki.greetingcarduniverse.com/index.php/GCU_University#Basic_Videos