Should there be a B&W World Contest?

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If I ran a real contest...judging photos submitted by visitors to B&W World, with real prizes like boxes of printing paper and bricks of film or imaging software giveaways...would anyone participate? I have been struggling with this issue for a few months now, and have decided to open it up to the people who would make or break whatever I attempted...you.

I envision an ongoing, monthly contest, the winners being prominently displayed on the B&W World Home Page for a month and getting as-yet unknown prizes (I've just started discussions with some companies).

After that, things get vague. I can use some input here.

What kind of prizes would motivate you to enter? Would a brick of the film of your choice by Brand Z do it? 100 sheets of 8x10 premium real paper? Kai's Power Tools? A Leica M6? :-)

Should each month have a contest "theme" or be open-ended?

I'm trying not to overburden my email server with a glut of GIF's and JPG's, so: any suggestions on how people can submit images without attaching them to email? Snail mail would be ok for me.

How much lead time should I give? If I announced a contest today (December 10), should it be due by Feb. 1? Later? Earlier?

Why run a contest? Because I would like to see some return on the thousands of hours of sweat equity that I've put into this site, and contests are popular and tend to attract sponsors. They also can be a fun way to highlight individual photos.

Comments?

-- Mason Resnick (mresnick@idt.net), December 10, 1997

Answers

re: Should there be a B&W World Contest

I think it is a great idea. Question though, will it be open to everyone, amateur and professional. As far as prizes, anything would be fine by me. A month on your web page and some sort of recognition in writing maybe.

I say go for it.

Kevin

-- Kevin B. Finigan (kfinigan@swbell.net), December 11, 1997.


Photo contest

I think that a contest is a great idea just to see some of the work from the contributors to this forum. Prizes would be good and any of the suggestions you made would be fine, especially the Leica (I'm not holding my breath on that one). I've never been overly fond of themes but but I think some categorization would be necessary and one major one for me would be a division between large and small format since I think that large format images can have more visual impact due to sharpness etc. Also simple divisions such as landscape, urban and portrait would be necessary. Good idea.

-- Andy Laycock (aglay@interchange.ubc.ca), December 11, 1997.

Mason, I think it is a wonderful idea. I hope everyone from around the world that participate in these forums or only reads the forums will become involved.

-- Dell Elzey (potog@mindspring.com), December 11, 1997.

what is considered "good" photography?

I am pretty much down on photo contests in general because one person's grand prize winner is another's rusty old bolt. Is there a standard on what subjects are relevant? or what elements should a good photo have? When was the last time you went to a photo exhibit? Didn't you wonder how on earth did most of them got on the wall? Well somebody liked them! Who is to say what is good?

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), December 12, 1997.

Mason, Can you post this question in the other two areas (film & processing and printing & finishing)? I see a lot of names in those areas that never show up in this area. Perhaps those folks would like to participate in a contest. Dell

-- Dell Elzey (potog@mindspring.com), December 14, 1997.


Thanks to everyone for your ideas and suggestions. It looks like the contest will be a reality...as soon as I can get sponsorship (I'm working on it!) There are several great ideas here, and many of you brought up issues I hadn't considered, but I guess that's one of the reasons this forum is so useful!

So a little advance notice...I don't expect to have any categories (at least for the first month), so it's a free-for-all. Get your favorite prints (8x10 or smaller) ready to snail mail. I'll announce both in this group and elsewhere on the site when ready.

Thanks!

~mason

-- Mason Resnick (mresnick@idt.net), December 24, 1997.


B & W Contest

I think having a photo contest would be great fun. I'm always looking for new critiques to my work. This would give me a good reason to get into the darkroom a bit more.

I have enjoyed reading the comments in this group.

Thank you,

Sandy

-- sandra grotsky (sgrotsky@netwalk.com), January 09, 1998.


I JUST HAVE ONE WORD FOR YOU!!!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a wonderful idea! PLEASE!?! let me know when there is going to be one? I would very much like to enter.

Gabrielle Goodman gayla@netnitco.net P.S. As soon as you findout if and when there is gonna be one?

-- gabrielle goodman (gayla@netnitco.net), February 12, 1998.


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