Awards System ?

I can, with little tricks, create an award system as a Profile Feature, just like "favorite characters", "location".

And/or I can create a widget, such as those on the left column of the board, like "latest topics" or "calendar", with a list of the contests and by who they were won.

Now this is your choice !

As someone who never won an award in the old neighborhood, I grew to dislike them as a constant reminder of what I knew I'd never have. I don't miss them. Those who won had a different experience, I'm sure.

I'm not necessarily for it either, but I was thinking of a different kind of award.

Not for winners, but everyone who participated ?

For example, a medal that would say "hey, I participated to the Board Design Contest !"

Cool! I have an opinion on this, and for once I'm well Qualified!

Although it was an initial rush at FF.com to be awarded Kindest Member, and a laugh to be awarded most Random Member of 2008, I was a little aghast at being Member of the Year. Obviously I'm not the smartest "Fringe" fan, or the one with the most succinct theories. Or the one with any graphics (I Know, I know!).

It was a little daunting. But I understand that some folk enjoy it. So I'm the only one (so far) who voted to put it as a profile feature so 'new' members can see accomplishments, if it's important to others to have certain accomplishments displayed.. It IS a good way to attract members, I just don't take the awards too seriously. And I felt bad for other members who weren't nominated for anything at that time, who I thought had contributed more than me, particularly the graphic artist members.

If folks want it, that's fine with me. But between you and me, and experienced members, I would just as soon reinforce that everyone's equal with no awards, or at least lofty ones like Member of the Year. Smaller, more enjoyable ones can be fun.

I'm all for everyone gets an award for participating in certain contests. It shows who's active not necessarily who's the best at something---which is all subjective anyhow.

I know from my perspective, I won third place at FF for fan fiction. Honestly that was the first story I wrote, I'm not sure it was even the best, I just wanted to test the waters into Fringe fiction. I was shocked I won and wasn't sure if it was more the fact not a lot of people actually submitted stories or I actually did a good job writing. Personally I'd rather have feedback from a story, learn to grow from it but I was honored to be awarded third place anyhow. The point I'm getting to though---like Cathy said "it IS a good way to attract members." I know it was in part my comfort level of being accepted that probably made me more inclined to start posting and not just lurking.

I'd rather have silly spontaneous even jokey awards--than the rating system of oh, that member has all the awards... they're more important. I don't come here to compete with anyone; feels divisive. And maybe that sounds funny from someone as opinionated as I am! But I don't come here to WIN anything--more to share. I like having one arena in my life that is not about competition. And I think you all know that I'm free with praise and thanks, it's not sour grapes; it's more feeling left out. It would tend to drive me away.

I bet that if I created a MIT t-shirt award, a lot of you would like this award system, wouldn't you ? :p

Sure! But really, I liked what you suggested above:

"I was thinking of a different kind of award.

Not for winners, but everyone who participated ?

For example, a medal that would say "hey, I participated to the Board Design Contest !"

And/or random surprise awards, or ones that circulated--'this week the funniest member award goes to X"---but not kept tally. I'd never been on a board that kept score like that before, and I don't like it, don't like setting one person against another. But then, I also worry my personal favoritisms will make others feel left out.

Could I possibly sound more like a Mom? And I don't have kids!

That's what I thought... things like "Best quote of the week goes to..."

Or completely random.

So, people, what do you think about "Temporary awards" ?