Contest Categories?

M

Matthew Schenker

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
2,619
Good Morning,
Now that the tool contests are underway, and we have a nice system in place for judging, we can think about long-range plans and get creative about categories.  So far, we've had an open-ended "projects" category, then "small-scale" projects.  What do people like for future categories?

As you propose new cetagories, think of ones that bring out individual creativity, ones that allow the greatest number of people at all skill levels to participate, and which promote the use of various tools.  Another goal of the contests should be to show new customers how much they can do with these tools.

Here and there, people have mentioned ideas for project categories.  Let's have a discussion where we collect all the category ideas in one place.

I've spent a while looking at the projects members have posted and came up with some categories that seem sensible:
  • Furniture Projects
  • Exterior Projects
  • Cabinetry or Built-Ins
  • Unique Joinery
  • Workshop Projects
  • Festool Tool Jigs or Enhancements

We could do one of these, some or these...or none of these!  What are your ideas?

Since this is a monthly contest, there's room for lots of ideas.  So after this discussion has gone for a while, we can actually put together a calendar of project categories.  That would help members plan better.

OK, tell us what you think!

Thanks,
Matthew
 
These may not be great ideas for the monthly prizes, but how about the best, innovative or unique use of a festool each month as a smaller secondary contest.

For example:  July could be sanders.  Frank sanded his cabin, another guy refinished his floors, I could show refinishing a boat, etc.  Aug. would be another tool.

Maybe festool could pony up some small prizes that tie in with that months contest.  In this example, a pack of sandpaper. 

This approach could help to promote everyday use of Festools, as well as open up the game for guys like me who use Festools everyday, but don't necessarily have projects, persay, to enter in the main contest.

I'm sure we all use tools a little bit differently, and this could help persuade some to post some uses for their Festools. ( I read that someone used a bunch of guide rails and a ts55 to trim the tops of his fence boards. Not a project winner, but a cool use of a tool)

Dan

 
I think a good category would be unconventional uses of the tools.  Not in an abusive way, but in surprising or unexpected ways to create things that maybe people hadn't considered (like Bill's cool segmented turning with the domino, for example).

I also like the idea of smaller "side contests" or sub-categories as mentioned above... have one or two consumables or accessories available for people to submit their work for.
 
Thanks B M Hart. I was also thinking projects built with the widest variety of Festools. Also projects built with only Festools. Maby even Projects built with a specific Festool. Then after a year, have a sub contest for projects built by the winners with tools that were won.
 
How about an overall winner chosen from all the contest winners after a year. The prize is the complete Festool line. ;D ;D ;D

Eiji
 
How about A 60 day contest for a Kapex? It could be for projects needing the use of a miter saw and would require the builder include their thoughts on what the advantages of using a Kapex would have been durring the build. ;)
 
It would read like this- set to music

"If I had a Kapex, nananana.
If I had a Kapex, nananana.
If I had a Kapex, All my joints would be..... tight.
nananana, nananaaaa  na.

If I had a Kapex, nananana.
If I had a Kapex, nananana.
If I had a Kapex, this project would be..... alright.
nananana, nananaaaa  na.

If I had a Kapex, nananana.
If I had a Kapex, nananana
If I had a Kapex, nananana.
If I had a Kapex, nananana
 
HEHEHEHEHHEEE!!! I think that song was already done by Journey. I had a little different script in mind but yours makes me chuckle. ;D
 
My vote goes to just having 1 category..... all entries, large and small, submitted  each month.
 
Just a thought after viewing HISATSU's (Pedro?) furniture that was amazingly built in an apartment living room.

Projects that demonstrate the Festool Advantage; in his case the dust collection, portability, compactness and versatility of the SYSTEM, not to mention the high quality results he achieved.

Another possibility for those that also have tools of other brands (and somehow haven't sold them for more green stuff) a direct comparison of results obtained on the same or similiar type project.

In other words demonstrate the advantages and superiority of the SYSTEM (if that is indeed the case).
 
sToolman said:
My vote goes to just having 1 category..... all entries, large and small, submitted  each month.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with that. I don't think we have enough projects to have multiple categories. Also with all entries being eligible someone wouldnt have to wait if their project category wasnt coming up for a few months.

It is also kind of confusing that all the projects current and past(I dont know how far back they go) are eligible for the contest. How many projects are there anyway. At some point we are going to have too many to look at. I think that past projects should be considered only if the author revomes the old thread and reposts the content in a current thread. That way it puts the responsibility of getting considered on the author/artist and not on the judge's research or lack thereof.

Another thing to consider is that some of these old posters of projects are not even currently active on the FOG anymore.

Just some thoughts.

Eiji Fuller
 
IMHO Possibly just Big and Small. For A  judge, I think it would be difficult to make a decision between the two.  In ones mind, how would one decide between a very intricate small project and a large intricate project of equal quality? The categories could be measured by it being able to be carried through a door in one piece or not. I will say though, I'm not opposed to different categories. If it were known which categories were for which month, it would give people an opportunity to plan a project for that month. I'd still keep the prize secret until that month. That will help prevent people from loading up one month over another just for the tool. I say try to win them all. ;D I will say, these contests have motivated me to try new ideas. I don't know if I will have a project for every month. You can be sure though, every project will get a little extra, just incase its catagory comes up. Another thought, create threads for the individual categories, then people could submit for the one they choose. Then randomly pick which one is for that month. I'm just throwing stuff out there so ignore me if you like. ;D
 
Everyone,
You know, I like to keep things simple.  Perhaps I was trying to do too much with this.
All right, how about we just say anything in the "Member Projects" area is eligible every month?
Matthew
 
Absolutley. I just wish I had more time. I work from 9:00am to 6:00Pm. Then I have to stay with my Dad from 6:15 to 9:00PM. When he's able to be on his own you can bet, I'll be making up for lost time. ;D I did update the Humidor that had the most use of my Festools and I'll still try to update the bigger one too. Next month, if I bust arse I may have a new entry right at the deadline. ;)
 
Bill,
Take care of the most important things in life first.  The contest will always be there the next month.  Also, keep in mind that we have rolling deadlines, so if you don't get in for one month, all your projects are automatically entered the next time.
Look forward to seeing your works!
Matthew
 
Good Morning,
To keep things simple, the judges have decided it would be best to have the contest be general for the time being.  In other words, anything posted in the "Member Projects" sections are entered automatically.  We are considering including the "Jigs" sections as well, but it will again be general.
Matthew
 
Matthew, I like the idea of adding jigs to the contest, what do the the rest of you guys think?
 
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