Challenges...

dragon wench · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 11:56 AM

I'm thinking I would like to issue everyone a challenge..

The challenge is to create as diverse and unique a thread as you can, and at the end of a given period perhaps a panel of judges should determine which thread best fills the categories of unique, diverse, inclusive... and appealing to a wide range of interests or personalities

I know we just had the SYM Awards.. but.. this is a bit different. My feeble attempt to liven this place up a bit, so please humour me

If people are into the idea, let's use this thread as a discussion area for judgement issues, and selection of said judges. I'm thinking that there should be three judges, each representing a different element of SYM.. Somebody from the new generation, somebody from the older generation, and somebody else, not sure who/what though. Maybe somebody who doesn't even normally post in SYM?

Thoughts?

Fiona · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 11:58 AM

I think this is a great idea. I hope people will take it up

Not sure about a competitive element, myself. But it would be nice to see what interests people

dragon wench · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 12:23 PM

Thanks Fiona!

I wasn't certain about the competitive element myself... I'm not so sure about things that resemble a popularity contest..
Maybe there is some other impetus that will encourage people to take up the challenge? I'm totally open to any ideas.

If people did want to do something competitive, though, another option would be an anonymous poll booth. That would be easier, since it wouldn't require much organisation. But as I said, I do agree that something non-competitive would likely be preferable.

thantor3 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 03:07 PM

I agree with Fiona and think this is a fascinating proposal. Not only does it provide an impetus for creativity, but it has community-wide implications in terms of generating a new energy in SYM. I noted that acclaimed Internet guru Spew Innabuket remarked in his popular online blog that, "DW's proposal is frighteningly refreshing and maddenly bold. My staff was all atwitter about the news, with one of my IT guys commenting, "Oh yeah, baby, I'll humor you... I'll be your personal Good Humor guy...oh yeah... right here, baby."

Ahem. In terms of logistics, it would be helpful to have some ideas in terms of criteria, if you are looking to bring in a panel of judges to assess the threads. My thought is that it could be non-competitive, like a gallery showing, and yet still be amenable to judging if we had some idea of what we are looking for. Any ideas in that direction?

I also think it may be more useful to have five judges instead of three in order to have a greater diversity of experience sitting on the panel.

dragon wench · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 04:03 PM

lmao!

er... I think you need a fresh supply of purple pills my friend

Quote:

Originally Posted by Than

In terms of logistics, it would be helpful to have some ideas in terms of criteria, if you are looking to bring in a panel of judges to assess the threads. My thought is that it could be non-competitive, like a gallery showing, and yet still be amenable to judging if we had some idea of what we are looking for. Any ideas in that direction?

I also think it may be more useful to have five judges instead of three in order to have a greater diversity of experience sitting on the panel.

I agree, specifying criteria would make sense. I'm also wondering if there should be two separate categories. One for serious threads and another for less serious topics... Sort of like when plays were judged in Classical Greece.. one category for comedy and another for tragedy.

I like the idea of a gallery showing... Maybe we could look at it as something like "The Very Best of SYM," as compared to other internet forums? A thought anyway...

I wondered about additional judges... but then I began to question as to whether or not the judges should participate in the thread creations... and I didn't want to excessively limit participation. But... there are probably ways to work around that, especially if it isn't a competitive type of showing...

Ravager · #6 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 04:14 PM

I'll volunteer for a judging position...or at least, wait to see how this pans out a little then join in...it seems like an interesting idea to me.

Phreddie · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 04:20 PM

Ill take up the rookie judge posotion if I cant think of a thread, though I do have an idea, have to wait for more specifics until I can mold it though, also each member should be able to submit two threads, one for serious, one for comical.

TonyMontana1638 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 04:21 PM

I agree but I've never been one for thread-creation myself as I'm usually to busy spamming the crap out of someone else's so I may not participate directly: however if I can do anything to help, lemme know!

Me likey competition!

Hill-Shatar · #9 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 05:18 PM

Personally, I think people should put this in their sigs if they have room. Lots of new posters who get bored after two or three slow days in one of the other forums. I have a few names I wouldn't mind see wandering down here one day.

Bloodstalker · #10 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 06:21 PM

Have you thought about the potential consequences that such challenge might have? Do you even realizes what kind of threads you may get?

Hill-Shatar · #11 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 06:25 PM

I've read the archives, BS. I've been numbed to all forms of pain.

I think this challenge among many member's would maintain a good amount of competition, and would certainly make things a little more interesting around here.

If anyone wants to start making threads, I think it would be a good kick off. We can worry about Judgiing later, since this is all for fun.

Fiona · #12 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 06:29 PM

I am conscious that I seem to start quite a lot of threads here. I would like it if as many other people as possible started a thread just because the topic interested them. Maybe that is too simple for this, though. I don't think I have a clear picture of what is wanted, really

dragon wench · #13 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 07:51 PM

@BS,
*snicker* Are you afraid?

@Hill,
I don't think it would be a bad idea to create some parameters concerning any kind of judging before kicking things off... Basically, because it can help to avoid any possible hurt feelings or misunderstandings. Also, it might help to provide people with a framework. I agree though, if whatever we end up doing helps to shake things up a bit, than it is all for the good

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiona

I am conscious that I seem to start quite a lot of threads here. I would like it if as many other people as possible started a thread just because the topic interested them. Maybe that is too simple for this, though. I don't think I have a clear picture of what is wanted, really

I don't think that is at all too simple.. It is roughly the idea I had in mind. Basically, in order to qualify, I think it could be quite wide open, the determining aspects being originality, overall inclusiveness, and broadly appealing interest. Though... I realise that the definition of what constitutes "unique," or "inclusive," will vary...

*sigh* I'm probably being a bit wishy washy in trying to pin this down...

btw, cheers for the offers of help

Bloodstalker · #14 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 07:54 PM

You're all making a mountain out of a mole hill. You want guidelines? BS will provide a set of suggested guidelines shortly.

dragon wench · #15 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloodstalker

You're all making a mountain out of a mole hill. You want guidelines? BS will provide a set of suggested guidelines shortly.

uh oh!