AF Modeling Thread of the Year?

Since we seem to be discussing modeling contests, I was wondering if there would be any interest in doing a Modeling (in progress) Thread of the year contest. This would be run no sooner than the end of 2009, and certainly would not necessarily replace MOTY- it could probably be run in parallel. Build threads that that been completed in 2009 would be reviewed, considered, and voted on.

Maybe it would work something like this: threads would be nominated (and maybe seconded/approved) by other members, and if the nominated builder wished to participate he/she would be entered. When entrants were decided on, everyone voting would review each thread, and then vote for their single favorite. 10-12 threads would probably be ideal.

Here's what I like about this idea: it recognizes and celebrates the very things that makes this forum great- spectacular building shown and explained in detail. Builders would be rewarded for their building skills, but also their 'show and tell' (and even teaching) skills. It would allow a much greater examination and appreciation of a builder and his build than a single pic entered in MOTY. Hopefully, it would encourage the kinds of threads we all like to see!

It should (in theory) be easy to get participants. Make the best build thread you can over the next year. If someone nominates you and you want to participate, you're in. (No scurrying about in the cold weather trying to take one really great pic for MOTY.) Just by being nominated, great threads will be recognized, and their builders will be appreciated for really contributing something special to the community.

Voters would pick which one thread they found best, the one thread that would make them most want to come to and participate in AF. Criteria could be: best built, best paint, most detailed, best photographed, best explained/taught, most amusing, most welcoming, most helpful, most inspiring- whatever you thought made for the best thread of the year. It would certainly require more effort and consideration from voters. But for members who really desire a more meaningful competition then MOTY, this might be worth considering.

Any thoughts?

I like the idea! After all the WIP threads are what this forum is about ( at least for me ).
Your judging criteria all make sense. Personally i'd say that for a best thread contest the emphasis should be less on "best built, best paint, most detailed" ( that's kinda already covered in AFMOTY ) but rather on the others you mentioned.
This would mean you don't have to be a master builder with lots of time and money on your hand and you don't have to do an extremely detailed build to "win".
I know one way or the other the build qualities will be part of everyones decision anyway but like that it should be possible to shine with a well written inspiring thread of a curbside just as well.

From a newbie's point of view i like this idea. The more threads on here detailing how they achieved there finsihed model the better.

By making it a critera hopefully it will encougage people to do this which in teh end will help everybody.

Also of course the people who arn't so gifted or learning have somthing to aim towards.

Would the thread have to start in 2009 or just finish in 2009? I ask because there are a couple good build threads that started in 2008 and will not be done for some time.


Good idea on T.O.Y. contest! I need to start one myself one of these days.


Mark

My thinking is that it will be for in-progress threads that are completed in 2009- that is from 1/1/09 until when nominations are opened (Decemberish), irrespective of when the tread was originally started. Some of the best threads run for more than one year, and we certainly want to be able to consider them. A completed build thread could be considered one in which the builder stated "it's done" and posted some completed pics, and/or a link to a completed thread in the completed/gallery subforum.

Great idea. It's a bit of work for sure, but I agree that the WIPs are where it's at. I still think MOTY should definitely link to the WIPs for all the same reasons, and it would avoid a second voting process, but this is good too. You have my vote, lol.

Sounds like a great idea! I'm in!

I think its a great idea. It could only make the sites content even better. Lets try it.

Great idea! The WIP-threads that tells an interesting story together with the pictures always catches my eye and I think that you learn a lot more from these threads than from those that just show pictures.
/Joel

I like the idea, it's nice to read the stories behind the people and their models and pick up some ideas and tips along the way. It would be good to give recognition to the best on the forum.

Awesome idea! I think we should definitely do it.

I think its a good idea but it should not replace moty in my opinion. Some people may not have the time or resources to make quality in detail progress threads. Plus someone may have made a terrific model in 09 and only posted the model completed. So I would run both. Its a very good idea mpwr. I think it would help a lot of beginners learn more through the example of the most experienced modellers here.

What a GREAT idea Andy!!
I hope this goes over with everyone else..I for one would be willing to show my appreciation to those talented builders that are willing to share their skills with everyone else..This is the place to learn from the best it has saved me alot of $$ and kept me from learning it the hard way..I have found alot of info from old and new threads and never asked a question..You just have to be willing to take the time and search for it.. I have been through HUNDREDS of old threads and found many many answers..Now this idea you have will let people like me show my gratitude to those builders that took the time to share their skills and ideas with others..For example, Find a nice build,paint job etc. etc. on e-bay and ask the seller how he came up with such a GREAT outcome and your answer will be (more times than not) buy it or buzz off..This forum is not that way, keep in mind you ask a not so worded perfect question someone will bust your ballz..Here you get what you ask for..So by all means I'm in and ready to give THANKS to those who do outstanding work and share with others.!!! Thats all I have to say about that!!





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I also think this is a great idea. I would definitely be down for a build. I think this would be great since I dont normally have time for tutorials and such, the WIP thread would cover that so I can share some scratchbuilding mini projects within the main build. COOL!

I think this is a great idea. This WIP- threads is what inspired me to stay on the forum and watch all this great builts and learn different techniques. I'ts great you can look and learn this way.

Great idea Andy.

This is a great concept! I love all the great models I see on this forum but what keeps me coming back is the help I get from many in-progress threads. Some of the very best completed model threads may well inspire me but, in all honesty, they sometimes don't inform or educate me. Recognising the builds that DO inform and educate is probably more in tune with the spirit of this forum than only recognising great model photographs.
MOTY = eye candy.
Thread OTY = brain candy.

This is a great concept! I love all the great models I see on this forum but what keeps me coming back is the help I get from many in-progress threads. Some of the very best completed model threads may well inspire me but, in all honesty, they sometimes don't inform or educate me. Recognising the builds that DO inform and educate is probably more in tune with the spirit of this forum than only recognising great model photographs.
MOTY = eye candy.
Thread OTY = brain candy.

I second that! Great Idea, Andy. I will definitely support both OTYs :smooch:

That is a great idea! TOTY would really recrap all these brilliant wips and this is probably the most important part of the community!