"An open thread to Bill, why doesn't TMP have contests?" Topic

It has popped every now and then.

I am not looking to burden you with more things to do, rather allow for this sort of thing to take off on its own with help from various members…I am sure you could get a handful of members to pony up their time.

But it would seem that with the huge following, gigantic daily web hits, and other related attention issues that such a contest(s) would be successful.

You have vast resources of manufactures, retails, etc. for prizes.

With all the variety of miniature/gaming potential what I was thinking was an annual TMP online convention of sorts.

With minimal planning I am sure many companies would coordinate TMP convention sales, deals, etc.

Maybe run out some t-shirts and ball caps…I am quite positive there are dozens of qualified and talented image design folks in the TMP membership that at least one would step up to the plate and design a nice design.

Allow for a series of sculpting, converting, painting contests with TMP blind voting…terrain contests…spaceships, historicals, fantasy, science fiction, 6mm/15mm/28mm units and individuals, creatures, giant monsters, etc.

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It is July, so if this idea is worth its weight then perhaps take the remainder of 2011 to allow for time for us all to build, paint, photograph, etc. and to allow for the t-shirts/caps, companies to consider and join the sale weekend/week, and then start the new year with the first annual TMP Online Convention?

If only 5% of TMP's membership and friendly companies participated it seems to me it would be quite successful, IMO.

Seems like a real chance, the only chance, for us to come as close as possible to going to a convention together. Considering TMP's membership being across the globe it would be otherwise impossible to convene.

Just a thought.

Have a great remaining weekend all.

The 'Stupidest Post' competition has been running for years, alas no sight of a winner yet, as new entrants constantly appear and many prior entries strive to out do themselves.

The prize always used to be recognition and occasional acclamation by your peers. In more recent times the Editor has given theoption of four months supporting membership or a $10 USD gift voucher

There used to be the 'Last Painter Standing' competition… which was always fun.
There was a gladiator contest… not all that long ago… that I lost track of.

I'd help if there was some way I could be of use.

Isn't there a poll readers contest? I know Bill gives out prizes because I won one of them.

"The 'Stupidest Post' competition has been running for years, alas no sight of a winner yet, as new entrants constantly appear and many prior entries strive to out do themselves.

The prize always used to be recognition and occasional acclamation by your peers. In more recent times the Editor has given theoption of four months supporting membership or a $10 USD USD gift voucher"

Wow.
Was that directed as a subtle insult? Because I have never heard of such a contest.

If it was intended as an insult, remarking how stupid the thread/post is, I am curious what is so stupid about the subject?

Stupid meaning of course the common speak colloquialism of something of no value rather than the actual meaning of "given to unintelligent decisions or acts : acting in an unintelligent or careless manner"?

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The Last Painter Standing was a great example! It was a fun to get the updates and vote for the winners. I do miss it.

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Bill gives a daily poll participation award from a random drawing, but that is far from the type of contest(s) I was suggesting :)

Life is too much of a damn competition to be bothered with it in my hobby as well.

I did like the "Last Painter Standing Competition." It was great seeing other folks put their work up. Some really fantastic stuff.

Not so much a competition but there was once an experiment of sorts where someone collected a box of miniatures. They then sent it around the world to different addresses. Each stop, the recipient picked a miniature and painted it. The took a photo of the job in a distinct location (under the Eiffel Tower for instance) and then packed it up and sent it to the next address. I never saw that one get completed but it was interesting.

Community based projects like that are always fun. I am finishing up a 14 person blind swap, and come the 4th I am locked into the 15mm scifi swap here.

I would like some of the larger things like this given some front page treatment to showcase the community more than a random prize.

"Was that directed as a subtle insult?"

No. More of a comment on the poll suggestions and boards in general.No need to feel aggrieved old boy.

LPS Competitions were great. Could never enter though, as pro painting skills are light years beyond me. Did enjoy them though.

"No. More of a comment on the poll suggestions and boards in general.No need to feel aggrieved old boy"

Cool! I didn't think my thread was too provocative or swinging left/right to offend anyone :)

No worries mate.

I have some plans for new contests, but haven't had time yet to implement them. I'm still spending a lot of my "free" time unpacking, setting up the new office, etc.

I'm also looking at ways to make the contests more "automated," so they would take less of my time – as it seems that the daily running of TMP is taking more time now.

Roger that!

I'm also looking at ways to make the contests more "automated"

Maybe appoint some stalwart volunteer to organize the thing? Set up a committee?

How about getting the bug to adjudicate the winners? Totally automated. The first person whose articulate, well reasoned defence of Patton's conduct at Kasserine pops up in a discussion of GW spacemen or whatever, gets a prize. First prize, 4 months supporting membership; second prize,six months etc,etc.