I also judge fairs in my state for open class and 4-H. Sometimes a written explanation of why you did a certain thing can help the judge. A lot of the 4-H judging is done as interview judging with the person who made the article which can help the judge decide which way to go. I try very hard to keep my personal preferences out of judging. I have give best of show to articles I would not want in my house, but the workmanship was wonderful. I also try to give two positives for every negative given. It can sometimes be very difficult to pick the best. Just remember it is one judge's opinion on that particular day. Keep entering. I enjoy looking at them all.