bryan beasley wrote:particularly since the 'best' fliers already have the kite/s they want.
full control over who I give the prize to. I will be awarding it (full set of kites) to first place or second place
Don't really want to get too deeply into this, 'cos your contribution and support is admirable Rob, and the very last thing I want to do is knock it. I'm just a bit, you know...
Bryan
{bad mood}
Your questiony emoticons wouldn't be necassary if you didnt quote me out of context.
"or second place if first place is ineligible or wishes to pass the prize downward."
If first place has kites they want, they can hand it down to second place. If first place wants the kites, then they have every right to them.
I offered what I can offer, and I dont particularly think it's the 'best' prize in terms of getting as many people to compete as possible. I think a full aerostuff frameset and some lines would go further to get some sponsored fliers and such in the game than a full set of kites since there's a strong correlation between someone's ability and their preference for a single set of kites, or brand (imo).
The prize should be raffled amongst all the entrants (3 kite prizes = 3 winners), every contestant then has a chance of winning a prize.
Most contestants know they will not win the competition but the chance of winning a prize via a raffle means continued participation, surely winning is kudos enough and a prize just a bonus.
Raffle is fine for the next VF. I want no part in any of that "everyone can win" BS. If you lose a competition, then practice and try harder next time. I can't stand that "you get a medal just for trying" garbage that people do all the time. It's a sure way to make sure that you get lots of weak competitors and all those who have a good chance at winning will see little reason in bothering if the chance for reward is completely random.
Of course you do get the "bragging rights" if you win. Im sure you'd be the envy of all your co-workers because you won a freestyle kiteflying competition on the internet.
Then again the idea of "bragging rights" only comes close to working for less experienced people, since the
good fliers out there already have accomplished things much greater than VF. I wonder how else one could coax them into competing? perhaps a brandless coveted prize, or cash?
{/bad mood}
