Pageant News Bureau - Terrific judgment

The basic story is nice enough. On May 20, 2006, in the shadow of one of America's most historic mountains, the Miss Marietta Pageant was held. It was directed, as is customary, by the delightful Teresa Harlan. She's beloved in her corner of the South for beauty and graciousness, and she has recently become known around the world as a "pageant mom." (All moms should look so good.)

The girls in every age group were exemplary -- by any standard one could care to cite. The audience was appreciative and pleasingly diverse, with great-grandmas and toddlers applauding enthusiastically side by side.

But the real history was made at a small table set back from the stage. It was made by a scholarly-looking bearded man, probably unfamiliar to most people in the room. He was one of the judges.

Only when pageant emcee Kelly Wells introduced the judges did it become clear who this man was. He was Gerdeen Dyer, the founder of PNB, the man who pioneered the pageant world on the Internet. People in the audience sat up for a better look as the man waved shyly but politely to them. Gerdeen Dyer was judging!

Miss Marietta contestants

Dyer is a legendary figure in pageant circles. He's the mainstream journalist who more than anyone else has shaped the way the media cover pageants today.

To some, he's a man of mystery and controversy. A few pranksters have successfully impersonated him at some events because his face is so little known. People liken Dyer to reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes, because he is rarely seen at pageants.

But PNB insiders say Dyer is not aloof, simply a very busy man with an amazing array of interests. "He's brilliant, without a doubt," said a PNB reporter. "Pageants get about 5 percent of his attention, but he has more insight into them than anyone I have ever met."

Because of his influence, his formidable intellect and unconventional demeanor, Dyer inspires different responses. He been called a "hero" and a "monster" in the pageant world. Some say he saved the pageant industry, while others say he ruined it. He has been compared to both Mahatma Gandhi and John Gotti (Mahatma Gotti, perhaps?)

Through all the controversy, Dyer has always scrupulously avoided judging pageants. His stated reason: "I don't want to interfere." Under his code of personal honor, those who have great power ought to use it sparingly.

But Miss Marietta marked a milestone. Dyer has entered the arena, and the pageant world will not be the same. Neither will his life, no doubt.

And what is the man really like? "He's easygoing," said the PNB reporter, "shy but always affable. They say Einstein was easygoing, too."

Indeed.