Why don't you participate in contests? Yes, YOU!

[Administrator_JSVN]

It seems like it's difficult to get broad participation in our contests here on the forum. Can someone shed some light on why members choose not to participate.  I guess I'm looking for some constructive criticism of our contests.  Any feedback would be appreciated so that we can improve participation.

Thanks,
Shane

 

[jonny round boy]

Shane,

The last competition was for experiences of using the MF700. I don't have any experiences of it to share, since I don't own one. I guess lots of other members don't own one either [unsure]

Also, it was for NA only. The recent 'worldwide' competition (the review one) wasn't (single) tool specific, and was open to everyone. That had a lot of participants, as I remember.

If you limit the entry for competitions, you're going to get limited entries...

Apologies if that sounds really blunt, but that's the way it is.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Thanks, JRB.  No need to apologize, I want feedback even if it's blunt. Regarding the MFK contest, I realize that was limited in scope.  I was looking for feedbck on contests as a whole rather than just the most recent one.  I appreciate your comments.

 

[DavidCBaker]

I just never enter any contests, because the odds are so low that the ROI doesn't seem to fit. I'm all about efficiency.  [tongue]

 

[jvsteenb]

Hi Shane,

Actually, I would have loved to participate in the last few contests, I think you're doing a fine job of making them worthwile.

To be more specfic:
I would have participated in the "review" contest/draw, but the text I drew up about the DD DC Drywall chuck really didn't add anything to the allready great reviews on the site, so I chose not to enter.
I have been a member for some time now, so I couldn't compete in the "new member" draw.
Although I'd really like to own an MFK700, I don't - so I wasn't eligible for that one, either.

Actually, I think your efforts have yielded great results, the "review contest" in particular has drawn some great reviews, I don't think you could have hoped for better.

Just keep up the good work, OK?

Regards,

Job

 

[Guy Ashley]

Shane

JRB's comments are very valid from the International members of FOG. You will no doubt be aware that those of us outside of the US are very envious of the level of support and quality of service you guys at Festool USA provide and it is unlikely that such contests will be offerred out by the European Festool people.

My own personal take on this is that when you look at the reviews already in place by guys like Brice, Jerry Works etc, it is unlikely we could do any better and I would feel as if I was plagiarising their work.

What about a slightly different tack on the contest, an end user suggestion for improvements to existing Festool products, which could be submitted to Festool for consideration?

Guy

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Thanks, Guy.  I'm certainly open to more ideas for future contests.  I will certainly consider your recommendation.

Job, thanks for the kind words.

 

[bruegf]

What about returning occasionally to the earlier project based contests that we used to have, possibly based on member votes? 

As others have said, its pretty hard for mere mortals to come up w/ reviews that even come close to the level of reviews done by the likes of Brice, et al.

Fred

 

[PaulMarcel]

I've been active here only for a little while (though I think I signed up 2 years ago  [embarassed])  The only contests in that time were the recent MFK-700 contest and the "do a review" contest.

I liked the idea of the do-a-review contest, although I felt a little silly writing a review for something someone else already wrote up.  There's only so many times people can read that the OF1400 has a nice edge guide and not fall dead bored.  That said, I planned on reviewing it by showing how it worked as a system during a project (OF1400, guide rail, some MFK-700 parts, other goodies), but that didn't seem to fit the scope of the contest.  So it seemed like I'd waste a long time writing it up.  I did blog about the project though, elsewhere, so you got that coverage  [wink]

For the MFK-700 contest, well, so far I'm underwealmed with the MFK-700 and trying to see which niche of my shop it works best in.  That said, my review would have been limited to flush trimming some banding  [crying]

 

[Neill]

Shane,

Make no mistake, as echoed by the others, I think you are doing a great job, not just with the contests but overall in acting as a liaison between us as users and Festool.

I think a reason more people don't participate is that they are reluctant to put their work on display because they either don't think it is good enough or they don't want to subject themselves to the criticism that sometimes arises from other members.  Such as why did you use maple, I would have used oak or why did you use that molding, I would have used this molding.

Another reason may be, as David Baker stated, that the odds of winning are small, so why bother.

As stated in a previous post, some products have been reviewed so many times, as a user I feel that anything I say has already been said.

Also as stated in previous posts, many of the contests have been restricted to a region, a product, or membership status.

Neill

 

[waynelang2001]

I agree with the project based contests, I honestly dont have much time to sit and take a million pictures for a tool review, especially when there are so many reviews out there already. Project based contests for me please.

 

[ajones]

Shane

As I said at the end of the review contest smaller prizes spread wider would encourage entrants.

simple competions where hours of input are not required.

best picture in a extreme routing competion would be fun.

And as others have said you and festool usa do a great job, wish we had the same service here in the UK

 

[peter halle]

Only because I can't!  [mad] [mad] [mad] [mad] [mad]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Only because I can't!   [mad] [mad] [mad] [mad] [mad]

Don't worry, you wouldn't have won and I'd hate for you to waste your time.  [poke]

 

[peter halle]

[ban] [ban] [ban] [ban] [ban] [ban] [dead horse] [dead horse] [dead horse]

Nuff said!

 

[PaulMarcel]

oooh, careful, Shane... Peter calls the shots on any forthcoming FOGtainer contest and might exclude Festool employees!  [tongue]

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

oooh, careful, Shane... Peter calls the shots on any forthcoming FOGtainer contest and might exclude Festool employees!  [tongue]

Ah, yes, but I have the prototype sitting on my desk which could conveniently be misplaced.  [tongue]

 

[GPowers]

Ah, yes, but I have the prototype sitting on my desk which could conveniently be misplaced.  [tongue]

Possession is ninth tents of the law. 

 

[peter halle]

But beware of that one tenths!  

Just in case anyone is wondering - this is all in fun.  Shane does have the FOGtainer prototype that is about to be sent out to a deserving member and he has been so helpful in making it extra special.

Shane is a great guy and a great friend!

Let the sparring continue!

Peter

 

[woodguy7]

Shane

As others have said, great work.  Wish some UK Employees would do a fraction of what you do.
I don't own a 700 (yet) but even if i did i don't feel confident writing a review, its not my strong point, actually i don't know what my strong point is  [embarassed].
It is a little disappointing seeing competitions for only NA, its like we can win stuff  but you guys can just watch.  I know the review one was worldwide but as been previously  said, both prizes stayed in NA.  Now that is fine & well done to the winners but i don't think it was good to have it based on the most reviews wins.

Like Footstool said, smaller prizes but more of them.  A T shirt, mug, stickers etc but worldwide & based on various things like best method to router or cut something or best small cabinet or something & possibly judged by the members here.

Thanks for asking for criticism & why so few entries, it shows you care.

Regards, Woodguy.