PlaymoFriends

Creative => Photography & Graphics => Monthly Photo Contest => Topic started by: bonniebeth on December 05, 2011, 21:11:48

Title: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on December 05, 2011, 21:11:48

We regret to announce that we will no longer be holding a monthly photo contest here at Playmofriends. The organizers of this contest have worked very hard to keep it up and running, but without entries, there can be no contest. We recently spent a great deal of time totally re-working the contest to try to make it more user-friendly, after listening to feedback from the members. And yet we had not enough entries this month. At this point, we are quite disappointed, and feel there is no point in continuing to waste our time trying to make it work, when few people have any interest to participate.

Thanks to those of you who have participated with beautiful, highly creative entries. They are very much appreciated!

Mod Team

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Rhalius on December 07, 2011, 23:18:43

A shame to see it go, last time I did send in an entry but it didnt show in the list, so I am guessing it got lost in the mail, picture didnt show properly or something so thats why I didnt send one in this time, I figured it wouldnt reach its destination again.

Maybe its an idea to have themed topics though, where anyone can post their pictures of that topic without any contest attached to it?

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on December 08, 2011, 00:43:07

Hm, we never did get an email from you, are you sure you sent it to the right address?

We did have a picture share some time ago, with no contest, and there wasn't much participation. I suppose it could be tried again in the future.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: rms008 on December 08, 2011, 00:45:05

didnt post anything cos am busy with house reconstruction so havent got time  and every thing is  packed away right now. but i always was of the idea for the contest tp be held  once every 3 to 4 months. but dont want to open  any more discussion about this i know how hard you all worked on it and really appreciate your work but am sorry  it wont be held any more :(
ryan :blackhair:

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: skypurr on December 08, 2011, 00:46:12

That is such a shame Bonnie, it was great fun and I loved to see everyone's entries.
I feel terrible  because I haven't entered for the last couple of times because I've been so busy.  :-[
Perhaps like Rhalius suggested maybe there could be a section with a theme for a month running from the beginning of the month to the end and then changing to another theme for the next month, where anyone could post a picture that fits with that theme if they want to, but without the contest bit.
There were some good ideas for themes and it seems a shame to waste those ideas.
Just a thought...
Also, thank you to all those who worked so hard on the photocontest idea.  :thanks:

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: cardensb on December 08, 2011, 03:17:41

first I knew of a contest.  Too bad.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Rhalius on December 08, 2011, 08:36:39

Might have been the wrong adress then, this was my entry for the contest color though, titled Red Dread Pirates. 

(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/playmobil001-1.jpg)
Here we have Jake Redwood, Bill Scarlet, Red Wilkins and Bob.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Keesinho on December 08, 2011, 09:12:25

That really is a shame, I was looking forward to participating in this...

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: conniefrere on December 08, 2011, 15:35:06

It's a pitty, but I think this time a year a lot of people are quite busy.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: playmovictorian on December 09, 2011, 02:25:06

Good morning dear Friends  :wave:

From my experience of participating to photographic contests on forums such as Playclicks.com or Tricornejock.com, I would say that keeping the monthly theme free is the best way to encourage a maximum of people to participate  :camera:

I will be very honest with you and I hope that you will take this as a constructive comment, but I found the photographic contest on PF somewhat complicated in its very precise / technical monthly themes which resulted in me never being able to participate unfortunately and I bitterly regret it now  :sorrow:

Please do give it a chance with a simple photographic contest announced on the 1st of each month with a free theme for the major part of the year and only special themes for holidays such as Christmas, Halloween and maybe the Summer Holidays  :)

The concept has worked for years on other forums so please do not give up at such a special time   :prays:

The story telling section is filled with fabulously creative and beautiful pictures and PF has so many talented members that the photographic contest must be given a second chance please.

Just like most of us, I have a very hectic professional schedule, but I would be happy to help should you wish me to  :)

Your Friend Karim :)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Giorginetto on December 09, 2011, 10:41:31

I agree with Lord Karim on this and please do . I have to say i wanted many time to post pictures but given my collection and den is far from home , the times i was there i was busy with the mad emperor krull and his castle , BUT i really hope to participate and i think Karim got the right idea  ;)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on December 09, 2011, 12:12:38

I'm sorry guys,  but you've lost me here. I don't understand how themes like "friendship" or "nature"are precise and technical. ??? The themes could not possibly have been more broad and open to interpretation, and usable with all themes. As for having a free theme, it never got voted in. If we had been allowed to assign themes as a team, we probably would have had a free theme every third month or so, but that was called undemocratic, so we were forced to complicate the whole process with asking for nominations and putting it to a vote. If we had just picked a theme, things would have been sooooo much simpler. But you can't please everyone, I guess. And the biggest proponents of a democratic process never participated either, so maybe that complaint should have been ignored. Oh well. Hindsight is 20/20.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Keesinho on December 09, 2011, 19:31:22

Quote from: bonniebeth on December 09, 2011, 12:12:38

I'm sorry guys,  but you've lost me here. I don't understand how themes like "friendship" or "nature"are precise and technical. ??? The themes could not possibly have been more broad and open to interpretation, and usable with all themes. As for having a free theme, it never got voted in. If we had been allowed to assign themes as a team, we probably would have had a free theme every third month or so, but that was called undemocratic, so we were forced to complicate the whole process with asking for nominations and putting it to a vote. If we had just picked a theme, things would have been sooooo much simpler. But you can't please everyone, I guess. And the biggest proponents of a democratic process never participated either, so maybe that complaint should have been ignored. Oh well. Hindsight is 20/20.

Democracy is a killer for things like this ;) Someone needs to set rules and people will follow. I hope to see another rebirth of the contest, but its all up to the site owner I guess :)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on December 09, 2011, 20:14:16

I like the way you think. ;)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Rasputin on December 09, 2011, 21:10:50

Even though it has lost steam I really want to thank bb and Crew for taking so much personal time to organize the event.

Thank You  :pop:

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Lynx on December 29, 2011, 15:14:23

Could it be that a monthly contest was too much? I can imagine that when it is two times a year, people have more time and work to that  'special moment' of the contest. More exlusive and more time... just a suggestion

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: conniefrere on December 29, 2011, 18:36:55

Quote from: Lynx on December 29, 2011, 15:14:23

Could it be that a monthly contest was too much? I can imagine that when it is two times a year, people have more time and work to that  'special moment' of the contest. More exlusive and more time... just a suggestion

I was thinking the same thing the other day. I do believe the contest might work if it's only twice a year.
And with some simple rules, or less rules. Pictures with playmobil, decent ones and every member is allowed to sent in a couple and they get posted in a poll and it's voting time.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on December 29, 2011, 18:45:00

Quote from: conniefrere on December 29, 2011, 18:36:55

And with some simple rules, or less rules. Pictures with playmobil, decent ones and every member is allowed to sent in a couple and they get posted in a poll and it's voting time.

That was all the rules we had with the monthly contest anyway! The complications were due to the fact that each month's theme had to be chosen "democratically" because some members insisted it was wrong for those organizing the contest to assign a theme, it should be voted on. So there had to be a poll to choose the theme, and a poll to vote for your favorite picture, and it got confusing. ANd even so, people complained about the themes being complicated, when the themes were VOTED in.

Maybe some day we'll try it again. But we got pretty fed up, and I don't think we're in the mood just yet. ;)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: conniefrere on December 29, 2011, 18:50:39

Quote from: bonniebeth on December 29, 2011, 18:45:00

That was all the rules we had with the monthly contest anyway! The complications were due to the fact that each month's theme had to be chosen "democratically" because some members insisted it was wrong for those organizing the contest to assign a theme, it should be voted on. So there had to be a poll to choose the theme, and a poll to vote for your favorite picture, and it got confusing. ANd even so, people complained about the themes being complicated, when the themes were VOTED in.

Yeah your right there, it gets frustrating.

Quote from: bonniebeth on December 29, 2011, 18:45:00

Maybe some day we'll try it again. But we got pretty fed up, and I don't think we're in the mood just yet. ;)

We will wait and in the meantime post pics in the forum anyway, without a contest! :)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on December 29, 2011, 18:54:28

That's the spirit! Maybe if we can see enough people using the photography and graphics section to post artistic or humorous pics without the incentive of a contest, we can get back in the mood to try again some day. I have a series of funny pictures planned I've been meaning to shoot, so perhaps I should work on this.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: conniefrere on December 29, 2011, 18:56:27

 8-) 8-) 8-) I will do the same, maybe a nice little story with some pics.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: PlaymoMan on December 29, 2011, 20:22:46

It's a shame that the Photo Contest is not going to be held anymore. Although I didn't upload any photos, I though it was fun voting and seeing all the pictures that different members took. Thank you to everybody who organized it, and all the effort you put in. :)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Pirateclick on December 29, 2011, 21:17:54

I came late but I would have participated every month... It's a pity is not gonna be a photo contest anymore. Sorry for the people who was spending a lot of time making it possible...

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Tricornejock on December 29, 2011, 23:38:04

Hello :wave:,

I organize with help of other moderators a photo-contest since years,  since years on our own forum and years long on the PP. I wish just share my little experience.

Time ago, I here give my opinion about a new idea of futur photo contest inside Playmofriend. I told you... do it very simple, with a very simple rules. It don´t mean no rules, it mean simple rules so that everyone can understand and follow. And yes, unfortunately when the decision are in the hands of people, it is often like no rule. Everyone feel that he/she can decide and a lot of people are disappointed, because the organizers can take only 1 decision... A forum is not a democratic tools, it just have to be fair.

About a thematic I told you: give a user a possibility to stay free in the creation. What I see months ago show me a thematic that I don´t fell at all to be creative and take a part to the game. Sure a theme like „Color“ or „Fun“ can sound very easy for the organizers but it is a start of stress for all competitors. One theme all four months is sure the maximum you can ask. For some users it can sound boring but it is simplyer and keep a motivation high.

The community of forum is like a big band of friends, a band of friends with no competition. Take a part at the contest can be unterstand like a contrary, who will be the first... Only few peole are able to understand a spirit of game of contest. "Take a part" is a game, "be the first" is only a result of game.

When I take a look by the section of contest, I can tell you that I do not understand. To much discussion, to much opened topics. The thread with the photos is loosed anywhere and for me the "game" started first with... where is the topic... where is the email adress... ??? and I don´t speak from users started to use a forum.... like a blackout in the labyrinth...

I played before a lot of time on PlayForo because it was simply to find it. For example I took a look to the maximum size of the photo, if the theme is free, ok it was easy. Every months the same rules, at the same place.

It was just my opinion, I hope that it will help you and I wish to see the contest on PF. I send a lot of power and motivation after a small break to the organizers to start again :love:

Regards,
TJ

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on December 30, 2011, 00:27:02

I do agree with you, that a forum can't and shouldn't be run like a democracy. I think that was our biggest mistake here. If we had been assigning themes, we would have made it a free theme every other month or every third month at least, which would probably have helped. Plus the "rules" would have been MUCH simpler without the confusing extra votes.

I still don't think the themes were too complicated however... remember the organizers were also competitors, plus the themes were voted in by all competitors. "Color" might have been slightly complex, but I think we got more entries for that one that we ever had, and they were quite creative. But if we do re-start the contest, we have heard the request, and the first contest will be a free theme, and we will make sure to do frequent free themes. And no voting. ;) Been there, done that, and it didn't work. Maybe we can just let people send suggestions if they like.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Rhalius on January 03, 2012, 09:39:34

Might be nice to just start funny topics in the photography section to encourage everyone to post pictures of a similar nature in that thread without any kind of contest.

I'll make sure to kick off some topics for that in the weeks to come.  :)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on January 03, 2012, 13:39:30

That's a good idea, too! I really like that. Just throw a funny theme/subject out there and let us post at will.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Rasputin on March 18, 2012, 16:46:28

The best way to promote and get involvement is to make a prize. Perhaps a fi?ure for the bi-monthly contest funded by increasing the registration fee or similar. People like winning something tangible not just a pat on the back.  :2c:

Geobras Facebook site gives stuff away and people want to win a free set. It's technically not free as you have to earn it.

 not that 2 cents get you anything anymore so that is my $2

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Luis on March 18, 2012, 17:34:30

i don't think that a physical prize is necessarily an incentive to get more entries - playclicks does not offer prizes and there's always many pics every month (i think the fact you are the recognized as the winner is the best prize) - organizing the funding to support that idea might be a little complicated too (who'd buy and ship the prizes?)

if we compare the number of people to the number of people on other fan forums they obviously outnumber us - plus all the complicated rules thing and the lack of free theme that Tricornejock has talked about

one other thing was hasn't been mentioned here - when the contest was still being run, the winning pictures never appeared in the main page...i've seen the March ones since last year only ???

anyway, the photo contest was a good experiment after all - if eventually the contest is re-opened then we'll know what works and what doesn't :)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on March 18, 2012, 21:34:41

Having the pics go up on the main page was just something special we did for the first month, since the theme was friendship.

As to complicated rules, we took great care simplifying them, and got even less support. ;)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: tonguello on March 19, 2012, 15:15:24

Quote from: bonniebeth on March 18, 2012, 21:34:41

As to complicated rules, we took great care simplifying them, and got even less support. ;)

Well said bb  ;)

My thoughts:

1) Having a prize I think takes away the "friendly competition" this contest intended.

2) Having a free theme every month (like they do in playclicks except in special holidays) is simply pointless for a "contest" and quite frankly it is silly (no offfense intended) as it is just a showdown of random pics impossible to compare, therefore to judge and to vote for a winner ;) IMHO

3) If people want to post free theme pics, we don't need a contest, we have the photo section for that...  8}


Look guys.
The photocontest didn't work. It took the organizers a lot of time and effort and it was a flop form the begging. We all have to deal with it.

This does not mean that a photocontest won't be tried again in the future. I do believe that new members should have the opportunity to be part of it.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Pynedor on March 19, 2012, 21:58:53

I wasn't here to have any say on this, but I think the contest is a cool idea. It's unfortunate that there wasn't enough participation in it to keep it going.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Rasputin on March 24, 2012, 22:08:54

one thing I noticed is that there are some very talented computer graphics going on with these contests. It is a bit hard to compete with someone who enhances every aspect of a picture with one that solely relies on natural elements. We all know about women's and men's magazines and how this affects the overall images and presentation.

lets be real here, competition is not that friendly, a lot of people have to loose for there to be a winner  ;)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: PlayMoto on November 15, 2012, 10:05:28

maybe go back to the basics:

- only original pics, without photoshopping.
- simple themes for each contest.
- don't do monthly. Instead, think of 2-monthly or even quarterly. If enough people enlist, can always step up to monthly.

photo contests are always interesting, if they are kept simple.

just my  2 cents

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Georgeag1972 on November 15, 2012, 10:27:35

I think, a free theme for every month is better.
I agree that we must not use the photoshop.
But some simple effects or a simple background are not bad.
And I mean something like my two photos here below:

(http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa413/georgeag1972/Indians/DSC00787.jpg)

(http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa413/georgeag1972/The%20bear/DSC01145.jpg)

Simple pictures without photoshop. ;)
I like the photo contest and I believe that we will have much fun. After all we need some fun. :)

Friendly George.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: tonguello on November 15, 2012, 11:30:06

George your pics are great, they would do good in a contest.

The problem with the ours wasn't that it was not fun. The problem was that (apart from the mods) only 2 or 3 people were participating each time.
We made a poll and then modified the contest to what members had suggested. That made it worse actually. The last time we had it, one or NO ONE, I can't remember, entered the contest.
So we thought it was a lot of work for us, for not much result.

After all this time, having so many new members we could actually think of starting a new photocontest.
The mod team will discuss it and then let you know!
 :wave:

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on November 15, 2012, 14:36:20

Yes, we seem to have quite a few members who are into photography now, and might support such a contest. We'll discuss it.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Georgeag1972 on November 15, 2012, 18:30:11

Thanks for your answers guys. It would be great to start the contest again, at least for me. :)
I see that many members are doing a lot of customs with their collections.
Maybe a customs contest would be more easy, for more members. ;)
It's just my thoughts. :)

Friendly George.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: PlaymoZoo on November 15, 2012, 19:34:38

It's a shame there won't be a photo contest anymore, but I must say (as a sort of new user) I didn't know there WAS one...  :( Probably just my fault.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: tonguello on November 15, 2012, 19:39:26

Quote from: PlaymoZoo on November 15, 2012, 19:34:38

It's a shame there won't be a photo contest anymore, but I must say (as a sort of new user) I didn't know there WAS one...  :( Probably just my fault.

it's an old thread  :)
there might be a new contest after all.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: PlaymoZoo on November 15, 2012, 19:45:48

Quote from: tonguello on November 15, 2012, 19:39:26

it's an old thread  :)
there might be a new contest after all.

Oh, you're right :)
How do you know when the contest starts (if it does) ?

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on November 15, 2012, 19:46:57

You wait for us to announce it. ;D

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: PlaymoZoo on November 15, 2012, 20:01:10

Quote from: bonniebeth on November 15, 2012, 19:46:57

You wait for us to announce it. ;D

Sorry for all the questions, but does the contest have a theme? It would be fun :D

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: tonguello on November 15, 2012, 20:10:10

Quote from: PlaymoZoo on November 15, 2012, 20:01:10

Sorry for all the questions, but does the contest have a theme? It would be fun :D

You're gonna have to wait untill we announce everything.  ;)
Soon. Be patient.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: PlaymoZoo on November 15, 2012, 20:19:29

Quote from: tonguello on November 15, 2012, 20:10:10

You're gonna have to wait untill we announce everything.  ;)
Soon. Be patient.

I will...  :)
But that's actually not what I ment, I just ment it in general. As in: did the previous picture contest have themes?
Thanks for the help anyway :)

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: bonniebeth on November 15, 2012, 20:23:10

Quote from: PlaymoZoo on November 15, 2012, 20:19:29

I will...  :)
But that's actually not what I ment, I just ment it in general. As in: did the previous picture contest have themes?
Thanks for the help anyway :)

Yes, it did, which I thought made it a lot more challenging and fun. :love: You can look here (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?board=55.0) to see details of the old contest and the various pics.

Title: Re: No More Photo Contest
Post by: Rasputin on November 15, 2012, 23:03:57

Maybe if I could find time I could clean up our diorama area and try also. You can see I need a better tripod but this shows the "no major photo editing" type of photos we used to take. We use a paper sky in the back and we might use real wood chips, saw dust and some pebbles

It is a bit harder for us to participate if there are lots of regulations, but then those subject parameters sure has produced some funny/clever interpretations. I think the revolving way was tested already.

(http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/Koretsky/P1010002_zpscca8f346.jpg)