Gold stars , didn't get many of them at primary school.
I just got the slipper.
Figure of the Month Competition - A SUGGESTION - ALL PLEASE COMMENT
- Thread starter DEL
- Start date
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Ferris
A Fixture
FOTM clearly is rather successful. Congrats to the admins (Nap) for keeping it up and growing it.
Given its popularity, it makes sense to extend it.
There’s one perception that I’d like to share. I noted there are quite a few FOTM entries that never were in the vBench or Completed sections. This started when prizes came into the picture. It feels like some are only contributing to PF because of the competition and the prizes.
Now, let’s by all means grow PF participation and if competition and prizes do the job, so be it, but I hope it can be done in a way that broader forum participation is encouraged as well.
I would not be for adding prize labels to avatars. Reminds me of putty&paint and find it “showoffy”(?). Before you know it, this kind of thing creates a perceived hierarchy that intimidates potential members.
Cheers,
Adrian
Given its popularity, it makes sense to extend it.
There’s one perception that I’d like to share. I noted there are quite a few FOTM entries that never were in the vBench or Completed sections. This started when prizes came into the picture. It feels like some are only contributing to PF because of the competition and the prizes.
Now, let’s by all means grow PF participation and if competition and prizes do the job, so be it, but I hope it can be done in a way that broader forum participation is encouraged as well.
I would not be for adding prize labels to avatars. Reminds me of putty&paint and find it “showoffy”(?). Before you know it, this kind of thing creates a perceived hierarchy that intimidates potential members.
Cheers,
Adrian
No 4 stars on this forum Ron if we use a icon it won't be a star .....a silver trowel ....that's impressive good on you
Nap
Thanks for the comments appreciate your time
What would you suggest instead of a label ?
Perhaps we should make it a requirement that a link to a V Bench is included in the entry .....promoting member participation
Thoughts ?
Nap
Sensible and rational Adrian. I agree the "gongs" idea is rather passé and would only create a hierarchy, which ironically is pretty much what we are trying to address. I know a lot of modellers who are very capable but not at all competitive, so whatever is decided, it shouldn't militate against folk like that. Your point re FOTM entries being "new" to the forum is a valid one, and maybe we should be looking at that too?
Phil
Ferris
A Fixture
Hi Nap, here’s some thoughts, feel free to ignore:
- Normal and Masters category, like in some regular competitions. Three prizes per category. Boy scout’s honour and peer pressure to get people entering in the right category. Avoid making it too complex.
- Winning prizes has no influence on avatars (no stars, brushes, whatever).
- Request prize winners to tell something about their work, explaining techniques, whatever...if not already done in vBench. Something like a ‘winner’s interview’. Even when people only fly by FOTM to win something, at least the regular visitors can learn something.
Will let you know any other brainfarts...
- Normal and Masters category, like in some regular competitions. Three prizes per category. Boy scout’s honour and peer pressure to get people entering in the right category. Avoid making it too complex.
- Winning prizes has no influence on avatars (no stars, brushes, whatever).
- Request prize winners to tell something about their work, explaining techniques, whatever...if not already done in vBench. Something like a ‘winner’s interview’. Even when people only fly by FOTM to win something, at least the regular visitors can learn something.
Will let you know any other brainfarts...
DEL
A Fixture
Two categories is in my opinion far too broad. The third category, Standard' provides a category where those new to figures can hone their skills prior to either self recategorising or being automatically being moved up.
I heartily applaud Del's suggestion. Well done indeed.
Like Neil, I am not a prolific painter, I have only painted about 15 figures, some still not completed. I don't post photos as my work is not good enough, certainly not up to Del's standard, and I paint for enjoyment. I do, however, vote on FOTM and since the awarding of prizes I have noticed that more and more people who at the Pro or semi-Pro level are competing, and some very decent journeymen miss out time and again. The FOTM competition is a bit of fun and acknowledgement of the work of those who enter, but lately it tends to be a place for the more advanced painters to show their efforts, which is not a bad thing, but it deters the lesser qualified painters from entering. So IMHO a three tiered competition that recognises the efforts of those with varying levels of skill is the way to go.
Like Ferris, I think the awarding of stars, certificates, etc on an avatar is unnecessary, it sets up status among members and that is not what PF is about. Its about sharing the hobby, sharing techniques, advising of new products and accessories, and acknowledging the efforts of others through Likes and encouraging comments on pieces of work that are posted. In many ways its a teaching forum for people like me, and I admire the work of those more skilled. As for prizes, if I were a good enough painter I would be happy just to achieve third place without receiving a prize. So do we need prizes? Is not winning and receiving the acknowledgement of fellow PF members enough? It would be for me.
Just my two bob's worth from a mediocre painter who is in it for the enjoyment of the hobby, admiring the efforts of those with greater skills than I have, and learning from them.
Cheers
Chris
Like Neil, I am not a prolific painter, I have only painted about 15 figures, some still not completed. I don't post photos as my work is not good enough, certainly not up to Del's standard, and I paint for enjoyment. I do, however, vote on FOTM and since the awarding of prizes I have noticed that more and more people who at the Pro or semi-Pro level are competing, and some very decent journeymen miss out time and again. The FOTM competition is a bit of fun and acknowledgement of the work of those who enter, but lately it tends to be a place for the more advanced painters to show their efforts, which is not a bad thing, but it deters the lesser qualified painters from entering. So IMHO a three tiered competition that recognises the efforts of those with varying levels of skill is the way to go.
Like Ferris, I think the awarding of stars, certificates, etc on an avatar is unnecessary, it sets up status among members and that is not what PF is about. Its about sharing the hobby, sharing techniques, advising of new products and accessories, and acknowledging the efforts of others through Likes and encouraging comments on pieces of work that are posted. In many ways its a teaching forum for people like me, and I admire the work of those more skilled. As for prizes, if I were a good enough painter I would be happy just to achieve third place without receiving a prize. So do we need prizes? Is not winning and receiving the acknowledgement of fellow PF members enough? It would be for me.
Just my two bob's worth from a mediocre painter who is in it for the enjoyment of the hobby, admiring the efforts of those with greater skills than I have, and learning from them.
Cheers
Chris
Hi everyone
Again great comments from everybody as I see it at the moment
1. Maximum of 3 category's possibly named Standard , Journeyman/ Advanced , Pro Painter....or something similar
2. All to participate in V Bench , if not then give a more details on techniques etc as Ferris suggested
3. No icon action on avatars for winners
4. A virtual certificate be awarded in 1st/ 2nd / 3rd / HC / C ?
5. Prizes ......Chris raises a interesting point ...we get good support but getting 3 prizes for each catagory is IMO pushing their goodwill ........do you as members want them still ........perhaps a Poll ?
6. We would still have a members vote by Poll with each catagory having its own poll set up
7. Voting would still be for the whole of the month following the comp or: Jan's voting would run till end of Feb
7. I would want to get this in place for January 2021 entries ie: set up Jan 1st/ 2nd
THOUGHTS & SUGGESTIONS/COMMENT please
Nap
Again great comments from everybody as I see it at the moment
1. Maximum of 3 category's possibly named Standard , Journeyman/ Advanced , Pro Painter....or something similar
2. All to participate in V Bench , if not then give a more details on techniques etc as Ferris suggested
3. No icon action on avatars for winners
4. A virtual certificate be awarded in 1st/ 2nd / 3rd / HC / C ?
5. Prizes ......Chris raises a interesting point ...we get good support but getting 3 prizes for each catagory is IMO pushing their goodwill ........do you as members want them still ........perhaps a Poll ?
6. We would still have a members vote by Poll with each catagory having its own poll set up
7. Voting would still be for the whole of the month following the comp or: Jan's voting would run till end of Feb
7. I would want to get this in place for January 2021 entries ie: set up Jan 1st/ 2nd
THOUGHTS & SUGGESTIONS/COMMENT please
Nap
NeilW
A Fixture
Well done for facilitating the conversation Nap... and thanks to Del for raising it in the first place
.All of Nap's summation of proposals make sense to me and I take onboard the points about three categories and no 'medals (Nap will be disappointed
) and Adrian makes a good point about efforts appearing fully formed with no explanation of how efforts got to where they are.I suspect that to most entrants prizes are less important than the honour and self satisfaction of winning , so cutting down on or getting rid of them may not be an issue. Though, what about a mega prize (and, yes a medal?) for an annual 'winner of winners'?
And, do pro's really need a competition... isn't it really just a showcase for their work?
Naming the categories/classes will attract many different versions, but in my opinion they should be self explanatory yet avoid making entrants to the lower category feel like 'also rans'. It's also nice if they could have internal consistency and a theme, so perhaps something along the lines of:
- apprentice/craftsman*/master (or 'apprentice/journeyman**/master'?)
- craftsman/artisan/master*
- student/artist/master
- hobbyist/advanced/pro-am
- novice/advanced/expert (or proficient/advanced/expert?)
- bronze/silver/gold [standard] (or silver/gold/platinum?)
- basic/display/museum [standard]
- and, I'm sure there are 100's of others...
* or are 'xxxxx-man' and 'master' too gender specific? (I'd hate 'craftsperson')
**and, do we make spending 3 years and a day waltzing around the country and wearing weird outfits compulsory
I agree with Steve (Helm) - we don't want to make it so complicated that members are put off entering. Also, I'm not sure monthly prizes, were they done away with, would reduce the numbers of entries we already get. However, I agree with the suggestion of having an annual prize for the best in category, judged by members, from the monthly category winners. Should entrants self-assess what category they wish to enter? That might need peer-review.
Phil
Phil
kagemusha
A Fixture
Wayneb
A Fixture
I am with Steve...more is less...simple is best
I'm with Kagemusha....less is more...........just a tweak.........
Confusion say......"too much change at one time give Nap nervous breakdown".................................
Hi Guys
More great replies
Thanks to Wayne for the concern ...lol
So l have had a think ....
1.3 category's named Standard , Advanced , Master
2. All to participate in V Bench where possible , if not then explain details on technique etc
3. No icon action on avatars for winners but a virtual certificate be awarded in 1st/ 2nd / 3rd / HC / C each month in each catagory
4. Annual Prizes only ......all top position each month in each category to be voted on the Best Of Year in that catagory
5. We would still have a members vote by Poll with each catagory having its own poll set up
6. Voting would still be for the whole of the month following the comp or: Jan's voting would run till end of Feb
I would want to get this in place for January 2021 entries ie: set up Jan 1st/ 2nd
COMMENTS PLEASE
Nap
More great replies
Thanks to Wayne for the concern ...lol
So l have had a think ....
1.3 category's named Standard , Advanced , Master
2. All to participate in V Bench where possible , if not then explain details on technique etc
3. No icon action on avatars for winners but a virtual certificate be awarded in 1st/ 2nd / 3rd / HC / C each month in each catagory
4. Annual Prizes only ......all top position each month in each category to be voted on the Best Of Year in that catagory
5. We would still have a members vote by Poll with each catagory having its own poll set up
6. Voting would still be for the whole of the month following the comp or: Jan's voting would run till end of Feb
I would want to get this in place for January 2021 entries ie: set up Jan 1st/ 2nd
COMMENTS PLEASE
Nap
My twopenneth.
I like the three category idea, most competitions have different levels of entry. Lack of prizes might deter the "pot hunters".
I no longer visit FOTM very often because of the multitude of images (usually large) accompanying each entry. I am not suggesting it is changed as it seems everyone likes it. I don't see the need, perhaps others do.
Bill
I like the three category idea, most competitions have different levels of entry. Lack of prizes might deter the "pot hunters".
I no longer visit FOTM very often because of the multitude of images (usually large) accompanying each entry. I am not suggesting it is changed as it seems everyone likes it. I don't see the need, perhaps others do.
Bill
NeilW
A Fixture
Sounds fine to me Nap (BTW: my long list of categories was just my 'brainstorming' to explore the possibilities... some seem to have thought that I was suggesting we used them all )
If there's consensus on 'Standard , Advanced , Master' then great
Perhaps the entry page needs a brief header defining what each one means
PS: sorry to lose 'journeyman'... I quite fancied 3 years (and a day) wandering around wearing weird clothes
)If there's consensus on 'Standard , Advanced , Master' then great
Perhaps the entry page needs a brief header defining what each one means
PS: sorry to lose 'journeyman'... I quite fancied 3 years (and a day) wandering around wearing weird clothes
NeilW
A Fixture
I agree about this: I recall that at one stage it was reduced to one (?) large image with the rest as thumbnails.
I'd support such a rule (with a maximum of (how many- six?) images.
Neil
Nap seems to have got the basics sketched out. Three categories, monthly poll, annual winners prize comp, virtual certificates (presumably shown in individuals' profile). I agree a limit on photos - six seems fair. All entries either via V-Bench or with background info on processes, and maybe date completed?
Go for it Kev
Phil
Go for it Kev
Phil
Hi Everyone
Currently doing a review but Ronaldo also raised the point ref photos in the link thread
So I think a MAXIMUM of 6 pics , 1 can be full image ?...you can click on thumbnails to view larger image if you wish
Catch up later
Nap
Sorry to hear you stopped looking Banjer due to pics
Currently doing a review but Ronaldo also raised the point ref photos in the link thread
So I think a MAXIMUM of 6 pics , 1 can be full image ?...you can click on thumbnails to view larger image if you wish
Catch up later
Nap
Sorry to hear you stopped looking Banjer due to pics
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