[bjswaim]

I have never used an applause or decibel meter for judging a contest, however I have found that when a contest is determined by applause the winner is usually the singer who has brought the most friends and family with them. I don't judge contests with applause any longer. I either have outside judges or some of the bar patrons who are not singers and aren't friends or family of the singers. I've found this to be the most fair.