We are all in this wonderful group together. Can we talk?

[Mira]

I just finished running the February contest, and the winner cannot step up and do the March contest.

I want to talk about the fact that important reasons and problems aside, and understood, we have the rule that:
The winner of a contest solicits and asks for a substitute him or herself
and here is a list of folks willing to help compiled a long time ago, pinned at the top of our photo forum.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/103652806

What seems to be happening is that folks who run into problems with the "obligation" a win brings are then throwing the need for a solution into the midst of the group and bow out.
What then seems to be happening is that the same small handful of folks step up and solve their problem by volunteering. They do that in order to keep the contests going and for life in the photogroup to remain nice and smooth even thought the timing in their own lives may not be a lot better

I want to recommend a change in the pre-amble to the contest, where the host adds more clearly what the responsibilities of the winner are and have folks commit to them before they enter a submission.
Naturally family obligation or unforeseen happenings will intervene, but one can still find their own substitute, or ask someone to do the search for them.

On another note, while we maybe talk, how did you feel about folks having a chance to submit more than one photograph to help us have a contest when submissions are low?
I did not notice any resistance, or a change in the flow of the contest. Maybe we can keep the possibility open to continue it as the host may decide.

[alfredo]

1. I like the idea. Winter is the slow season, let's hope for an uptick soon.

[2naSalit]

2. I know that I am guilty of not being able to take on the

obligation last summer and I feel bad about it. I have only hosted the contest once and wouldn't mind doing again, even as a volunteer. The problem for me, currently, is that I have recently relocated and am fining that Internet access is limited in my budget, it's almost too much for a lousy 4G/30 days. I get charged for using more and I don't have a steady income yet since it's off-season in the region. I hope to change that concern before long.

As for the suggestions/questions, I am not opposed to allowing more than one image per person... maybe after a period of time in case there is wide interest. I think the obligatory hosting is not a bad idea. especially if volunteers are becoming relied upon too often.

And beyond that, I do hope you are feeling and doing well, Mira. I wasn't aware of your recent experience so I would like to express my well wishes.

[mnhtnbb]

3. I think letting the host decide about opening submissions for a second entry is a good idea.

I had fun creating a second entry for the cabin fever contest.

Maybe if someone enters more than one photo--and wins 1st and 2nd or 1st and 3rd, the photographer will have to host TWO contests?

[Solly Mack]

4. K&R