Greetings and happy new year from the CC. Well I like the idea of ghosting. I think specifically tho the table or flooring underneasth is very distracting, a solid color, probably black would of made it a bit more pleasing. I think your subject is 'cute' however I think this sort of subject has limited appeal to a certain grup of people. I think you did a good job with a somewhat blazee subject. I also think that the bear needs some room to look into in the top of the photo. Perhaps taking the tag off or editing it out may have helped as well, or position the shot so that it is hidden, just a few ideas hope they help... keep shooting!
If you are talking about Da Bears, then you get extra points for this one. This is an interesting photo treatment, that I think will lose out because you didn't add type and make it a poster. Perhaps you entered early or didn't read the part that said you could add type
Interesting idea. Good use of some of the functions on your camera that some people would never think to use. Have they fired Jauron yet or not? ha 1p.m. today ;)