Figure Of The Month - proposal

[Babelfish]

The thought crossed my mind and (house)Carl thinks it's a good idea, so: Would there be any interest in resurrecting this? Gordy ran a version of it once upon a time when he was still around, but it died a death after he left.

Exact mechanics still to be decided on, but basically any member would be able to submit their work for other members to vote on for "Figure of the Month", with the 12 monthly winners then also being put forward for a "Figure of the Year" around Xmas / New Year.

Two possible formats: Either (1) "just for fun" with no prizes apart from forum "kudos" (plus maybe a small element of quiet yet smug self-satisfaction for the winner) or (2) a more "organised" affair, which would involve (hopefully) getting a "sponsor" company on board to provide a monthly prize. There's a similar thing for AFV modellers over at armorama.com, which Dragon "sponsor".

Clearly, option 2 would be dependent on a company being willing to do that.

There would probably be no more than two subcategories ("full figures any scale" and "busts any scale"), simply because this isn't Euromil or the Nationals and the relatively limited number of entries in any given month most likely would make any more than that unviable. Plus believe it or not, I am a real person with a life and work away from pF, and I just wouldn't have the time for any more.

So all those in favour, please raise your virtual hands and say so. If there is enough interest, I'll get moving on it. Suggestions/thoughts also welcome.

- Steve

 

[billyturnip]

Sounds like a good idea to me, my virtual hand is up.

 

[Ferris]

That will surely bring some life to the forum, so here's another hand up.

 

[DEL]

Could be fun so long as entrants, as part of their submissions are required to provide details of techniques used.
That would provide added value to all of us and would help counter any complaints or concerns about it being weighted in favour of the 'usual suspects'.
If there is any plans for a handicapping panel I have a range of hammers, a willingness and a strong stomach

 

[Babelfish]

Roger: You replying made me realise that I'd forgotten the 'flats' guys! With that in mind I'd probably feel inclined to include flats in with busts, should you or anyone else want to enter something.

Adrian: Yeah, that was my thinking to maybe add an extra element of interest. Not that we don't already have many elements of interest - but ya know what I mean!

Del: Good point about the "usual suspects". One possible way round that would be to make all entries anonymous until the close of voting. Some guys of course have an unmistakable style so not the perfect solution, but it might mitigate that issue a tad (to use a football analogy, people voting for the "master painters" almost subconsciously in much the same way as stats have shown that refs tend to be more inclined to award penalties to the "big" clubs when they're playing at home).

- Steve

 

[Claude Portsmouth]

Like most competitions it will be purely subjective and more importantly in this instance based on photography which can be misleading at the best of times..........not sure I see the point but if you are happy to organize it then I am sure some will want to take part.

Claude

 

[Edward]

Good idea - hand up.

 

[Babelfish]

Claude - of course it's all subjective. And I take your point about photography. We live in an imperfect world. Seems to work fine over at AA though, and as I said, it's not without precedent here.

As to the "point", that's quite simple really: just a bit of fun for those who would be interested in taking part and/or for those who might want to scratch a competitive itch but are unable to attend shows for whatever reason. Nothing more, nothing less.

- Steve

 

[stormtrooper miniatures]

Go for it.

Any possibility of a manufacturers kit of the month,,,,may also put some life into this also, same thing figure,,and bust.

Stuart

 

[Babelfish]

Stu - why not mate?! Good idea.

- Steve

 

[stormtrooper miniatures]

Great !!!

I just hope people get engaged,,,,its about having fun after all.

Stuart

 

[Tecumsea]

Hi Steve, seems like a popular idea. Good luck with the organisation of it....keep it simple.....

 

[DEL]

Del: Good point about the "usual suspects".
- Steve

Steve, I probably worded that poorly. I'm more than happy for the best painters, or the best at interpreting a scene to win month after month.
No problem with that especially as it's a simple majority.
I just feel that the artist by providing information enhances the experience for all.
Over the years there have been plenty of models shown here that would not cut it in competitions but have had that special something about them that sticks in the memory.
It should be fun. Don't call it a Painting competition simply Model of the month.

 

[Merryweather]

I was wondering what happened to this only the other day.
Good call, hand up!

 

[Babelfish]

It should be fun. Don't call it a Painting competition simply Model of the month.

Fair point Del (again), it is supposed to be mainly for fun. Calling it a 'contest' or a 'competition' might put some guys off, and make others take it a bit too seriously. Wording is everything, I ought to know that in my line of work!

- Steve

 

[mick3272]

Yes great idea. with two categories as mentioned above would you need two sponsors which would be 24 kits a year maybe a lot to ask?
I would suggest to start with just the one category with the sponsor at the end of the year for the final.
I 'm with Del call it model of the month
Mick

 

[DaddyO]

Somehow missed this thread . . .

Anyway a virtual hands up from me too.

Keep it simple, as you say, encourage entries and see what happens. If it's a sell out success you can always decide on finer rules later if that's what folks want.

Paul

 

[Babelfish]

Mick - will probably just run it without a "sponsor" to start with to see how it goes and what sort of response it generates.

If it takes off with enough guys entering their work, that might be the time to think about approaching companies. Not much point though if there are only 3 or 4 entries. I had thought about 24 kits maybe being a bit too much of an ask, and that is a fair point you make. But you never know! Alternatively just get a firm on board for the envisaged end-of-year "FOTY", so then they'd only be looking at donating a couple of kits.

I'd be happy to run it, but ultimately whether it withers on the vine after its first outing, stays "in house" or does well enough to attract a "sponsor" depends on what level of interest it generates.

- Steve

 

[stormtrooper miniatures]

As far as sponsors go I would be willing to help, but I also think other manufacturers should offer and rotate the sponsor for the month.

We as manufacturers all use PF to promote our products so we should support its activities wherever possible.

Just a thought but count me in

Stuart

 

[mick3272]

That kind of you to offer Stu, and I agree that other manufacturers should come on board as it is unfair to fall on the same few shoulders.
As you say most firms promote on PF and it will be just another form of advertising
Thanks
Mick