MesquiteMan
Retired Head Moderator
Folks, I wanted to write down some thoughts/constructive criticism for this year's bash so we can keep it on record for next year. Please note, I am not criticizing anyone in specific so if this applies to you, please don't take it personal. Just some thoughts to consider for next year.
I think the prizes need to be published much sooner. In some cases, the prizes were never published to my knowledge. The photo contest, for example... I don't see anywhere where they were ever published. I know I posted a thread asking folks to participate and someone commented that they did not even know what they were competing for.
Traditionally, that role is handled by the contest chair. In this year's photo contest, Todd stepped to the plate and took over when I decided to sponsor the contest at the last minute so I can certainly not fault him for this. Really, I am not trying to find fault with anyone, just an observation for the future.
I think we need to set the cut-off date for accepting prizes much earlier in the month so that the allocation folks have time. I know this year, some prizes were still coming in a day before the bash began (Yes, I am guilty myself!). That does not leave enough time for the allocation team to get it all sorted out before the bash begins.
I think it is REAL important to have the prizes listed with the initial contest announcement. Speaking very selfishly as a sponsor, I did not get any publicity in way of what I donated for my sponsorship. The membership does not know if I donated $20 worth of prizes or $1000. Don't get me wrong, I am not upset about this and hold no bad feelings of any kind. However, if I was one of the other vendors such as Berea (just choosing one at random, I have no idea if theirs was announced) and the prizes were not announced at all or were done at a later date, I think I might re-consider sponsoring next year. I might would get more bang for my buck by just donating individual prizes.
Again, PLEASE don't think I am singling out anyone or upset with anyone. I just thought I would mention my thoughts to help improve for next year.
I think the prizes need to be published much sooner. In some cases, the prizes were never published to my knowledge. The photo contest, for example... I don't see anywhere where they were ever published. I know I posted a thread asking folks to participate and someone commented that they did not even know what they were competing for.
Traditionally, that role is handled by the contest chair. In this year's photo contest, Todd stepped to the plate and took over when I decided to sponsor the contest at the last minute so I can certainly not fault him for this. Really, I am not trying to find fault with anyone, just an observation for the future.
I think we need to set the cut-off date for accepting prizes much earlier in the month so that the allocation folks have time. I know this year, some prizes were still coming in a day before the bash began (Yes, I am guilty myself!). That does not leave enough time for the allocation team to get it all sorted out before the bash begins.
I think it is REAL important to have the prizes listed with the initial contest announcement. Speaking very selfishly as a sponsor, I did not get any publicity in way of what I donated for my sponsorship. The membership does not know if I donated $20 worth of prizes or $1000. Don't get me wrong, I am not upset about this and hold no bad feelings of any kind. However, if I was one of the other vendors such as Berea (just choosing one at random, I have no idea if theirs was announced) and the prizes were not announced at all or were done at a later date, I think I might re-consider sponsoring next year. I might would get more bang for my buck by just donating individual prizes.
Again, PLEASE don't think I am singling out anyone or upset with anyone. I just thought I would mention my thoughts to help improve for next year.
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