I’ve usually read at least 95% of the eligible stories each year. And I have either read the beginning or skimmed the other 5%. So nominating isn’t a problem!
I keep a list of stories I like, and find the quizzes really helpful for refreshing my memory.
I believe it shouldn’t matter how many stories you have read. If you think a story is worthy of nomination go for it.
The more nominations there are, the more balanced the results should be.
I agree voting is an entirely different matter. To vote in a category you need to have read all the nominations in that particular category. It’s comparing the stories to each other.
I would never nominate a story I haven’t read.
Who the author is or what other readers think is not a fair basis for forming an opinion. I would never give feedback or enter into a debate about a story I haven’t read.
Tricia
