I'm not talking about constructive critisism like "you were out of tune" or even the moe obvious "what are you still doing here you're crap" type of comments, but the more subtle things which give the appearance of being supportive but arn't or giving one person praise which is really a dig at someone else

I think that there have been a few and we probably have all read these things differently and I have tended to notice the anti Rhydian ones but here are mine

Sharo's comment about Rhydian and Joseph. That seemed to me to be a chance for her to point out that he had failed, whilst appearing to be saying something nice.

Louis's comment about Rhydian on Songs of Prasie as if that was going to be the height of his career

and Sharon's comment about Leon and his eyes which again I though was an excuse to have a dig at Rhydian.

I also remember Sharon calling a performance "very nice" in a very patronising way, with a few people.

I could be reading some or all of these wrong but has anyone any more examples

I agree they are subliminal messages to the weak

The judges know how easily influenced some people are.

I noticed those, but I can't decide whether they were intentional or not. It's weird, I actually thought Sharon was ok with hydian now until she started getting all stressed about the eye's comment with Simon.

This is a very nice thread.

No I fully agree. Sharon says nice things but there's a nasty subliminal side to those she doesn't like and often its a patronisng remark which isn't overly complimentary.

I agree totally.

I agree as well

Those two are a pair of nasty old pantomime dames, but I don't think people take much notice of them when it comes to the vote. I think Simon's opinion is the only one that is taken seriously.

Well i happen to agree with some of the comments made Fair enough some of the comments can be quite out of order but at the end of the day its just tv.

I agree, Sylvia. Despite Simon being the alleged 'Mr Nasty', the fact that he's coming across as having more integrity than Sharon and Louis says it all.

The thing that's been putting me off progressively over the 3 series, is the increasing emphasis on the rivalry between and behaviour of the judges. It's gone from being pantomime to being quite tedious and sometimes uncomfortable viewing. And it definitely overshadows the contestants.

I think in the past the comments of the old hag carried more weight . Now she comes across as a bitter old crow. We've heard it all before.

I agree. When Simon is coming across as the 'fair' judge you know there is a problem. Louis and Sharon are like a couple of spiteful, overgrown kids, IMO.

Totally agree. I noticed that too. Sharon and Louis remind of a couple of bullying schoolkids - verbal insults with a smile

Very good summing up of what many have said, over 500 pages, in Rhydian 's thread.

Well observed, neelia.

She has had it in for him since the beginning. I can't see how this is part of the production.

Actually I'm not sure if the public take any of the judges all that seriously - I mean, we all have our own ears and can judge for ourselves whether we think something sounds good or not, or is marketable. What I like about Simon's comments most of the time is that he takes what I'm thinking and puts it into words that express exactly what I mean but wouldn't have been able say so obviously myself.

Does anyone take any notice of the judges - especially Sharon? If anything, when one of the judges is rude about an act (no matter how subtle) it usually ends up with the act in question getting more support, not less.

Sharon is such a two faced purple haired witch. She can't abide the thought of people not liking her so always says something positive, and like the OP pointed out, usually with a barbed undercurrent but when said in her squeaky 'I'm just a wickle girlie-wirlie' voice she can get away with looking like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. In reality she'd curdle milk at 10 paces. Can't stand the knackered old harpie.

Sorry, I feel so much better now

Good post, neelia.

I was wondering 'bout that 'songs of praise' comment.

Sly, sly, sly. I wonder if viewers are influenced subconsciously.

I don't think these comments are really anything but counteproductive but they just interest me as they are an art form and maybe the judges should be judged on them. I wonder who will win next weeks competition?

Should it be put to the public vote?

Let's resurect the thread for the next show and see who can spot the first one and see if we agree that it fits the criteria and then judge the most artful oveall

I agree with your thoughts on the gruesome duo, but some people do actually take them seriously.

You only have to read some of the threads on here!

Did you think Hope were the best group X Factor has ever had?

The classic example of a cack handed compliment is from American Idol. Paula often says "you had fun" which basically means you sucked. The same is true if Paula complements your appearance. Then you know she couldn't think of anything positive to say other than that.

Ah yes the old "you've enjoyed it" with the unspoken "good job one of us did"