I think most of the members know exactly what's going on. Rhett, the owner/administrator of the forum and our fearless leader made a determination that the Excellence in Knife Photography contest aka Edo Award had become a popularity contest. Both Rhett and Edo agreed that the intent of the contest had been subverted. The stated goal of acknowledging excellent knife photography and promoting photographic education and instruction was no longer being achieved.
Rhett and Edo invited two other excellent photographers to join Edo in judging the entries.
Some members, for their own reasons, took exception to the change and chose to voice their opinion in the open. In their zeal they personally attacked one of the judges who's only crime was volunteering his time and talents and supporting the change announced by Edo and Rhett.