BWTB Contest Delays.........

[Mr. Pickles]

Okay, here is the deal. The BWTB contest is in limbo, sad to say. I got two entries for the Shadow theme.

I have had several PMs about it being a good idea, and several about it not. Seems the big negatives are the fact that you email the entry in, and that they are on a site outside of PhotoCamel. I have tried to make it the best it could be, and have it remain open and private so to speak.

The Theme based one that Paul (I think) started after the BWTB one gets more attention. Is it because you just dump your images in there?

Maybe you all like to just enter a picture that you took 2 years ago, so you don't like to take it during the timeframe?

I think the voting for the BWTB contest is easier, but maybe you all don't agree? Do you like to know whose image it is before you vote for it? I like it where it is, as it tends to showcase the images more, and people outside of PhotoCamel see them, see the mention of PhotoCamel, and come to PhotoCamel to see what is going on. And those images will remain there for a long time due to the generosity of PhotoShare.

I wouldn't think the timeframe is too long, right? Is it too short?

I wanted it to move along and then we could get some simple prizes going for each winner, but that seems odd to give someone something for beating one or two others. Perhaps an actual prize would spark more interest?

So what do you really think. PM me if you want to.

So, I'll wait on the Shadow one till next week. Depending on what happens with it and this thread, we'll go from there.

[cedric_r]

I'm only talking for myself. The following points have become clear to me since the first contest.
The reason why I haven't participated in the last contests is because of the "during the contest duration" constraint. Getting decent pictures on a theme every 2 weeks isn't sustainable for me because I spend most of my time making pictures I like or learning new techniques, and I don't have much time left to get anything for the contests (especially if you want to avoid the cliches).
Also contests with only votes in the end are hard to justify spending a lot of time on for me. I sometimes participate in competitions, but only for the feedback, not for the winning. I'll try to win when I'm good enough to think I have a chance. If in addition to the votes there was a comment explaining the vote, I'd be more tempted spending more time getting something decent.
External site, voting, and all the rest is fine by me.

[dmacgee]

I have been off the board for awhile due to work and family commitments. I like the idea of the themed contests I just haven't had an opportunity to get together some shots for this latest contest.

Personally I would like 3 or 4 weeks, and possibly a list of the next few themes so I can be thinking ahead and maybe scout some locations.

I like the idea of voting for a winner and using the email submission you can keep the photographer anonymous.

Just a couple of thoughts

Dave

[Rense]

I think Dave has made a valuable suggestion: Set the themes in advance e.g. on a monthly basis.
I myself like the during the contest constraint. It would be nice to add comments to the photo's during the contest (so some of us get some inspiration ), and after the time is over do the voting and only then revealing the photographer's name.

[ohenry]

I like it the way it is...just have been short of time lately and haven't put forth the effort to participate....not from lack of desire, but from other priorities

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by Rense

It would be nice to add comments to the photo's during the contest (so some of us get some inspiration

I think we can certainly discuss the images once posted. You can easily link to the image. Having a look at it during the contest was one of the "features" of the contest. It is left to your imagination to come up with something. Maybe once voting is opened, people can make comments? But would that possibly sway your opinion on something?

[Rense]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Having a look at it during the contest was one of the "features" of the contest.

Mr. Pickles,
Did i miss something? Until now I was very disappointed by not seeing the images of my fellow contestants during the contest and to have to wait until the deadline was over.

[Leehman]

IMHO more time for entries.
For most of us this is a hobby? I wonder how many professionals and how many amateurs are on this site?
Leehman

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Leehman

For most of us this is a hobby? I wonder how many professionals and how many amateurs are on this site?

What difference does that make? The contest is about the image(s) that best meet the theme judged by you, the viewer (points to the ethereal viewer).

[mikej]

In one aspect, it does make a different, Jon. Those on the higher end of the photography ladder are probably going to have an easier time of meeting the theme. Either because of knowleage, equipment, oppurtunity, etc. Those on the lower end are going to be concerned, not so much if they win or not, but if their entry looks good or not compared to those on the higher end.

So yes, it could make a difference on how wide spread the talent is of those that enter. And on top of that, all the guys that enter have to worry about being beat by a girl to boot. It happened and I think they are still smarting from that.

Mike

[ellette]

I promise, my picture isn't the greatest for the shadow contest...people don't need to worry! If it is even still on I guess.

I like the contest set up the way it is, though I do like the idea maybe of an extra week to do it in. I've got 2 little boys, don't get out much and it takes me longer than some to get out and photograph things. My scope of photography is usually pretty much limited to what is in my house or in my yard.

Sara

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Mike Jordan

Those on the lower end are going to be concerned, not so much if they win or not, but if their entry looks good or not compared to those on the higher end.

So - isn't that kinda the point? Put it out there, observe, compare and improve. no one has ever gotten better by burying their images in an album in the back yard...What's going to grow more, the money in the mayo jar or the money in the public market?

Plus, entrants don't know who they're going up against until the end when the top three are announced.

I'm not King Kahuna Photog - I post images that suck (and it actually cracks me up sometimes the comments that they get). I got better by having something to aim for...If the goal of a number one spot isn't a tool for encouraging improvement, I dont' know what it.

[mikej]

Jon, yes, that's the point, but it's not always the results. Why don't more newbies post their pictures, make comments about those posted, or generally jump in and participate? Because they don't want to do anything they feel is embarrassing, even if the rest of us don't see anything wrong with it. It's human nature to not want to look inept, foolish or stupid in front of other people... even if it's only self perceived.

It's the same with contests. While some people are very outgoing and jump right in, regardless of who they are going up against, others might feel they wouldn't have a chance, so don't compete.

I don't know if that is the reason why more haven't joined in on the BWTB contest or not. It could be any number of reasons. It could be all the competitive people are over on DPChallenge contesting their fingers to the bone. But regardless, I feel that the level of the photographer will play a part in a contest. I may be the only one that thinks that. No biggie.

Mike

[ohenry]

I think one of the reasons this contest doesn't get as much participation is that it runs for 2 weeks and isn't always in the face of the forum....it's announced, then falls off the front page as other posts replace it. It doesn't generate a lot of discussion to keep the thread in the "unread" posts, unless MrP bumps it. Out of sight, out of mind kind of thing. Basically, we forget.

[mikej]

You are right that out of sight, out of mind. That's why I try to add comments to it too, to try and keep it up at the top for Mr. P.

Mike

[Kevin Barrett]

Originally Posted by ohenry

I think one of the reasons this contest doesn't get as much participation is that it runs for 2 weeks and isn't always in the face of the forum....it's announced, then falls off the front page as other posts replace it. It doesn't generate a lot of discussion to keep the thread in the "unread" posts, unless MrP bumps it. Out of sight, out of mind kind of thing. Basically, we forget.

Bingo!