March 2009: Break for Improvements

[Matthew Schenker]

Good Morning,
Each month since May 2008, we have had a contest here in the FOG.

I've really tried to build variety in these contests, both in theme and sponsorship.  I've tried to make these contests a way to inspire people to create projects and jigs they are proud of, and to post them here, making the forum a better place.  Although it has not always been perfect, I believe it has remained true to its purpose and has worked well!

It's a lot of work behind the scenes putting these contests together and organizing all the communication needed to make them run smoothly.  For the past 10 months, I've received a lot of comments and suggestions from members about these contests.

It's difficult to follow members' comments and at the same time have a contest in mid-stream.  So I thought it would be a good idea to take a breather for one month.  Let's  discuss what these contests are all about and try to improve on the concept.  Then let's come back in April for a new contest.

You can either comment here, or you can make a new post in the discussion called About the Tool Contests.

In the meantime, I will continue to work with sponsors for future contests.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed projects, to all those who have helped make the contests a success, and especially to our very generous sponsors!
Don't forget to check out the Complete List of Contest Winners & Sponsors.

Stay in touch,
Matthew

 

[nickao]

It seems this months contest did not drum up the added posts I thought it would.

Is it a function of the contest topic itself, the people sponsoring or did I just miss a bunch of new posts on it.

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Good Morning,
Everyone, this month is the time to discuss the contests, so we can come back in April with an improved system.

I do think the contests have been a good thing, but there is always room for improvement, and the turnout for them was not as high as I would like.

Ideas anyone?

Stay in touch,
Matthew

 

[peter halle]

Matthew,

My 2 cents worth.  The project contests have been the most popular by far.  The other s have wained in comparison. This forum is comprised of professionals and hobbyists of all wakes of life, skill levels, and also economic levels.  Some have more time to devote seasonally.  As possible ideas I offer:

1.  Seasonally themed projects - Outdoor projects during the warm weather months - for the majoirity of the country,  Holidays gifts,  etc.

2.  Projects completed within a certain dollar limit - will help people understand that projects don't have to be elaborate or expensive

3.  Projects inspired by another members projects - we all like to copy and get ideas from others

4.  Projects completed using certain material groups - manmade materials, recycled materials, scrap, etc.

I would also suggest that at some time you use only new projects in a contest versus all those previously posted.  Will inspire new projects.

Specific suggestions would be:

Gifts made for someone special to be given on Mother's Day or Father's day

Projects inspired by Nick's medallions

Boxes inspired by Bill Wyko's boxes.

Just some thoughts,

Peter

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Good Morning,
I'd be open to changing the whole structure of the contests to make them more like the Walko lottery.

I'm not sure -- do you think this would work on a regular basis?

Thanks,
Matthew