Hooollooween Photo Contest?

[RobbiesCornField]

A name drawing could cause hard feelings because it wouldn't be anonymous, that is why I am looking for other solutions. No one would be "pushed back in line" because of their birth date...However it wouldn't really be "fair" to take all three categories and whomever has the highest votes gets first pick when each category would be voted on based on different criteria. The only way I could see that working and it being "fair" is having a 2nd poll to determine who gets first pick per prize level.



I really don't like the idea of picking prizes and putting them in order of 1st, 2nd, 3rd prize either. Different prizes hold different value to different people, you know?

Well, think of it this way (just using random numbers here)
Let's say that 250 people voted for my picture, and 150 people voted for your picture. We both made it into the final 3. Now, my birthday is June 4th, but let's just say that your birthday is October 20th. I would get "bumped back", even though my picture had more votes, just because of my birthday. So really, the highest votes really is the only way to be truly fair about any of it.

 

[TripleMoonsExotic]

Well, think of it this way (just using random numbers here)
Let's say that 250 people voted for my picture, and 150 people voted for your picture. We both made it into the final 3. Now, my birthday is June 4th, but let's just say that your birthday is October 20th. I would get "bumped back", even though my picture had more votes, just because of my birthday. So really, the highest votes really is the only way to be truly fair about any of it.

I didn't say I didn't "get" the reasoning...I explained my reasoning why that could still be considered "unfair" as well and provided a solution to make it "fair"...

However it wouldn't really be "fair" to take all three categories and whomever has the highest votes gets first pick when each category would be voted on based on different criteria. The only way I could see that working and it being "fair" is having a 2nd poll to determine who gets first pick per prize level.

When I get home from work tonight I'll run a search on other picking prize ideas. In the meantime, I would love to hear other suggestions.

 

[Mrs InsaneOne]

In order to avoid any seemingly unfairness, we could just assign a prize to each category, for the respective winners. That way, there's no room for anyone to say that they should have had a chance to pick first, but were unfairly overlooked. That's the way it has been done in the past contests - for the most part, and people could enter their photos in the category that has the prizes they'd prefer or in the event they don't want those particular animals, substitute a gift cert for X amount towards the purchase for another hatchling or pair of hatchlings good for the 2009 season. The amount of the certs could be based upon an average of the prizes, so that it works out fairly for all involved.

 

[Calift]

In order to avoid any seemingly unfairness, we could just assign a prize to each category, for the respective winners. That way, there's no room for anyone to say that they should have had a chance to pick first, but were unfairly overlooked. That's the way it has been done in the past contests - for the most part, and people could enter their photos in the category that has the prizes they'd prefer or in the event they don't want those particular animals, substitute a gift cert for X amount towards the purchase for another hatchling or pair of hatchlings good for the 2009 season. The amount of the certs could be based upon an average of the prizes, so that it works out fairly for all involved.

I agree with it....just to make it simple, why not assign the prizes instead of everyone choosing their own? Gift certs as back-up are a good idea, but who's going to turn down any free prize? :crazy02:

 

[Mrs InsaneOne]

Gift certs as back-up are a good idea, but who's going to turn down any free prize? :crazy02:

People who don't really have the room, contestants that are under age, etc... you'd be surprised. =)

 

[Jynx]

These sound like fantastic ideas! I'm on board with the idea of assigning prizes. In all honesty, if hopes are high, there will be hard feelings in just about any situation if someone wins a prize that someone else wanted. Picking by name, number, birthday or whatnot just will cause more conflict, as Robbie stated above.

I understand why you are trying to look for a way to choose though, but its almost impossible to make EVERYONE happy. If you want them to be able to choose, I think that assigning certain prizes per each category, and then having the winner for that category choose first (if they really want) would probably work better. If there is a particular prize someone wants, then they can enter that specific category assigned to that specific prize. I know I have enough issues getting one killer shot, let alone 4!

 

[JoannaD]

I'd be happy to give a "gift certificate" towards a future MoJo Herps purchase for anyone that would not want to receive the snakes now.

I like the idea of assigned prizes as that way there is no arguing or bad feelings. I know in years past some prize winners exchanged prizes on their own.

 

[Tula_Montage]

I think us internationals got the short end of the stick

I think prizes should be assigned to each particular section of the contest. If people want to commit to the prize they will enter the competition. Those who have no interest in the prize either will not enter or should be allowed to say who they want the prize to go to ie a runner up or their favorite entry.

 

[Mrs InsaneOne]

I think us internationals got the short end of the stick

I think prizes should be assigned to each particular section of the contest. If people want to commit to the prize they will enter the competition. Those who have no interest in the prize either will not enter or should be allowed to say who they want the prize to go to ie a runner up or their favorite entry.

We'd be happy to accept other donations for prizes for those outside of the US. Or other suggestions for prizes, the whole reason we added an international category was to make it a little more fair for CS members who reside overseas. =) And the gift certs I was going to offer, would have been of equal value to a pair of snakes for the same prize in one of the other contests - one of the reason why the exact amount hasn't been posted yet.

 

[Tula_Montage]

I could come up with something however I still want to enter the competition...

 

[Mrs InsaneOne]

A question has just been asked by a prize donating member--

"Can they still be allowed in the contest if they donated and prize?"

I don't see why not. They aren't handling the rules or contest photos. :shrugs:

I could come up with something however I still want to enter the competition...

See above quotes... =) Donating doesn't exempt you from the contest, just planning and helping coordinate it does. So, I won't be entering.

 

[Tula_Montage]

Ahhh well I will have a think about something unusual/interesting for us internationals

 

[LindsayMarie]

I like the idea of contests coming back. But I do sometimes wonder how fair it is!? I too found it in the past to be like a popularity contest. As long as the quirks can be fixed, I think it would be fun!

I read some of this thread, not all, so if I missed something I am sorry! I am really busy today! Baby snakes do not cooperate for pics, arghghgh! :headbang: If I can be of any help, just pm me I may even be able to donate a pair of corns. I need to get through them all first. Thanks, LindsayMarie

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

This sounds like a GREAT idea!! I know others have offered snakes to donate, I have some that I could donate as well if we need some more prizes, or wanted to have enough so that the top three (or two, or whatever) all go snake prizes.

I have 1.1 caramel het amel 66% het hypo, charcoal, and blood, 1.1 normals het butter 66% het hypo, charcoal, and blood, and 1.1 anery 66% het lav motley. I would love to donate these as prizes if they could be used! Just let me know.

 

[bekers71]

I like the idea of contests coming back. But I do sometimes wonder how fair it is!? I too found it in the past to be like a popularity contest. As long as the quirks can be fixed, I think it would be fun!

Thanks, LindsayMarie

I think this has been a concern for a lot of people. To eliminate any doubts, all pics will be submitted to TripleMoonsExotic and she will post them for voting with out the names of the contestant attached. This way no one will no who they are voting for.

 

[KJUN]

For the record, I've never entered on of these type "contests," and I doubt that I ever will. Not my thing. I'll probably enjoy watching other people's work get shown and admired, though!

I'd be happy to give a "gift certificate" towards a future MoJo Herps purchase for anyone that would not want to receive the snakes now.

I was thinking about donating a gift certificate towards a purchase - not a particular animal itself - so that a winner could pick something they wanted now or later. I'm not sure this would fit in the rules as they are being laid out (so I hadn't mentioned it until now). I'm waiting to see how the contest works itself out first, though.

I think this has been a concern for a lot of people. To eliminate any doubts, all pics will be submitted to TripleMoonsExotic and she will post them for voting with out the names of the contestant attached. This way no one will no who they are voting for.

Suggestion - what about making a rule saying an image is disqualified if the person taking an image does anything ("judges" discretion) to tell people it is their photo: no posting images from the same shoot, no posting the same set of images on another form, no using the image as their avatar, etc.

I didn't say I didn't "get" the reasoning...I explained my reasoning why that could still be considered "unfair" as well and provided a solution to make it "fair"...

What are you going to do, anyway, take people's word for their birthday? Make them show a birth certificate? Check the TIME on the birth certificate in case they are born on the same day? Obviously, I bring this up purely for the humor aspect, but the point is a serious one. Heck, if you don't like the NUMBERS of votes, go with the highest proportion of votes for each one based on the number that image got versus the number of people that cast a vote in that category....or something meaningful besides a birthday (which has nothing to do with talent or image quality). At least go with something that MEANS somethings relevant to how good the photo is. To me, that makes sense. The birthday idea may be OK for silly family get-togethers, but I don't think it is a good way to assign awards....if the categories aren't assigned snakes BEFORE people decide to enter a photo or not (which is how others suggested it).

 

[ghosthousecorns]

LOL there is still a possibility that someone can recognize someone else's snake!
I am wondering since so many people are offering to donate prizes if it wouldn't make sense to have another contest later, like a Xmas or Thanksgiving one? I am happy to see so many people stepping up and offering hatchling prizes (or could it be we all need to clear out some rack space )
I was born Oct 30 so I wasn't going to say anything about using the date to assign prizes, heh heh. But I do think in the past the contests have clearly had the prize for each category already assigned and if a person did not want a snake they need not enter (or can 'give" away the prize too.

 

[bekers71]

I have to agree with some and say it is probably best to just assign the prizes to the categories. I think it would lessen confusion and hostility between people who, by their thoughts, should get first pick. If they don't like the prize offered then they don't have to enter. Or we could offer an alternate prize such as a gift certificate from other members that have offered. :shrugs:

 

[torsten]

another question i ask is that if i post a picture i assume it will have to be in the international section.... so does anyone have any ideas what those pictures will entail, what is the topic?

also, if someone in germany for instance offers a snakes as an international prize then i don't really want to have to pay shipping to get it here so i need to know what the prize is, also as space is an issue for me, if the prize is an animal depending on what it is i may not have space or it may not be worth me paying for delivery of it so those prizes would need to be known..

another point with the international part is if by some miracle i win a contributor membership (unlikely i expect) then would that start now or at the beginning of the calender year? also if it started from now do you get a year from the day you become a member?

other than those queries i think it is a great idea.

 

[bekers71]

another question i ask is that if i post a picture i assume it will have to be in the international section.... so does anyone have any ideas what those pictures will entail, what is the topic?

First, that topic would be further explained in that contest rules. Secondly, your being able to enter would entail some one talking to an adult to confirm you are indeed allowed to enter.

also, if someone in germany for instance offers a snakes as an international prize then i don't really want to have to pay shipping to get it here so i need to know what the prize is, also as space is an issue for me, if the prize is an animal depending on what it is i may not have space or it may not be worth me paying for delivery of it so those prizes would need to be known..

I think this also goes back to the certificates. "If" you were too win and it is not feasible to ship then I'm sure an arrangement could be made for a certificate of some kind. But if you don't like the prize that's offered to begin with, then why even bother to enter? :shrugs:

another point with the international part is if by some miracle i win a contributor membership (unlikely i expect) then would that start now or at the beginning of the calender year? also if it started from now do you get a year from the day you become a member?
other than those queries i think it is a great idea.

One year membership= ONE YEAR or 12 months from the day it is paid for. Meaning when your win is confirmed the member that offered to pay for it will be contacted to take of the payment for you.