Chat 2015/annual Honours list

[A2Steve]

After reading the recent threads regarding 'recommendations' and 'likes' received on the forum it got me thinking. What does everyone think of the idea of having an annual forum 'awards' ceremony? Purely online but perhaps members could vote for things like 'most helpful member', 'Best A2', 'Best modification' etc that has occurred over the last 12 months. No physical prizes would need to be given out, just the satisfaction of being voted for by other members. I think there are many people who would like to show their gratitude for things and a 'like' button sometimes isn't quite enough.

This is just an idea and I have no technical knowledge of how a voting system could be set up on the forum but I thought it could be a nice way of showing gratitude/appreciation of something/someone. We could perhaps send our nominations in for each category by private message to a particular account by perhaps the end of January and then members could vote for the nominated people/cars/items etc on a thread on the forum for the month of february with the announcement of the winners at the end of february.

What does everyone think?

Best wishes

Steve

 

[murdo]

Beat us to it!

This idea ( perhaps with prizes) forms part of the belated funding review we will publish this month. Plus awards for cars at socials and an open invite for more great ideas like Steves above. Watch this space!

 

[A2Steve]

Beat us to it!

This idea ( perhaps with prizes) forms part of the belated funding review we will publish this month. Plus awards for cars at socials and an open invite for more great ideas like Steves above. Watch this space!

Oh well, great minds and all that Do I get a prize for that lol

 

[Birchall]

Nice idea, but there can sometimes be a downside if it is not set up correctly.

In my "day job" there is a forum for the system I work with and this awards prizes etc. and it has caused one major problem that I hate.
People are posting answers and help, sometimes REALLY bad advice / help and then putting at the bottom of the post "Please reward me with points / a like, if this has been helpful!"

I can't tell you how much that annoys me.

Likes should be given when people feel like giving them, not when [prompted.
But as long as that doesn't happen (and hopefully the moderators would stop that instantly) then that is not a bad idea.

Some other ideas that people might think will work

How about those members that are a business, full time or part time, i.e. not JUST an A2 owner/enthusiast, putting up a very small prize (very small) for selected categories of award.

I am sure that people that run a small business or make any kind of profit from A2s and their owners would welcome the benefit of that sponsorship for the small cost involved.
The other suggestion would be that a member could only win one award, to give everyone a chance. That way if a member qualified to win more than one award they would only get the most important / significant one.


I won't try and muscle in on this great idea by posting lots of suggestions, but in general, if it is handled well (and knowing the moderators on here that would be the case), it could be fun.
It might even be another reason to have a social event, "The annual awards dinner"???

Can I also add that I would like to sponsor an award, if that would be acceptable? Something like best newcomer? Just to "put my money where my mouth is".

I do like the direction that this forum is going in, it really is starting to feel more like a club and not just a forum (although it is the best forum on the web!!)

Steve B

 

[YorkshireHill]

I like this idea, whatever form it takes, as a way of recognising great contributions and appreciation of effort.

Hopefully also a way to express our thanks to the moderators for supporting us with the type of forum we all enjoy - vast sharing of A2 knowledge, support to individuals, intelligent conversation and amusing stories.

Hilary

 

[Birchall]

I like this idea, whatever form it takes, as a way of recognising great contributions and appreciation of effort.

Hopefully also a way to express our thanks to the moderators for supporting us with the type of forum we all enjoy - vast sharing of A2 knowledge, support to individuals, intelligent conversation and amusing stories.

Hilary

I couldn't agree more, the moderators ensure that this forum is one of the best on the web.

Steve B

 

[A2Steve]

Nice idea, but there can sometimes be a downside if it is not set up correctly.

In my "day job" there is a forum for the system I work with and this awards prizes etc. and it has caused one major problem that I hate.
People are posting answers and help, sometimes REALLY bad advice / help and then putting at the bottom of the post "Please reward me with points / a like, if this has been helpful!"

I can't tell you how much that annoys me.

Likes should be given when people feel like giving them, not when [prompted.
But as long as that doesn't happen (and hopefully the moderators would stop that instantly) then that is not a bad idea.

Steve B

I think people on this forum are generally quite sensible and are not looking to have monetary gain from being on the forum (with some exceptions). So I don’t think this would cause a problem. My suggestion was for there to be no physical prize therefore eliminating the risk of this.

 

[Birchall]

Hi Steve

I agree, I certainly wasn't disagreeing with you. I hope that was not how it read.

Cheers
Steve B

 

[A2Steve]

No Steve, not at all; it was a valid point.

 

[Gonzo]

FWIW, I think this would take us towards a popularity contest, so not an idea I'd support.

I've seen it elsewhere and it has the potential for creating cliques, which aren't present here - something I like about the forum.

For recognsing the input of others, we have the buttons under each post plus the good old fashioned opportunity to write public thanks in a thread. I feel this should be enough given the tone, nature and generosity of the forum. I don't think the members that give to the forum do it for the recognition.

Just IMHO of course......

 

[spike]

As Murdo indicated, nothing has been decided yet so keep the ideas (and potential pitfalls) rolling in.

My personal view would be to reward / recognise members for potentially anything A2oc related which goes beyond the norm. We have a great bunch of members so the bar is already set high but here are a few ideas for categories which would float my boat

New 'How To' guides
Memorable Photographs
Articles on A2 ownership (already done but Birchall's ultimate A2 and the original 6 speed gearbox project would have been prize winners)
Charity related event
New Club event ideas / locations (with active involvement)

Cheers Spike

 

[Mr Angry]

FWIW, I think this would take us towards a popularity contest, so not an idea I'd support.

I've seen it elsewhere and it has the potential for creating cliques, which aren't present here - something I like about the forum.

For recognsing the input of others, we have the buttons under each post plus the good old fashioned opportunity to write public thanks in a thread. I feel this should be enough given the tone, nature and generosity of the forum. I don't think the members that give to the forum do it for the recognition.

Just IMHO of course......

i agree on this too and we could name many members that give outstanding advice and help at a snap of the fingers when needed!

if this does happen then we could also give a reward for "whos the most annoying a2 member?" lol joke!!!! i wonder who would win that one??

cammy

 

[murdo]

FWIW, I think this would take us towards a popularity contest, so not an idea I'd support.

Just IMHO of course......

Good debate on here. This probably identifies that it's best separate from the funding review so an ideal forum to tease this out. Thanks to Steve for saving an announcement!

Regarding Gonzo view above - that was also said of the 'like' button . That it's inclusion would make us a clique and it had some firm opposition. I don't think it has had that impact at all.

Similarly, if done sensibly within agreed parameters I think some recognition for people who make the forum that wee bit special is no bad thing. All views welcomed and taken on board.

Having it in the bag for the end of January a little ambitious though!